Best Nursing Resignation Letter Example (+ Free Template Download)

A nursing resignation letter should be written by an employee who wishes to resign from their nursing duties as a staff nurse. This is a formal resignation notice on behalf of the employee to the employer, informing them that they’d like to end their employment as an employee.

A registered nurse should speak with their hospital staff, medical facility administrator, or supervisor before deciding to write and submit their nurse resignation letter. A formal notice period should be decided upon between the administrator and the nurse. These two professionals should decide the best path forward to transitioning the employee out of a job.

nursing resignation letter sample

Employees may want to include reasons for why they’re deciding to resign from their position. Good reasons include:

Wanting to pursue a new career path, new job, or new nursing job.
For a personal reason.
Desiring a career change, no longer wanting to be in the nursing field or nursing profession.

Nurses should consult their supervisor before writing their formal letter to their current employer. By speaking with the immediate supervisor and determining the next steps in the resignation process, the nurse can leave the medical staff on positive terms with their employer, leaving a strong last impression on the colleague and professional.

A coworker may decide to take over the duties of the nurse who is leaving. Once formal notification has been made to the medical staff, the administrator or head nurse may allow for as close as a two-week notice period if there’s available staff to take over the new responsibilities.

The resignation letter format should always be in formal business letter style, using proper punctuation and grammar and formal writing style, creating a professional letter. An exit interview will be facilitated between the supervisor and nurse to learn how the role can be improved in the future. Depending on the size of the medical facility, a human resource member may perform this interview as well.

Writing a professional resignation letter ensures that as a registered nurse, staff nurse, or general RN, your previous employer will speak highly of you in the event a potential employer calls for a reference or more information about your job application.

Resignation Letter Sample

Below is a sample letter resigning from a nursing position. This letter is applicable to use as a format for a staff nurse resignation letter or registered nurse resignation letter.

January 1, 2019

John Smith
[email protected]
888-888-8888
123 Road, St., New York NY 11121

New Sam Hospital
Ryan Doe
[email protected]
Hospital Coordinator
123 Business Road, New York NY 11121

Dear Ryan —

This letter informs you that I would like to relieve myself of duties starting September 1st, 2019. This will alleviate me of my nursing responsibilities for those in our cancer ward. I have sincerely enjoyed my tenure here at New Sam Hospital. The experience I have received here will be invaluable for me going forward in my career.

Please let me know how I can assist in this transition and ensure the company's continued success.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to be able to work with you.

Sincerely,
John Smith

Nurse Resignation Letter Template

Download this resignation letter template in Word format. Can be imported as a Google Doc. Instant download. No email required.

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About the author

Patrick Algrim is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), NCDA Certified Career Counselor (CCC), and general career expert. Patrick has completed the NACE Coaching Certification Program (CCP). And has been published as a career expert on Forbes, Glassdoor, American Express, Reader's Digest, LiveCareer, Zety, Yahoo, Recruiter.com, SparkHire, SHRM.org, Process.st, FairyGodBoss, HRCI.org, St. Edwards University, NC State University, IBTimes.com, Thrive Global, TMCnet.com, Work It Daily, Workology, Career Guide, MyPerfectResume, College Career Life, The HR Digest, WorkWise, Career Cast, Elite Staffing, Women in HR, All About Careers, Upstart HR, The Street, Monster, The Ladders, Introvert Whisperer, and many more. Find him on LinkedIn.

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