How to Write a Nursing Cover Letter That Stands Out + Examples
- Do You Need One?
- What to Include
- 6 Common Mistakes
- Cover Letter Template
- Cover Letter Example
- Don't Forget It!
You're not alone if you think writing a nursing cover letter is intimidating. However, a great cover letter may be the difference between landing the job or having your application ignored.
Keep reading for expert advice regarding the importance and benefits of writing a nursing cover letter and common mistakes to avoid, and some examples you can use!
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Do You Need Nursing Cover Letters?
The cover letter is your chance to highlight your past experience and let the hiring manager know why you believe you're the best fit for the role. The hiring manager will quickly notice you are motivated and enthusiastic about the job prospect.
It's also your first chance to show your articulation and communication skills. A well-crafted cover letter makes an impression that instantly sets you apart from other applicants.
Benefits of Writing a Nursing Cover Letter
Most candidates don't take the time to create a cover letter. In the world of online applications, attaching one is usually optional and feels like extra work. So many applicants fill out the bare minimum and move on to the next job posting.
Stand out from the competition - Write a killer cover letter.
Why you should take the time to create your cover letter
- Increase chances your application is reviewed
- Highlight your accomplishments, skills, and qualifications
- Showcase your personality and communication skills
- Make a great first impression
- Show your interest in the position/company
Your resume is important, but the cover letter sets the tone for your entire application. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Nursing Resumes to learn more about current resume etiquette and trends.
Writing a nursing resume can feel overwhelming. It’s no easy task! Nowadays, nursing resumes must be able to pass through resume reading software before it even reaches a recruiter. That’s why we’ve put together THREE nurse resume templates to cater to your unique professional needs and employment situation.
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What to Include in Your Nursing Cover Letter
Did you learn how to write business letters in school? Have you forgotten everything about how to format them? You’re not alone - we’ve got your back here at Nurse.org.
Let's go through the basic format of a nursing cover letter that can be used at any stage of your professional development, including entry-level and specialty changes.
The header is simple; it’s just contact information for both you and the hiring organization. The basic format is:
Phone Number
Email Address
Street Address
- City, ST, Zip Code
Hiring Manager (Use name if possible)
- Healthcare Organization
The best advice here is to find out the hiring manager's name so you can personalize the greeting.
How to find out the name of a hiring manager:
- If you have a connection in the organization, ask who will review your application.
- Review the company website or LinkedIn to find the manager or director for the position.
- Call the Human resources department. This can be hit or miss, but it's worth a shot if you haven't found the right person.
Generic greetings should be your last resort. If you've tried and still can't find the name, "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear Nursing Recruitment Team" will work. You'll wow them with the rest of your letter.
Paragraph #1: Opening
In the opening paragraph, identify the position you're applying for and briefly state why you're a good fit. HR and hiring managers often look at resumes for several positions, so this is a chance to remind them that you are applying for X opportunity. It signals the hiring manager to read the rest of your letter and resume with that position in mind.
Paragraph #2: Background & Qualifications
Your qualifications paragraph is the most important one in your cover letter. Briefly summarize your background, skills, and traits that make you the perfect candidate for the position in about 2-3. Use keywords from the posted job description that complement your skill set. You can also use bullet points to make this paragraph stand out.
Note for new grads: All of your background experience is valuable. Suppose you don't have healthcare-specific work experience. In that case, you can highlight customer service skills, eagerness to learn new processes, and highlights from nursing school clinical experiences.
Notes for nurses transitioning to new specialties: Give a brief career synopsis and highlight the skills you think will best transfer to the new specialty. Emphasize strengths that align with the job position posting.
Paragraph #3: Compliment the Organization
Your final paragraph shows you're serious about the position. Research the organization and state why you want to join their team. You can find great information and keywords to use on the job post or their website.
Closing the Nursing Cover Letter
Your closing sentence is brief and invites further conversation. Restate your contact information and Invite the hiring manager to discuss the role further. Then, add in a final closure and your signature. Congratulations, your letter is complete!
The closure should be respectful and professional. Examples include
- Respectfully
- Sincerely yours
- Yours truly
- With warm regards
- Best regards
How to List Your Nursing Credentials
It’s easy to get confused about how to list your nursing credentials. The correct way to sign your name with credentials is:
[Name], [Highest level of education completed], [License type], [Certifications]
Jane completed an associate degree and is a Registered Nurse without other certifications (yet). Her signature is Jane Doe, ADN, RN
If Jane goes on to complete her BSN and Pediatric certification, her signature changes to: Jane Doe, BSN, RN, CPN
We’ve got templates below to help you get started, but first let’s review some common mistakes you should avoid.
6 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Nursing Cover Letter
Writing a great nursing cover letter may seem daunting, but the process does get easier with practice. Here are a few common nursing cover letter mistakes and pitfalls to avoid.
1. Leaving Grammatical Errors and Typos
Most programs have some spell and grammar check capabilities, but don't rely on them alone. Websites such as grammarly.com offer free proofreading and grammar review. Make sure to review that all names are correctly spelled.
2. Using a Generic Greeting
Do your research to find the hiring manager’s name. If you can’t find it, open the letter with “Dear Hiring Manager.” Avoid “To whom it may concern” at all costs.
3. Forgetting to add Keywords
Read the job description carefully. Find keywords that relate to your experience and use them throughout the cover letter.
4. Not Following Instructions
Follow any specific requirements listed in the job description or application website. If the listing says to upload your cover letter as a PDF, save your document as a PDF before submitting it.
This is your first test to see if you pay attention to detail and follow directions. Don't fail before you even get started!!
5. Using the Same Cover Letter for Different Jobs
Each position and organization are unique; don’t repeatedly use the same letter. However, you also don't need to start from scratch each time!
Save your cover letters as you write them so they’re available to edit next time. Highlight different skills if needed. Make it personal to the new position by including keywords from the job listing.
6. Forgetting to Proofread and Edit
Notice how #1 and #6 are almost identical? It’s on purpose - proofreading is the most critical aspect of writing. Here are some tips to help you make sure your cover letter is perfect:
Read your letter out loud. Does it make sense? Do any of the sentences sound strange when you read them out loud?
Walk away . Putting a bit of time between writing and finalizing your edits can make a world of difference in the final draft.
Enlist a friend. Ask a trusted friend, career advisor, or faculty member to read the letter before you hit send.
Nursing Cover Letter Template
Here’s everything your nursing cover letter should include.
City, State, Zip Code
Healthcare Organization Name
Telephone Number
Email address
Dear (Mr. Mrs. Ms.) ________,
Dear Nursing Recruitment Team,
Opening: 2-3 sentences that express your excitement. Name the exact position you are applying for and the organization. Briefly state why you are the best fit.
Background & Qualifications: 2-4 sentences to highlight your applicable certifications, achievements and strengths. You may use bullet format to draw attention to this section.
Compliment the Organization: 2-3 sentences to show you’ve researched the organization and position. Highlight organizational values that align with yours.
Closing sentence: Thank the hiring manager for taking time to review your application. Invite them to contact you to arrange an interview.
With warm regards,
Your Name, (credentials)
Example Nursing Cover Letter
(718) 555–0100
123 Main Street;
City, ST 12345
August 01, 2023
Hailey Johnson
Human Resources
Mercy Healthcare
123 Broadway Ave; City, ST 12300
Dear Ms. Hailey Johnson,
I am excited to apply for the Registered Nurse residency program at Mercy Healthcare. I recently graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and believe the skills and knowledge gained during nursing school will be highly valuable to your team.
I received excellent clinical reviews throughout nursing school and graduated with honors. I have excellent time-management skills and look forward to further developing hands-on skills through clinical practice. My ability to coordinate tasks and collaborate with others allows me to provide excellent patient care.
Mercy Healthcare is well-known for patient-centered care and shared governance. I look forward to making a difference in patients’ lives through compassion, dedication, and excellent nursing care.
Thank you for considering my application. I can be reached at (718) 555–0100 or [email protected] to arrange an interview and further discuss my qualifications.
Ava Smith, BSN, RN
Don't Forget Your Cover Letter!
Always, always, always attach a cover letter to your job applications. These templates should help you get started. Attaching a cover letter immediately sets you apart from the candidates who do not take the time to write or attach one. Highlight your strengths and show the hiring manager that you’re serious about the position. Then start prepping your answers to common interview questions for when you get that call.
Joleen Sams is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner based in the Kansas City metro area. During her 10-year RN career, Joleen worked in NICU, inpatient pediatrics, and regulatory compliance. Since graduating with her MSN-FNP in 2019, she has worked in urgent care and nursing administration. Connect with Joleen on LinkedIn or see more of her writing on her website.
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5 Nursing Student Cover Letter Examples Made for 2024
- Nursing Student Cover Letter
- Nursing Student Cover Letters by Experience
- Nursing Student Cover Letters by Role
- Write Your Nursing Student Cover Letter
You’re here to learn as much as you can each day on the job, administering basic patient care and assistance under a more supervised medical professional. You also help with manual and clerical duties like exam room prep and patient scheduling.
Now you need help writing a cover letter to complement your nursing student resume and looking just as tidy, organized, and prepared as an examination room!
We can help you make this happen. After years of guiding professionals in various roles in the medical field, we’ve put together five nursing student cover letter examples to get you started. You can also try our free AI cover letter generator .
Nursing Student Cover Letter Example
USE THIS TEMPLATE
Microsoft Word
Google Docs
Block Format
Copy this text for your nursing student cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46077 (123) 456-7890
August 20, 2023
Harper Thompson Community Health Network 123 Fictional Lane Indianapolis, IN 46077
Dear Ms. Thompson,
Upon learning about Community Health Network’s commitment to exceptional healthcare services and world-class innovations, I was immediately drawn to contributing my expertise as a nurse within your esteemed organization. I am confident that my clinical experience and skills can effectively contribute to the ongoing mission of your network.
A mentorship program at Indiana University School of Nursing paired me with experienced nurses who gave me invaluable insights into tailoring care approaches to unique patient needs and individualized treatments. The knowledge proved instrumental during my internship at IU Health Methodist Hospital. In this bustling setting, I helped treat an average of seven patients daily—administering medications, dressing wounds, and performing assessments. I handled the stress, yet blossomed in that environment, contributing to a 33% reduction in patient waiting time.
Volunteering at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital further honed my interpersonal skills. Being there for the patients, listening, and providing comfort during their treatment journey reminded us that we’re treating people, not just illnesses. Interacting with a diverse patient population taught me the importance of culturally competent care, ultimately improving patient satisfaction by 42%.
Community Health Network’s focus on population health management and its accessibility to varied healthcare services truly aligns with my aspirations of becoming a nurse who contributes positively to the local community. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to work in a healthcare system that puts patients first and integrates specialty and acute care with home care services.
Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to discussing my candidacy further.
Anika Hoffmann
Enclosures: Resume Application 2 letters of recommendation Nursing License/Certification
Why this cover letter works
- It helps to include any volunteering or internship programs in your nursing student cover letter, emphasizing the positive impact generated in different nursing environments.
Pair Your Cover Letter with a Matching Nursing Student Resume
or download as PDF
Level up your cover letter game
Relax! We’ll do the heavy lifting to write your cover letter in seconds.
Nursing Student No Experience Cover Letter Example
Copy this text for your nursing student no experience cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue Charlotte, NC 28105 (123) 456-7890
Daniel Hernandez Atrium Health 123 Fictional Lane Charlotte, NC 28105
Dear Mr. Hernandez,
While pursuing my nursing education, I was captivated by the hands-on, high-paced nature of patient care. Experiences in simulations and training allowed me to taste the energy of the healthcare environment, driving my desire to dive into this world professionally. Though I lack direct work experience, my education has equipped me with crucial skills and knowledge, which I am eager to apply to support your goals while continuing my nursing education.
Over time, I have learned the importance of proper hand hygiene, disinfecting surfaces, and wearing personal protective equipment to minimize infection risks for patients and staff members. I also understand the importance of helping patients maintain their independence and dignity while assisting with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and feeding.
I also have a strong foundation in measuring and recording vital signs, identifying changes in health status, and communicating any concerns to supervising nurses or physicians. That will be instrumental in providing exceptional care at Atrium Health.
I am confident that my blend of educational achievements, passion for patient care, and dedication to learning and growth make me a valuable candidate for the CNA position at Atrium Health. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and qualifications can contribute to the success of Atrium Health.
Alissa Marino
- Academics aside, emphasize your commitment to learning, adding value to the hiring organization, and growing professionally. Tidbits about your life are welcome here, but show how they influenced your journey.
Nursing Student Preceptorship Cover Letter Example
Copy this text for your nursing student preceptorship cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46201 (123) 456-7890
November 5, 2024
Olivia Zhu Indiana University Health 123 Fictional Lane Indianapolis, IN 46201
Dear Ms. Zhu:
What stands out to me about Indiana University Health are the stories of patients who felt genuinely seen and heard, a testament to your team’s deep level of individualized attention. Your commitment to holistic, compassionate care resonates with my values as an aspiring nurse, and I’m eager to contribute to such a meaningful mission.
My participation at IUPUI Simulation Centre in clinical simulation projects sharpened my critical thinking and teamwork skills, resulting in a 99% assessment score. During these simulations, I managed complex patient scenarios, improving my decision-making skills under pressure and contributing to a 2.6/10-point increase in patient safety ratings.
My experience with organizing electronic health records and performing patient assessments at Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital has equipped me to execute comprehensive evaluations under the guidance of your experienced staff. Proficiency in software like SPSS and Stata ensures accurate documentation and analysis of patient care data, enhancing operational efficiency.
At Indiana Minority Health Coalition, I contributed to an outreach program that surged proactive healthcare engagement by 71%. Moreover, my hands-on experience assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) reinforces my dedication to compassionate patient care, aligning with IUH’s emphasis on patient-centered practices.
I am excited to add value to your team, and I couldn’t be more eager for a follow-up conversation. Thank you for considering my application.
Hugo da Silva
Enclosures: Resume Application Transcripts
- Check out a phrase like “What stands out to me are the stories of patients who felt genuinely seen and heard, a testament to the deep level of individualized attention your team provides” in Hugo’s sales pitch.
Entry Level Nursing Student Cover Letter Example
Copy this text for your entry level nursing student cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73101 (123) 456-7890
November 10, 2024
Lucas Scott OU Medicine 123 Fictional Lane Oklahoma City, OK 73101
Dear Mr. Scott:
I aim to deliver safe, high-quality care to every patient, a standard that OU Medicine exemplifies. Your remarkable achievements in supporting individuals with addictions and mental health challenges have shown me that your institution prioritizes equity, safety, and integrity. As a clinical intern at OU Medicine, I’m eager to contribute to your innovative approach and be part of a team that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
Thriving in high-pressure environments has been a hallmark of my time as an EMT volunteer with the Crossings Community Center & Clinic. I quickly assessed patient conditions and delivered fundamental life support, including CPR and AED administration, responding to an average of 14 monthly emergency calls.
I gained valuable insights into patient care protocols and treatment plans when shadowing experienced healthcare professionals at Caring Hands Healthcare Center in McAlester. This experience enhanced my understanding of collaborative healthcare practices and contributed to a project that streamlined patient intake procedures, reducing wait times by 21% over two months.
Attending Francis Tuttle Technology Center for lab simulation experience equipped me with practical skills essential for this internship. Participating in team meetings, contributing to patient safety discussions, and fostering effective collaboration with healthcare staff have become crucial strengths.
I am excited about the prospect of contributing to such a respected institution. It would be an honor to discuss in an interview how my background and enthusiasm align with the innovative work at your facility.
Jasmine Wong
Enclosures: Resume Application Academic transcript
- Lying about your qualifications or experiences is a bad idea. Pulling a fast one on recruiters is not as easy as it seems. Most of them are too cautious (and curious) to send that interview invitation before digging into your professional life. They’ll turn their backs on you if they catch a whiff of your insincerity.
Nurse Practitioner Student Cover Letter Example
Copy this text for your nurse practitioner student cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue Atlanta, GA 30033 (123) 456-7890
Samuel Lewis Emory Healthcare 123 Fictional Lane Atlanta, GA 30033
Dear Mr. Lewis,
Feeding my lifelong goal to deliver a high standard of care that ensures the well-being of every patient, I am writing to express my enthusiasm for the registered nurse position at Emory Healthcare. The unparalleled commitment to patient care, as evidenced by Emory’s application for re-designation as a Magnet organization, aligns perfectly with my approach to healthcare.
My real-world nursing experience began at Grady Memorial Hospital. Here, I managed the assessments of an average of 18+ patients daily in different stages of wellness. Dealing with such a heavy caseload honed my skills in quick, accurate patient assessments and informed decision-making.
At Northside Hospital, I worked primarily in the diagnostic department, interpreting an estimating an average of 47+ diagnostic tests daily and collaborating closely with a team of medical practitioners to provide comprehensive and effective care for patients. I also administered medications for an average of 73+ patients daily at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, diligently documenting their responses and adjusting the care accordingly. This role significantly developed my detail orientation and precision, making me competent in handling medications and recording vital observations.
My diverse experiences have profoundly equipped me with a broad knowledge of nursing care, efficient collaboration capabilities, and an excellent understanding of medical and healthcare systems. I am excited to join your team and contribute to the culture of safety, quality, and integrity embodied by Emory. It would be an honor to discuss my candidacy further.
Leonardo Conti
- But don’t just claim you can bring success to the role: include real examples of you spurring change or patient recovery in your previous workplaces.
Related cover letter examples
- Medical Assistant
- Entry Level
- Career Change
How to Write A Winning Nursing Student Cover Letter
Whether you’ve already built up a bit of work experience or are going in with zero professional background related to nursing, find a solid way to tailor your cover letter to each specific job description .
Look for areas where you have traits they want, whether you got them in a medical environment or not! After all, things like empathy and multitasking extend across many professions.
Writing the greeting and introduce yourself
Open up your nursing student cover letter on a good note by actually addressing it to a specific person! Many people toss out generic “To whom it may concern” intros without thinking about how to improve them.
After connecting with the hiring manager or recruiter, connect yourself with the company. Introduce some of your key traits that overlap with their values, and cite a couple of skills they specifically require.
Don’t forget to state that you’re a good fit and leave the reader wanting more info by alluding to the fact that you have plenty of potential!
Basically, don’t make it like this intro, which lacks a greeting entirely on top of carrying an unenthusiastic and bland tone.
Can I work at Emory Healthcare? I have plenty of qualifications, so I’ll tell you about them next.
Look what a different it makes to include a formal greeting and outline the alignment between personal and organization-wide goals! Not to mention: The reader’s left wondering what more there is to that approach to healthcare!
That’s way better!
To further my lifelong goal of delivering a high standard of care that ensures the well-being of every patient, I am writing to express my enthusiasm for the registered nurse position at Emory Healthcare. The unparalleled commitment to patient care, as evidenced by Emory’s application for re-designation as a Magnet organization, aligns perfectly with my approach to healthcare.
Writing the body paragraphs
Now, about those body paragraphs. Your goal here is to let each one tell a chapter in your story of excellence as a nursing student! Together, your body paragraphs should spell out exactly why you’d be great in a medical environment.
Can you talk about any extra certificate courses you’ve taken to prepare for your new nursing role? What about some notable projects from college? Just make sure you’ve got the data to back everything up!
Use concise but powerful metrics like success percentages and reduced patient wait times to add impact to your achievements. State how these accomplishments translate and make you a great fit for the role.
Example of a well-done body paragraph
My real-world nursing experience began at Grady Memorial Hospital. Here, I managed the assessments of an average of 18+ patients in different stages of wellness. Dealing with such a heavy caseload honed my skills in quick, accurate patient assessments and informed decision-making.
Concluding and signing your cover letter
Just like you conclude patient visits with post-procedural care instructions, make sure you close off your cover letter with a good concluding paragraph and a professional close.
Your concluding paragraph should sum up how you align with the company, mentioning them by name if possible. State that you’re a good fit and highlight a couple of your best traits. Thank the reader for their time, too!
Your signoff should be formal—and it can include your thank-you statement at the same time! Just remember to speak formally and use your real, full name . . . unlike in this example:
I really want this position and I’d be real good at it. Tell me what you think.
Instead of . . . that , consider writing in a few of your personal traits that make you a great student nurse and get specific with a graceful call to action, like in this example:
Much nicer!
Stick with one page! You want to show that you can act as efficiently while organizing your cover letter as you can while assisting other medical staff at work.
The internet is a beautiful thing! Try LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or even business social media accounts like Facebook or Instagram. These can all give you a good start if you can’t find the proper addressee in the job description or on the company site.
Yep! Include an “Enclosures:” section if you have additional certifications to attach, whether they’re additional relevant diplomas or CPR certificates. Just make sure you attach the actual documents separately!
How to Write a Nursing Cover Letter
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- How to Write a Cover Letter
- Mistakes to Avoid
- Cover Letter Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
Nursing Cover Letter Template
Sample nursing cover letter.
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
A nursing cover letter is still crucial in the job application process. It’s often the first impression a potential employer will have of you. A cover letter is a chance to tell your story and call attention to aspects of your resume you want a reviewer to notice.
It’s also a chance to explain to an employer why you want to work for them, what you know about them, and why you’re an ideal candidate. A strong cover letter can tip the balance in your favor, helping you stand out from the competition and land an interview.
In the following guide, we walk you through writing a strong nursing cover letter, mistakes to avoid, and real-world tips that will keep you focused. Check out our downloadable nursing cover letter template and a sample letter to get started. Once you master the process, you’ll be writing winning cover letters in no time.
4 Steps to Write Your Nursing Cover Letter
Writing a cover letter can feel overwhelming for many nurses, especially because it’s difficult to know what to say, how much to reiterate what’s on your resume , and what information to include or not. A cover letter is an opportunity to explain aspects of your professional or personal history that a resume can’t always get across. Your passion and interests come through, along with your ability to communicate clearly. Review the following steps to write a stand-out cover letter. Feel free to use our sample letter and downloadable template. The cover letter is a significant part of convincing employers that they absolutely need to meet you!
Create a Header with Your Contact Information
Introduce yourself and note the position you’re applying for in the opening paragraph, highlight your skills and the reasons you want to work for this employer, write a closing paragraph and restate your interest, 7 mistakes to avoid in your nursing cover letter.
- Submitting Spelling and Grammar Errors: Nursing requires excellent documentation and attention to detail. Grammatical errors are unprofessional, and they can paint a picture of someone who doesn’t value attention to detail. Many resume reviewers will likely pass on a candidate whose resume and/or cover letter contain errors.
- Copying Your Resume: Your nursing cover letter can highlight aspects of your resume , but it shouldn’t be a verbatim copy. Find creative ways to underscore your key characteristics, skills, or experiences without repetition.
- Using Incorrect or Inconsistent Format: It’s best practice for your cover letter and resume to match in terms of design, font, and format. This creates a branded, visually cohesive application package.
- Forgetting to Tie Your Qualifications to the Position: Your cover letter should be targeted and specific, addressing the position you’re applying for and its qualifications, skills, and responsibilities. If you don’t tie your qualifications to the job in question, that makes a weak case for you getting an interview.
- Failing to Address the Letter to a Specific Person or Department: Many postings fail to provide the name of an individual or a department to address in your letter. If they provide this information, use it. If they don’t, you can use the generic “Hiring Manager” or “Hiring Committee”.
- Starting Every Paragraph with “I”: Be creative in finding different ways to begin each paragraph (see our sample letter for examples). If two paragraphs begin with “I”, that’s OK, but no more than that.
Tips from Nurses on Writing Your Nursing Cover Letter
Research potential employers, explain relevant skills that meet the position’s qualifications, include your soft skills, highlight your best qualities, demonstrate your passion, showcase your ability and willingness to learn, check for errors, frequently asked questions about nursing cover letters, what should a nurse cover letter include.
A nurse cover letter should include a header with your name, credentials, and contact information, plus the receiver’s contact information. The body of the letter should specifically address the position you’re applying for, and how you can fulfill the characteristics, credentials, skills, knowledge, and expertise required.
What should a nurse cover letter not include?
Your cover letter does not need to include phrases like, “My references are available upon request”; “Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns”; or “I can be contacted via email at _____________or via phone at _____________.” These are all givens, and if your contact information is in your header, there’s no need to say it again.
What’s the difference between a new grad nurse cover letter and an experienced nurse cover letter?
A new grad nurse cover letter can’t demonstrate the level of skill, expertise, and knowledge as a seasoned nurse. New grads haven’t accumulated years of nursing experience, but they have their academic and clinical performance, enthusiasm, passion, and related healthcare experience to share, whether paid or volunteer. When employers advertise new grad positions, they understand that new grad resumes and letters can’t reflect the resumes of experienced nurses.
Are nursing cover letters necessary?
In these days of online applications, a cover letter may be optional, meaning that applicants can upload a cover letter if they choose to. For some applications, a cover letter will be required. Consider this: if a cover letter is optional, why not go the extra mile and write a strong one? If your resume and experience are comparable to another candidate’s, your cover letter could give you the edge. After all, a resume can’t by nature express much personality, but a cover letter can. So, make a strong impression with a well-crafted letter, whether it’s required or not.
Download our cover letter template (DOCX, 14KB)
Name and Credentials
Town, State | Phone | Email
Personalized LinkedIn profile URL (optional)
Dept and/or contact person Facility or organization Street Town, State, Zip
Dear ________________:
Paragraph 1: Begin by stating the position for which you are applying. Say something about the organization to demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and understand what they’re all about, and that this letter is not at all “cookie-cutter” in nature.
Paragraph 2: Share select highlights of your career, expertise, experience, skills, or personal characteristics that are directly applicable to this position and/or this employer. You can emphasize something from your resume that you want them to make note of, as long as you don’t use exactly the same language as your resume, which is redundant.
Paragraph 3: This is a good place to highlight some of your “soft skills” (e.g., communication, emotional intelligence, relational intelligence, patient education, compassion, empathy, etc).
Paragraph 4: Here you can call attention to your computer skills, EMR experience, etc., as well as any other tech skills worth mentioning.
Closing paragraph: Tie the letter together, reiterate your interest, and express your enthusiastic desire to have the opportunity to meet to discuss your experience and the position further.
Sincerely, Your name and credentials
Miguel Schwartzkoffnian, BSN, RN
Annabelle, HA | 000-000-1000 | [email protected]
LinkedIn.com/in/MichaelSchwartzfoffianbsnrn
April 3, 2023
Department of Nursing Recruitment University of Tabula Rasa Medical Center 301 Rasa Drive Glen Tabularea, MOO 22222
Dear Nursing Recruitment Department:
As a caring and dedicated summa cum laude graduate of Adelphi University’s BSN program, please accept my enthusiastic interest in the Registered Nurse – Respiratory/Intermediate Care position posted on your website. I am both personally and professionally aligned with the values that are a very clear aspect of your organization’s mission. From your “Power of Caring” funding of your expanded Outpatient Care Center to your “Next Generation” initiative, I can clearly see the forward-thinking philosophy underlying UTRMC and its reputation as an innovative facility and community member.
During my education, I thrived in clinical practice where I received positive preceptor feedback following each rotation. I am highly coachable, and as you can see from my resume, I bring more than six years’ related healthcare experience as both an EMT and CNA. I am already well-versed in code blue response, Foley catheter insertion and care, venipuncture, ECG interpretation, and non-complex wound care. Comfortable in new settings, I am not afraid to ask questions to enhance my learning and improve the quality of care I deliver to patients and their families. I thrive in multidisciplinary environments, and I use my highly-developed communication skills and emotional and relational intelligence to foster a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among my colleagues, and nurse-patient relationships built on trust.
As a digital native and quick learner, I am highly competent using the Epic and Cerner EMRs and Microsoft Office Suite, and I have full confidence in my natural curiosity and powers of critical thinking in relation to learning new technologies and digital interfaces.
I have a great deal to contribute as a member of the UTRMC community of clinicians. I look forward to discussing the intersection of my skills and experience with the needs of your inspiring organization that embraces its role beyond the actual facility and into the surrounding community it serves.
Sincerely, Miguel Schwartzkoffnian, BSN, RN
Page last reviewed on February 24, 2023
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