Nurses spend a lot of time and effort preparing resumes and cover letters for the perfect job. What happens when it is time to move on from that position?
Deciding to change directions in your nursing career can create feelings of fear and even panic. Whether changing positions for personal reasons or to pursue a better opportunity, you will need a nursing resignation letter.
Generally, nurses should have a conversation with their employer before submitting their letter. You don’t want to just email or give a letter to your supervisor without first talking to them.
The letter is not a way to hide from tension. It is a courtesy to help the transition process go smoothly.
We suggest you provide the following content in this order:
- A formal letterhead, which includes your contact information, the date, and your director’s name, position, and the address of the facility
- A proper introduction
- An official declaration of resignation, including your title and last day
- Reason for departing (optional)
- An offer to assist with the transition
- Statement of gratitude
- A brief concluding paragraph followed by a sincerely or regards
- Your signature and name
Formal Resignation Letters
Knowing what – and how much – to say in your letter is tricky. Below are a couple of crucial tips for writing a professional resignation letter. Following these guidelines can reduce your anxiety. It can also help you more easily transition to your next phase in life.
Be Clear, Concise and Kind
Of all the recommendations we make for crafting your letter, this is the most essential.
Some nurses part from their current jobs for positive reasons –promotion to a new position, or to pursue an advanced nursing degree. Yet, others leave due to uncomfortable circumstances such as staffing shortages or clashes with management.
That said, do not go into long, drawn-out explanations about staffing shortages or disagreements with management. Maintain the utmost tact by simply thanking them for the experience. You can also mention a few good highlights.
Provide Notice
The national average for nursing turnover is between 8.8 and 37 percent, depending on geographic location. Most nurses prefer a speedy exit when changing positions. However, providing your current employer with ample notice is the right thing to do.
Even if you are leaving a toxic work culture, maintain professionalism by providing your employer with as much notice as possible for your intended departure.
Two weeks is the industry standard for a resignation. Clearly indicate in your resignation letter your final date of availability.
Sending a Nursing Resignation Letter by Email
While it is not ideal, sometimes your resignation letter must be sent via email. If you must resign this way, follow these best practices.
Use a proper greeting for your supervisor in the email. Keep the body of the email short, referencing the attached letter for further information. End the email with a professional closing,
Make sure the subject line of the email clearly indicates it is about your resignation. Something like “Jane Doe Resignation Letter” should work.
Attach the formal resignation letter in a PDF format. This allows your employer to easily print or electronically save the document for their official records.
A Final Word on Nurse Resignations
Quitting your nursing job that you worked hard to secure can scare the bravest nurse. Hopefully we’ve provided you with the courage to take that step and leap into your future.
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