How to Get Out of Nursing in 5 Steps

• Stress levels are high, exhaustion is kicking in, and the thought of how to get out of nursing is beginning to cross your mind daily, so what do you do?
• Our 5-step guide on how to get out of nursing is here to help navigate you through this process!
• There are so many job options beyond the bedside that might interest you!

Stress levels are high, exhaustion is kicking in, and the thought of leaving your nursing job is finally something you want to pursue.  

With the 2021 national RN vacancy rates being higher than ever before, it is safe to say that you are not alone, and that many others are sharing the same wishes as you. 

Of course, this is not an easy decision for you to make, and perhaps you’re unsure of what you should do or where you should go next. You want to know how to get out of nursing the right way, and we’re here to help.  

Step 1. Update Your Resume

No matter how long you have been with your current nursing job, it is always essential to keep your resume updated. 

Adding the experiences and skills you have earned throughout your position will show potential new employers what you can bring to the table and why you are a competitive candidate. 

Step 2. Job Search or Develop A Fallback Plan

It can never hurt to have a backup plan in any circumstance, and your career is no different. 

Find job postings that interest you, you are qualified enough to apply for, and what the benefits are like.  

Tip: Even if you do not meet every requirement on a job listing, it never hurts to apply anyways. You may get lucky, but you will never know if you don’t try!  

Step 3. Create a Resignation Letter and Give Notice

From including a two weeks-notice to incorporating a ‘Thank You’ to your supervisor, there are many details that should go into a nurse resignation letter. 

It is in good practice, and a ‘workplace norm’ to always write one if you are planning to leave your job. 

If there is a possibility that you will want to use your current supervisor as a reference in the future, make sure you follow all the tips and tricks to develop a direct and peaceful resignation letter.  

Step 4. Keep Peace and Finish Your Term

With any job, words spread quickly.  

It is of the utmost importance that your notice to leave your position is relayed to your supervisor first. You do not want them to receive this information “through the grapevine.” 

On top of that, requesting an exit interview or offering to train your replacement are all wonderful initiatives that you can take upon informing your supervisor of your resignation.  

Step 5. Leave with Grave and Move on to a New Venture

Accept that new job offer, pack up the moving van, and head to a new city!

Whatever your new plans are, pursue them!  

You have done your part and left your nursing job on good terms, so keep your head high and be excited for what lies ahead. 

But, What If…?

This all sounds great, but not everyone’s story can be this simple.

What if you don’t have a backup plan or new job lined up? What opportunities are there outside of nursing?  

Your whole life and education have led you to where you are now, so you cannot just abandon that, right? Wrong.  

What Can I Do Away from the Bedside?

Job-searching and recruiting platform, Indeed, has listed several job opportunities that you can pursue with your nursing background, check them out! 

1. Medical Biller 
2. Nutritionist 
3. Health Service Administrator 
4. Health Researcher 
5. Nurse Consultant 

On top of these options, nurse blogging is also a great freelance opportunity that you can do from anywhere!  

An additional option that we highly recommend as a nurse-founded and operated company is nurse entrepreneurship! If you have an idea, concept, or product that you think nurses would love, get out there and see it to fruition!  

We believe in you. 

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