Dear Donna FAQs
by Donna Cardillo, RN, MA

Here’s a sampling of frequently asked questions from my online Dear Donna advice column.

Dear Donna,

I am leaving my job for another job. How do I write a proper letter of resignation? I want to leave on good terms.

One Foot out the Door

Dear One Foot out the Door,

Never burn your bridges. You don’t know when you might want or need something from a past employer or when that person will be working for a future prospective employer!

Check your employee handbook and find out how much notice you are required to give. Tell your boss verbally that you’re leaving and then follow up with a letter. It should be word-processed on good stationery and start with something like “As we discussed, I am resigning my position as staff nurse effective (fill in the date of your last day of work).” Then offer some explanation of why you’re leaving or what you’re going to do. Example: “I have accepted a position in a specialty that I wish to pursue.” Address the letter to your immediate supervisor (or follow your department policy) and copy the human resources department.

Then say something like “I’ve enjoyed working here. Thank you for the opportunities afforded me. I wish you all the best.” Be gracious and professional. This letter will likely become a permanent part of your personnel file.

Good luck with your new job!
Donna

Dear Donna,

I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for the past six years. Now that my children are in school, I’d like to get back to my career. I enjoyed doing cardiac rehab the best, but I don’t know how to go about looking for a job in that area. Also, how I do I make myself more marketable after being out of the profession for so many years?

Getting Back In

Dear Getting Back In,

Start contacting some facilities in your area. Test the waters. Express your interest in cardiac rehab. You just never know.

To get more competitive, I would join your state nurses association for starters. Find them at http://nursingworld.org/snaaddr.htm. Consider getting your CPR certification renewed, if necessary. And if you’re unsuccessful finding a job right away, consider volunteering somewhere medical, including cardiac rehab. Volunteering is a great way to get recent relevant experience to put on your resume and get reacclimated to the healthcare scene. Besides, volunteering can lead to gainful employment.

You should also be getting out to career fairs in your area. Wear a suit or your best outfit, bring your resume, and make some contacts. At these events, you’ll have a chance to meet many prospective employers under one roof. And be sure to call your former employers, supervisors, and coworkers. Tell them you’re ready to get back to nursing and ask for their advice.

Welcome back!
Donna

Dear Donna,

I’m a new grad working in an intermediate care unit. Since graduation, I’ve taken critical care and ECG classes, and I’m about to start my IV cert class. I’ll also be taking ACLS classes in the next few months. I’m feeling a little overwhelmed. I enjoy my job but just don’t feel that nursing school prepared me for this “real world.” Is this feeling common for new grads just out of school?

Feeling Overwhelmed

Dear Feeling Overwhelmed,

You certainly have accomplished a lot in a short amount of time! It sounds like you are well on your way. Are your feelings of being overwhelmed, nervous, scared, and unprepared normal for a new grad? You’d better believe it.

No matter how good and how comprehensive your nursing education is, nothing can really prepare you for the “real world” of nursing, other than being out in it. I refer to those school years as phase one of your education. Your first job is phase two. I used to say that I never learned anything until I got out of nursing school. Not that that was completely accurate, of course, but sometimes that was how it felt. Every nurse goes through it.

Be realistic and patient with yourself. Set small goals to get through each month and your first year. Most experienced nurses agree that it takes about a year to feel comfortable with most common situations and about two years to feel competent. I know that may seem like a long time, but it really isn’t. Don’t forget to track your own progress by keeping a journal of your accomplishments and milestones. And give yourself credit for what you already know and what you’ve already accomplished. You’ve worked hard during school to get where you are today.

Every nurse started out where you are now. I have no doubt you are already a great nurse. And you’ll just get better with time and experience. Someday, you’ll look back and see how far you have come.

Check out my new book, Your First Year as a Nurse, to help you with these and other common challenges and issues.

Welcome to the profession!
Donna

Nursing Spectrum Career Fitness^(sm) Online (www.nursingspectrum.com), All rights reserved. Used with permission.

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