All bad nursing jobs must come to an end, and even the good nursing jobs must come to an end, too. There is a right way and a wrong way to leave a job. The best exit strategy involves planning ahead. Here are some tips that will help you end your nursing job with style and grace.

Give Your Resume an Extreme Makeover Before You Hit the Road.

It’s always a good idea to update your resume every year, but it’s the essential first step when you want to quit your nursing job. I have a very good friend who works as a human resource specialist for a large metropolitan. She told me once that most nurses don’t know how to write a clear and concise resume. Keep your resume simple. It’s supposed to be a snapshot of who you are, not a novel about your life. Every resume has a section that includes a heading. The heading includes your name, address, email address, phone number, and any other contact information that you want the nurse recruiter to have. Next, state you objective. Write something like, “ To use my nursing skills to provide quality bedside patient care at hospital X.” This is a great way to personalize your resume. Then make a list of all the jobs you’ve had and the dates. Tailor your list to the position that you’re applying for. Show how your prior jobs have helped you prepare for the job that you want. And don’t forget to use spell check. It’s there for a reason. Go online and find a few examples of what good resumes look like before you sit down and write one up.

Step Out of One Job Into Another

Some people are sad to leave their job while others can’t wait to get out the door. No matter what category you fit into, it’s best to have another job lined up before you make your exit. Start scouting around for a new job just as soon as you feel the need to roam and don’t be afraid to use contacts you have made at your old job to find a new place of employment. Remember, it’s not always about what you know, but who you know when you’re looking for a new job.

Write Two Resignation Letters

No, that’s not a typo. You should write two resignation letters, especially if you are leaving your job under duress. The first resignation letter should be just for you. Fill it with all the hateful things you want to say to your scrum-sucking boss, and then burn it, shred it, or throw it away. This exercise might sound crazy, but it will keep you from burning your bridges as you are walking out your employer’s door. The second resignation letter is for your boss. Keep it simple. Just state that you are resigning your position. If possible, always give the customary two weeks notice for your resignation.

Do you have any words of advice about leaving a job? Come on over to Nursing Voices and tell us about it. We’re waiting to hear from you.