Leaving your job as a nurse can be a difficult decision. However, if you decide to resign, it’s essential to do so in a respectful way to your employer and colleagues. A resignation letter for nursing is one way to communicate your decision to leave your job.
Knowing how to construct and format a resignation letter is a vital skill. Though not every situation is the same, still some critical pieces of information should be included in any resignation letter.
In this article, we’ll talk about the purpose of a resignation letter and discuss what you should include in one. We’ll also talk about how to resign from a job as a nurse.
- What Is a Resignation Letter?
- What to Include in Your Resignation Letter?
- What not to Include in Your Resignation Letter?
- How to Write a Resignation Letter for Nursing ?
- Nurse Resignation Letter Sample
- Nurse Resignation Email Example
- What Are the Typical Steps for Resigning as a Nurse?
- More Resources for Resignation Letter for Nursing:
What Is a Resignation Letter?
A resignation letter is a formal document that communicates your intention to leave your job. It is typically written used to resign from a position for any reason.
When writing a resignation letter, you may be required to include specific information depending on your business policy. However, the purpose of a resignation letter is to provide your employer with notice that you are quitting your job.
Resignation Letter Format and Content
One thing to remember is that the format of the letter should be the same as a formal business letter. You should use a professional font and ensure your grammar and spelling are correct. You do not have to explain the reasons for your resignation in the letter, but you may want to state that you are resigning for personal reasons.
Basic Structure of Resignation Letter
The resignation letter does not need to be a long one. A simple resignation letter consists of the following:
- Formal Letterhead
- Salutation
- Introduction
- Body paragraph
- Conclusion
- Formal sign-off
- Signature
- Contact Info
- Typed name
- Date
What to Include in Your Resignation Letter?
There are a few key points you have to remember when drafting your resignation letter. Consider the following lists of what to include and what not to include:
A Straightforward Statement of Resignation
It may be tempting to go into detail about why you are resigning in your resignation letter, but it is not necessary. Keep your letter brief and to the point. Simply state that you are leaving your position and provide the date of your last day of work.
If you have a specific reason for leaving, you can mention that in a separate letter or speak to your boss in person. Your resignation letter should not be used as a platform to air grievances or complain about the company.
The Date of Your Last Day
In addition to including the date that you are resigning, it is a good idea to have your last day. That way, your employer knows precisely when they can expect you to stop coming into work. Being clear on when your last day gives your employer ample time to train your replacement or find a temporary staff member.
Adequate Notice
Finding and sufficiently training a replacement takes time and effort on the part of your employer. Giving an itinerary for when you will start telling some of your patients about your departure is an excellent courtesy to show that you appreciate their help supporting you during training. It is a professional way to start this conversation and show that you still think about the impact of your actions even though you are no longer an employee.
Gratitude
Though you may be angry, hurt, or frustrated with your employer, it is essential to maintain a level of professionalism in your resignation letter. Thank them for the opportunities they have given you and express your appreciation for your relationships while working at the company.
You leave on good terms and with a positive image of yourself by doing this. This may help you in the future if you decide to seek out employment from this company again.
Offer to Train a Replacement, If Possible
Many nurses are very busy and often end up taking on extra responsibilities. If you are at liberty to train a replacement for your position, do so. Offering to train someone shows that you are not abandoning the job or causing problems; instead, you would like to help ensure things run smoothly once you’ve left.
What not to Include in Your Resignation Letter?
There might be some reasons for you to leave a job but, still, you should avoid including these things in your resignation letter.
Rudeness
You may have a complaint about your job but it is unprofessional to include this in your resignation letter. Remember that you are communicating with the people who have helped you in your career.
Negativity
The purpose of a resignation letter is to inform your employer of your decision to leave, not to bash the company or complain about working conditions. Save your grievances for another time and channel them into a more positive letter.
Self-promotion
While it might be tempting to use your resignation letter as an opportunity for self-promotion, it is best to avoid doing so. This is not the time or place for touting your skills or accomplishments.
Negotiating
Do not include anything related to salary, benefits, hours worked, etc. in your resignation letter. If you are unhappy with the terms of your employment contract, save this for a discussion at another time.
How to Write a Resignation Letter for Nursing ?
After thinking about that you are going to leave this job now is the time to sit down and write a formal letter of resignation. Following are the steps for drafting a resignation letter.
Decide on Delivery Method and Formatting
In the professional world, written communication is often preferred over verbal communication. It shows greater detail and consideration than a conversation can achieve, especially when it comes to complex matters like resignation letters.
A handwritten resignation letter is fine if you choose to write it by hand, but most people use a computer and standard business letter format. Whichever method you decide on, be sure to use a professional font and correct your grammar and spelling.
Use a Professional Header
Whichever delivery method you choose, both will require a professional header. Use the full name of your company and your job title. This tells your employer that you are writing on behalf of the whole organization, not for yourself as an individual. This way, they know who to contact if they have any questions about your resignation.
State Resignation Immediately
One of the ways to write a resignation letter is to state your intentions of resignation within the first sentence of your letter. This lets your employer know that you do not plan to work there much longer and they will start their search for a replacement right away.
Thanks the Company
You want to thank your employer, as well as other people you’ve worked with during your tenure at the company. Thank them for everything that they’ve done for you and express gratitude towards all those who made it possible for you to advance in your career.
State Key Accomplishments if Possible
It is okay to include significant accomplishments in your letter of resignation. If you feel like your success has been vital to the organization or greatly increased revenue, now might be a good time to remind both yourself and others of this fact! It also shows how much potential you possess—you should be able to find another job quickly.
Include Your Contact Details
Before you sign off, include your contact information in case your employer needs anything else from you or would like a reference in the future. You could include a line about how excited you are about opportunities that lie ahead of you now that you have moved on from this position but avoid sounding cocky.
Professional Letter Closing
Ending on a professional note is an important part of resigning with dignity. End your letter by reiterating the fact that you are leaving on good terms and wish to maintain a positive relationship. You can also say something about how excited you are for the future, though avoid sounding cocky or conceited.
Nurse Resignation Letter Sample
Now it’s time to show you some nurse resignation letter examples so you can have a better idea of how to format your own. Take a look:
Ms. Barbara Vredenburgh, RN
1552 Magnolia St.
Macon, GA 12321
May 14, 2021
Ms. Cecily Danison
Director, Happy House Retirement Home
120 Happy House Road
Macon, GA 12321
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 28, 2021.
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
Nurse Resignation Email Example
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, 2021.
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
Now let’s move to some frequently asked questions related to nursing resignation letters.
What Are the Typical Steps for Resigning as a Nurse?
When resigning from a nursing position, most nurses follow these basic steps:
1. Give your employer as much notice as possible. A two-week notice is typically expected, but more notice may be required depending on your position and the organization.
2. Write a letter of resignation stating your intentions and the date of your last day of work.
3. Clean out your work area and turn in all company property (including keys, uniforms, ID badges, etc.).
4. Say goodbye to your co-workers and make sure to leave on good terms.
5. Follow up with your employer after you’ve left to ensure that all loose ends have been tied up.
Can I Resign by Email?
Yes, you can resign by sending an email to the email address of your office or organization. However, some organizations may prefer a hard copy letter instead. Always check with your supervisor to see what is the preferred method of communication.
Can I rescind my resignation?
In most cases, you cannot rescind your resignation after giving notice. However, there may be some extenuating circumstances that would allow you to take back your resignation (e.g., getting a new job offer). Check with your employer to see if this is an option.
What Happens After I Resign?
Once you have resigned, your work responsibilities will gradually transition to other staff members. Make sure to follow up with your employer after you’ve left to ensure that all loose ends have been tied up. You may also want to ask for a letter of reference to take with you to your next employer.
Is There a Way I Can Improve My Chances of Getting a Good Reference?
Getting a good letter of recommendation is not easy, but it can be done if you follow these steps:
1. Give your employer as much notice as possible so they have time to find a replacement. Your previous job performance will have an impact on whether you get a positive or negative reference, so be sure to give your best effort until resigning.
2. Do not under any circumstances badmouth former co-workers or supervisors after leaving the company—even if asked about them directly. Doing so could backfire big time and adversely affect future employment opportunities. If are asked why you left, simply state that you were looking for new challenges.
3. Stay in touch with your former supervisor and co-workers after leaving. This will help maintain a positive relationship and could potentially lead to a good reference down the road.
4. Finally, always be professional and courteous in your communications with everyone from your former employer—even after resigning. Thank them for the opportunity to work with them, and wish them all the best in the future.
Final Thoughts on Resignation Letter for Nursing
Submitting a nursing resignation letter is never easy, but following these tips should make the process as smooth as possible. Remember to stay professional and courteous at all times, and be sure to tie up all loose ends before leaving your job. Good luck!
So, that’s a look at resignation letters for nurses. Keep in mind that the steps outlined above are general guidelines, so always check with your employer to see what is the preferred method of communication. And finally, good luck with everything! Thank you for reading.
0 Comments