gp nurse cover letter

Nurse cover letter examples

You love being there for your patients, ensuring they get the care, attention and treatment they need.

But in order to keep doing that, you need to secure your next rewarding nursing position, and that requires you to effectively showcase your relevant qualifications and experience.

In the guide below, we’ll share our expert writing advice, complete with nurse cover letter examples to help you with your application.

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The Nurse cover letter examples above should give you a good idea of the type of content you need to include in your own cover letter, and how it should be structured.

But if you’re really looking to wow recruiters and get your CV in front of the very best employers, then check out our guidance on how to write your own effective cover letter below.

How to write a Nurse cover letter

Here’s how to write your own winning Nurse cover letter

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

When writing your Nurse cover letter, it’s best to type the content into the body of your email (or the job site messaging system) and not to attach the cover letter as a separate document.

This ensures that your cover letter gets seen as soon as a recruiter or employer opens your message.

If you attach the cover letter as a document, you’re making the reader go through an unnecessary step of opening the document before reading it.

If it’s in the body of the message itself, it will be seen instantly, which hugely increases the chances of it being read.

Start with a friendly greeting

Start you cover letter with a greeting that is professional but friendly.

This will build rapport with the recruiter whilst showing your professionalism.

• Hi, hope you’re well
• Hi [insert recruiter name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Avoid overly formal greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very traditional companies.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try these methods to find it.

• Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
• Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

After you have greeted the recruiter, it’s important to state the job you are applying to.

Recruiters are often managing multiple vacancies, so they need to know exactly which job you are referring to.

Be as specific as possible and use a reference number if you can find one.

Here are some examples you can use;

• I am interested in applying for the role of admin assistant with your organisation.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 4057393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advertisement for a trainee project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The sole objective of your cover letter is to motivate recruiters into to opening your CV. And you achieve this by quickly explaining your suitability to the roles you are applying for.

Take a look at the job descriptions you are applying to, and make note of the most important skills and qualifications being asked for.

Then, when crafting your cover letter, make your suitability the central focus.

Explain why you are the best qualified candidate, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.

This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider you for the job.

Keep it short and sharp

A good cover letter is short and sharp, getting to the point quickly with just enough information to grab the attention of recruiters.

Ideally your cover letter should be around 4-8 sentences long – anything longer will risk losing the attention of time-strapped recruiters and hiring managers .

Essentially you need to include just enough information to persuade the reader to open up your CV, where the in-depth details will sit.

Sign off professionally

To round of your cover letter, add a professional signature to the bottom, giving recruiters your vital contact information.

This not only gives various means of contacting you, it also looks really professional and shows that you know how to communicate in the workplace.

Include the following points;

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Warm regards”
• Your full name
• Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
• Email address
• Profession title
• Professional social network – e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Gerald Baker Senior Accountant 07887500404 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip : To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application email, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate document that you could copy in.

What to include in your Nurse cover letter

Here’s what kind of content you should include in your Nurse cover letter…

The exact info will obviously depend on your industry and experience level, but these are the essentials.

• Your relevant experience – Where have you worked and what type of jobs have you held?
• Your qualifications – Let recruiters know about your highest level of qualification to show them you have the credentials for the job.
• The impact you have made – Show how your actions have made a positive impact on previous employers; perhaps you’ve saved them money or helped them to acquire new customers?
• Your reasons for moving – Hiring managers will want to know why you are leaving your current or previous role, so give them a brief explanation.
• Your availability – When can you start a new job ? Recruiters will want to know how soon they can get you on board.

Don’t forget to tailor these points to the requirements of the job advert for best results.

Nurse cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Nurse cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

Good morning, Michelle

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to express my keen interest in the Mental Health Nurse position at Bluebird House. With 12 years of experience working in inpatient care facilities, I bring compassionate care and expertise in delivering high-quality support to diverse mental health patients.

Throughout my career, I have had a strong track record of using therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), to reduce readmissions effectively. Working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams, I provide holistic care and crisis intervention, ensuring patient safety. At Bedfordshire Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, I successfully introduced a relapse prevention program, reducing readmissions by 21%, and implemented a patient-led care plan system that improved patient engagement by 22%. In secure psychiatric hospital settings, I have led self-harm reduction programs resulting in a 34% decrease in incidents, adopted by multiple centres. Additionally, I hold certifications including the Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Trauma-Informed Care Training as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing from the University of Surrey.

I am eager to discuss how my skills and experience align with your facility’s mission. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Patrick Dawn

I hope this email finds you in good health. I am excited to submit application for the Practice Nurse position at Park Road Surgery, and feel my skill and experience make me an exceptionally fit for the vacancy.

With 8 years of experience in general practice, I possess expertise in managing acute and chronic diseases, specialising in Diabetes management and health education. In my current role at Crawley Road Surgery, I provide comprehensive nursing care to 2,100 registered patients, conducting assessments, administering vaccinations, and managing chronic conditions. Notably, I have improved patient satisfaction by 25% in four years through a feedback system and set up a successful asthma clinic with a 34% improvement in patient outcomes. As a Nurse Independent Prescriber (NIP) with Advanced Life Support (ALS) training and Level 3 Certified Diabetes Coordinator qualification, I am equipped to deliver high-quality care.

I am eager to join your healthcare team and contribute to exceptional patient service. I am available for an interview at your convenience.

I hope you are well. As a compassionate and dedicated Oncology Certified Nurse with 6 years of experience providing specialist care to cancer patients, I am enthusiastic about the Oncology Nurse vacancy at Leeds General Infirmary.

In my current role as part of the cancer team at St. Vincent’s Hospital, I collaborate closely with oncologists to deliver personalised care, ensuring patients receive the utmost support throughout their treatment journey. My ability to administer chemotherapy, conduct nursing assessments, and advocate for patients has contributed to their improved outcomes. Some examples of this include implementing a pain management protocol that resulted in a remarkable 30% reduction in pain scores among oncology patients and conducting educational workshops that increased patient understanding of treatment options by 25%.

I possess the skills and expertise to administer a broad range of chemotherapy treatments, manage symptoms, and offer crucial emotional support which I believe would make a great fit for your team. I am available for an interview from next week.

Kind regards,

Helen Smith

Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing a Nurse job, so taking the time to perfect it is well worth while.

By following the tips and examples above you will be able to create an eye-catching cover letter that will wow recruiters and ensure your CV gets read – leading to more job interviews for you.

Good luck with your job search!

How to Write a Nursing Cover Letter

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• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Mistakes to Avoid
• Cover Letter Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions

Nursing Cover Letter Template

Sample nursing cover letter, are you ready to earn your online nursing degree.

A nursing cover letter is still crucial in the job application process. It’s often the first impression a potential employer will have of you. A cover letter is a chance to tell your story and call attention to aspects of your resume you want a reviewer to notice.

It’s also a chance to explain to an employer why you want to work for them, what you know about them, and why you’re an ideal candidate. A strong cover letter can tip the balance in your favor, helping you stand out from the competition and land an interview.

In the following guide, we walk you through writing a strong nursing cover letter, mistakes to avoid, and real-world tips that will keep you focused. Check out our downloadable nursing cover letter template and a sample letter to get started. Once you master the process, you’ll be writing winning cover letters in no time.

4 Steps to Write Your Nursing Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter can feel overwhelming for many nurses, especially because it’s difficult to know what to say, how much to reiterate what’s on your resume , and what information to include or not. A cover letter is an opportunity to explain aspects of your professional or personal history that a resume can’t always get across. Your passion and interests come through, along with your ability to communicate clearly. Review the following steps to write a stand-out cover letter. Feel free to use our sample letter and downloadable template. The cover letter is a significant part of convincing employers that they absolutely need to meet you!

Create a Header with Your Contact Information

Introduce yourself and note the position you’re applying for in the opening paragraph, highlight your skills and the reasons you want to work for this employer, write a closing paragraph and restate your interest, 7 mistakes to avoid in your nursing cover letter.

• Submitting Spelling and Grammar Errors: Nursing requires excellent documentation and attention to detail. Grammatical errors are unprofessional, and they can paint a picture of someone who doesn’t value attention to detail. Many resume reviewers will likely pass on a candidate whose resume and/or cover letter contain errors.
• Copying Your Resume: Your nursing cover letter can highlight aspects of your resume , but it shouldn’t be a verbatim copy. Find creative ways to underscore your key characteristics, skills, or experiences without repetition.
• Using Incorrect or Inconsistent Format: It’s best practice for your cover letter and resume to match in terms of design, font, and format. This creates a branded, visually cohesive application package.
• Forgetting to Tie Your Qualifications to the Position: Your cover letter should be targeted and specific, addressing the position you’re applying for and its qualifications, skills, and responsibilities. If you don’t tie your qualifications to the job in question, that makes a weak case for you getting an interview.
• Failing to Address the Letter to a Specific Person or Department: Many postings fail to provide the name of an individual or a department to address in your letter. If they provide this information, use it. If they don’t, you can use the generic “Hiring Manager” or “Hiring Committee”.
• Starting Every Paragraph with “I”: Be creative in finding different ways to begin each paragraph (see our sample letter for examples). If two paragraphs begin with “I”, that’s OK, but no more than that.

Tips from Nurses on Writing Your Nursing Cover Letter

Research potential employers, explain relevant skills that meet the position’s qualifications, include your soft skills, highlight your best qualities, demonstrate your passion, showcase your ability and willingness to learn, check for errors, frequently asked questions about nursing cover letters, what should a nurse cover letter include.

A nurse cover letter should include a header with your name, credentials, and contact information, plus the receiver’s contact information. The body of the letter should specifically address the position you’re applying for, and how you can fulfill the characteristics, credentials, skills, knowledge, and expertise required.

What should a nurse cover letter not include?

Your cover letter does not need to include phrases like, “My references are available upon request”; “Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns”; or “I can be contacted via email at _____________or via phone at _____________.” These are all givens, and if your contact information is in your header, there’s no need to say it again.

What’s the difference between a new grad nurse cover letter and an experienced nurse cover letter?

A new grad nurse cover letter can’t demonstrate the level of skill, expertise, and knowledge as a seasoned nurse. New grads haven’t accumulated years of nursing experience, but they have their academic and clinical performance, enthusiasm, passion, and related healthcare experience to share, whether paid or volunteer. When employers advertise new grad positions, they understand that new grad resumes and letters can’t reflect the resumes of experienced nurses.

Are nursing cover letters necessary?

In these days of online applications, a cover letter may be optional, meaning that applicants can upload a cover letter if they choose to. For some applications, a cover letter will be required. Consider this: if a cover letter is optional, why not go the extra mile and write a strong one? If your resume and experience are comparable to another candidate’s, your cover letter could give you the edge. After all, a resume can’t by nature express much personality, but a cover letter can. So, make a strong impression with a well-crafted letter, whether it’s required or not.

Download our cover letter template (DOCX, 14KB)

Name and Credentials

Town, State | Phone | Email

Personalized LinkedIn profile URL (optional)

Dept and/or contact person Facility or organization Street Town, State, Zip

Dear ________________:

Paragraph 1: Begin by stating the position for which you are applying. Say something about the organization to demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and understand what they’re all about, and that this letter is not at all “cookie-cutter” in nature.

Paragraph 2: Share select highlights of your career, expertise, experience, skills, or personal characteristics that are directly applicable to this position and/or this employer. You can emphasize something from your resume that you want them to make note of, as long as you don’t use exactly the same language as your resume, which is redundant.

Paragraph 3: This is a good place to highlight some of your “soft skills” (e.g., communication, emotional intelligence, relational intelligence, patient education, compassion, empathy, etc).

Paragraph 4: Here you can call attention to your computer skills, EMR experience, etc., as well as any other tech skills worth mentioning.

Closing paragraph: Tie the letter together, reiterate your interest, and express your enthusiastic desire to have the opportunity to meet to discuss your experience and the position further.

Sincerely, Your name and credentials

Miguel Schwartzkoffnian, BSN, RN

Annabelle, HA | 000-000-1000 | [email protected]

LinkedIn.com/in/MichaelSchwartzfoffianbsnrn

April 3, 2023

Department of Nursing Recruitment University of Tabula Rasa Medical Center 301 Rasa Drive Glen Tabularea, MOO 22222

Dear Nursing Recruitment Department:

As a caring and dedicated summa cum laude graduate of Adelphi University’s BSN program, please accept my enthusiastic interest in the Registered Nurse – Respiratory/Intermediate Care position posted on your website. I am both personally and professionally aligned with the values that are a very clear aspect of your organization’s mission. From your “Power of Caring” funding of your expanded Outpatient Care Center to your “Next Generation” initiative, I can clearly see the forward-thinking philosophy underlying UTRMC and its reputation as an innovative facility and community member.

During my education, I thrived in clinical practice where I received positive preceptor feedback following each rotation. I am highly coachable, and as you can see from my resume, I bring more than six years’ related healthcare experience as both an EMT and CNA. I am already well-versed in code blue response, Foley catheter insertion and care, venipuncture, ECG interpretation, and non-complex wound care. Comfortable in new settings, I am not afraid to ask questions to enhance my learning and improve the quality of care I deliver to patients and their families. I thrive in multidisciplinary environments, and I use my highly-developed communication skills and emotional and relational intelligence to foster a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among my colleagues, and nurse-patient relationships built on trust.

As a digital native and quick learner, I am highly competent using the Epic and Cerner EMRs and Microsoft Office Suite, and I have full confidence in my natural curiosity and powers of critical thinking in relation to learning new technologies and digital interfaces.

I have a great deal to contribute as a member of the UTRMC community of clinicians. I look forward to discussing the intersection of my skills and experience with the needs of your inspiring organization that embraces its role beyond the actual facility and into the surrounding community it serves.

Sincerely, Miguel Schwartzkoffnian, BSN, RN

Page last reviewed on February 24, 2023

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Resume Worded   |  Career Strategy

13 general nurse cover letters.

Approved by real hiring managers, these General Nurse cover letters have been proven to get people hired in 2024. A hiring manager explains why.

Table of contents

• General Nurse
• Nurse Educator
• Registered Nurse
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Nurse Practitioner
• Registered Nurse - Critical Care
• Nurse Practitioner - Family Practice
• Alternative introductions for your cover letter
• General Nurse resume examples

General Nurse Cover Letter Example

Why this cover letter works in 2024, connection to the company.

This sentence effectively demonstrates the candidate's personal connection to the company and its values, which helps to establish genuine interest and enthusiasm for the role.

Highlighting Relevant Experience

By sharing specific accomplishments and experiences from their nursing career, the candidate showcases their ability to handle complex cases and work with multidisciplinary teams, proving their value as a General Nurse.

Aligning with Company Values

When you mention a company's values like their commitment to innovation and patient-centric care, it shows that you've made the effort to understand what they stand for. This resonates with hiring managers as it indicates you are more likely to be a cultural fit within their organization.

Showcase measurable impact

Sharing specific metrics, like a "30% decrease in readmission rates," gives a clear picture of your contribution and its significance. It's not just about what you did, but about the positive effect it had. This tells me you understand your role from a broader perspective and can deliver tangible results.

Highlighting mentorship and team growth

Improving staff retention by 25% through a mentorship program shows your ability to foster growth and teamwork. It underscores your leadership skills and your understanding of the importance of a cohesive and skilled team in healthcare.

Aligning personal and job-related values

When you stress your excitement about being a part of a team that leads medical innovation while prioritizing compassionate care, it shows alignment between your personal beliefs and the job's ethos. It shows me you're passionate about the role and that you understand our mission.

Professional and forward-looking closure

Your sign-off line is polite, expresses gratitude, and looks to the future. It shows a readiness to advance the conversation and contribute to the team, which is a great way to wrap up your cover letter.

Show your alignment with the hospital's values

When you share how your personal care philosophy matches the hospital's mission, it helps me see you're a good fit.

Highlight your patient care achievements

Talking about your successful projects and patient outcomes demonstrates your ability to make a real difference.

Demonstrate specialized skills in nursing

Mentioning your wound care success shows you have valuable expertise we need in treating diverse patient needs.

Express enthusiasm for teamwork in healthcare

When you mention looking forward to working with our team, it tells me you value collaboration as much as we do.

Close with a forward-looking statement

A polite thank-you and expressing eagerness to discuss your role further sets a positive, proactive tone.

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Connect Your Personal Experience With The Company's Mission

Sharing your experience at the health fair not only shows me you're familiar with Adventist Health but also that you're already a fan of our approach to care. This tells me you believe in what we do, making you a potentially great fit.

Showcase Your Core Nursing Skills And Accomplishments

Detailing your ability to manage a caseload and spearhead a project that significantly reduced patient falls gives me a clear picture of your competence and initiative. It's evidence you're a proactive problem-solver, exactly what we need.

Align Your Philosophy With The Company's

When your personal nursing philosophy mirrors ours, it's a big green light. It means you're likely to thrive in our environment and reinforces that you're not just looking for any job, but a role that fits your values.

Confidence Is Key

Stating your confidence in making a valuable contribution is compelling. It's not just about having the skills; it's knowing you have them and can use them to make a difference. That's the mindset of someone who gets things done.

Invite Further Discussion

Expressing eagerness for a discussion goes beyond just applying for a job; it invites a conversation. It shows you're ready to engage, share more about your fit for the role, and learn how you can contribute to our mission. It makes me want to pick up the phone.

Show your commitment as a general nurse

When you talk about your passion and years of experience, it tells me you're not just looking for any job. You want a place where you can grow and contribute meaningfully.

Highlight your skills and empathy in nursing

By mentioning your strong clinical skills and empathy, you're showing that you understand the core values of nursing. It's not just about technical skills, but also about caring for patients as individuals.

Mentorship experience matters

When you mention mentoring new nurses, it highlights your leadership skills and your commitment to improving the nursing profession. It shows you're a team player who's invested in the growth of others.

Align with the hospital’s goals

Saying you're drawn to the hospital's focus on improvement and innovation makes me see you as a proactive nurse who will drive positive changes in our patient care practices.

Express your interest in joining the team

Your willingness to discuss how you can contribute to our team shows a readiness to engage and a genuine interest in being part of our hospital's community.

Nurse Educator Cover Letter Example

Demonstrating initiative and results.

Creating workshops that led to a 40% improvement in emergency response time illustrates your proactive nature and your ability to influence real-world outcomes. It's a concrete example of your potential value as a Nurse Educator.

Illustrating effective training techniques

Increasing proficiency in critical care techniques by 50% through a simulation-based training program is a big deal. It's a testament to your innovative approach to training and your commitment to quality nursing care.

Connect your career goals with the role

Your excitement about shaping the future of nursing through education shows that you see the role as more than just a job. It demonstrates your commitment to the nursing profession and your alignment with Mayo Clinic's mission. This is important as it suggests that you would be highly motivated in the role.

Acknowledging and looking ahead

Expressing appreciation for the consideration of your application, while looking forward to potentially contributing to the educational programs, is a graceful and positive way to wrap things up. It's clear that you're ready and eager to move forward.

Registered Nurse Cover Letter Example

Connect your passion to the hospital’s reputation.

Sharing that you're drawn to our reputation for patient-centered care makes me confident in your commitment to our values.

Show impact with patient care initiatives

Describing your role in reducing patient falls by 30% showcases your direct impact on improving patient safety.

Emphasize your interest in healthcare innovation

Your excitement about joining a hospital known for innovation in patient care tells me you’re forward-thinking.

Acknowledge the hiring manager's time

Thanking me for reviewing your application shows your professionalism and respect for the hiring process.

State your eagerness to contribute

Conveying your eagerness to make a positive impact reassures me of your dedication to our patients and mission.

Show your nurse commitment

When you link your personal values with the hospital's mission, it shows you're not just looking for any job – you're looking for this job.

Building patient relationships is key

Highlighting your ability to connect with patients and their families shows that you understand the heart of nursing.

Community outreach enhances nurse roles

Mentioning your volunteer work emphasizes your dedication beyond the hospital walls and to the broader health of the community.

Passion for public health matters

Expressing eagerness to contribute to health initiatives shows you're a nurse who cares about the bigger picture.

Align your goals with the hospital's

Demonstrating how your personal nursing philosophy and skills match the hospital’s objectives indicates a symbiotic potential partnership.

Clinical Nurse Specialist Cover Letter Example

Show your alignment with the company's values.

When you pinpoint your attraction to Northwell Health's culture of excellence and innovation, it signals to me that you've done your homework and genuinely care about where you work. This isn't just a job to you; it's about being part of something bigger.

Quantify Your Achievements

Talking about slashing sepsis-related mortality rates by a whopping 25%? That's the kind of tangible impact we're looking for. It tells me you're not just going through the motions; you're saving lives and making real changes.

Highlight Your Enthusiasm For Specific Opportunities

Your excitement about our emphasis on collaboration and cutting-edge care jumps off the page. It makes me think you're going to hit the ground running, eager to contribute to what we're passionate about.

Politeness Goes A Long Way

A simple thank you can make your application more memorable. It's courteous, it's professional, and it shows you're someone who values others' time and consideration.

Express Your Eagerness To Contribute

When you talk about bringing your passion and expertise to our team, I'm convinced you're not just looking for any job – you're looking for this job. And that's exactly the kind of dedicated professional we want.

Nurse Practitioner Cover Letter Example

Match your nurse practitioner passion with the employer's model.

Showing admiration for the employer’s healthcare model immediately sets a common ground for your application.

Proactive patient care is crucial

Emphasizing your focus on empowering patients highlights your role as a facilitator of health, not just a provider of care.

Continuous learning as a nurse practitioner

Mentioning your dedication to evidence-based practice and quality improvement underlines your commitment to the profession’s highest standards.

Contribute to the mission of affordable care

Your excitement to support the employer's mission shows you're invested in making a real difference.

Discuss alignment with the healthcare provider's goals

Requesting a discussion about how your qualifications meet the employer's needs suggests you’re looking for a meaningful, long-term engagement.

Registered Nurse - Critical Care Cover Letter Example

State your interest in critical care nursing.

Starting your cover letter by clearly stating your interest in the critical care position immediately tells me where your passion lies. It's important to be direct about your goals.

Demonstrate your expertise in critical situations

Talking about your experience in managing complex cases in the ICU shows that you're not just experienced, but also capable of handling the high-stress situations characteristic of critical care nursing.

Lead by example in critical care

By organizing training sessions, you're showing initiative and a commitment to not just your own growth, but also the improvement of the entire ICU team. This is a key quality in a critical care environment.

Match your ambitions with the hospital’s reputation

Your admiration for the hospital's excellence in critical care and commitment to technology and research shows that you're looking for a place where you can both contribute and grow professionally.

Show eagerness to discuss your role

Asking for the opportunity to discuss your qualifications further demonstrates a proactive approach and a strong desire to be part of the team. It shows you're already thinking about how you can fit into and benefit the hospital.

Nurse Practitioner - Family Practice Cover Letter Example

Start with clarity.

Begin your cover letter by directly stating the position you're applying for. This approach shows focus and helps the reader understand your intent without confusion.

Show your nurse practitioner impact

Talk about your experience and key achievements. Highlighting your strong clinical skills, commitment to best practices, and the ability to create trust with patients demonstrates your readiness for the role.

Highlight teamwork in healthcare

Emphasize your experience working with teams to create patient care plans. This shows you understand the importance of collaboration in healthcare settings.

Connect with the clinic's mission

Express why you're drawn to the clinic's goals. Showing alignment with their mission suggests you will be a motivated and committed team member.

Close with an invitation to discuss

Ending your cover letter by inviting further discussion about your fit for the role is a proactive step. It shows eagerness and openness for dialogue.

Alternative Introductions

If you're struggling to start your cover letter, here are 6 different variations that have worked for others, along with why they worked. Use them as inspiration for your introductory paragraph.

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

[email protected]

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.

Plus, get exclusive access to discounts for nurses, stay informed on the latest nurse news, and learn how to take the next steps in your career.

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Write a strong cover letter with these top keywords

By Prospect Health on the 30 May 2017

Prospect Health shares examples of top keywords to include in your cover letter to give you the best chance of securing an interview.

When you’re applying for your next GP job , the first thing a prospective employer will read is your cover letter, so you need to make sure it’s strong enough to convince them to invite you to an interview.

Using active language is a must for your cover letter as it shows your are taking responsibility for your statements. The active voice more closely resembles spoken language - when we speak, we generally use the active voice without thinking. For example, you wouldn’t say ‘My team was motivated by me’, you would rather say ‘I motivated my team to…’

With that in mind, Prospect Health has put together a handy list of examples of active words you can choose from to help you draft a powerful cover letter.

To show your personal qualities:

To demonstrate how you work with others:

To show responsibility for others:

To explain how you’ve made things better (don’t forget to quantify):

To show your information / data handling skills:

To demonstrate how you’ve shared information with others:

To show you’ve taken the initiative:

To show your organisation and planning skills:

To show your effectiveness in persuading others:

To demonstrate your achievements and going the extra mile:

This article is based on a career advice piece from Prospect Health: Covering letter keywords

More information and jobs from Prospect Health  

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Nursing cover letter example

The purpose

A few writing rules, getting the tone right, tone of voice.

Whether you’re an experienced RN or are just finishing nursing school, you’re looking at a job market that desperately needs you. And if you’re going to put your own health on the line to heal others, you deserve the best nursing job you can get. 

An exceptional nursing cover letter is essential to stand out among other qualified applicants pursuing the same positions you seek.At Resume.io, we are specialists at helping people find the jobs that are right for them. 

Our resources include 180+ occupation-specific writing guides and corresponding cover letter examples. We also offer resume writing tools, informative blogs and field-tested templates to help you create both types of job application documents.

What you are reading here is a detailed guide to one crucial part of the job hunt equation — the cover letter (also known as an application letter). Here’s what we will discuss in this writing guide, backed by a nursing cover letter example:

• The current job role and outlook for nurses
• Why a cover letter is a critical companion to an outstanding resume
• How your nursing cover letter should be structured and formatted
• How to optimize the impact of each cover letter section: header, greeting, introduction, body and closing
• The psychology behind writing that triggers both a rational and an emotional response
• How to make your job application an irresistible pitch that no employer will ignore.

Looking for some more inspiration? Check out our related cover letter examples below: 

• New Grad Registered Nurse Cover Letter Sample
• Carer Cover Letter Sample
• Nursing Student Cover Letter Sample
• LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) Cover Letter Sample
• CNA Cover Letter Sample
• Caregiver Cover Letter Sample
• Medical Receptionist Cover Letter Sample
• Medical Assistant Cover Letter Sample
• Physical Therapist Cover Letter Sample
• Occupational Therapy Cover Letter Sample
• Phlebotomist Cover Letter Sample
• Pharmacy Assistant Cover Letter Sample
• Healthcare Cover Letter Sample
• Medical Cover Letter Sample
• Doctor Assistant Cover Letter Sample

Today's outlook for nurses

As a nurse you are a heroic first responder on the front lines of the battle against all that ails us. And your superpower has never been needed more. 

It's no wonder that this role is projected to grow at a rate of 6% between 2022 and 2032, which is faster than average. With more than 3 million nursing jobs in the United States, it's clear to see that this is a vocation that will always be in high demand. 

Bonus: Land yourself one of these caregiving roles, and you can expect to make an average of $81,220 per year.

Why you need a nursing cover letter

A cover letter for anyone seeking a nursing job is a one-page pitch that is submitted along with a resume. The goal is to introduce yourself to a potential employer while highlighting the nursing experience, skills and qualities that make you ideal for the job. 

It’s also a personal appeal — you are asking for a job, after all, not demanding one. Think of it as a way of starting a friendly conversation with an individual who is in a position to hire a nurse like you.

You’ve heard of the “elevator pitch” — you have the opportunity to get on an elevator with a VIP who is looking to make a hire. 

You have precious few seconds to introduce yourself, establish a friendly connection, express your interest in the nursing job and explain why you would make an ideal candidate. When you hear a “Ding,” your time is up because this executive will get off the elevator. 

The challenge is to make such a positive impression, in a very brief window in time, that this executive wants your contact info and will actually call you later. 

This is essentially what the nursing cover letter is all about — it’s an elevator pitch in writing. Rather than just send this exec a resume, you have made a personal introduction that is far more likely to trigger a personal and emotional response.

A cover letter is usually between 200 and 400 words long, and should never exceed one page. Recent nursing graduates often try to make up for a lack of resume experience by writing long, expounding cover letters that dive into every possible corner of their educational journey. 

Unfortunately, this can be an automatic “out” in the eyes of many employers. Instead, focus on creating a strong argument by selecting only a handful of convincing points and carrying these themes throughout the letter. 

It’s also very important to follow basic formatting and font guidelines when drafting your cover letter. Stick to trusted font styles like Georgia, Calibri, Helvetica and Arial  with a size between 10 and 12 points. A whimsical font like comic sans might seem tempting, but it’s a big no-go. You can find more details about styling in this general cover letter writing guide. 

Remember, at the end of the day a nursing cover letter is all about maximizing your chances. Any spelling or grammar errors, wacky fonts or messy formatting will distract a hiring manager from your main purpose and bring down the likelihood of landing the position. 

Best format for a nursing cover letter

A good cover letter for nurses, or virtually any other occupation, will follow the same basic structure:

• The cover letter header
• The greeting / salutation
• The cover letter intro
• The middle paragraphs (body of the letter)
• The ending paragraph of your cover letter (conclusion and call-to-action)

Dear Dr. Rowntree,

I write to express an interest in your accelerated nurse midwifery programme for recently-qualified CNMs. During my seven-year nursing career, I have always sought to learn from the best, and there is no better place than at Mount Bisai.

After graduating with a BSN from NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing I worked as a licensed RN for four years and then decided to take my Masters in Nurse Midwifery. I passed my CNM two years ago, and as a relatively recent Certified Nurse Midwife, I am conscious that the learning process has now firmly moved into the delivery room.

A broad range of experience from prenatal to delivery and postpartum care ensures that I can make a difference in terms of caring for my patients’ needs. I have worked with obstetricians on 150+ complicated cases and while I have a firm grounding in high-risk conditions, I am keen to take on more theory and practice at Mount Sinai. I was commended for lowest rates of C-sections amongst my graduating cohort and I believe that my empathetic interpersonal skills have been vital in offering the highest level of care.

Education is an important aspect of the birthing journey and I strive to take every opportunity to advise around nutrition, exercise, rest and general wellness. Every day matters. 

I have 90 letters of recommendation from new parents – many of which focus on how my prenatal efforts have contributed to a sense of calm preparedness when it is time for baby to arrive. 

I would welcome a chance to get to know your maternity team and glimpse what I might be like to work with you. I love the job and I want to be the best midwife that I can be.

Yours sincerely,

Jackie Elise

Cover letter header

Perhaps the silliest mistake you could make in a cover letter (or a resume) would be to leave out your contact information, so the employer has no idea how to reach you. If submitting by email, you might think the employer could simply hit “Reply.” 

But if your email is forwarded or printed to share with other decision-makers, your email address could easily get lost. Don’t make it difficult for employers to figure out how to reach you or you could lose out on that nursing job. 

Your name, phone number, email address (and optionally your snail-mail address, if required) should appear at the very top of your cover letter, in the header, also known as a letterhead. 

In addition to providing crucial information about how to contact you, the header should be attractively designed to grab the reader’s eye, and to provide white space that breaks up the solid black paragraphs of text that follow. 

Many good letterheads will put your name top and center in the largest font on the page, demonstrating your confidence and making it easier for employers to remember you.

Align document styles

Use the same fonts, font sizes and formatting styles in your cover letter and your resume. An employer should be able to hold your cover letter in one hand and your resume in the other and see at a glance that they came from the same person. 

This kind of consistency shows that you’re organized and you pay attention to detail. It gives you a visual brand and makes you more memorable. The writing style in your resume and cover letter should also be similar, though you should beware of repeating the same phrases in the two.

Goal of the cover letter header: Stand out from other nursing candidates with a distinctive-looking header that identifies who you are and how recruiters can reach you.

Cover letter greeting

This simply refers to the “Dear Xxxxx” portion of your letter. Many years ago, the universal guideline was to write “Dear Mr. Smith:” (ending in a colon), or if the recipient was unknown, “Dear Sir or Madam:”. (But you should avoid the old-school, gender-specific “Gentlemen:”.) 

In many ways, email has changed the way greetings are written, tending to make them less formal, and often ending in a comma rather than colon. But beware of adopting a tone that is too casual in a formal business letter addressed to people you don’t know.

Get the basics right first!

If you know the name of the person who is making the hiring decisions, use it in the greeting. People like to see their own names, and this practice proves that you are not sending out a generic cover letter to various recipients. 

Lean toward using the last name: “Dear Mr. Brown:”. If it’s a woman, beware of “Miss” or “Mrs.” and go with “Ms.” Of course, if you’re writing to a doctor of either gender, go with the title “Dr.” 

In some cases, it’s impossible to tell from a name whether the person is male or female — it could be a British woman named Jean ( Jeen ) or a Frenchman named Jean ( Zhan ). In such a case, you might look for this person’s picture online, or you might simply call the company and ask if Jean (or Alex, Chris, Dale or Sam) is a man or a woman. 

If you have no idea, your best fallback might be to break the last-name rule and simply write Dear Jean:”. However, some companies take pains to obscure the name of the actual hiring manager, and they might find it a bit disturbing if you’ve gone to great lengths to figure it out. In such cases, the best approach is often to make your greeting more generic, for example, “Dear XYZ team.”

Goal of the cover letter greeting: Start off by directly addressing the reader in a friendly, professional manner.

Cover letter introduction

“I am writing….” Hold it! They already know why you are writing. If you hadn’t been writing, they wouldn’t have your letter in front of them. 

Search and destroy the phrase “I am writing” from every cover letter you send. Your cover letter introduction is absolutely crucial — you need to hit the ground running with one bold and sincere sentence that both identifies the job you’re seeking and offers an early hint as to your qualifications.  

Goal of the cover letter introduction: Lead off by emphasizing the value you would bring to this employer as an experienced and motivated nurse.

Cover letter middle part (body)

This is where the rubber hits the road. The middle paragraphs of cover letters are vital. You’ve introduced yourself, you’ve said what you do — now you get two, maybe three paragraphs to explain why you’re great at it. And you need to provide some facts to back it up. 

One useful method  is known by the acronym "STAR," which stands for “situation, task, action, result.” The simpler variation "CAR" stands for “context, action, result.” 

Describe situations/contexts you have faced in your career as a nurse, and use strong verbs to describe the actions you took and the positive results you achieved. Use facts and figures wherever possible to quantify your accomplishments — for example, how many babies did you help deliver during your time in the maternity ward? How many patients did you attend during your time in the ER?

Goal of the cover letter body: Build your case for being an ideal job candidate by highlighting key nursing career accomplishments and abilities.

Education is an important aspect of the birthing journey and I strive to take every opportunity to advise around nutrition, exercise, rest and general wellness. Every day matters.

I have 90 letters of recommendation from new parents – many of which focus on how my prenatal efforts have contributed to a sense of calm preparedness when it is time for baby to arrive.

How to close a nurse cover letter (conclusion and sign-off) 

Your conclusion should suggest a call to action — you are eager to hear back, you would be delighted to schedule an interview, or perhaps you propose to give your target a call next week. Here you need to come off as determined, confident and decisive, without sounding entitled or presumptuous. 

End on a strong note, leaving no doubt in your reader’s mind that you are serious about this job and that you should be taken seriously as a nursing candidate.

Goal of the cover letter closing: End with a call to action that implies you expect a response from recruiters.

Writing psychology: how to convey your work ethic in your cover letter

In his best-selling book “ Thinking, Fast and Slow ,” the Nobel Prize-winning theorist Daniel Kahneman outlined two ways people think. The “fast” way is emotional, automatic and unconscious — like making a disgusted face when you’re shown a gruesome image. 

The “slow” way is more logical, conscious and calculating — like digging deep into your memory to recognize a once-familiar sound. 

The faster, more emotional way of thinking governs most of our daily thought processes, but the slower, more deliberative style is what it might take, for example, for a hiring manager to read a letter carefully and say, “This sounds like a great nursing candidate.” 

Emotional responses can actually trigger more deliberative responses. This is why it’s important to use a certain amount of emotional, passionate language in your letter — speaking to the heart, as it were, rather than to the head. This will grab your reader’s attention and make him or her slow down and read more closely.

One way to use this insight is by using emotional language as bookends — opening with emotion, switching to facts and closing with emotions. For example: In my previous nursing jobs, I’ve always been known for having a “big heart,” and for engaging with patients from a deep sense of compassion, as if they were my own family. (This is emotional language.) Yet my experience and seniority have also made me the no-nonsense, go-to person in my unit when other nurses need advice, and even doctors frequently consult with me on treatment regimens. (This is factual language.) 

What I love about this job is seeing great patient outcomes — and seeing the joy on the faces of family members when medical intervention achieves desirable results . (This is emotional language again, bookending the factual language.)

Every cover letter should be unique, tailored to a specific recipient. Study your target, scour its website and social media posts, and familiarize yourself with the kind of language it uses and the image it projects. Then strive to make your tone match the tone of the company you’re targeting. Health-care providers deal with life-and-death issues, so they will typically use a serious, formal tone in addressing their market. Yet watch for the nuances of how they do so, and style your letter accordingly.

Two important things to bear in mind: 

• If you’re responding to a specific nursing job listing, study it like it’s gospel. Look at the requirements and qualifications, understand the company’s needs, and make sure you address these specifically in your cover letter.
• Keep it short. Hiring managers are busy people — they don’t want to read your novella. You get one page, so make it count with a proper mix of emotional and factual language. Less is often more, so cover the bases but leave your reader curious to learn more about you.

Nursing cover letter with no experience

How do you write a cover letter without experience? The short answer is that as a registered nurse, you do have experience, and it's probably more than you realize! 

During your training, you spent time in clinical settings working with nursing supervision. That counts as your first job. You may have had jobs unrelated to nursing as well. These have transferrable skills that you can detail in your letter. 

Use the same format of emotion, facts, emotion, but be honest about your desire to take your first role as an RN. Many employers seek out nurses new to the career because they are excited by their first opportunity and are up on all the latest nursing information. 

Also remember that nurses are in high demand, so you have a great chance of snagging a great job right out of school. Just make sure you don't overstate your experience or come off as too eager. Maintain a professional tone at all times. Below is a sample sentence from a nursing cover letter for a first job.

My nursing training proved to me that I have chosen the right career and I am eager to begin contributing to excellent patient care as a registered nurse.

Basic mistakes in a nursing application letter (and how to avoid them)

Here are some of the common mistakes people make in writing cover letters:

• Spelling mistakes. Bad spelling, grammar and punctuation can absolutely derail your chances of landing an interview. Proper English is not optional. If English is not your long suit, consider finding an editor to proofread your letters.
• Formatting errors and bad fonts. Many text editors will result in buggy letter formats and strange-looking headers. Even the choice of font can be problematic. The templates and tools we offer at resume.io are your best bet to sidestep all these problems.
• Not including white space. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that because you get one page, you have to fill it with black text top to bottom and side to side. Your visual style should be an eye-pleasing mix of text and blank space, not too dense and not too sparse. Using professional tools is your best way to make sure you get this right.
• Using old-hat sayings. Avoid clichés, and don’t write like a robot. We’ve already mentioned the biggest cover letter cliché, “I am writing….” Also, please don’t say you’re a “self-starter” or a “team player.” Use forceful, original language, and write like a human being. Do not say, for instance: In consideration of your listing for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), I would like St. John’s Hospital to consider the candidacy of a professional, experienced health-care provider such as myself. Keep it real — the way a normal person speaks — and avoid word bloat.

The best way to avoid all these mistakes is to use one of the field-tested cover letter templates and professional guidance at resume.io. We can’t write the letter for you, but we will take the guesswork out of this crucial element of your job application.

Take your career growth to a new level with these 10 expert tips to writing and formatting the best cover letter.

Key takeaways

• Your cover letter is your personal introduction to a hiring manager, and your “elevator pitch” explaining why you’re the right candidate for the job.
• Unless you’re specifically asked not to submit a cover letter, always consider the cover letter an essential part of a job application.
• Follow proper cover letter structure and make sure each portion of your letter achieves what it’s supposed to.
• Use emotional language to trigger a personal response, offset by factual and rational language that positions you as the right candidate.

Free professionally designed templates

Professional Practice Nurse Cover Letter Examples for 2024

In your practice nurse cover letter, demonstrate a solid grounding in patient care. Highlight your expertise in clinical skills and your ability to work collaboratively with a healthcare team. Illustrate your dedication to continuing education and staying current with nursing best practices. Your cover letter should reflect a commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.

Cover Letter Guide

Practice Nurse Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Practice Nurse Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Embarking on your nursing career, you've realized that a standout practice nurse cover letter can be the key to landing your dream job. It's not about echoing your resume; rather, it's your chance to weave a story around your proudest professional milestone. This letter is your formal introduction, free of clichés, capturing the essence of your achievements in a concise, one-page narrative. Let's tackle the struggle together and craft a letter that opens doors.

• Writing the essential practice nurse cover letter sections: balancing your professionalism and personality;
• Mixing storytelling, your unique skill set, and your greatest achievement;
• Providing relevant (and interesting) information with your practice nurse cover letter, despite your lack of professional experience;
• Finding the perfect format for your[ practice nurse cover letter, using templates from industry experts.

Leverage the power of Enhancv's AI: upload your resume and our platform will map out how your practice nurse cover letter should look, in mere moments.

If the practice nurse isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

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• Ob Gyn Medical Assistant cover letter example
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Practice Nurse cover letter example

Victoria Baker

Los Angeles, California

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Demonstration of relevant experience: The cover letter highlights the candidate's involvement in a significant project that integrated Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems, which shows the ability to handle specialized healthcare IT systems and improve operational efficiency.
• Leadership and teamwork: By mentioning the role in leading a multidisciplinary project, the candidate showcases leadership skills and the capability to work collaboratively with different departments, which is crucial in a hospital setting.
• Understanding of the healthcare environment: Reference to patient satisfaction rates and commitment to enhancing patient outcomes indicates a deep understanding of the priorities within the healthcare industry, particularly the importance of quality patient care.
• Clear intent and alignment with the institution's values: The opening and closing paragraphs clearly state the candidate's respect for the institution and the desire to contribute to its mission, suggesting a good cultural fit and genuine interest in the role.

What should your practice nurse cover letter look like - formatting and organizing your information

Have you ever wondered what are the must-have sections you need to include in your practice nurse cover letter? Our builder sets those up for you with:

• Header - dedicated to your contact information, the role you're applying for, and the date (don't forget to include your name);
• Greeting and opening paragraph - to create a personalized and memorable experience for recruiters;
• Body paragraph - emphasizing your skill set and knowledge that aligns with the role and helps you to stand out;
• Closing paragraph - leaving a great impression and ending with an optional signature.

Use a cover letter template to discover the best formatting for your practice nurse cover letter: that is single-spaced paragraphs and wrapping your content in a one-inch margin.

Ensure that both your resume and practice nurse cover letter are in the same font . Stand apart from the crowd by using modern, yet simple fonts, like Chivo and Rubik, instead of the overused Arial and Times New Roman.

Did you know that the Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't be assessing your practice nurse cover letter? Instead, submit your profile in PDF to recruiters to keep the same formatting and the design intact.

The top sections on a practice nurse cover letter

• Header : This section includes your contact information and the date, providing a professional look and making it easy for the recruiter to reach out to you.
• Greeting : Use this to address the hiring manager by name if possible, as it shows attention to detail and personalizes your cover letter, making it more engaging.
• Introduction : Here, you should briefly mention your nursing credentials and express your enthusiasm for the practice nurse role, as it sets the stage for why you are a suitable candidate.
• Body : In this section, highlight your relevant clinical experience, nursing skills, and any unique competencies that make you an ideal fit for the practice nurse position, as this is where you make your case.
• Closing : This is where you should reiterate your interest in the role, invite the recruiter to review your attached resume, and thank them for considering your application, leaving a courteous and professional final impression.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

Clinical skills and experience: Demonstrates proficiency in a variety of nursing tasks, such as administering vaccinations, wound care, and assisting with minor procedures, which is essential in a practice nurse role to ensure patient care and support to the general practitioner.

Chronic disease management proficiency: Ability to support patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or hypertension, vital for a practice nurse who often plays a key role in monitoring and educating these patient groups.

Immunization and screening programs knowledge: Shows understanding and capability in managing and delivering immunization and screening programs, which are critical preventive health measures in a general practice setting.

Patient education and health promotion skills: Exhibits skill in educating patients about health maintenance and disease prevention, reflecting the practice nurse’s role in promoting health literacy and encouraging healthy lifestyles.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills: Essential for interacting effectively with patients of all ages and backgrounds, as well as with other healthcare professionals, which is a daily requirement for a practice nurse.

Flexibility and adaptability: Important traits for managing the varying and often unpredictable workload in a practice setting, adjusting to different patient needs, and covering a wide range of healthcare services.

What greeting should you use in your practice nurse cover letter salutation

A simple "Hello" or "Hey" just won't work.

With your practice nurse cover letter salutation , you set the tone of the whole communication.

You should thus address the hiring managers by using their first (or last name) in your greeting.

But how do you find out who's recruiting for the role?

The easiest way is to look up the role on LinkedIn or the corporate website.

Alternatively, you could also contact the organization via social media or email, for more information.

Unable to still obtain the recruiter's name?

Don't go down the "To whom it may concern path". Instead, start your cover letter with a "Dear HR team".

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear [Employer's Name],
• Dear [Department Head's Name],
• Dear Dr. [Name],
• Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
• Dear [Job Title] Search Committee,

Get creative with your practice 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 practice 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.

Storytelling in the middle (or body) of your practice nurse cover letter

You've got your whole resume sorted, detailing your achievements and skills. What else can you write in your practice nurse cover letter ?

For starters, take the time to re-assess the job requirements and re-discover the most crucial skills and requirements (or keywords).

After making a list of these important keywords, look back on your experience to select just one of your past accomplishments.

Choose the achievement that is the most noteworthy, relevant to the role, and matches the required skills.

Use the next between three and six paragraphs to narrate how:

• you've grown your skill set, thanks to your achievement;
• you'd use the know-how you've gained in your new role;
• your accomplishment could help your potential employers grow.

Remember that recruiters don't need a retelling of your whole resume, but want to find out what makes you, you.

Ending your practice nurse cover letter to avoid "Sincerely yours"

Yes, this sort of closing statement may work best before your signature.

But you want to give recruiters something more with your practice nurse cover letter ending .

Some professionals choose to go down the path of promises. In a single sentence, they map out what they'd bring about to the role (whether that's a particular technical skill set or personal traits).

Others, decide to be more concrete by thanking recruiters for their time and prompting for their next interview.

Whatever path you choose, remember to always be polite and respectful of the opportunity you've had. Good manners go a long way.

No experience practice nurse cover letter: making the most out of your profile

Candidates who happen to have no professional experience use their practice nurse cover letter to stand out.

Instead of focusing on a professional achievement, aim to quantify all the relevant, transferrable skills from your life experience.

Once again, the best practice to do so would be to select an accomplishment - from your whole career history.

Another option would be to plan out your career goals and objectives: how do you see yourself growing, as a professional, in the next five years, thanks to this opportunity?

Be precise and concise about your dreams, and align them with the company vision.

Key takeaways

Within this Enhancv guide, we've provided you with plenty of advice and inspiration on writing your practice nurse cover letter:

• Always make sure your practice nurse cover letter is tailored to the role you're applying for to make a good impression on recruiters;
• In your practice nurse cover letter include a header (with your name, the role you're applying for, date, and contact details) and an introduction of up to two sentences that highlight your key accomplishment or why you'd fit the role;
• Focus your practice nurse cover letter body on one sole achievement through your career and all the valuable lessons, skills, and know-how you've learned (that are relevant to the role);
• Ensure your practice nurse cover letter closing statement isn't generic and includes either a call to action or a promise;
• If you lack professional experience, shift recruiters' focus to a relevant achievement (thanks to your academic or versatile experience) or toward your dreams and goals for professional growth.

Cover letter examples by industry

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What Is An Enclosure In A Cover Letter

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Cover letter examples

This example of a good nursing cover letter showcases Jo Brown’s proficiency as a nurse and outlines her achievements in attaining a prominent role in the healthcare sector. This Columbia cover letter template adheres to a straightforward design, aligning with her nurse CV.

"I am expressing my sincere interest in the staff nurse position at your esteemed healthcare facility, as we are relocating to London. Currently employed as a Staff Nurse in Nottingham, I am eager to bring my skills, dedication, and patient-centred approach to a new challenge in London."

Table of contents

Nursing Cover Letter Writing Guide (Examples and Tips)

A cover letter for a nursing job is crucial in showcasing your qualifications and standing out in the competitive UK healthcare landscape. Beyond being a formal introduction, a well-written cover letter is a personal narrative that complements your CV, offering a deeper insight into your skills, experiences, and genuine passion for the nursing profession. 

In this guide, we explore the significance of a cover letter in the nursing job application process, emphasising its role in conveying your unique qualities. We delve into the importance of tailoring your letter to the specific job and aligning it with your CV to present a cohesive and compelling picture of your candidacy.

Nurse cover letter example

This example of a good nursing cover letter showcases Jo Brown’s proficiency as a registered nurse and outlines her achievements in attaining a prominent role in the healthcare sector. This Columbia cover letter template adheres to a straightforward design, aligning with her nurse CV.

Customise this nursing cover letter example

What to include in a nursing cover letter .

Similar to a good CV , a nurse cover letter must be tailored to the particular position you're pursuing. The structure of a cover letter is simple; make sure to include certain sections by consulting the checklist provided below:

How to start a cover letter for a nursing job

The introduction ought to serve as a brief yet impactful summary of your qualifications, reflecting the crucial aspects outlined in your CV's personal profile and relevant soft skills . This section engages the reader's attention and forms a compelling initial impression. If you are aiming for a nursing job, whether as an entry-level nurse or more specialised, make sure to clearly communicate this objective in your opening statement.

Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to express my keen interest in the entry-level nursing position at NetCare, as advertised. Recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, I am eager to embark on my nursing career and contribute to the exceptional patient care provided by your esteemed institution.

For additional tips, consult our article on how to start a cover letter. 

How to write the body of a nursing cover letter 

Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position and the company by emphasising essential skills and accomplishments from previous roles. Clearly state why you are the ideal candidate, aligning your skills, experiences, and aspirations with the specific nursing position.

For a structured approach, consider a two-paragraph body:

Throughout my academic journey and clinical experiences, I have honed essential nursing skills, including effective communication, patient assessment, and compassionate care delivery. I am enthusiastic about applying these skills to contribute to the high standards of healthcare at your institution. In my capacity as a nursing student, I actively participated in transformative initiatives within clinical settings, showcasing a dedication to continuous improvement. Through strategic collaboration and a focus on mentorship, I aimed to foster a positive and supportive atmosphere. These efforts resulted in enhanced team morale and contributed to a measurable improvement in patient satisfaction scores.

How to end a nurse cover letter 

Conclude your cover letter by encapsulating your excitement for the position and expressing confidence in your ability to contribute significantly to the company's success. Extend gratitude for the reader's time and consideration, and finish with a professional sign-off that reflects your eagerness to further discuss your qualifications during an interview.

I am eager to bring my skills and dedication to your healthcare team, leveraging my nursing background to contribute to the outstanding patient care for which your institution is renowned. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my qualifications align with the needs of the entry-level nursing position at your esteemed healthcare facility. Sincerely,   Sally Williams

How to write a nursing cover letter with no experience 

Writing a nurse cover letter with no experience can be challenging, but it's important to focus on highlighting your relevant skills, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn. If possible, draw attention to your education and any transferable skills.

Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to express my sincere interest in the entry-level nursing position at NetCare, as advertised. As a recent graduate with a nursing degree from the University of Manchester, I am eager to contribute my skills and passion for patient care to your esteemed healthcare team. During my academic journey, I completed rigorous coursework, gaining a solid foundation in nursing principles and healthcare practices. While my formal nursing experience may be limited, my dedication to learning, adaptability, and strong communication skills make me a well-rounded candidate for this position. I am particularly drawn to NetCare for its commitment to putting patients first, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team. I am confident that my academic achievements, coupled with my passion for patient advocacy, make me a valuable candidate for the nursing role. I would welcome the chance to discuss how my skills and enthusiasm align with the needs of your healthcare facility in more detail. Thank you for considering my application. Sincerely, Sarah Johnson

Learn more about this in our writing guide to crafting a well-structured cover letter or refer to our healthcare CV example for more inspiration.

Key takeaways

A cover letter is not merely a document to fulfil a formality, but rather an opportunity to connect with the recruiter or hiring manager on a more personal level. By adhering to these guidelines, you can craft a good nursing cover letter, enhancing your likelihood of securing your desired position. Thorough proofreading is essential during this process to guarantee that your cover letter not only captures attention but also adeptly conveys your qualifications and passion for the job or industry.

Next steps?

We offer diverse cover letter templates and CV examples tailored to match your career goals. If you need assistance, our Writing Service can make the process easier.

How long should a nursing cover letter be?

A nursing cover letter should typically be one page long, concise and focused on key qualifications and experiences. Refer to how long a cover letter should be .

What kind of font should you use for a cover letter?

Use a professional and easy-to-read font, such as Arial or Calibri, in a size between 10 and 12 points. However, it does depend on the cover letter itself as well as the chosen CV example.  

What should a nursing cover letter include?

As seen above, make sure to include your contact information, a salutation, an introductory paragraph, body paragraphs highlighting relevant experiences, a closing paragraph expressing interest, and a professional closing.

How do I write a cover letter for the NHS?

Make sure to tailor the letter to the specific role and demonstrate alignment with NHS values . Furthermore, emphasise your commitment to patient care, knowledge of NHS values, and relevant experience.

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Covering letters

Did you know many employers admit they won't consider cvs if they are not accompanied by a covering letter, don't risk being overlooked; follow our advice and tips to make sure your covering letter ticks all the right boxes and encourages the recruiter to shortlist you., covering letters - the basics.

If you're responding to a job advert that simply asks you to submit your CV,  or are sending out a speculative CV, then you will definitely need a covering letter. 

A covering letter introduces you as a candidate and acts as an opportunity for you to highlight your key skills, strengths and attributes, convincing the reader that you're a good match for the job.

Unlike your CV, which is a relatively factual document, you can write more personably in a covering letter, allowing for your personality, interest, enthusiasm and passion to shine through. 

It’s important to tailor your covering letter to the job you’re going for, using the job advert, person specification, job description and company values to guide you.

How to write your CV, including suggested layout and CV example. 

Top Tips 

• Try to arrange an informal visit or informal chat to find out more about the role before you apply. Reference this in your covering letter.
• Take time to carefully tailor your covering letter to your target job and employer.
• Explain your reasons or genuine motivation for applying. 
• Back up any claims with evidence or context. (E.g. "I have good organisational skills, efficiently managing my own caseload and appointments on a daily basis")
• Make it clear you’ve done your research and understand the role, field, employer, etc.
• Echo the employer’s organisational values, vision or mission statement where possible.
• Submit a stand-alone CV without a covering letter 
• Write more than a page of A4 if possible.
• Duplicate all information contained within your CV. Instead, highlight the most important or relevant elements.
• Be vague. (E.g. Instead of saying "I've worked in a wide range of settings," say, "I've worked in a wide range of settings including oncology, community, and urgent care.")
• Focus on how the job would benefit you. Instead, focus on how you could benefit the employer.

Structuring your covering letter

There’s no set format for a covering letter, but you may wish to use the structure below as a guide.

Introduction

Explain which job you’re applying for, and where you saw the advert.

Section 1  

Introduce yourself and tell your prospective employer a bit about you. 

You could give a very brief overview of your career and current role and/or share your story about why you became a HCA / nurse, or why you decided on the job role you did. 

Alternatively, if you’re changing your career path, explain why. 

Section 2 

Demonstrate why you are a good match for the job.

Study the job advert and person specification if there is one, and identify approximately 3 of the most important criteria needed for the role. Demonstrate how you meet these criteria using evidence and examples, and focusing on your achievements.

Section 3 

Demonstrate your knowledge of the company / field / job / sector and why you want to work for them. Explain what you would bring to the team/department, and/or why you’d fit in with their industry, culture or values.

Thank them for taking the time to read your letter and CV. Let them know your availability for a call back.

Need feedback on your covering letter?

If you're an RCN member  and you need to write a covering letter to apply for a job, you can e-mail us at  [email protected]  to receive feedback via email within 10 working days. Please include: 

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• The job advert and/or Person Specification for the job you're applying for
• Whether you have any deadlines or time pressures (we will do our best to comply)
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How To Write a Nursing Cover Letter, Including a Sample

Writing a cover letter as a Registered Nurse is similar to writing one for any other prospective job; you’ll demonstrate your skills, experience, and education while showcasing your personality and ability to communicate all of the above. When writing your cover letter, remember that it is an opportunity to show employers why you are the best candidate for the job.

RN Sample Cover Letter

Download the following resume here as a Google Doc or Word Document .

Maria Smith 123 Hickory Lane, Sometown, GA 45678 | (770)423-6000 | [email protected]

Sarah Campbell Nurse Recruiter R.N Medical Centre 1300 West Park Street, Butte, MT 59701

Dear Ms. Campbell,

I’m writing in regard to the Registered Nurse position advertised on Indeed. I am an energetic and highly motivated nurse, keen to serve society by delivering the best medical services possible. My skills and qualifications make me an ideal candidate for the position.

I earned my master’s degree in nursing from the John Hopkins School of Medicine and have 6 years of experience working in the healthcare field. As an RN, I am very organized, calm, and patient. I am passionate about providing care to patients and strive to inspire other staff members.

Upon graduating, I was hired as an RN at Divine Hospital where I worked for 2 years. Currently, I am working at Memorial Hospital where my responsibilities include:

• Monitoring the condition of the patients and reporting any concerns;
• Administering medications in compliance with established policies and standards;
• Preparing and implementing a customized, interdisciplinary care plan;
• Ensuring that patients’ rooms are kept neat and clean as to minimize the risk of infection;
• Identifying the physical, psychological, and emotional needs of patients.

I believe my skills and qualifications would make me a valuable addition to your hospital. Enclosed is a resume for your review. I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely, Maria Smith

New vs. Experienced RNs

Whether you’re applying to your first or next RN position, you’ll need a cover letter and a resume . Each of these documents shows potential employers who you are and how you can succeed in the position for which you’re applying. If you’re an experienced RN, focus on the most recent and pertinent job titles you’ve held. If you’re a new RN who’s just graduated from school, emphasize what you’ve learned in your program. Detail both the hard and soft skills you’ve picked up along the way.

Address the Correct Person and Department

The first thing you want to do is make sure you address the correct person, department, and position for which you are applying. Misspelling a name, using the wrong name, or even getting the title of the position incorrect may rub a potential employer the wrong way and automatically put you at a disadvantage.

Format Your Cover Letter

No one cover letter works for every job, but they all follow a similar format. While you’ll want to customize your cover letter for each specific job you apply for, you’ll always include your name and contact information, an introduction, a few middle paragraphs, and a succinct closing statement.

Below details what should be included in each of those four sections:

Name and Contact Information

At the very top of your cover letter, you’ll include your name and contact information. A general rule of thumb is to use a relatively larger font size for these than for the rest of the text. You want your name to stand out and altering the font size can do that.

Introduction

An introductory paragraph tells the employer how you found the job and why you’re applying. Start your cover letter with an impressive and energetic introduction that makes you stand out from the other candidates. Show the recruiter that you are keen to work with them.

Middle Paragraphs

In the middle paragraphs of your cover letter, elaborate on your skills, qualifications, and experience. Employers need to know they are hiring the best candidate for the position. This includes finding someone with not only the right attitude, but someone who is equipped for the demands of the job as well. This is your opportunity to show them that you are qualified as well as interested. A useful framework for explaining your goals, values, and experience as a nurse may be to refer to the metaparadigm of nursing , which outlines a holistic view of the profession.

The main points of interest in the body of your cover letter are:

• Your Qualifications: Employers need to see where you received your RN education , as well as when you gained certification . Including this early on allows employers to mark off that initial box stating that you are in fact qualified for the position. You may also include any awards or special achievements received as pertinent to the position.
• Your Skills: Make sure to include what kind of duties you have performed and emphasize essential nursing skills you have acquired. Think of this section as your opportunity to show off your knowledge and expertise. Remember to discuss both the hard and soft skills you’ve picked up in your work as an RN.
• Your Experience: Lastly, employers need to know where you have worked as an RN. Be sure to include each healthcare facility you have worked at, how many years you served at each, and the title of each position held. If you’ve worked at multiple healthcare facilities or served in a variety of roles, include only the most recent and pertinent of them. A fuller depiction of your experience can be shown in your resume.

Closing Statement

The closing paragraph should restate why you are right for the job and what you can bring to the table.

If you’re looking to stand out, make sure your closing statement contains a call-to-action (CTA). Instead of ending with a “Thank you for your time,” end with a CTA that leaves them more interested in you. Include something along the lines of “I look forward to hearing from you.” The eagerness of a statement such as that encourages potential employers to reach back out to you.

Show Your Passion

Throughout the bulk of your cover letter, make sure to show your passion for nursing. Using descriptive language and speaking positively about your experiences as an RN can demonstrate to potential employers that you’re a good fit for the position and the team as a whole. Think about why you chose nursing as a career, and what you view as the benefits of working as an RN , to give a sincere description of your goals and interests.

Be Concise and Direct

Make sure everything you include in your cover letter is relevant to the position for which you’re applying. You do not need to go into specifics, as these will be discussed during an interview . Rather, you need only to give the employer a succinct understanding of your experience and capabilities as an RN.

Hiring managers may have an abundance of resumes and cover letters to go through. Writing a cover letter that is concise and direct can make it easier for them to tell right off the bat that you’re right for the job.

Reread and Revise

Always re-read and revise your cover letter to avoid making any grammatical or spelling errors. Recruit a friend or family member to read over it as well.

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How to Write the Perfect Nurses Cover Letter

You’ve spent days – maybe weeks or months – finding the right job for you. The position that you feel you’ll excel in, one that will enable you to showcase your skills and thrive, learn and develop, grow and shine.

You come to write your nursing cover letter and freeze – how do you encompass all your enthusiasm, your love for the job? How do you write a nurses cover letter that will see you in front of the interview panel, giving them the reasons why you should be given the job?

Here are some tips that will help you write the perfect cover letter that will help you pin down an interview:

• The entire nursing cover letter should only be a page or two long – a page is best – and be set out correctly.
• Templates are available online; it might seem trivial, but it’s still important. You can find some great templates at Resume Genius .
• Sometimes “old school” is better and setting out your cover letter correctly will catch the eye of the person deciding whether you’ll be interviewed or not. Keep it brief but informative. The reader should be interested and want to find out more, but you can still be rejected at this stage even if your letter is interesting.
• Remember nursing is about procedures and protocols, and if you try something new and contemporary you might not be successful.
• Your nursing cover letter should identify the position you’re applying for (and, if you wish, where you saw it advertised).
• Include the date, and be sure to end with a call-to-arms: “please feel free to contact me on my listed mobile number, if you have any questions. I am looking forward to your call” lets the reader know you’re not only available, but expecting their call.
• The perfect nurses cover letter should address the criteria laid out in the job advertisement – if the actual advertisement does not list a set of criteria, then it might be best to call the department or person responsible and obtain these.
• The criteria enables the selection of the most appropriate people to interview. It serves as a weeding-out process, so no matter how silly or trivial you think a part of the criteria is, make sure you do it 100% correctly.
• Address the criteria individually, in point-form if you wish, but keep it brief. A small example of how you fulfil the criteria is perfect and will able you to expand on them when you get to interview.

A great nursing cover letter will not get you a job, but it will get you an interview so the panel will see you’re the best person for the position. If you are currently in the process of looking for your next career opportunity, please browse our selection of nursing jobs .

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Practice Nurse cover letter example 1

Christine Graham Hiring Manager Dayjob Ltd 120 Vyse Street Birmingham B18 6NF 18th January 2018

Dear Ms Graham,

I would like to take this opportunity to apply for the Practice Nurse position which your organisation advertised today on the dayjob.com website.

As someone who is drawn to caring for the sick and injured. I feel I have the right attitude for this position. I will always do my very best to deliver the highest quality, safety and care combined with the best experience to patients and their families.

I am a mature person who can deal with making important choices on a daily basis.

With my current employers …………., I undertake a wide range of nursing assessments and provide appropriate care to patients in conjunction with GPs according to established protocols. I support senior nurses within the practice to deliver care within the boundaries of their role.

I believe that strict attention to detail must be second nature for a nurse, and am confident in my ability to remain focused on matters at hand. I also understand that self-doubt can be dangerous when a nurse is faced with a critical situation, and once again believe that as a confident individual I will be able to work independently with little supervision. You can rely on me to make professionally autonomous decisions for which I am prepared to be held accountable for.

Right now I am also very keen to work for an established and reputable hospital like yours that offers a competitive base salary and a supportive working environment. I have attached my CV with this letter and would be very grateful if you could review it and then come back to me if you feel I may be a suitable candidate.

Yours sincerely,

Name Address 1 Address 2 Tel: 0044 121 638 0026 Email: [email protected]

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