A nursing resignation letter informs your employer of your intent to resign from your current nursing position. It tells them you will leave the healthcare institution and allows them to find a replacement nurse. This letter helps you remain on good terms with the company in case you plan to return in the future or require a professional reference from your supervisor as you explore other nursing positions.
Do I Need to Submit a Letter of Resignation When I Quit My Nursing Job?
In most cases, it’s strongly preferable to submit a resignation letter when resigning from a nursing position. It helps you part ways amicably and produces a written record of your intent.
If you resign without a nursing resignation letter and adherence to other company protocols, it may be difficult to:
- Qualify for rehire
- Maintain a positive reputation with your state’s licensing board
- Qualify for continuing education funding from your employer
How to Write a Nursing Resignation Letter
1. Include a Header and Salutation
At the top of your nursing resignation letter, include the header with your name, address, and contact information. Add the date you’re sending the letter and left-align the recipient’s information, including their name, title, company, and address. Address the reader with a simple salutation, such as “Dear Recipient’s Name.”
2. Write Your Intent to Resign
Clearly write your intent to resign. Specify your job title and the healthcare institution from which you’re resigning. A professional resignation letter should also state the date you’re leaving.
3. Provide Reasons for Resignation
Nursing resignation letters may not need to contain a reason depending on your circumstances, but a reason can provide your employer with context and let them understand your rationale.
Common reasons that nurses resign from their positions include the following:
- To manage work-related stress
- To accept a nursing position at another healthcare facility
- To escape a negative work environment
- To transition to a new career field
- To seek a better work-life balance elsewhere
- To relocate to a new city
- To attend to a personal or family matter
4. Show Gratitude
Show gratitude for the experiences you’ve had and the lessons you’ve learned from your position. This gratitude can help you leave a positive impression and garner references if you need them later.
5. Offer to Assist with the Transition
Even though you’re leaving, you can take various steps to prepare your employer for your absence:
- Train your replacement. Clarify their expectations and let them shadow you so they can learn about your daily routine and how you interact with patients.
- Hand over patient care responsibilities. Document all patients’ care plans and share them with other team members who will take over the relevant tasks.
- Assist with scheduling. Help manage nurse shifts and coverage to ensure the department runs smoothly during the transition period.
- Report to your supervisor. Discuss ongoing tasks and patient concerns with your supervisor and assist with the creation of the management of critical situations that may arise after you leave.
Discussing these factors can help make your resignation process smoother for your employer and your patients.
6. Close the Letter
Wish your manager and their team well, and state your hope for the healthcare institution’s continued success. Insert a valediction and sign your name.
Nursing Resignation Letter Examples
Review three examples of nursing resignation letters:
Example 1 – RN Resignation Letter from Full-Time to Per Diem Nursing
Here’s an RN resignation letter from an employee who wants to transition from full-time to per diem nursing:
Marc Volk
789 Elm Street
Seattle, WA 98101
(555) 322-8455
[email protected]
November 5, 2024
Susan Hargis
Director of Nursing
Starlight Medical Center
123 Healthway Drive
Denver, CO 80202
Dear Susan Hargis,
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from the position of Registered Nurse at Starlight Medical Center, effective November 19, 2024.
After thoughtful consideration, I have decided to transition to a per diem nursing role to explore opportunities that will help me achieve a better work-life balance.
I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities for growth and development that I’ve experienced during my time at Starlight Medical Center. Your guidance and support have been invaluable, and I will carry the lessons I’ve learned here with me throughout my career.
During the transition, I am committed to ensuring a smooth handover of my responsibilities. I’ll remain available at [email protected] or (555) 322-8455 after my departure, should you need any further assistance.
I wish you and Starlight Medical Center continued success.
Sincerely,
Marc Volk
Example 2 – Nursing Assistant Resignation Letter
Here’s a formal letter of resignation from a nursing assistant who wants to explore other opportunities:
Elizabeth Bethel
456 Oak Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
(555) 974-9447
[email protected]
November 5, 2024
Chris Johnson
Director of Nursing
Harmony Healthcare Services
789 Care Way
Los Angeles, CA 90001
Dear Chris Johnson,
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from the position of Nursing Assistant at Harmony Healthcare Services, effective November 19, 2024.
After thoughtful consideration, I have made the decision to resign from my position to explore other opportunities.
I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities for growth and development that I’ve experienced during my time at Harmony Healthcare Services. Your guidance and support have been invaluable, and I will carry the lessons I’ve learned here with me throughout my career.
During the transition, I am committed to ensuring a smooth handover of my responsibilities. I’ll remain available at [email protected] or (555) 974-9447 after my departure, should you need any further assistance.
I wish you and Harmony Healthcare Services continued success.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Bethel
Tips for Writing a Nursing Resignation Letter
Follow these tips for writing a nursing resignation letter to experience optimal success:
- Talk to your supervisor first. An in-person conversation can let you show professional courtesy and provide closure for both parties.
- Keep the letter concise. Avoid going into too much detail when providing your reasons for leaving.
- Remain professional. Adopt a professional tone and keep the content of your letter objective.
- Keep a copy for your records. Collect proof that you issued the adequate notice period for nurses.
- Withhold complaints about the job. Keep a positive tone in your letter, and save any complaints or suggestions for improvement for your exit interview.
Sample Resignation Letter for Nurses
Download a nurse resignation letter template in PDF or Word format below:
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Resign From a Nursing Job?
Here are some steps you can take to resign from your nursing position:
- Review your company’s policy for procedures related to resignation.
- Prepare your nursing resignation letter.
- Set up a meeting to discuss the resignation with your direct manager in person.
- Submit your letter.
- Return company equipment, participate in an exit interview, and complete other company-specific exit procedures.
Can I Just Quit a Nursing Job?
Yes, you can just quit a nursing job if it inflicts an unmanageable amount of stress or if you want to seek a new opportunity.
If you plan to quit, you should plan to provide adequate notice. Failing to provide sufficient notice can result in the following consequences:
- A breach of contract (if your employment contract requires a specific amount of notice)
- A breach of state regulations (if your state’s nursing board has regulations for resignation)
- An interruption in patient care (due to staffing shortages that your absence may cause)
- A poor professional reputation, which can make it difficult to obtain a new position
Do Nurses Have to Give Four Weeks’ Notice?
No. The standard notice period for nurses, as it is for many other occupations, is two weeks. Review your employment contract to confirm the amount of notice your employer prefers or requires.
Can I Resign From My Nursing Job via Email?
You may be able to resign from your nursing job via email. Check your company’s policy to ensure that this method is acceptable.
If you resign via email, maintain a professional tone and follow up with your supervisor to learn about any additional steps you must take to complete the resignation.