Are you overwhelmed with your job and don’t know what to do? Do you feel exhausted, not valued, or think that you are in a toxic environment?
Sometimes saying “Enough” and looking for new job possibilities, or even exploring other career paths, is the healthiest decision.
Fear can become the biggest hurdle, but when you have reflected on your decision and taken the right steps, better opportunities emerge.
Thinking about how to quit your nursing job may keep you up at night, but it doesn’t need to be that way. This resource guide can help you navigate this decision, helping you to consider all the factors you need to be aware of.
From how to write a professional resignation letter to exploring career options for former nurses, you can find strong support in a moment when things may not seem so clear.
There may be various reasons for leaving your nursing job, including mental health issues, burnout, or poor leadership. The most important thing is to quit in the best possible way and be aware of all the factors involved in this decision.
Continue reading to discover what you need to consider and develop a concrete plan that leaves nothing behind.
Why quitting your nursing job requires planning
Nursing is rewarding, but it’s also physically and emotionally demanding. Over time, many nurses face burnout, unsafe workloads, or dissatisfaction with schedules and leadership. Quitting without a plan can create unnecessary stress, but a methodical approach protects your finances, reputation, and wellbeing.
A properly managed nurse resignation process also helps facilities prepare for turnover, preventing staff shortages, ensuring safe continuity of care, and preserving professional relationships to avoid burning bridges.
Should you leave your nursing job?
Before taking action, assess whether quitting is the right decision at this time. Nurses often leave roles for one or more of these reasons:
- Chronic overtime, unmanageable patient loads, or safety concerns
- Limited growth opportunities or stagnant pay
- Stress from toxic culture or leadership issues
- Lack of work-life balance or schedule control
- Family, relocation, or health-related reasons
- A desire for a nursing career change or leaving bedside work
If burnout is a driving factor, see whether adjustments could restore balance before resigning. Options may include requesting a transfer to a less intense unit, trying another schedule (days vs. nights), or working part-time.
Signs it’s time to leave a nursing job
Knowing when to leave a nursing job requires self-awareness and introspection. Consider moving on if you experience:
- Persistent anxiety or dread before shifts
- Exhaustion that doesn’t improve with time off
- Ongoing safety issues that are ignored by management
- Lack of real opportunities for growth or schedule consistency
- Declining physical or mental health due to job stress
- Misalignment between your values and the facility’s culture
If multiple signs align, it may be time to plan your departure and safeguard your long-term career health.
Quitting nursing burnout: How to recover thoughtfully
Quitting your job due to nursing burnout doesn’t mean failure—it’s a decision to preserve your wellbeing. Many nurses experience moral injury and compassion fatigue from systems that neglect safe staffing and mental health support.
Before resigning, use available support options:
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Look for confidential counseling for workplace stress or trauma.
- Peer support or nurse counseling: Talking to others who understand what you are going through can validate your experiences.
- Paid time off or Family and Medical Leave (FMLA): Sometimes, taking a short break is enough to regain perspective.
- Tips for dealing with difficult nurse colleagues: Address interpersonal issues proactively before they escalate.
If you’ve exhausted these options with no improvement, leaving may be the healthiest choice.
Financial planning for leaving nursing
Even the most courageous career decisions benefit from solid financial preparation. If possible, plan at least three to six months of essential living expenses before resigning.
Key financial steps include the following:
- Health insurance: Confirm your coverage end date and evaluate the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, or spouse plan options.
- Retirement contributions: Check vesting schedules for your 401(k) or 403(b) and move funds laterally to maintain growth.
- Repayment clauses: Some tuition programs or sign-on bonuses include prorated repayment obligations.
- Unemployment eligibility: Voluntary resignation rarely qualifies unless you can demonstrate a valid reason (e.g., unsafe working conditions).
- Side income options: Explore per diem or freelance nursing to cover costs while transitioning.
A careful review of your contract’s nurse resignation notice period and benefits timelines avoids lapses in pay or coverage.
The nurse resignation process
Once you’re ready to step away, approach your resignation process methodically to protect relationships and maintain professionalism.
- Review your contracts and policies: Clarify required notice, paid time off (PTO), and rehire eligibility.
- Choose the right timing: Standard notice is two weeks for most staff nurses and four weeks for managers.
- Write your resignation letter: Keep it concise, respectful, and factual.
- Tell your manager first: A face-to-face or video discussion shows respect.
- Notify HR afterward: Provide your formal letter and discuss transition details.
- Prepare for your exit interview: Be constructive and avoid emotional commentary.
- Return all property: Include badges, scrubs, keys, and medical equipment.
Your facility’s HR team may use your feedback to improve working conditions, which can contribute to long-term reductions in nurse turnover.
How to write a resignation letter for nurses
A professional letter formalizes your decision while preserving your reputation. Follow these guidelines:
- Begin with a clear statement of resignation and your final day.
- Express gratitude for the opportunities your facility provided.
- Offer assistance with transition tasks like training replacements.
- Include your contact information for follow-up.
Sample resignation letter for nurses
Subject: Resignation – [Your Name], RN
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from my position as [Your Role] at [Facility Name], effective [Last Working Day, typically two weeks from today].
I deeply appreciate the opportunity to work with this team and the valuable experience I’ve gained. I will support a smooth transition by [training new staff, completing handoffs, etc.].
Thank you for your leadership and guidance during my time here.
Sincerely,
[Your Name], RN
[Contact Information]
Visit Nursa’s PRN notice letter guide for additional tips.
How to quit a nursing job without notice
Sometimes, immediate resignation is unavoidable—particularly if safety, harassment, or ethics are at stake. Situations that may justify leaving without notice include the following:
- Threats to your safety or wellbeing
- Unsafe patient assignments or unmanageable ratios
- Harassment, discrimination, or retaliation
- Sudden family emergencies or health crises
If situations such as sexual harassment or discrimination occur, document all relevant events and notify HR in writing. Explain your reasons briefly but professionally. Whenever possible, hand off active patients appropriately to avoid allegations of patient abandonment.
Quitting your nursing job to work PRN
Switching from a permanent role to working per diem is one of the most popular options for nursing career changes. PRN nurses choose their shifts and facilities, allowing them to regain work-life balance and avoid burnout.
Advantages of PRN nursing include the following:
- Flexibility: Choose when and where you work.
- Higher hourly pay: PRN nurses often earn higher rates.
- Skill diversity: Exposure to new settings expands your experience.
- Improved balance: Enjoy the freedom to rest or pursue further education.
PRN work helps clinicians fill shifts on their own terms. Facilities also gain the ability to manage workloads efficiently—a major step toward preventing nurse burnout.
Alternatives to nursing jobs
If bedside work no longer aligns with your goals, you don’t have to abandon nursing altogether. Many fulfilling alternatives to bedside nursing jobs combine clinical expertise with new skill sets, offering a diverse range of career options.
Clinical alternatives:
- School nurse
- Occupational health nurse
- Public health or clinic-based nurse
- Dialysis or infusion nurse
- Palliative or hospice nurse
Non-clinical alternatives:
- Case management or utilization review
- Telehealth triage
- Clinical documentation, informatics, or quality improvement
- Medical writing or nurse education
- Healthcare technology, project management, or consulting
Related: What jobs count as soft nursing?
Nurse career transition and upskilling
Transitioning careers requires preparation. Nurses can ease the process by identifying transferable strengths—such as patient communication, leadership, and critical thinking—and pairing them with relevant new certifications.
Valuable credentials for transitioning nurses:
- For case management: Certified Case Manager (CCM) or Accredited Case Manager (ACM)
- For quality improvement: Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)
- For informatics: Registered Nurse–Board Certified (RN-BC) or Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS)
- For project management: Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
- For clinical research: Association of Clinical Research Professionals Certification (ACRP) or Society of Clinical Research Associates Certification (SOCRA)
Nurses planning a career change should update their resumes, network through professional organizations, and consider nurse career counseling for structured guidance.
Exit interviews: What to expect and how to prepare
The last step for a nurse before departure is an exit interview. The goal is to gather feedback, not to evaluate individuals. Expect to be asked questions about staffing, safety, management, and the work environment.
When responding:
- Stay factual and professional.
- Avoid naming individuals unless reporting misconduct.
- Offer constructive suggestions for system improvement.
- Ask clarifying questions about benefits end dates, PTO payout, and rehire eligibility.
Your insights could directly inform administrative efforts to reduce burnout and turnover.
When to leave bedside nursing vs. leaving nursing altogether
Leaving the bedside is not synonymous with leaving the profession. Many nurses transition to new specialties rather than leaving nursing entirely.
You may consider leaving bedside work if you experience the following:
- Physical strain or shift fatigue is unsustainable.
- Ratios or conditions no longer fit your lifestyle.
- You crave predictable schedules or non-acute settings.
You may consider switching from nursing to another field if you experience the following:
- Your career values have shifted significantly.
- You find joy in roles outside patient care.
- You wish to pursue fields like business, writing, education, or technology.
Whatever direction you choose, maintaining your active license and clinical identity can keep your options open.
Read: How to create nursing career goals using the “SMART” method
Finding passion beyond nursing
Rediscovering purpose after leaving nursing takes reflection. Begin by identifying what energizes you—whether it’s teaching, advocacy, technology, or creativity.
Ways to explore other passions include:
- Taking short online courses to test new industries
- Attending healthcare innovation webinars
- Volunteering for community health projects or nonprofits
- Meeting with a career counselor familiar with professionals transitioning from patient care to set achievable goals
These steps lay the foundation for your next chapter while honoring the skills you’ve developed in nursing.
15 Frequently asked questions about quitting your nursing job
1. What’s a professional notice period for nurses?
A professional notice period for nurses is generally two weeks for staff RNs and four weeks for managers or specialized positions.
2. Can I quit immediately?
You can only quit immediately in emergencies related to safety or health, and you should notify Human Resources promptly in such cases.
3. Will I lose my license if I quit my job?
You will not lose your nursing license if you quit your job, as long as you follow proper patient care handoff protocols.
4. What counts as patient abandonment?
Patient abandonment is considered when a nurse leaves during a shift without providing a proper handoff or ensuring coverage.
5. Do I have to repay my sign-on bonus?
Whether you have to repay your sign-on bonus depends on your hiring contract, so be sure to check for any prorated repayment clauses.
6. How do I explain leaving in interviews?
When explaining why you are leaving in interviews, it is best to focus on professional growth, wellness, or safety priorities.
7. Can I receive unemployment benefits?
Unemployment benefits are rarely available for voluntary resignations, but you should confirm the specific rules in your state.
8. Should I take a leave of absence for burnout before quitting?
If you are eligible, you should consider taking a leave of absence through FMLA or adjusting your schedule before deciding to quit due to burnout.
9. Which non-bedside roles suit RNs?
Some non-bedside roles that suit RNs include case management, clinical informatics, telehealth, and quality assurance positions.
10. How do I switch to another field?
To switch to another field, highlight your transferable skills, pursue relevant certifications, and build your professional network.
11. Do I need to share my reasons with my manager?
While you do need to share your reasons for leaving with your manager, it is important to keep the conversation professional and constructive.
12. What about healthcare coverage after quitting?
You should plan for healthcare coverage after quitting by using COBRA, ACA marketplace options, or a spouse’s plan to avoid any coverage gaps.
13. Can I still get references if I leave a toxic job?
You can still get references even if you leave a toxic job by asking peers, educators, or leaders from other units who know your work.
14. How do I avoid burning bridges?
To avoid burning bridges, provide proper notice, complete your responsibilities responsibly, and express gratitude during your departure.
15. Where can I find advice for quitting and support?
For advice and support when quitting your nursing job, consider reaching out to mentors, nurse career counselors, or joining community forums dedicated to nursing careers.
Nursa’s role in nurse career flexibility
Nursa opens the door to new opportunities. Our platform can become a new way of practicing nursing, where nurses can achieve an ideal work-life balance, control their schedules and their work settings, and plan their free time in advance.
For nurses, having the flexibility that Nursa provides is regaining control over their lives.
What else could be more important than that?
