Registered Nurse Severance Pay: 2026 Guide
Registered Nurses typically receive 1-3 weeks per year of service. Calculate your estimated package below.
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Typical Registered Nurse Severance Range
Registered nurses rarely face traditional layoffs due to persistent staffing shortages, but hospital mergers, unit closures, and system restructurings can result in RN separations. When layoffs occur, RNs should focus on license maintenance, credentialing support, and COBRA costs. With average salaries of $85,000 and high demand, transition periods tend to be shorter for nurses.
Based on $85,000 average salary, 5 years of service
How Registered Nurse Compares to Healthcare Average
Top Companies Hiring Registered Nurses
Severance packages at major employers for registered nurse roles:
| Company | Severance Formula | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Kaiser Permanente | Union-negotiated for many roles; typically 2-4 weeks per year | Standard |
| HCA Healthcare | Varies; typically minimal for non-executive staff | Below Avg |
| UnitedHealth Group | 2 weeks per year of service + transition benefits | Standard |
| Mayo Clinic | Based on tenure and position; typically 2-8 weeks | Standard |
| CVS Health | 2 weeks per year of service (standard corporate) | Standard |
Registered Nurse Severance After Tax by State
Top states for registered nurse roles. Same package, different take-home.
| State | State Tax | Total Tax | After-Tax (on $16,346) |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 12.3% | 34.3% | $10,739 |
| Texas | 0.0% | 22.0% | $12,750 |
| Florida | 0.0% | 22.0% | $12,750 |
| New York | 10.9% | 32.9% | $10,968 |
| Pennsylvania | 3.1% | 25.1% | $12,248 |
| Illinois | 5.0% | 27.0% | $11,941 |
Negotiating Registered Nurse Severance
Role-specific strategies for registered nurse severance negotiation:
- ✓Push for continued malpractice/professional liability insurance during transition
- ✓Negotiate for license renewal fee coverage and CEU credit reimbursement
- ✓Ask for credentialing assistance at your next facility
- ✓Request priority rehire status if the health system has multiple locations
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Registered Nurse Severance FAQ
How much severance does a registered nurse typically get?▼
Registered Nurses typically receive 1-3 weeks of pay per year of service. With an average salary of $85,000, a registered nurse with 5 years of service would typically receive $16,346 (before tax).
Can a registered nurse negotiate their severance?▼
Absolutely. Registered Nurse severance packages are almost always negotiable. An employment lawyer experienced in healthcare can typically negotiate 2-5x the initial offer. Focus on role-specific benefits like push for continued malpractice/professional liability insurance during transition.
What should a registered nurse prioritize in severance?▼
Beyond cash, registered nurses should prioritize: extended health coverage (COBRA costs $600-2,000/month), equity/stock acceleration, outplacement services, and a positive written reference. For healthcare roles specifically, also focus on professional certification maintenance and industry-specific benefits.
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