Nurse Resignation Letter

A nurse resignation letter is needed to notify the management of planned resignation from work.

This article will cover topics related to the use of this resignation letter template:

  • How to submit it
  • How to write it correctly
  • What paragraphs should be included
  • Writing tips
  • Several samples

How the Letter Is Used

A nurse resignation letter serves as a notification to medical management that the nurse will cease work in the establishment starting from the specified date. In typical occupational areas, two weeks’ notice is required. However, it is best to adhere to the hospital-specific deadlines in a medical facility. Usually, the required notification period here is six to eight (6-8) weeks. It takes such a long time for management to find a new nurse and bring them up to date. In addition, it is impossible to take just any person to such a position, so additional time is needed for checks and additional training.

By submitting a nurse resignation letter to the office, you begin the procedure of resignation. In the letter, you should specify the reasons for your departure, thank your superiors and colleagues, and also express your willingness to help the new employee with adaptation.

Details to Include in the Letter

There are professional ethics to follow when writing such a post. Although you are writing in free form, certain items should be included in your letter:

  • Addressee’s details
  • The final day of your work
  • Reason for resignation
  • Gratitude to the facility management and coworkers
  • Expression of willingness to help train the new nurse
  • Your signature and date

Keep the letter short and polite. This is the formal accompaniment to your resignation.

How to Write the Letter

Leaving your job is a full-fledged process. Let’s consider the process step by step.

1. Release Your Emotions

It is difficult to leave work; in terms of the emotional component, it is the same as parting with a person. It is stressful whether you love your job or not. In the nursing career, emotions are all the more present because this position is associated with helping and caring for people. It can be difficult to leave your patients and the hospital. But if you have made a clear decision to quit, it is worth putting your emotions aside for a moment.

2. Notify Management

It would be best if you do not share the news with everyone. First of all, you must communicate your decision to your superiors. It will not be very nice if your boss finds out about your departure through a third party. Therefore, before sharing with colleagues or even patients, inform the management.

It is best to communicate such news in a personal conversation, accompanying it with a notification letter supporting your words.

3. Give a Notice

The more advance you inform about your resignation, the better. In the professional community, it is common to give at least two weeks in advance. This may not be enough in a nurse’s job, as your superiors need to find a qualified worker who meets strict requirements and has sufficient experience. In many healthcare settings, the employee also has to undergo special training, which takes time. Therefore, the ideal time to tender your resignation is 6-8 weeks in advance. Inform the employer about the expected date of your last day of work and specify whether this date can be flexible.

4. Resign

After submitting the letter, you go through the administrative procedure at your medical facility.

Letter Format

Keep the letter short, professional, and positive. It will be attached to your file, so avoid negativity. The message includes an appeal and a greeting, the main part—consisting of one or two paragraphs—a conclusion, and your signature.

The purpose of the letter is to inform the administration of your departure, set a date for the last day, and express your willingness to help train a new employee. This is your chance to make a good last impression and prove to be a true professional who can be recommended for other positions.

1. Write a Formal Letterhead

Start to create this document just like any letter. Then, in the upper corner, write your name and address, date of writing, addressee’s name, position, and address of your establishment.

2. Write the Title and Write an Introduction

Include a formal greeting and write one or two sentences about the purpose of your letter. For instance: “I am writing to inform you that I am leaving my position as a nurse. My last day of employment will be July 6th, 2021.» That is, you must report that you are quitting and indicate the date of your last working day.

3. Write Body Paragraphs

In the body of the letter, you can briefly describe the reason for your departure, such as personal circumstances, furthering your studies, or changing your place of residence. However, do not write about negative aspects of work as reasons.

A resignation letter is not a place for complaints. Instead, this letter summarizes the time spent in your position and should end on a positive note. Plus, this letter will be referenced by your former supervisor if you need recommendations.

Be sure to thank colleagues and management for the experience you have gained and the position you have held. Then, you can fill in a few details to summarize your stay here.

Express your willingness to help with the training of your substitute. Helping in an employee’s adaptation will speak highly of you as a professional employee.

4. Write a Conclusion

Insert a formal end of the letter, put your signature and a printed name.

Dos and Don’ts

Below are some tips on what to do and avoid when writing a resignation letter.

Dos:

  • Focus on the good things you experienced at the workplace. Do not burn bridges, and do not tell your superiors everything that you have on your mind. Instead, think about what was good about your job.
  • Thank management and other nurses. Say something good about the people who have worked with you; thank them for their support and experience. Everyone loves grateful employees.
  • Offer your help with onboarding a new employee. You will demonstrate yourself as a professional nurse if you express your willingness to conduct training and introduce the new nurse to the place of work.
  • Notify your employer of your departure as early as possible. Your resignation is stressful not only for you but also for your boss. Finding a good new candidate will take time, so the sooner you communicate your decision, the better. Check company policy on this matter.
  • Your exceptional politeness will also help to make a good impression. Do not give in to emotions; be discreet and concise.

Don’ts:

  • Do not be negative. Do not use your resignation as the last chance to voice your displeasure. This will lead to nothing but a negative draft. On the other hand, perhaps your paths will cross in the future, so leave a pleasant impression of yourself. As a minimum, you can ask for a cover letter.
  • Do not leave without warning. This is the most unprofessional thing you can do. It is your responsibility to notify your superiors at least two weeks before your intended departure.
  • Do not tell patients or colleagues before making your final decision or informing the administration about it. You can change your mind, and rumors will have spread already. Also, it would be gruesome if your manager learned the news not from you but other nurses. So instead, inform them in person by providing a cover letter.
  • Do not brag about your new job. You are not working there yet and cannot be sure that there are greener pastures out there. Circumstances do change, but you cannot take back the spoken words.

Samples Nurse Resignation Letter

The bonus of this article is the two letter samples that we have compiled especially for you. Personalize them and create your own nurse resignation letters.

Sample 1

_________________

(Your name)

_________________

_________________

(Your address and telephone number)

_________________

(The date)

_________________

(Director’s name)

_________________

_________________

(Establishment’s name and address)

Dear Mr/Mrs _________________ (Director’s name),

This letter is to inform you of my official resignation from the position of a nurse. My last day at the position will be ________________ (your last day).

My life circumstances developed in such a way that in six weeks, my family is forced to move to another state. I want to thank our team, management and you personally for the wonderful years I have worked in _________________ (Establishment’s name). During this time, I have received invaluable experience and support from everyone.

Over the next month, I will be happy to help train a new employee for my position. I will gladly try to convey all my experience and introduce the employee to our rules if that would be helpful.

It has been an honor to work with such an incredible team.

Sincerely,

_________________

(Your name)

Sample 2

_________________

(Your name)

_________________

_________________

(Your address and telephone number)

_________________

(The date)

_________________

(Director’s name)

_________________

_________________

(Establishment’s name and address)

Dear Mr/Mrs _________________ (Director’s name),

I am writing this letter to formally resign from my position as Nurse at _________________ (Establishment’s name). My final day at work will be ________________ (your last day).

Primarily due to my experience as a nurse, I realized that I want to continue my education as a professional doctor. I will need to devote all my time to studying, so, unfortunately, I will not be able to continue my work here.

During the _________________ (insert number of years here) years that I have been working here, I have learned the importance of each team member in hospital work and how to do my job quickly and accurately. I am very grateful to the entire nursing staff and other colleagues for the invaluable support they gave me while working here.

In the meantime, let me know if you need my help in selecting and adapting an employee to my position. It will be an honor to help.

Thank you again for all that you have done.

Respectfully yours,

_________________

(Your name)

To Sum Up

You may feel sad to leave your work because a nurse’s job is focused on helping people. This is one of those positions in which people put their heart and soul. But if you decide to move on, you need to make an action plan and implement it.

Our top tip, which we would like to repeat, is to leave on a positive note. It would help if you don’t quarrel with colleagues or bosses or tell them what worries you. Resignation is your chance to be remembered as a professional and polite employee. Please do it for yourself. You will need recommendation letters. Also, your life circumstances may change such that you find yourself wanting to come back. You are unlikely to be welcomed if you leave with a scandal. Therefore, be polite and grateful.

Published: Apr 25, 2022