30 Professional Nurse Cover Letter Examples for 2024
Your nurse cover letter must immediately highlight your dedication to patient care. Showcase your commitment through a personal anecdote or a professional accomplishment. Illustrate your ability to work in high-pressure environments with ease. Demonstrate your expertise with specifics about your clinical skills or special certifications.
All cover letter examples in this guide
Aesthetic Nurse
Agency Nurse
Clinical Nurse
Clinical Research Nurse
Company Nurse
Critical Care Nurse
Dental Nurse
Hemodialysis Nurse
Infection Control Nurse
Medical Surgical Nurse
Nurse Anesthetist
Nurse Practitioner
Occupational Health Nurse
Pediatric Nurse
Perioperative Nurse
Practice Nurse
School Nurse
Staff Nurse
Surgical Nurse
Telemetry Nurse
Travel Nurse
Veterinary Nurse
Written by Volen Vulkov
Cover Letter Guide
Nurse Cover Letter Sample
Cover Letter Format
Cover Letter Salutation
Cover Letter Introduction
Cover Letter Body
Cover Letter Closing
No Experience Nurse Cover Letter
Key Takeaways
Embarking on your job search, you've swiftly discovered the importance of a well-crafted nurse cover letter, a step that often feels daunting. Beyond your resume, this letter is your chance to narrate your proudest professional achievement in a story that captivates your future employer. While maintaining formality, sidestep the clichés that bury your unique voice, and keep it concise; your powerful, one-page introduction can set the stage for career success. Let's dive in and design a cover letter that stands out.
- Including all the must-have paragraphs in your structure for an excellent first impression;
- Learning how to write individual sections from industry-leading cover letter examples;
- Selecting the best accomplishment to tell an interesting and authority-building professional story;
- Introducing your profile with personality, while meeting industry standards.
And, if you want to save some time, drag and drop your nurse resume into Enhancv's AI, which will assess your profile and write your job-winning cover letter for you.
If the nurse isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
- Nurse resume guide and example
- Social Work Student cover letter example
- Oral Surgery Assistant cover letter example
- Licensed Practical Nurse cover letter example
- Pacu Nurse cover letter example
- Nicu Nurse cover letter example
- Ob Gyn Medical Assistant cover letter example
- Hemodialysis Nurse cover letter example
- Public Health cover letter example
- Medical Surgical Nurse cover letter example
- Pediatric Nurse cover letter example
Nurse cover letter example
TAYLOR FOSTER
Chicago, IL
+1-(234)-555-1234
- Highlighting specific achievements related to the role, such as reducing infection rates, shows the candidate’s impact on previous organizations and implies potential benefits for the new employer.
- Emphasizing leadership experience and the ability to manage a multidisciplinary team aligns with responsibilities that may be required in a Registered Nurse position at a hospital.
- Illustrating a commitment to patient care and safety helps align the candidate's values with those of the healthcare facility, which is an essential aspect of working in a hospital environment.
- Explicitly stating the willingness to discuss how the candidate's skills and experience can benefit the hospital demonstrates proactive engagement and eagerness to contribute to the institution's mission.
Standard formatting for your nurse cover letter
Structure your nurse cover letter, following industry-leading advice, to include:
- Header - with your name, the role you're applying for, the date, and contact details;
- Greeting - make sure it's personalized to the organization;
- Introduction paragraph - no more than two sentences;
- Body paragraph - answering why you're the best candidate for the role;
- Closing paragraph - ending with a promise or a call to action;
- Signature - now that's optional.
Set up your nurse cover letter for success with our templates that are all single-spaced and have a one-inch margin all around.
Use the same font for your nurse cover as the one in your resume (remember to select a modern, Applicant Tracker System or ATS favorites, like Raleway, Volkhov, or Chivo instead of the worn-out Times New Roman).
Speaking of the ATS, did you know that it doesn't scan or assess your cover letter? This document is solely for the recruiters.
Our builder allows you to export your nurse cover letter in the best format out there: that is, PDF (this format keeps your information intact).
The top sections on a nurse cover letter
- Header : Includes the nurse's contact information, the date, and the employer's contact details; this section sets a professional tone and ensures the recruiter knows who the letter is from and how to get back in touch.
- Greeting : Addresses the hiring manager or recruitment team by name if possible; personalization shows the nurse has done their research and is genuinely interested in the position at that specific healthcare facility.
- Introduction : Briefly introduces the nurse, stating their current role, years of experience, and enthusiasm for the position applied for; this segment hooks the reader and gives a snapshot of the nurse's professional identity.
- Body : Describes the nurse's relevant experience, special skills, accomplishments, and any certifications that are pertinent to the job posting; it provides proof of competence and illustrates how they can contribute to the healthcare team and patient care.
- Closing : Summarizes the nurse’s interest in the role, thanks the reader for considering their application, and includes a call-to-action, such as expressing eagerness to discuss how they can contribute to the facility in an interview; it wraps up the letter with politeness and forward momentum.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
- Clinical skills and technical knowledge: Shows that the candidate is well-prepared to perform necessary medical procedures and provide high-quality patient care.
- Excellent communication skills: Enables effective interaction with patients, families, and the healthcare team, and is crucial for patient education and advocacy.
- Compassion and empathy: Essential for providing patient-centered care and for building trust and rapport with patients undergoing stressful health challenges.
- Adaptability and flexibility: Demonstrates the ability to handle the fast-paced and often unpredictable nature of healthcare environments.
- Attention to detail: Critical for administering medications, updating patient records accurately, and ensuring patient safety.
- Teamwork and collaboration: Vital for working effectively with interdisciplinary healthcare teams and ensuring cohesive patient care.
Greeting recruiters with your nurse cover letter salutation
What better way to start your conversation with the hiring manager, than by greeting them?
Take the time to find out who the professional, recruiting for the role, is.
Search on LinkedIn, the company website. And for those still keen on making a fantastic first impression, you could even contact the organization, asking for the recruiter's name and more details about the job.
Address recruiters in the nurse greeting by either their first name or last name. (e.g. "Dear Anthony" or "Dear Ms. Smarts").
If you're unable to discover the recruiter's name - don't go for the impersonal "To whom it may concern", but instead use "Dear HR team".
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Employer's Name],
- Dear [Department] Team,
- Dear [Title] [Last Name],
- Dear [Job Title] Hiring Committee,
Get creative with your nurse cover letter introduction
Recruiters are going to assess plenty of candidate profiles for the role. Thus, anything you do to stand out will win you brownie points.
Use your nurse cover letter introduction to share something memorable about your experience .
But before you go down the rabbit hole of creativity and humor, align your message with the company culture.
For example, if you are applying for a role in some startup, use those first two sentences to tell a funny story (about your experience) to quickly connect with the recruiter.
What to write in the body of your nurse cover letter
Now that you've got your intro covered, here comes the heart and soul of your nurse cover letter.
It's time to write the middle or body paragraphs . This is the space where you talk about your relevant talent in terms of hard skills (or technologies) and soft (or people and communication) skills.
Keep in mind that the cover letter has a different purpose from your nurse resume.
Yes, you still have to be able to show recruiters what makes your experience unique (and applicable) to the role.
But, instead of just listing skills, aim to tell a story of your one, greatest accomplishment.
Select your achievement that:
- covers job-crucial skills;
- can be measured with tangible metrics;
- shows you in the best light.
Use the next three to six paragraphs to detail what this success has taught you, and also to sell your profile.
Closing paragraph basics: choose between a promise and a call to action
You've done all the hard work - congratulations! You've almost reached the end of your nurse cover letter .
But how do you ensure recruiters, who have read your application this far, remember you?
Most nurse professionals end their cover letter with a promise - hinting at their potential and what they plan on achieving if they're hired.
Another option would be to include a call for follow-up, where you remind recruiters that you're very interested in the opportunity (and look forward to hearing from them, soon).
Choose to close your nurse cover letter in the way that best fits your personality.
Keep this in mind when writing your zero experience nurse cover letter
Even though you may not have any professional experience , your nurse cover letter should focus on your value.
As a candidate for the particular role, what sort of skills do you bring about? Perhaps you're an apt leader and communicator, or have the ability to analyze situations from different perspectives.
Select one key achievement from your life, outside work, and narrate a story that sells your abilities in the best light.
If you really can't think of any relevant success, you could also paint the picture of how you see your professional future developing in the next five years, as part of the company.
Key takeaways
Winning recruiters over shouldn't be difficult if you use your nurse cover letter to tell a story that:
- Is personalized by greeting your readers and focusing on key job skills greets;
- Isn't spread all over the place, but instead focuses on one key achievement and selling your value as a professional;
- Introduces your enthusiasm for the role, passion for the job, or creativity in communication;
- Is also visually appealing - meeting the best HR practices;
- Ends with a nod to the future and how you envision your growth, as part of the company.
Nurse cover letter examples
Explore additional nurse cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
Cover letter examples by industry
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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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