How to Write a Nursing Cover Letter
As a prospective nurse, it’s essential to showcase your skills, experience and passion for the profession in the most effective way possible. That’s where a well-crafted nursing cover letter comes in!
A cover letter not only introduces you to potential employers but also highlights your unique qualifications for the nursing position you’re applying for. In this blog, Soliant Health hiring experts provide everything there is to know about crafting the perfect cover letter for nursing jobs, including a step-by-step guide packed with tips to stand out and a nursing cover letter example and template so you can get started with confidence.
Why Are Nursing Cover Letters Important?
The cover letter is a crucial element of your nursing job application as it allows you to display your passion for the field to the hiring committee. This is especially important for new graduates and applicants with limited work experience, as the cover letter provides an opportunity to showcase relevant experience and coursework that may not fit on the resume. The cover letter serves as an introduction to the hiring committee, showcasing your philosophy on healthcare and providing a glimpse into your personality and why you are the best fit for the job.
What to Include in a Cover Letter for Nursing
Your cover letter for nursing jobs should include the following essential elements:
- Contact information at the top of the letter, including your name, address, phone number and email address. This should be followed by the date.
- Recipient contact information following your contact information, including the recipient’s or hiring manager’s name, job title, facility name and facility address.
- Salutation that addresses the recipient by their name, if possible. If you don’t know the name of the hiring manager, use a general salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
- Introduction to who you are, the nursing position you are applying for and how you learned about the job opportunity.
- Body paragraphs that highlight your relevant nursing experience, skills and education.
- Closing paragraph that thanks the hiring manager for considering your application and expresses your interest in speaking with them further about the opportunity.
- Sign-off, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name.
How to Format a Nursing Cover Letter
Nursing job cover letters should be formatted using 1” margins and single-line spacing. Use a professional font style, like Times New Roman or Arial, that isn’t too flashy or difficult to read in an 11-12 pt size. The cover letter should be no longer than one page.
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Nursing Job in 3 Steps
Now that you know the purpose of a nursing cover letter, what elements it should include and how it should be formatted, follow these three steps below on how to write each part of a cover letter for a nursing resume and application:
1. Introduction
In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and express your enthusiasm for the nursing profession and the specific position you’re applying for. Be sure to mention the job title and how you learned about the opportunity. If you have a personal connection to the organization or a referral, mention it here. Next, provide the hiring manager with a brief introduction to why you’re applying for this specific role.
2. Second Paragraph
In the body of your cover letter, focus on your most relevant skills and experiences that align with the job requirements. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise and the value you can bring to the organization. You can also mention any certifications, training or accomplishments that set you apart from other candidates.
Focus on how your background aligns with the job requirements and the organization’s needs. You can divide the body into a few paragraphs, discussing your clinical experiences, nursing certifications and any specific areas of expertise.
These paragraphs should also showcase your enthusiasm for the nursing profession and the specific job you’re applying for. Explain why you’re interested in working for the organization and how your values and nursing philosophy align with theirs. This section is an excellent place to point out any information about yourself that isn’t listed on your resume.
3. Conclusion
In the final paragraph, reiterate your interest in the position and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the organization. Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration and invite them to review your attached resume for further details.
How to Write Nursing Cover Letters: Helpful Tips
Before you begin writing your cover letter, research the facility or hospital you’re applying to. Familiarize yourself with their mission, values, and any recent achievements or news. This knowledge will not only help you tailor your cover letter to the organization but also show that you’ve taken the time to understand their goals and culture.
In addition, remember to proofread your cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors before sending it to ensure a polished and professional presentation. To do this, ask friends and family members to read over your cover letter and consider using an online proofreading tool.
New Grad Nursing Cover Letter Tips
As a new grad, it’s easy to get discouraged when job hunting with limited prior experience. However, your nursing cover letter is designed for you to showcase the parts of you that don’t necessarily belong on a resume.
As a new grad, your education is one of your greatest assets. Highlight your degree, major and any relevant coursework or projects that demonstrate your knowledge in the field.
Nursing is not just about technical skills; it also requires empathy, communication and teamwork. In your cover letter, touch on the soft skills that make you an exceptional nurse. Even if you don’t have direct experience in the field, you likely possess transferable skills from your coursework, internships, part-time jobs or extracurricular activities. Use specific examples of how you’ve used these skills in the past, especially in the context of your accomplishments, academic achievements, internships or volunteer work if you lack professional experience.
For more career advice as a recent grad looking for a career in health care, we recommend exploring Soliant’s guide on resume tips for new grads and new grad interview tips.
Nursing Cover Letter Template
Below is a general nursing cover letter template that you can use as a guide when crafting your own nursing cover letter:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Today’s Date]
[Recipient’s Name]
[Recipient’s Job Title]
[Healthcare Facility Name]
[Healthcare Facility Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Nursing Position Title] position at [Healthcare Facility Name] as advertised on [job board, healthcare facility website, or referral]. With my strong clinical experience, compassionate care, and passion for the nursing profession, I believe that I would be an excellent candidate for this role. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and dedication to your team and provide exceptional care to your patients.
I have recently completed my [degree or diploma in nursing] from [Name of Nursing School] and have obtained [State Nursing License or Certification]. During my studies and clinical placements, I gained valuable experience in various aspects of nursing, including [highlight some nursing areas, e.g., medical-surgical, pediatric, geriatric, or mental health]. This experience has allowed me to develop strong skills in patient assessment, care planning, and administering medications. Some key strengths that I can bring to the [Nursing Position Title] role include [highlight unique strengths and passions].
I am confident that my combination of clinical skills, dedication to patient care, and enthusiasm for the nursing profession make me a strong candidate for the [Nursing Position Title] at [Healthcare Facility Name]. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications and how I can contribute to the success of your nursing team.
Please find my resume attached for your review. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you further about how I can contribute to [Healthcare Facility Name] as a [Nursing Position Title].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Nursing Cover Letter Example
Below is a general nursing cover letter example that you can use as inspiration to help you get started with the writing process:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Today’s Date]
[Recipient’s Name]
[Recipient’s Job Title]
[Healthcare Facility Name]
[Healthcare Facility Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Registered Nurse position at [Healthcare Facility Name]. As a dedicated and compassionate nursing professional with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and [Number of Years] years of experience as a [previous role], I am confident in my ability to provide exceptional care to your patients. My background in various healthcare settings, combined with my commitment to patient-focused care, makes me an ideal fit for your team.
Throughout my nursing career, I have gained valuable experience in diverse patient care settings, including medical-surgical, ICU, and emergency departments. In my previous role at [Previous Healthcare Facility Name], I was responsible for providing direct care to patients, administering medications, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal care. My ability to adapt to changing environments, coupled with my strong clinical skills, has consistently resulted in positive patient outcomes and satisfaction.
My dedication to continuing education has allowed me to stay updated on the latest nursing practices and techniques. I have completed additional certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). I am also an active member of the American Nurses Association, which enables me to stay informed about industry trends and advancements.
In addition to my clinical expertise, I am highly skilled in communication and teamwork. I pride myself on my ability to build rapport with patients and their families, as well as collaborate effectively with colleagues to ensure a seamless and efficient care experience. I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for the Registered Nurse position at [Healthcare Facility Name].
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your organization and provide exceptional care to your patients. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my qualifications further in an interview setting.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Find Your Dream Nursing Job
A well-crafted nursing cover letter can set you apart from the competition and give employers a glimpse of your dedication and expertise. By using these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to creating a nursing cover letter that showcases your unique qualifications and passion for the profession.
For more nursing application advice, check out Soliant’s guide on how to make your nursing resume stand out. Ready to start applying? We invite you to browse exceptional nursing job opportunities at Soliant today!