5 Steps to Leave a Healthcare Job on Good Terms

Leaving any job can be a complex and emotional process, even more so when it relates to the healthcare field. You've likely developed profound relationships not only with colleagues but also with patients who depend on your expertise and care. Nevertheless, there may come a time when you must quit your healthcare job and move on. But how do you leave a healthcare job on good terms, ensuring you depart with respect and maintain your professional relationships?

Whether it’s an upgrade in your career, a geographical move, or simply a desire for change, this article guides you through the process with empathy and understanding. We’ll provide you with a five-step roadmap to quit your healthcare job successfully and respectfully, helping you navigate this change with grace.

Should You Quit Your Healthcare Job?

Before we jump into how to quit, the first question you may have is whether to quit your healthcare job in the first place. We understand how difficult this decision can be, and it's important to weigh all your options before jumping into anything.

The first thing you'll want to consider is: Have you found career fulfillment in your current position? Chances are that the answer is no if you’re reading this article. However, make sure that your desire to quit comes from a genuine need for change and not from frustration with recent circumstances.

Of course, there are many other factors to consider as well: Is the job challenging enough for your skillset? Are there adequate growth opportunities? It’s also important to think about what other options are out there. Can you stay in your current healthcare job but ask for a different role or shift? Is there another position open at your hospital or organization that you may be qualified for? Carefully consider all these questions before making a decision to quit your healthcare job.

Why Should You Quit Your Healthcare Job Without Burning Bridges?

Once you've decided to leave, it's important to understand why quitting your healthcare job on good terms is so essential. Although words like “professionalism” and “reputation” may sound cliché, they are very real in the world of healthcare. Burned bridges can follow you throughout your medical career for many years, and though you may be moving on, you must remember that your colleagues will remain. You don’t want to damage any relationships with the people in your network who can help support and inform your future career growth.

Additionally, leaving a positive impression on those you leave behind can open up potential opportunities for collaboration down the road. If you leave on bad terms, they are less likely to think of you for any new job opportunities or partnerships. For example, if you’re leaving to start up a new medical practice, having a good reference from your former hospital can help prove your worth and dependability as an entrepreneur.

You never know where your healthcare career will take you, so make sure opportunities remain open for you in the future.

5 Steps to Leave a Healthcare Job on Good Terms

Now that we’ve discussed why it’s important to quit on good terms, let’s move on to how to do so. Here is a five-step process to make sure you have all your bases covered when leaving your healthcare job:

1. Give Proper Notice
2. Provide a Professional Letter of Resignation
3. Offer Your Assistance
4. Document Your Workflows
5. Stay in Touch

Give Proper Notice

When you decide to leave, give your employer ample notice. Two weeks is the standard timeline for giving notice if you work on the corporate side of healthcare. Four weeks is standard if you work on the patient care side. However, if possible, try and provide even more time than that so that your employer can find a replacement for you and transition as smoothly as possible.

The reason patient care positions require more notice is that the responsibilities cannot be easily distributed among other full-time healthcare workers. Most healthcare workers are already expected to reach full productivity each day and have little room for extra responsibilities. So, if you’re able to provide more notice, do so – it will be appreciated by not only your boss but also your former coworkers. Remember, maintaining positive relationships within your network will pay off in the future of your healthcare career.

Provide a Professional Letter of Resignation

When you are ready to leave, be sure to provide a letter of resignation. This should be professional and concise – never use it as an opportunity to vent grievances or express your dissatisfaction with the job. It’s better to address any concerns directly during an exit interview, if given the opportunity. In the letter, thank your employer for the experience and offer assistance during the transition process.

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Offer Your Assistance

After you submit your letter of resignation, offer to help during the transition period. This can include things like training new employees or providing documents with information on your job duties and responsibilities. Showing that you are willing to go above and beyond will be remembered by your former employer and coworkers – even if they don’t act on your offer, it will still leave a positive impression.

Document Your Workflows

Create a document with all of your work responsibilities and processes that you can provide your employer or coworkers. Think of it like a guide for a new employee. What tips and tricks have you found that will help a new employee in your position to meet productivity, serve patients better, or manage the workload? This document will help your employer in the transition process and show them that you are leaving with a sense of responsibility.

Stay in Touch

Finally, don’t be afraid to stay in touch with your former coworkers or employer. Try to maintain those valuable relationships you have formed throughout your time at the healthcare organization. It can be as simple as checking in every now and then to see how everyone is doing, sending along relevant research articles you read, or offering professional advice or PRN if able. Keeping these connections alive is a great way to ensure that you’ll continue building your healthcare network for future opportunities.

What If You Just Started?

Sometimes, you notice that a job just isn't right for you within the first few months, weeks, or even days. If you are in your probation period (the period of time after you start a job during which an employer can decide to terminate your employment without notice or cause), you can technically quit without notifying your employer. However, if you are quitting a job you just started, we strongly suggest you still follow the same five steps above, with a few additional considerations:

• Keep It Brief: Briefly and clearly state that you will be unable to continue and when your last day will be.
• Thank Them: Try to have something positive to say about your experience – even if you don't necessarily feel very positive. Acknowledging what you learned and appreciating the opportunity your employer has given you will go a long way in maintaining your reputation.
• Commit to a Smooth Transition: If you already have patients or other responsibilities assigned to you, communicate that you are committed to ensuring a smooth transition to others within the time you have left.
• Avoid Critiques: While it can be tempting to voice concerns, including your reasons for leaving, quitting your job without burning bridges is important. You never know who will hear about your actions.

Respectfully Quit Your Healthcare Job

Leaving a healthcare job on good terms is a crucial transition that requires thoughtful planning and a respectful approach. Whether you've spent years in your role or are leaving a freshly started job, the key is to respectfully quit your healthcare job.

By following the five steps above, you can quit your healthcare job on good terms. This not only safeguards your professional reputation but can also foster invaluable connections that may benefit your career in the future. Remember, every end is a new beginning, and how you quit your healthcare job can set the tone for your next career move.

If you are looking for more tips to guide your healthcare career, visit the iHire Resource Center.