Notifying your boss of an impending resignation takes a certain level of grace. Even though you may have a range of emotions about your leaving, you have to remain professional throughout the note to ensure you avoid burning any bridges.Your reason for leaving can affect your ability to write a resignation letter. For example, if you’re leaving because you’re unhappy, you may struggle to keep your negative feelings out of the letter. On the other hand, if you’re leaving simply to further your career, you may struggle to keep your letter focused on the resignation. Crafting a concise, professional notice can help you retain your professional network, but it’s not easy.See an example of the best way to inform your employer that you’re quitting your job by reading through our nursing resignation letter templates. The accompanying writings tips can help you build your own letter with confidence.
Nursing Resignation Letter Template
Yolanda Diaz wrote the letter below. In it, she informs her boss that she’s leaving her current position, which was her first job in the nursing profession, making this an emotional departure. A family matter requires her to move back to her hometown.
Dear Carmen Michaels,
I would like to announce my formal resignation from my position as a registered nurse at St. George’s Hospital. My last day at the hospital will be May 2nd. I know this may come as a bit of a shock. I would like you to know it was not in my plan to leave, but a family event makes my leaving necessary. I hope you understand.
First, I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to work at St. George’s. As you know, this was my first job out of nursing school. I learned so much about the profession through this program. Not only did I love working with the medical staff, but I also loved interacting with the patients. I gained valuable knowledge about how to comfort patients and their families, administer medications, and keep detailed, organized charts.
Second, I know how difficult it can be to lose part of the nursing staff, so I would like to offer my assistance in the transition. I can spend my remaining time here working with the nursing students to help you find a qualified candidate who will be a good fit for the hospital.
I have high hopes for you and your team moving forward.
Sincerely,
Yolanda Diaz
How To Write a Nursing Resignation Letter
The main bulk of a resignation letter like the nursing resignation letter template tells your employer that you’re planning on quitting. It could also thank your employer for giving you a chance in the industry and explain your leaving. Because of the sensitivity of this subject, you need to use caution as you craft your note if you want to leave the job on good terms.
Start your letter off with a straightforward statement about your intentions. Making your desire to resign clear ensures your boss doesn’t feel confused. Make sure to include the date of your last day. If needed, talk with your HR manager to find out how much notice you have to give. Typically, businesses require at least two weeks’ notice.
If you want to explain your absence, do so briefly. Remember, this isn’t a novel. Look at how the sample writer concisely described her situation. She didn’t go into personal details, yet she let her boss know why she was leaving.
After that, reminisce on the positive aspects of your job. You could go over what you learned in the position or how it helped you grow. Remember to be thankful even if you’re leaving because you’re unhappy in the position. You may need to use your boss as a reference in the future, so you should keep him or her happy with you. This doesn’t mean you have to lie. Simply keep your audience in mind as you think on the positives of your job.
End your correspondence strongly by offering help in the upcoming transition. You can offer to train a new employee or finish paperwork before you leave.
What To Avoid in Your Nursing Resignation Letter
As you write your resignation letter, it may be tempting to give your boss a piece of your mind. However, you should avoid being petty about something your audience has no control over. This does not mean you can’t mention why you’re leaving. Giving a brief explanation about what made you unhappy in your job may help the company grow in the future. If you do decide to share what made you leave, be sure to support it with facts and remain diplomatic. Don’t trash a company, but instead offer advice that will make it better.
Don’t get too personal. Even though Yolanda was leaving her job for a very personal reason, she didn’t go into detail. She simply said a family crisis was taking her away from work. It’s okay to be honest with your employer, but it usually is not necessary to give an overabundance of details.
Finally, avoid sounding phony. Sincerity can go a long way in helping you retain a working relationship. Simply express how thankful you were for the job, but it’s time for you to leave.
How To Follow Up After Sending Your Nursing Resignation Letter
After sending in your resignation letter, you have another step to make the act complete. You have to follow up with your boss. Depending on your reason for leaving, this follow up may not be the most pleasant experience. However, it’s necessary.
Your boss may reach out to you after reading through your note to finalize a few details. If not, schedule a meeting to discuss your resignation. Ask your employer how you can help with the transition. You can also use this meeting as a time to further discuss your reason for leaving. Remember to remain courteous so you can preserve your professional reputation.
Top 5 Nursing Resignation Letter Writing Takeaways
1. Find a way to be polite and honest
Are you leaving your job because you felt unappreciated? If so, you don’t have to tell your employer one of the things you loved was how much he or she appreciated the employees. Instead, focus on other positive experiences you had at the company.
2. Stick to your contract
Every company may have different rules about how an employee should resign. Make sure to find out what you need to do to properly leave your job. Whether you have to give a two-week or four-week notice, follow what your employment contract laid out.
3. Be thankful
Let your boss know how much you appreciated the chance to work for them. Say some form of, “thank you.”
4. Don’t duck out early
Don’t treat your last two weeks at work any differently than you treated the rest of your time there. In other words, if you have projects to finish or patients to see, stick to your normal tasks and perform your duties well. You can let your boss know you plan on doing your best to the very end by letting him or her know how willing you are to help with the transition.
5. Keep your tone professional
Whether you’re happy to be leaving or wish you could stay, keep your tone professional. Staying professional can help you foster a positive relationship with your soon-to-be ex-employer.
