In the dynamic world of nursing, your first impression is often made on paper. Stay ahead of the curve by writing a nursing cover letter that aligns with the demands of 2024.
Career Expert
You're on the brink of securing your dream nursing position, and the key to unlocking that opportunity lies in your cover letter.
Don’t let the recruiters end up in a coma. Learn how to create the perfect nursing cover letter that will wake them up faster than a morning dose of caffeine.
In this article, you’ll find:
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Looking for other cover letter examples for positions in healthcare and well-being? See:
Our analysis of 500,000+ documents created using our product revealed that:
- Nurses, along with administrative assistants and customer service representatives, are the most likely to create a cover letter.
- Our users consistently choose Cascade, Cubic, Primo, and Classic as their top cover letter templates.
- On average nurses of all specialties report having around 10 years of work experience.
* The data comes from the last 12 months (August 2023-August 2024)
To begin, let’s take a look at two different nurse cover letters examples:
Barbara is a registered nurse with 5 years of experience, looking for a new opportunity at a different healthcare facility. The job posting states that the company seeks an efficient RN experienced in caring for diabetic patients.
Vermont State Licence #VT54998
Montpelier, July 6, 2022
Laconia, VT, 03246
I am reaching out to express my interest in the Registered Nurse position at Laconia Med. As an RN with over 5 years of experience, I established and coordinated a comprehensive diabetes management initiative, leading to a 15% improvement in glycemic control for diabetic patients at Briar Hill Children’s Clinic. I am eager to contribute to your team.
In my current role at Franklin Falls Health Center, I played a pivotal role in the pandemic response by initiating video and phone health consultations to assess COVID-19 risk. Additionally, I successfully administered over 800 COVID-19 vaccinations in a two-week period, showcasing my commitment to public health.
During my tenure at Franklin Falls Health Center, I streamlined care processes, leading to a 20% increase in overall efficiency. My strategic approach to patient care resulted in a 15% improvement in patient satisfaction scores, demonstrating my commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare. Additionally, my dedication to continuing education has led to the successful implementation of advanced nursing techniques, contributing to a 30% reduction in patient recovery time.
I am impressed by Laconia Med's commitment to quality patient care and innovation. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and dedication to your esteemed healthcare facility. Could we schedule a meeting next week to discuss how I can contribute to the excellent care provided at Laconia Med?
PS. I’d also love to tell you about my role in implementing a health education program at Franklin Falls Health Center, resulting in a 25% decrease in preventable hospital readmissions.
The recruiter can clearly tell they are dealing with a dedicated professional. And on top of that, one that checks all of their boxes.
But what about a nurse cover letter with no experience?
Fret not. Focus on your academic achievements and medical skills, and showcase your dedication. If you send a new grad nurse cover letter like this one, you’ll be treating patients in no time:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Nevada State Licence #NV54999
September 23, 2019
Head of Nursing Staff
Shamus T. Knight Memorial Hospital
360 Camden Street
As a current medical student with a newly earned LPN certification, I would like to apply for the licensed practical nurse position at Shamus T. Knight Memorial Hospital. As I finish my bachelor’s degree in nursing, I believe I have the book knowledge and classroom hours needed to be a perfect entry-level nurse candidate at your medical center.
According to the nursing job description, you are looking for an LPN capable of administering non-RN treatments, evaluating patient symptoms and reactions, and assisting the RN charge nurse in all aspects of general patient care. During my college studies and throughout my licensed practical nursing certification program, I learned about many medical topic clusters, including pharmacology, patient care, hygiene and nutrition, ambulatory care, and proficiency with EHRs. In addition to my academic and clinical training, I have cultivated valuable skills and compassion through volunteering at a local retirement home. This experience allowed me to deeply understand patient needs, practice effective communication, and foster a compassionate approach to healthcare.
I would love the opportunity to chat about the nursing unit’s upcoming objectives and current roadblocks and show you how my friendly attitude, willingness to learn, and medical knowledge make me a top contender for the LPN position.
Esmeralda Welch, LPN
This sample cover letter for nursing job applications shows the candidate has the skills and knowledge needed to excel in her role without professional experience.
And now you’ll learn how to write a cover letter for nursing jobs on your own.
Nursing jobs encompass various specialties, including registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and nurse practitioners (NPs). Nurses provide essential care, support, and treatment to patients. They require compassion, adaptability, and technical competence to excel in their roles.
This is how to write a cover letter which reflects that that:
Your ICU or graduate nurse cover letter has to make a great first impression. And not only with the words you include, but also with how you format the cover letter.
Here is how the cover letter layout should go:
A good cover letter can set up a resume perfectly, but a bad one can tank your application before your resume even gets read. The key is to keep it friendly but concise; anything more than a page is way too much. A brief summary of your skills and experience and how they relate to the job is more than enough. Your resume will go into more detail on your work history, so all you’re looking to do is match up enough key attributes from the job description that a hiring manager will want to look further.” , Michael Green Vice President at Nelson Frank
Start with your details on any nursing student or nurse cover letter. Always include your state and license number, if relevant.
Next, state the current date and city. Finally, add the recipient's details. Their name, job title, and company’s address.
See this cover letter header template below:
[ Your Job Title ] (Optional)
[ Your License Number (If Applicable)
[ Writing Date and City ]
[ Head Nurse’s Full Name ]
[ Head Nurse’s Title ]
[ Medical Facility Name ]
[ Medical Facility Street Address ]
[ City, State, Zip Code ]
Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.
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The first paragraph of a nursing cover letter needs to jolt the employer awake like a shot of adrenaline. That’s why you must address the cover letter using the hiring manager’s name.
Next, start the cover letter by introducing yourself, stating the specific nurse job you’re applying for, and giving a quick overview of your professional medical background. Take a look at the below example of a great opening paragraph:
Dear [Name of Head Nurse, Medical Director, etc.]:
It excited me to come across the [Nursing Job Position] position available at [Name of Hospital, Lab, or Clinic]. As a [Current Nursing Job Title] with [##] years of experience with [Nursing Skills, e.g., Cardiac Care, Emergency Room Care, Infection Control, Patient Charts, Pain Management, OR Procedures, Surgery Prep, Patient Evaluations, etc.], I’m sure I am the right candidate for the job.
Expert Hint: You need to study the job posting properly. It’s full of important information, such as job-specific keywords you should focus on targeting in your nursing cover letter. Remember—never send a generic cover letter.
Now that you have them hooked, you must ensure they stay interested. In the second paragraph of the nursing resume cover letter, show them how you’re the dream candidate they’re searching for.
To do that, mention your impressive, relevant achievements and the best relevant skills you possess. If you’re an entry-level candidate, substitute your achievements with relevant coursework and other accomplishments like volunteering experience or professional certifications.
The nursing field is a tough and taxing environment, so you need to show you’ve got what it takes to thrive in it.
See the template below:
Inside the advertisement for the nursing position, it mentions that you’re looking for a [Name of Nursing Job Position] with knowledge in [State a Particular Medical Skill or Two Mentioned in the Job Ad]. As a [Name of Current or Former Medical Job Title] at [Name of Current or Former Lab, Hospital, or Clinic], I was able to diligently handle [Responsibilities, e.g., Operating Room Procedures, Maternal Care, Lab Testing, ICU Operations, Exams and Treatment, etc.]. I am completely confident that I could bring that same expertise and level of care to [Hospital, Clinic, or Laboratory Name].
Expert Hint: While adding your nursing license number is necessary, letters of recommendation for nurses are usually optional. Check the job ad, and if they request letters of recommendation for nurses, use our reference guide to ensure it’s properly formatted.
The hospital administration and nursing manager want to know that you’ll fit in well with the workplace culture. Also, anyone would prefer to hire a nurse who wanted to work at this hospital rather than just wanting a nursing job anywhere. After all, a study shows a correlation between the motivation of healthcare workers and their positive relationship with their colleagues.
Here’s another nursing template to use as a guide:
I admire [Clinic or Hospital Name]’s focus on [Give a Point or Fact About the Hospital or Clinic That Interests You, e.g., Research, Values, Quality of Care]. This is truly admirable and inspiring, and it easily is in line with my own values. I know that working at [Hospital or Clinic Name] as the [Name of Nursing Position] would be a perfect opportunity for me to learn, develop, and help others.
To truly navigate the journey from student to professional nurse with confidence, supplementing your education with a comprehensive pre nursing associate degree can bridge the gap between theory and practice. Balancing compassion, technical skills, and theoretical learning, pursuing such a degree prepares aspiring nurses not just for the immediate challenges of healthcare but also sets a strong foundation for lifelong career advancement.
To end the cover letter, request a callback or an in-person meeting. Emphasize your proposal, and let them know you’d like to chat with them more about it.
Underneath, sign the cover letter and, optionally, add your contact info once again to make it convenient for the recruiter to contact you straight away. Here’s a simple closing template on a sample cover letter for nursing jobs:
Could we make time for a quick video chat, phone call, or face-to-face to discuss how I could help [Hospital or Clinic Name] as a new nursing staff member?
[Digital Copy of Signature]
[First & Last Name, Post-Nominal Letters]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
Expert Hint: Do you have your resume ready? If not, see our general nursing resume guide. Or jump straight to our dedicated RN resume or LPN resume guides.
With ResumeLab’s resume builder you’ll write your resume in a flash. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Improve your resume in our resume builder now.
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Here are the main things to remember when writing a cover letter for nursing jobs:
Do you have a question on how to write a new grad RN cover letter or school nursing cover letter? Need ideas for how to come up with accomplishments on a cover letter for nursing positions? Let us know in the comments section.
At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines, ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets. Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.
Written by Christian EilersCareer expert who has been sharing his expert knowledge since 2017. His advice will guide you smoothly through all recruitment processes: from job hunting to getting a promotion. Christian offers comprehensive advice on career development and each step of the job search, from start to finish and beyond. His guides cover looking for new jobs, sending application documents such as resumes and cover letters, acing interview questions, and settling into the new position. Since 2017, he has written over 200 in-depth, meticulously-researched career advice articles in collaboration with the most renowned career experts in the world. Hundreds of thousands of readers visit Christian’s articles each month.
You don’t have 2 years of experience, but you know you can do the job given the chance. Learn how to write a cover letter with no experience and prove it to your next boss.
You come first, leave last. You put in the effort, the hours, the sweat. You’re a big fish in a small pond. Let’s make a splash.
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