Nurse resignation letter: templates that protect your schedule, your patients and your references.
Nursing resignations affect schedules built weeks ahead, so notice, timing and a clean handover matter. A clear letter also helps keep you eligible for rehire.
A nurse resignation letter should state your role, unit and last shift date, thank your manager and team, and confirm you'll complete scheduled shifts and hand over responsibilities. Check your employer's notice policy and contract, which may require more than two weeks for nurses or set rules for rehire eligibility. Address it to your nurse manager, and copy HR as your policy requires.
Before you write
Notice policy
Hospitals and agencies often set notice requirements for nurses, sometimes longer than two weeks, and may tie rehire eligibility to them.
The schedule
Schedules are made in advance. Confirm which shifts you'll work before your last day.
Contracts and sign-on bonuses
Check any agreement for repayment terms if you leave before a set date.
Handover
Complete documentation, return equipment and badges, and pass on any committee or precepting responsibilities.
3 copy-ready letters
Illustrative: names, companies, dates and numbers in these templates and examples are fictional. Replace every bracket with your own true details before you use anything.
Standard nurse resignation
When to use: To your nurse manager.
Dear [Nurse manager's name], Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from my position as [RN / LPN] on [unit] at [facility]. My last shift will be [date], in line with the [number]-week notice policy. I'll complete all my scheduled shifts and make sure my documentation and responsibilities are handed over. Thank you for your support and for the chance to work with such a dedicated team. Sincerely, [Your name], [credentials]
Leaving for another nursing role
When to use: When you're moving to a new position.
Dear [Name], I'm writing to resign from my [RN] position on [unit], with my final shift on [date]. I've accepted a role that will help me develop in [specialty]. I've learned a great deal here, especially from [specific], and I'm grateful to the team. I'd like to remain eligible for rehire and will follow the notice policy fully. Best regards, [Your name]
Note to the scheduler
When to use: Confirm your remaining shifts.
Hi [Name], my last shift will be [date]. Could you confirm my remaining scheduled shifts between now and then? I'm happy to help with coverage where I can. Thanks, [Your name]
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Timing
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Standard resignation | Follow the notice policy; confirm shifts. |
| Sign-on bonus or contract | Check repayment terms before setting a date. |
| Travel or agency nurse | Follow your contract and agency process. |
| Want to stay eligible for rehire | Give full required notice and complete shifts. |
The same move, done two ways
Illustrative example with fictional details.
| Version | Example |
|---|---|
| Weak | Texted the charge nurse 'I'm done, not coming back after this week.' |
| Strong | Met the nurse manager, sent a letter with the last shift date matching the four-week policy, and confirmed remaining shifts with the scheduler. |
Why it matters: Following the notice policy protects your rehire eligibility and your references in a field where people move between employers often.
Mistakes to avoid
- Not checking the notice policy.
- Leaving shifts uncovered.
- Ignoring sign-on bonus repayment terms.
- Resigning by text.
Keep going
Questions people ask
How much notice should a nurse give?
Who should a nurse address a resignation letter to?
Will I have to repay a sign-on bonus?
How do I stay eligible for rehire?
How this page is built
Written by Maid Dizdarevic, a career coach and 8x LinkedIn Top Voice. The steps, scripts and timing guides are practical advice, labelled as advice. We do not publish response rates, success rates or shares of employers, and every example uses fictional details.
- How a specific employer, recruiter or manager will act: practices vary by company, industry and person.
- Legal advice: for contracts, background-check disputes, pay classification or a termination, talk to an employment attorney, the U.S. Department of Labor or your state agency.
- Outcomes: no message, plan or program can promise an interview, a raise or a job.
- TryHired editorial guidance by Maid Dizdarevic, career coach, Nov 4, 2026.