Resignation letters are one of the hardest to pen down. It is not easy to leave your job. It can be daunting, and you can be unaware of where to start. Nursing is a job deeply rooted in empathy; parting with it should be done in a formal form. A well-written nursing resignation letter can help your transition and strengthen the connection between you and your healthcare facility. You should not burn that bridge because you are moving to new heights. Regardless of how your employer has made you feel in the past, it shouldn’t be a block when it comes to leaving your position with grace.
Nursing resignation letters are written at different addresses. This depends on whether you are resigning from a licensed vocational nurse (LPN or LVN) to a registered nurse (RN). This article covers all the technicalities of drafting a nursing resignation letter.
Structure of a Nursing Resignation Letter
Letting your employer know about your final days of work is vital. This practice is standard workplace etiquette and serves as a legal document for HR or any legal dispute that might arise in the future.
The standard resignation notice to give your employer is two weeks, but it can give your employer as much time as possible so they can find an alternative suitable enough to replace you. The reassigning process of discovering and training a successful candidate may be overwhelming and lengthy.
Your resignation letter does not need to be stifled with unnecessary details. It is simply a formal notice indicating the intended withdrawal date and the reason for leaving. The resignation letter may also include any provisions that should be considered following the departure, such as reduced work hours.
- A formal letterhead can be used to give your letter an official look. Although, in most cases, it can be optional,
- A header that includes personal information like your name, contact details (with your employer), and the date should be added.
- Salutations such as Dear…
- The introduction should include your resignation statement, nursing title, and last day.
- The body paragraph should state your reason for leaving, and you can also offer any help that would assist with the transition.
- Conclude the letter with a statement of gratitude.
- Sign-off formally. Using salutations like sincerely is mostly favorable when closing the letter.
- Signature, name, and date.
Tips for Writing a Nursing Resignation Letter
Before you write the letter, consider speaking to the management about your decision to resign. The health care organization may have a particular system for resignation that you must follow. Depending on your employer, there might be documentation for record-keeping that you must update or specific administrative individuals that must receive your letter.
There are many tips to consider before drafting your resignation letter.
- You should not feel guilty. It’s normal to feel some guilt when leaving your position. You will feel more guilty if you have a connection to other health workers and the workplace environment. You should also remember and understand that moving to a new position in another facility expands your experiences and helps you grow your medical career.
- Your boss should be the first to know: While it is best to confide in your workplace best friend, your boss should be the first to be aware of your resignation. It is not best if they find out from petty gossip and not from the horse’s mouth.
- Make peace with your employer and coworkers. All your experience in that role and the relationships and bonds you formed with your team members should count as an invaluable asset. It is best to make your resignation amicable and leave with grace, regardless of the dread, frustrations, and anger that come with the job.
- Keep your letter short and simple. You should not mistake your letter for a place to air your grievances. The resignation letter should be less than one page. The details regarding the transition process can be discussed with your supervisor later.
- Maintain patient confidentiality: Reiterate your commitment to patient confidentiality and the ethical responsibilities of a nurse. Assure the employer that you will continue to uphold these principles during the transition period.
- Format it like a business letter: Use a traditional font like Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial. The size of any font you choose should be between 10 and 12. This would ensure that your letter is easy to read. Also, use single spacing, align the text to the left-hand side, and use 1-inch margins to make your letter appear professional.
- Proofread the letter. It’s very vital to check for typos and grammatical errors. A resignation letter is a very important document, and it should be treated as such. Ensure all the information you input is correct. This helps maintain a professional image and avoids misunderstandings.
- Express well-wishes: Conclude your letter by expressing good wishes for the hospital, colleagues, and patients. Show appreciation for the opportunity to work with them and convey a positive closing sentiment.
- Sign the letter: Depending on your employer, you might be required to submit an official printed and signed document for their records. If unsure of your healthcare facility’s policy, check with your human resources department or employee handbook for further information on resignation policies.
Staff Nurse Resignation Letter Sample PDF
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Your Email Address] [Today's Date] [Supervisor's Name] [Department or Unit Name] [Healthcare Facility Name] [Facility Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] Dear [Supervisor's Name], I am writing to formally announce my resignation from my position as a Staff Nurse at [Healthcare Facility Name], effective [last working day, typically two weeks from the date of the letter, e.g., October 18, 2023]. This decision has not been taken lightly, and I have given it careful consideration. I have truly enjoyed my time working at [Healthcare Facility Name], and I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have gained during my tenure here. The dedication and passion of my colleagues and the commitment to patient care at this facility have been inspiring. Over the years, I have grown both personally and professionally, and I am proud to have been a part of the dedicated nursing team at [Healthcare Facility Name]. However, due to personal reasons, I have decided to take a different path at this point in my career. I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition, and I am willing to help with the onboarding of my successor during the notice period. I will do my best to complete any pending tasks and hand over my responsibilities in an organized manner. Please let me know if there are specific tasks or processes that require immediate attention. I would like to express my gratitude to the entire healthcare team, and I look forward to staying in touch with all the wonderful colleagues I've had the privilege to work alongside. I would appreciate your guidance regarding the formalities and procedures related to my resignation. Please inform me of any exit interviews or paperwork that needs to be completed. Thank you for your understanding and support in this matter. I wish [Healthcare Facility Name] continued success and growth. I will always cherish the memories and experiences from my time here. Sincerely, [Your Name]
Here’s a word document you can edit here.
Nurse Resignation Letter for Personal Reasons
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Your Email Address] [Today's Date] [Supervisor's Name] [Department or Unit Name] [Healthcare Facility Name] [Facility Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] Dear [Supervisor's Name], I am writing to formally announce my resignation as a Nurse at [Healthcare Facility Name] due to personal reasons, effective [last working day, typically two weeks from the date of the letter, e.g., October 18, 2023]. This decision has been a deeply personal one, and it is not without considerable reflection. While I have greatly valued my time at [Healthcare Facility Name] and the relationships I have built with both the staff and patients, my current life circumstances require that I take this step. I am immensely grateful for the support and experiences I have gained during my time here. I am committed to facilitating a seamless transition during my notice period, including training my replacement and ensuring that patient care remains uninterrupted. Please inform me of any specific tasks or processes that need immediate attention. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the entire healthcare team for their understanding and support. I have immense respect for [Healthcare Facility Name] and its mission, and I leave with fond memories. Thank you for your understanding and guidance through this process. I wish [Healthcare Facility Name] continued success and extend my best wishes to all my colleagues. Sincerely, [Your Name]
Staff Nurse Resignation Letter Sample Word
Here’s a word document you can edit here.
One Month Resignation Letter for Staff Nurse
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Your Email Address] [Today's Date] [Supervisor's Name] [Department or Unit Name] [Healthcare Facility Name] [Facility Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] Dear [Supervisor's Name], I am writing to announce my resignation as a Staff Nurse at [Healthcare Facility Name], with my last working day set for [last working day, typically one month from the date of the letter, e.g., November 4, 2023]. This decision was not made lightly and required thoughtful consideration. Over my tenure at [Healthcare Facility Name], I have had the privilege to work alongside dedicated colleagues and provide care to countless patients. My time here has been invaluable both personally and professionally. During my notice period, I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition. I will diligently complete any pending tasks and support in the training and orientation of my successor. Please let me know of any specific responsibilities or instructions needed during this period. I appreciate the support and camaraderie I've experienced at [Healthcare Facility Name] and extend my best wishes for its continued success. Thank you for your understanding during this transition. Sincerely, [Your Name]
Nursing Resignation Letter 2-Week Notice
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Your Email Address] [Today's Date] [Supervisor's Name] [Department or Unit Name] [Healthcare Facility Name] [Facility Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] Dear [Supervisor's Name], I am writing to submit my resignation as a Nurse at [Healthcare Facility Name], effective in two weeks from the date of this letter, [last working day, e.g., November 4, 2023]. This decision has been thoughtfully considered and is due to personal and professional reasons. I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to be part of the dedicated nursing team at [Healthcare Facility Name]. During my time here, I have grown both as a nurse and an individual, and I'm thankful for the experiences and relationships I've gained. During the two-week notice period, I am committed to ensuring a seamless transition. I will complete my pending tasks and assist in training my successor as needed. Please inform me of any specific duties or responsibilities to focus on during this period. I want to express my gratitude for the support and camaraderie I've experienced while working at [Healthcare Facility Name]. I wish the organization and my colleagues continued success in the future. Thank you for your understanding and support during this transition. Sincerely, [Your Name]
Nurse Resignation Letter Effective Immediately
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Your Email Address] [Today's Date] [Supervisor's Name] [Department or Unit Name] [Healthcare Facility Name] [Facility Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] Dear [Supervisor's Name], I am writing to resign from my position as a Nurse at [Healthcare Facility Name], effective immediately. This decision has been a difficult one, and it is made due to circumstances that require my immediate attention and action. I want to express my gratitude for the experiences and opportunities I've had at [Healthcare Facility Name]. My time here has been invaluable, and I have had the privilege of working with an exceptional team of healthcare professionals. I understand that my immediate departure may present challenges, and I am willing to assist in any way I can to ensure a smooth transition. Please let me know how I can be of assistance during this process, including handing over my responsibilities and training a replacement. I am deeply appreciative of the support and guidance I've received during my time at [Healthcare Facility Name]. I wish the organization continued success and extend my best wishes to my colleagues. Thank you for your understanding during this challenging time. Sincerely, [Your Name]
Conclusion
A significant aspect of any resignation process is formally communicating the decision to leave a nursing position in a way that reflects your professionalism and gratitude towards your current nursing position. Your goal in writing the resignation letter for your nursing job should always be to leave as gracefully as possible. While departure is mandatory, severing the connection completely is not advisable.