Sample resignation letter for a nurse (5)

In this guide we will discuss “sample resignation letter for a nurse”, how to write a resignation letter, things to consider when writing your resignation letter and a few samples you can use/adapt to your own personal circumstances.

Sample resignation letter for a nurse

Sample resignation letters for nurses may not differ from (or at all) from the generic or standard resignation letter format however, you may find online examples of Registered Nurse (RN) Resignation Letters.

This is intended to give the hospital or healthcare facility that you will be terminating your duties. 

It doesn’t really matter if you are a nurse working at a hospital as a nurse manager, orthopedic nurse, as a teacher at a nursing school or as a caregiver, you may feel nervous or even sad for leaving your job.

However, a well-written resignation letter can really help you with your transition and keep an open and positive relationship with your employer.

Moreover, a resignation letter will be the last impression that you leave as an employee and just as important as the first impression, the type of letter you write will either positively or negatively impact future job prospects. 

Knowing where to start and how to write a resignation letter can make the process a bit easier, less daunting and stressful.

Here we will discuss how to write a resignation letter as a nurse and we will add some examples that can help you in the process. 

What is considered a resignation letter?

According to ‘Indeed’ a resignation letter is simply “…a formal document that announces your intention to leave a company. It is important to use a resignation letter to let your employer know your last day of work. Depending on your business’s policy, you may need to address it to your employer, manager or human resources representative.”

What should I include in your resignation letter?

Your letter of resignation needs to include briefly and concisely your decision to terminate your contract with your employer without using any negative statements or blaming your employer or colleagues about your decision.

The idea is to leave a positive impression and the door open for another opportunity, also since your future employer may contact your old one for references and it is in your best interest to have good ones.

Make sure to give your employer at least a two weeks notice or according to the notice period specified in your contract (sometimes even up to a 3-month notice period) so your employer has enough time to find a suitable replacement.

You can thank your supervisor and colleagues for their support during the time you were working for them (genuine and heartfelt).

Usually, your letter should be formatted in professional and business-like correspondence, unless you are actually sending an email instead of writing a letter.

It should begin with your name, title and your main contact information followed by your supervisor’s information (name, title, contact information). 

Then, it is important to include the date you are writing the letter, your last day of work and a short statement expressing appreciation for the time you worked there.

If possible, also make sure to offer to help train your replacement or help find a suitable candidate for the role you are leaving.

Close your letter with your best regards and use a polite closing statement.

Sample 1:

“February 28, 2020

Gabriel Shun

Easy Days Nursing Home

44 Pecan Ave.

Peachtree, GA 32343

Dear Mr. Shun,

I am writing to inform you of my resignation as Staff Nurse at Easy Days Nursing Home, effective two weeks from today. My last day of work will be March 28, 2020.

Working at Easy Days has been a rewarding experience, and I have enjoyed my time working with you. I learned a great deal about working successfully with a team. It was an honor to work with such dedicated staff who are committed to making Easy Days a place to receive compassionate care. I feel that I have made some lifelong friends here. I thank you for the training and opportunity to grow with you in my nursing career. I wish all the residents and staff good luck in the future.

My decision to leave was difficult, but I have decided to accept a part-time position nearer to my home due to my family commitments.

If you feel it would be helpful, I would be happy to assist with the hiring and training of my successor over the next two weeks. Please contact me if you have any questions. My email address is ssmith@gmail.com, and my cell phone number is 442-331-1123.

Respectfully yours,

Sally Smith, RN”

This free sample can be found here.

Sample 2: (email)

emailing your resignation may be acceptable if you have previously confirmed with them. An email might be more convenient but always consider what is the standard practice of your company and the best way to proceed.

“Peter Stathos—Notice of Resignation

Dear Dr. Diaz,

Please accept my resignation effective May 21 as a staff nurse at Mt. Olympus Hospital.

I have decided that I want to take my career in a new direction, so in two months, I will be enrolling in graduate school.

My time at Mt. Olympus has helped me gain valuable skills that I can continue to use in a new career. I want to thank you for all the opportunities to learn and grow while working with the Mt. Olympus team.

If there is anything I can do to be of assistance while you are finding or training my replacement, please feel free to ask. I have worked in several wings in the hospital and feel confident that I could provide very thorough training for a new nurse.

My schedule may need to change to accommodate graduate school exams and interviews.

Thank you once again for the many positive experiences over the past four years, and I look forward to staying in contact with you in the future.

Sincerely,

Peter Stathos”

Sample 3:  

“Ms. Barbara Vredenburgh, RN

Address

City, State Zip Code

Date

Ms. Cecily Danison

Director, Happy House Retirement Home

Address

City, State Zip Code

Dear Ms. Danison,

I am writing to inform you of my resignation from the position of Head Floor Nurse at the Happy House Retirement Home. My last day of work will be May 30, 20XX.

Working at the Happy House has been rewarding in many ways, and I wish all the residents and the staff good luck in the future.

Please let me know if I can assist in the transition in any way.

Respectfully yours,

Signature (hard copy letter)

Barbara Vredenburgh, RN”

Sample 4: (email version)

“Subject: Mary McCarthy Resignation

Dear Mr. Rennick,

Please accept this letter as notification of my resignation from the position of Nurse Coordinator at the Cancer Center of City Hospital. My last day of work will be September 25, 20XX.

I have enjoyed my tenure at City Hospital, and I appreciate the opportunity I had to work with the excellent staff there. I learned a lot about ongoing Cancer care and the research being done at the hospital.

If I can assist in any way during the transition, please let me know. Thank you for the opportunity to work with such a fine group of people.

Sincerely,

Mary McCarthy

marymc123@email.com

555-123-4567”

Sample 5:

“Ms. Misty Travis, RPN

3132 Transit Blvd.

Aberdeen, SD 57402

(555) 555-5555

April 4th, 2017

Mr. Eric Furlough

Hospital Administrator

Aberdeen General Hospital

12 Pemberton Pl.

Aberdeen, SD 57402

Dear Mr. Furlough,

I am writing this letter to formally resign from my position as a Staff Nurse at Aberdeen GH. As per my contract, I am issuing my notice of resignation 4 weeks in advance of my last day of work, which will be on the 4th of May.

During the two years that I have been working at Aberdeen GH, I have learned how to work with a team to ensure that every patient gets the care that they need. Your staff is unrelenting in their commitment and, with your considerate direction, this hospital is consistently able to triumph over the adversity it faces on a daily basis.

Over the next month, I would be glad to help out in the hiring and training of my successor, if that would be helpful.

Thank you for all that you have done on my behalf. I wish you and everyone at Aberdeen GH continued success in the future.

Sincerely,

Misty Travis, RPN

Staff Nurse”

Example from eforms.com

Sample 6:

Randolf Peters, RN

42 Rosebud Pl.

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

(555) 555-5555

January 2nd, 2017

Dr. Wendy Davies

Director

Norwhich Clinic

PO Box 001

Little Rock, AR 72217

Please accept this letter as the formal two weeks notice of my resignation from the position of Staff Nurse at Norwich Clinic. My last day of employment will be January 16th, 2017.

It has been a pleasure working at Norwich Clinic, and it has been a valuable learning experience. As you know, this was my first professional position as a nurse. Over the past three years, getting to know the regular patients and see how much they trusted our doctors made me appreciate how lucky I was to be working here.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so welcoming and patient with me when you took me on as a new hire. My training was extremely thorough and contained lifelong lessons. I feel that my development as a caregiver has grown tremendously and I thank you for that.

If there is any way that I can be of extra service over the next two weeks, do not hesitate to ask me.

Thank you again.

Sincerely Yours,

Randolf Peters”

Example from eforms.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you write a nursing resignation letter?

A nursing resignation letter is simply a letter written in the same format as any other resignation letter.

It should include a header with your name and contact information, the date and your employer’s contact details, a salutation directed to the recipient of the letter, a statement of your intent to resign and the last date of work, the reason for leaving (e.g. new job opportunity, nurse transfer) and offer to assist your employer with the transition.

How do I resign as a nurse?

If you have decided to resign to your job as a nurse, make sure to consider the following:

– Give your employer a resignation letter in advance (notice period).

– Use an official letter of resignation (there are plenty of samples and templates out there)

– Avoid telling your colleagues about your plan to quit before you have talked directly with your boss.

– Avoid saying negative things about your employer, your boss or your coworkers.

– Secure references from your boss or coworkers.

How do I write a 24-hour resignation letter?

If you want to write a 24-hour (notice) resignation letter consider the following tips:

– Make sure you have a conversation with your employer first, maybe there is something they can do to make you want to stay.

– Consider sending an email to your supervisor/boss.
State the date.

– Avoid being too detailed.

– Express your gratitude.

– Ask any questions.

– Provide your updated contact information where they can reach you if needed.

What do I write in a resignation letter?

Writing a resignation letter is never easy but the format is very simple: The first paragraph includes a statement with the intention to resign.

Following this include the last day you plan to work based on the notice period you are giving, explain briefly why you are leaving and thank your employer at the end of the letter.

Do you have to give a reason for resignation?

You are not obliged to give a reason for resignation, this is why most people simply add “personal reasons” or “family reasons” without giving too much detail.

However, if you want to specifically include the reason why you can, just make sure it is brief and concise.

References 

Indeed.com: “Nurse Resignation Letters: Samples, Tips and Templates”

Doyle, A. (2019, Aug.) Nurse Resignation Letter and Email Examples. Retrieved from Thebalancecareers.com.

Eforms.com: “Nurse (RN) Resignation Letter Template- with samples”

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