It can be challenging to find a nursing job, especially if it’s your first, but with a high-quality nursing cover letter, you can definitely stand out from the competition. To help you with this, here are some tips for writing an effective and compelling nursing cover letter, no matter what type of healthcare organization you’re interested in joining.
Just like in any industry, each physician’s office, hospital, or other healthcare facility is unique in its needs and therefore requires a unique set of skills and qualifications from its nurses and other job applicants. Accordingly, every nursing cover letter you write needs to be customized to the job for which you’re applying. Research the culture, services, and patients of the facility you’re interested in and use these things within your letter. It will show the hiring manager you’re truly interested and taking the right steps.
Keep your nursing cover letter to one page, single-spaced and in a professional, business letter format, which includes an appropriate header with your address and that of the prospective employer. Your focus, in this order, should be on:
Keep in mind, while most of this information will be provided in your resume as well, your nursing cover letter is an opportunity to relate your qualifications and credentials to the position you’re applying for. It is your job as an applicant to point this out to the hiring manager – if it isn’t immediately obvious, you could lose their attention and your shot at the job before they’re even done reading!
People will typically remember personal stories, so if something pops into your head that makes a good connection to the role, be sure to include it. Perhaps it’s the memory of a patient who positively influenced you during an internship, or maybe it has to do with a friend or family member. Be authentic and make it brief but memorable.
Your nursing cover letter should close with a strong paragraph stating that you’d love to speak further about the role and indicating how you can be reached to discuss next steps.
Here are some examples of how you can structure your nursing cover letter:
Your Address
City, Province and Postal Code
Date
Name of Person and title
Company/Organization
Address
Dear Contact/Hiring Manager’s Name
First, explain why you are contacting the organization (“I am writing to express interest in…”). Include the title of the occupation to which you’re applying and where you learned about the position (e.g. organization’s website, Indeed.com, etc.). Talk about the company you’re applying to – why are you interested in this position at this facility including details to show you know something about them – and why you love nursing in general. Think back and include one important fact or relevant story about yourself that would stand out from other applicants.
Second, include what about the occupation piqued your attention and what would make you the ideal candidate. Draw attention to your expertise and how it’s relevant to the position for which you’re applying. Be sure to include strong and diverse examples of how past experiences have prepared you to handle the duties of the job you’re seeking.
Include information about your education: program, graduation date, and academic successes.
Lastly, briefly recap why you’re a great candidate for the position. Express that you would like to further discuss the position, and provide your contact information to proceed with next steps in the process.
Sincerely,
Name
Your Address
City, Province and Postal Code
Date
Contact/Hiring Manager’s Name
HR Manager
Company Name
Company Address
Dear Mr./Ms. LAST NAME:
I’m writing to you today regarding the nursing job vacancy you posted on (WEBSITE/SOURCE NAME). I was thrilled to see that the role perfectly suits my education and skillset, and I am confident that I would be an excellent fit for the role and ORGANIZATION NAME.
I have an EDUCATION CREDENTIAL and NUMBER OF YEARS years of extensive work experience. During that time, I developed the skills to deliver impeccable health care and service towards patients. I have been trained in monitoring patients, updating information on vital signs and documents to effectively monitor their health, and SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE. While working at CLINIC OR HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATION NAME as a JOB TITLE, I was tasked with assessing the condition of patients, ordering and developing diagnostic tests, and SPECIFIC TASKS. I firmly believe that I will bring the energy and dedication necessary to thrive in your hospital’s (OR clinic’s) environment.
As noted on my resume, my competencies and capabilities are strongly in line with the requirements stated in your job description. For instance, while working as a JOB TITLE, I have gained a deep understanding of how to perform emergency medical procedures such as basic and advanced cardiac life support, SPECIFIC TASKS, as well as other condition-stabilizing interventions. I have become skilled at accurately obtaining and interpreting medical information to determine the health status and needs of my patients. Additionally, I possess excellent communication skills, which help me to effectively interact with patients, families, physicians, and other health team members. Overall, I believe my background will allow me to be of great service to your hospital (OR clinic).
I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you. Please accept the enclosed resume.
Sincerely,
Name
Phone number
Email address
Your Address
City, Province and Postal Code
Date
Contact/Hiring Manager’s Name
HR Manager
Company Name
Company Address
Dear Mr./Ms. LAST NAME:
I am writing to express interest in the Registered Nurse position open at your facility and ask that you please consider me for the role. I graduated from EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION with an EDUCATION CREDENTIAL in SEASON OR MONTH YEAR. From my resume, you will see that my experience matches the qualifications listed for this position. I heard about this job through your website and I am very interested in what you have to offer.
Through my nursing education at EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION, and my recent work as a registered nurse, I have acquired skills in patient assessment and gained a solid foundation in providing holistic nursing care that focuses on all aspects of a person’s health. I am passionate about nursing and I realize that patient care requires a solid foundation in nursing skills and techniques, organization and prioritization of care, and communication skills. These skills, along with my compassion, patience, and patient advocacy, are what I offer as a registered nurse.
I would be honoured and excited to be a part of your team and contribute my skills to your staff and patients. I welcome the opportunity to discuss this position and my qualifications at your convenience. If there is any additional information you need me to provide, I would be pleased to do so. Please feel free to contact me at the information below.
Your time and consideration are greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Name
Be sure to keep these tips for writing a great nursing cover letter in mind. They will help you stand out from the crowd so you can land a job that’s a great fit with who you are and what you can bring to a new role and workplace.
AUTHOR
Courtney Marie loves diving into a good book or getting lost in her writing projects. She's a sucker for sunny days and loves adventures. Whether she’s playing a new sport or exploring a new place, she’s down to try anything.
Courtney has over a decade of writing and editing experience, particularly in the lifestyle, wellness, and healthcare sectors. She's passionate about creating and editing all types of content, whether it's SEO-focused blogs or intriguing murder mysteries.