How to Write a Nursing Resignation Letter: 5 Tips

The average healthcare worker stays in any one job for a median of about four years. That means you’ll likely need to know how to write a nursing resignation letter sooner than later. Whether you’re moving on to another job, going back to school, or changing careers, a letter to your employer is necessary before you leave a job. Here are five things to remember when you sit down to write yours, along with a sample resignation letter.

Steps to Write a Nurse Resignation Letter

1. Decide on Your Last Day

Before you write your nursing resignation letter, deciding when your last day will be is important. Your supervisor needs to find your replacement. Giving two weeks’ notice is the norm in most jobs. But when it comes to your letter of resignation, nursing standards may prefer three to four weeks if your supervisor makes your work schedule more than two weeks in advance.

2. Tell Your Supervisor First

To give yourself a smooth exit, tell your boss you’re leaving before you tell anyone else. One way to do this is to ask for a meeting with your boss, tell them your plans, and give your resignation letter to them at that time. Ask if you need to complete paperwork for HR, or if all that’s needed is a copy of your nursing resignation letter. Email format may be acceptable, but it’s best to double check this.

You and your supervisor should discuss how and when to tell others about your resignation. Your boss may want to make the announcement in a staff meeting or by email. Or they can choose to let you tell your coworkers.

3. Know What to Include in Your Nursing Resignation Letter

The most important thing in your resignation letter is the date of your last day, so put it at the beginning. Along with this date, here are some other considerations:

• Offer to help with your replacement. This can be anything from leaving helpful notes, being part of the interview process, or training them before you go.
• Make a positive statement about your experience in the job. You can thank your supervisor for their help, mention how you liked working with your team, or express gratitude for the opportunity.
• Be professional. Your nursing resignation letter is not the place to air your grievances or make a bold statement that burns a bridge on your way out. You never know when you might need a reference or encounter your supervisor and coworkers again.

4. Format Your Letter Correctly

Keep it short. Remember, the function of a nursing resignation letter is to inform your supervisor and to be an official document for human resources. Using a printed letter is preferable, but the same rules apply to an email.

Start and end with the components of a business letter. To begin, include:

• Your name and title or credential
• Your phone number and email address
• Your supervisor’s name and title
• The date you are presenting the letter
• A formal greeting “Dear [full name of your supervisor]”

After the body of the letter, include:

• A business ending like “Best regards” or “Sincerely”
• Your name
• Your signature

5. Make It Look Professional

Think business when you’re putting together your letter. Here are a few more pointers to give it a professional look:

• Use an appropriate font like Times New Roman or Arial.
• Set the margins no wider than 1 inch.
• Single-space the lines.
• Proofread for any errors.

Nurse Resignation Letter Example

Shania Walsh, RN
555-555-5555
shainia@email.com

Reagan Larson, RN
Director of Nursing

January XX, XXXX

Dear Ms. Larson,

This letter is my official resignation from my staff nurse position at Cherry Hill Residence. My last day of work will be February XX, XXXX.

Please let me know how I can help you with the transition. I am pleased to organize notes for my replacement’s onboarding, interview candidates, or train someone before my last day.

Thank you for making my time here so rewarding. I wish the Cherry Hill staff and residents all the best.

Warm regards,

Shania Walsh, RN

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