Are you looking to return to nursing school? Change your nursing specialty? Or, do you feel like you work in a toxic environment and your work stresses you out? Then maybe it’s time to think about how to quit your job as a nurse.
Knowing how to quit your nursing job on good terms is essential to maintaining professionalism and leaving institutions without regrets. Resigning from a job shouldn't be hard if it’s managed properly.
How Do You Know When It Is the Right Time to Quit a Job?
Quitting your job is a big step in your career since it will impact your life directly and—if well-managed—have positive outcomes. Before you take this step, it is fundamental that you consider why you want to leave your current position. After all, you do not want to start a new job only to be in the same situation, wondering how to quit a job you just started.
Understanding why you want to leave your job can help you avoid landing a job with the same characteristics or problems. Here are some questions that you can ask yourself to define why you want to make this decision:
- Is it because you don’t get along with your manager?
- Do you have a bad relationship with your coworkers?
- Is it because you want a raise?
- Are you feeling burnt out or emotionally drained?
- Do you need more time for self-care?
- Are you looking for a new career path?
- Do you want to pursue a different specialization?
These are questions that you should consider before making a decision. Some of these situations may have a solution if you talk to your supervisor or HR. If the situation does not improve after you have done what is within your control, then you should continue with the next step.
How to Professionally Quit a Job
Some days, you may want to just disappear from your job and never return. However, that’s not the best way to proceed. There are many factors and people that are affected when a nurse decides to leave a healthcare facility.
For instance, if you already have patients under your care or shifts assigned for a couple of weeks, you should talk to your supervisor and HR about your intentions and give notice (typically at least two weeks) so your facility can make arrangements to fill the vacancy your leaving will create.
It is possible that your facility will ask you for more time to find and train someone who can cover your position. Although you may not be obligated to do so, it may be in your best interest to negotiate this situation with them. After all, you’ll want a positive reference for your work history, and you never know when you might work with someone from the facility again.
More importantly, you should do what you can to reach the best possible outcomes for both parties.
6 Steps for a Smooth Nursing Job Resignation
The following steps can help you through the process of quitting your job:
- Give a formal notice: Handing in a formal notice letter at least two weeks before leaving demonstrates professionalism and respect for your manager and coworkers. Check your facility’s policies, as some facilities may require a longer notice period.
- Tell your manager first: Ask your manager for a face-to-face meeting and be honest in explaining why you decided to leave. If you are leaving due to dissatisfaction, try to offer constructive criticism. It is vital not to burn bridges or close doors that might help you in the future. Wait to tell your coworkers after you talk to your supervisor to avoid gossip and misunderstandings.
- Talk to your colleagues: You likely have friends at the institution, so show your appreciation for your colleagues when you say goodbye properly. Try to be thankful for the good experiences you have had and the knowledge and skills you have acquired.
- Ask for personal references: Positive references are always helpful when you’re job hunting. You can ask managers or coworkers for references. Try to have a couple before you leave.
- Give 100 percent during your last weeks: You have a commitment to the institution for the entirety of your notice period. Ensure you fulfill that commitment professionally so your patients receive quality care and your coworkers aren’t overloaded with work.
- Go to your exit interview: HR conducts these interviews to receive feedback and identify areas of improvement. Offer constructive opinions so they can make positive changes in the institution.
How to Write a Letter to Quit a Job
Once you have decided to leave your job, you need to give formal notice of your decision. A nursing resignation letter needs to be straightforward and concise. Here are some tips for writing a good letter:
- Make it clear: You should write a precise letter stating that you intend to resign from your current position and clearly indicating the date you will make your resignation effective.
- Explain your reasons: Write in a positive tone and keep your letter brief and professional.
- Express your gratitude: Show your gratitude for the experiences, knowledge, and opportunities your current position provided to help you grow professionally.
- Express your willingness to make a smooth transition: It will always be appreciated if you can help the institution with a smooth transition for your position.
- Include your personal information: Remember to leave your contact information so your manager or HR can reach out to you.
How to Quit a Job without Notice
In some cases, such as an emergency or safety concerns regarding patient assignments or the work environment, you may have no choice but to leave without a two-week notice. However, in most circumstances, a two-week notice is expected. Check with your employment contract, and policies can provide information about your healthcare institution's resignation requirements.
Quitting Your Nursing Job to Work PRN
Many nurses decide to leave their employee positions and turn to per diem (PRN) nursing. PRN nursing offers various advantages, such as the following:
- Variety of experience: PRN nurses can work shifts in different settings, which broadens their skills and makes them more valuable in the job market.
- Higher hourly rate: PRN nurses often receive higher hourly rates than internal staff. Therefore, nurses can earn more income to save or complete postponed plans.
- Flexibility: PRN nurses can choose where and when they want to work. Furthermore, they have more control over their schedules, deciding where they want to spend their time and also changing settings if they don’t like working at a particular facility.
- Better work-life balance: PRN nurses don’t have fixed schedules, which allows them to take time off when they need it. This helps them avoid burnout and take care of themselves.
How Can I Become a PRN Nurse?
Changes may come with some uncertainty. Nevertheless, becoming a PRN nurse with Nursa makes things easier. With Nursa, a healthcare marketplace that connects nurses and facilities, picking up PRN shifts has never been easier.
Furthermore, you can work PRN in your free time to save enough money to quit your permanent job, or you can work PRN full-time. If you want to learn all about becoming a PRN nurse, read this guide to working per diem nursing shifts.
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