To fax or not to fax a resignation letter?

i just gradauted from rn school and accepted (verbally) a job offer from a nearby hospital. i start on the 4th with the new hospital. i'm currently an lvn, working in pediatric private duty nursing through an agency. i did not want to give my current employer my notice (to go prn, not to quit) before i actually sign all the paperwork with hr at the new job. i'm not off till friday (in order to personally hand in a letter to them), by which time my agency office will be closed for christmas. the hr paperwork is awaiting the results of my drug screen and background check. my question is it ok to fax the letter to my current employer? i was contemplating doing it today (that would have given me 13 days...not 14, i know). any input will be appreciated.
bump? does it look bad to fax it, rather than mail it/hand it in in person?
missdeevah,I learned very early it is always best to leave professionally and never "burn your bridges" as you will need a reference wherever you go. A fax can be misplaced and it has a nice touch if you notice is delivered in person. Hope this helps!
The '2 weeks notice' is customarily measured from the time you inform your direct supervisor/manager. Is this not possible in your case? If your manager is not available, then you need to inform whoever is covering for her/him. I agree - with the advice not to burn any bridges. If you do not fulfill the termination notice requirement, you may be listed as "not eligible for re-hire" and that is information that will definitely be provided as part of your job reference for future employers. Anyone getting that information will not know whether you voluntarily left or were terminated for cause. Not a good thing. If you have already been hired by another employer, they should be willing to delay your start time so that you can work out your notice. This is customary practice and I am sure that they will want you to treat them the same way if and when you choose to go on to another job in the future.