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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