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How to Write a Nursing Cover Letter: Examples for 2024

Cover Letter Examples

How to Write a Nursing Cover Letter: Examples for 2024

Don’t let your career fall into a coma. Learn how to write a standout nursing cover letter that lands interviews. I’ll help you provide the best care for your nurse cover letter.

After scrolling through the never-ending job boards, you’ve found the nursing job of your dreams. They’ve got excellent pay, great doctors and medical staff to work with, and a career ladder you can visualize climbing.

All that stands in your way to get that interview is the perfect nursing cover letter.

In this article, you’ll get:

Two nurse cover letter samples, one for an experienced nurse and an entry-level nursing student cover letter.
Step-by-step advice on writing nursing cover letters to land you more clinic and hospital interviews.
An experienced or new grad nurse cover letter template for you to copy and use to make your cover letter for nursing jobs in just 15 minutes.

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Looking for other cover letter examples for positions in healthcare and well-being? See:

Dentist Cover Letter
EMT Cover Letter
Esthetician Cover Letter
Healthcare Cover Letter
LPN Cover Letter
Medical Assistant Cover Letter
New Grad Nurse Cover Letter
Physician Assistant Cover Letter
Physical Therapy Cover Letter
Social Work Cover Letter

To begin, let’s take a look at two different nurse cover letters examples:

Nursing Cover Letter Examples

First, I’ll show you Edward’s experienced nursing cover letter. He’s applying for a job that calls for a registered nurse who knows how to take accurate measurements and readings and administer appropriate treatment plans.

Take a look at Edward’s nurse cover letter sample to see how he rocks it:

#1: Mid-Level Nursing Cover Letter Example

Edward Welch

Registered Nurse (RN)

Nevada State Licence #NV54998

775-270-8127

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/edwardwelch

June 23, 2024

Donald Raines

Director of Nursing

Shamus T. Knight Memorial Hospital

360 Camden Street

Reno, NV 89501

Dear Mr. Raines,

I’ve been a registered nurse for over 3 years at University Medical Center in Las Vegas. Having recently moved back home to Reno, I was excited to find a job opening on your medical staff as an RN at Shamus T. Knight Memorial Hospital. With my well-rounded expertise in pain management techniques, reviewing laboratory data for anomalies and problems, communicating with patients, and assisting in the emergency room, I’m certain I would make a valuable addition to the nursing staff as a registered nurse.

The job ad mentions you are seeking an RN capable of accurately and efficiently evaluating patients for medical signs and symptoms, as well as initiating the appropriate responses. As a staff nurse at LV-UMC, I successfully evaluated and identified patient responses to treatment and signs of illness. During my employment there, I effectively managed a caseload of 15 per day while helping our nursing team achieve Magnet status recognition. I know I will bring that same level of dedication and commitment to work at STK.

I am sure that I’d love working at your hospital in particular, as I greatly respect the staff and the research conducted here. I’d be honored to become part of the nursing family at Shamus T. Knight Memorial Hospital.

Could we arrange a sit-down or phone call to discuss how I could help Shamus T. Knight Memorial Hospital lessen its workload while increasing the quality of care?

Edward Welch, RN

This registered nursing cover letter example will jolt the head nurse awake like a defibrillator. It tackles all the points from the job ad, showcasing Edward as a nursing master.

But what about a cover letter with no experience?

Meet Esmeralda. She hasn’t worked as a nurse before, having only studied at university and completed the LPN exam. However, her entry-level nurse cover letter still talks up her medical skills and knowledge in a compelling way. Here it is:

#2: Entry-Level Nursing Cover Letter Example

Esmeralda Welch

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Nevada State Licence #NV54999

775-270-8128

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/esmewelch

Head of Nursing Staff

As a medical student with a newly earned LPN certification, I want to apply for the licensed practical nurse position at Shamus T. Knight Memorial Hospital. As I finish my bachelor’s degree in nursing, I believe I have the book knowledge and classroom hours needed to be a perfect entry-level nurse candidate at your medical center.

According to the nursing job description, you are looking for an LPN capable of administering non-RN treatments, evaluating patient symptoms and reactions, and assisting the RN charge nurse in all aspects of general patient care. During my college studies and throughout my licensed practical nursing certification program, I learned about many medical topic clusters, including pharmacology, patient care, hygiene and nutrition, ambulatory care, and proficiency with EHRs.

I would love the opportunity to chat about the nursing unit’s upcoming objectives and current roadblocks and show you how my friendly attitude, willingness to learn, and medical knowledge make me a top contender for the LPN position.

Esmeralda Welch, LPN

Esmeralda’s nurse cover letter shows she has the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in her role, even without professional experience.

Now I’ll show you how to write your own cover letter for nursing jobs:

How to Write a Nursing Cover Letter

Nursing jobs demand an in-depth understanding of medical procedures, patient care, and strong interpersonal skills to address patient needs effectively. Your nursing cover letter must demonstrate your expertise in medical practices, empathy, and capacity to provide compassionate patient care.

Here’s how to write a cover letter for nursing jobs:

1. Format the Nursing Cover Letter Professionally

Your ICU or graduate nurse cover letter has to make a great first impression. And not only with the words you include but also with how you format the cover letter .

Here is how the cover letter outline should go:

Align all the text to the left, from your address at the beginning to your signature at the end.
Choose the best font for a cover letter that’s easy to read and matches your nurse resume template .
Use single-line spaces in the body of your RN or LPN cover letter, and leave room for a one-inch border around the edges.
Structure the application letter into clear parts. An introduction, main body, and a closing. Aim for 3–4 paragraphs.
Ensure the length of your cover letter for nurse jobs doesn’t exceed a single page.

A good cover letter can set up a resume perfectly, but a bad one can tank your application before your resume even gets read. The key is to keep it friendly but concise; anything more than a page is way too much. A brief summary of your skills and experience and how they relate to the job is more than enough. Your resume will go into more detail on your work history, so all you’re looking to do is match up enough key attributes from the job description that a hiring manager will want to look further.” Michael Green Vice President at Nelson Frank

2. Start With a Proper Nursing Cover Letter Heading

Adding address and personal details onto a cover letter is about as straightforward as it gets. But at the same time, an error here is as bad as an error in the hospital documentation.

Use this template for reference:

Nursing Cover Letters Sample Header Template

[ Full Name]

[ Your Job Title ] (Optional)

[ Your License Number (If Applicable)

[ Phone Number ]

[ Email Address ]

[ LinkedIn URL ]

[ Writing Date ]

[ Head Nurse’s Full Name ]

[ Head Nurse’s Title ]

[ Medical Facility Name ]

[ Medical Facility Street Address ]

[ City, State, Zip Code ]

Always make sure to triple-check each entry in the header. You wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity for an interview just because you accidentally made a typo in your email address.

Expert Hint: Avoid Hello , Hi , Dear Sir or Madam , and To Whom It May Concern phrases. They come off as lazy, generic, and spammy. Don’t know the recipient’s name? Look on the hospital’s website, or browse LinkedIn for clues.

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

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Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here .

3. Introduce Yourself in the First Paragraph

The first paragraph of a nursing cover letter needs to be like a shot of adrenaline. The person reading it has to want to know more about you instantly. It’s not an easy job, but so is nursing. I’ll show you how to start a cover letter for a nurse practitioner:

Nursing Cover Letter Sample: Introductory Statement

Dear [Name of Head Nurse, Medical Director, etc.] :

It excited me to come across the [Nursing Job Position] position at [Name of Hospital, Lab, or Clinic] . As a [Current Nursing Job Title] with [###] years of experience with [Nursing Skills, e.g., Cardiac Care, Emergency Room Care, Infection Control, Patient Charts, Pain Management, OR Procedures, Surgery Prep, Patient Evaluations, etc.] , At my previous workplace, I [Quantified Achievement] . I’m sure I’m the right candidate for this job.

This template works wonders because it’s relevant, specific, personalized, and brief. It clearly states the position you’re applying for, gives the reader an overview of who you are and how many years of experience you have, what’s your proudest achievements, and lists multiple vital skills from the job posting.

Also, look at the tone of voice. It’s formal and exudes confidence with excitement.

Expert Hint: Most nurses report burnout as the reason for quitting their previous job . Before you apply somewhere, research the hospital/clinic so you don’t end up harming your mental health.

4. Describe Your Nursing Skills & Work Expertise

In the second paragraph of the nursing cover letter, show them how you’re the dream candidate they’re searching for. Go to the job posting and scroll down to where it says “job requirements.”

There, you’ll find nursing skills in the form of job keywords , you’ll want to target on your cover letter.

Check out this easy, fill-in-the-blank example:

Sample Cover Letter Nursing: Middle Paragraph

I see you’re seeking a [Name of Nursing Job Position] with knowledge in [State a Particular Medical Skill or Two Mentioned in the Job Ad] . As a [Name of Current or Former Medical Job Title] at [Name of Current or Former Lab, Hospital, or Clinic] , I diligently handled [Responsibilities, e.g., Operating Room Procedures, Maternal Care, Lab Testing, ICU Operations, Exams and Treatment, etc.] . I am confident that I will bring that same expertise and level of care to [Hospital, Clinic, or Laboratory Name] .

If you have several work accomplishments you wish to showcase on your nursing cover letter, you can do so by including a couple of bullet points . This can often help you save space and create a more impactful short cover letter .

Expert Hint: If you’re applying for a leadership nursing position, mention your leadership achievements. Transformational leadership style has a positive impact on nurses’ job satisfaction, which in turn reduces burnout and improves work quality.

5. Describe Why This Hospital or Clinic is the Best Place for You

The hospital administration and nursing manager want to know that you’ll fit in well with the workplace culture. So, compliment them in the final paragraph of your nursing cover letter.

It’s important because anyone would prefer to hire a nurse who wanted to work at this specific hospital, rather than one just wanting a nursing job anywhere. Show them you care. Let them know you’d be a perfect addition to the nursing staff.

End your cover letter for nursing jobs by making them feel special. Here’s another nurse cover letter template to use as a guide:

Nurse Cover Letter Example: Motivation Statement

I admire [Clinic or Hospital Name] ’s focus on [Give a Point or Fact About the Hospital or Clinic That Interests You, e.g., Research, Values, Quality of Care] . This is truly admirable and inspiring, and it easily is in line with my own values. I know that working at [Hospital or Clinic Name] as the [Name of Nursing Position] would be a perfect opportunity for me to learn, develop, and help others.

6. End the Nursing Cover Letter With an Effective Sign-Off

One of the most efficient ways to increase your chances of getting a callback is to request a callback. And that’s no placebo trick—you can trust me on that.

Add a short and sweet call-to-action and follow it with “Sincerely”, adding your name, and repeating your contact details. Here’s a simple closing template on a sample cover letter for nursing jobs:

Nursing Cover Letter Example: Call-to-Action & Complimentary Close

Could we make time for a quick video chat, phone call, or face-to-face to discuss how I could help [Hospital or Clinic Name] as a new nursing staff member?

[Digital Copy of Signature]

[First & Last Name, Post-Nominal Letters]

[Phone Number]

[Email Address]

Expert Hint: Are you applying for a specific nursing position? See our RN cover letter and CNA cover letter guides.

With ResumeLab’s resume builder you’ll write your resume in a flash. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Improve your resume in our resume builder now .

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Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You’re the perfect candidate and we’ll prove it. Just pick one of 21 resume templates and get started now .

Here are the main things to remember when writing a cover letter for nursing jobs:

Address the head of nursing directly in your nursing cover letter salutation.
Introduce yourself and quickly summarize your professional medical accomplishments and skills.
Show the hospital administrative staff that you are a perfect match to the candidate they requested in the nursing job description.
Let them know your motivation in joining the hospital with some praise and enthusiasm.
Ask for a meeting or phone call to end your experienced or new grad nursing cover letter.

Do you have a question on how to write a nursing cover letter? Need ideas for how to come up with accomplishments on a cover letter for nursing positions? Head down to the comment section below to ask a question, and I’ll reply as soon as possible!

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines , ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets . Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

Career expert who has been sharing his expert knowledge since 2017. His advice will guide you smoothly through all recruitment processes: from job hunting to getting a promotion. Christian offers comprehensive advice on career development and each step of the job search, from start to finish and beyond. His guides cover looking for new jobs, sending application documents such as resumes and cover letters, acing interview questions, and settling into the new position. Since 2017, he has written over 200 in-depth, meticulously-researched career advice articles in collaboration with the most renowned career experts in the world. Hundreds of thousands of readers visit Christian’s articles each month.

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30 Professional Nurse Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your nurse cover letter must immediately highlight your dedication to patient care. Showcase your commitment through a personal anecdote or a professional accomplishment. Illustrate your ability to work in high-pressure environments with ease. Demonstrate your expertise with specifics about your clinical skills or special certifications.

All cover letter examples in this guide

Aesthetic Nurse

Agency Nurse

Clinical Nurse

Clinical Research Nurse

Company Nurse

Critical Care Nurse

Dental Nurse

Hemodialysis Nurse

Infection Control Nurse

Medical Surgical Nurse

Nurse Anesthetist

Nurse Practitioner

Occupational Health Nurse

Pediatric Nurse

Perioperative Nurse

Practice Nurse

School Nurse

Staff Nurse

Surgical Nurse

Telemetry Nurse

Travel Nurse

Veterinary Nurse

Cover letter guide.

Nurse Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Nurse Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Embarking on your job search, you've swiftly discovered the importance of a well-crafted nurse cover letter, a step that often feels daunting. Beyond your resume, this letter is your chance to narrate your proudest professional achievement in a story that captivates your future employer. While maintaining formality, sidestep the clichés that bury your unique voice, and keep it concise; your powerful, one-page introduction can set the stage for career success. Let's dive in and design a cover letter that stands out.

Including all the must-have paragraphs in your structure for an excellent first impression;
Learning how to write individual sections from industry-leading cover letter examples;
Selecting the best accomplishment to tell an interesting and authority-building professional story;
Introducing your profile with personality, while meeting industry standards.

And, if you want to save some time, drag and drop your nurse resume into Enhancv's AI, which will assess your profile and write your job-winning cover letter for you.

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

Nurse resume guide and example
Social Work Student cover letter example
Oral Surgery Assistant cover letter example
Licensed Practical Nurse cover letter example
Pacu Nurse cover letter example
Nicu Nurse cover letter example
Ob Gyn Medical Assistant cover letter example
Hemodialysis Nurse cover letter example
Public Health cover letter example
Medical Surgical Nurse cover letter example
Pediatric Nurse cover letter example

Nurse cover letter example

TAYLOR FOSTER

Chicago, IL

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

Highlighting specific achievements related to the role, such as reducing infection rates, shows the candidate’s impact on previous organizations and implies potential benefits for the new employer.
Emphasizing leadership experience and the ability to manage a multidisciplinary team aligns with responsibilities that may be required in a Registered Nurse position at a hospital.
Illustrating a commitment to patient care and safety helps align the candidate's values with those of the healthcare facility, which is an essential aspect of working in a hospital environment.
Explicitly stating the willingness to discuss how the candidate's skills and experience can benefit the hospital demonstrates proactive engagement and eagerness to contribute to the institution's mission.

Standard formatting for your nurse cover letter

Structure your nurse cover letter, following industry-leading advice, to include:

Header - with your name, the role you're applying for, the date, and contact details;
Greeting - make sure it's personalized to the organization;
Introduction paragraph - no more than two sentences;
Body paragraph - answering why you're the best candidate for the role;
Closing paragraph - ending with a promise or a call to action;
Signature - now that's optional.

Set up your nurse cover letter for success with our templates that are all single-spaced and have a one-inch margin all around.

Use the same font for your nurse cover as the one in your resume (remember to select a modern, Applicant Tracker System or ATS favorites, like Raleway, Volkhov, or Chivo instead of the worn-out Times New Roman).

Speaking of the ATS, did you know that it doesn't scan or assess your cover letter? This document is solely for the recruiters.

Our builder allows you to export your nurse cover letter in the best format out there: that is, PDF (this format keeps your information intact).

The top sections on a nurse cover letter

Header : Includes the nurse's contact information, the date, and the employer's contact details; this section sets a professional tone and ensures the recruiter knows who the letter is from and how to get back in touch.
Greeting : Addresses the hiring manager or recruitment team by name if possible; personalization shows the nurse has done their research and is genuinely interested in the position at that specific healthcare facility.
Introduction : Briefly introduces the nurse, stating their current role, years of experience, and enthusiasm for the position applied for; this segment hooks the reader and gives a snapshot of the nurse's professional identity.
Body : Describes the nurse's relevant experience, special skills, accomplishments, and any certifications that are pertinent to the job posting; it provides proof of competence and illustrates how they can contribute to the healthcare team and patient care.
Closing : Summarizes the nurse’s interest in the role, thanks the reader for considering their application, and includes a call-to-action, such as expressing eagerness to discuss how they can contribute to the facility in an interview; it wraps up the letter with politeness and forward momentum.

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

Clinical skills and technical knowledge: Shows that the candidate is well-prepared to perform necessary medical procedures and provide high-quality patient care.
Excellent communication skills: Enables effective interaction with patients, families, and the healthcare team, and is crucial for patient education and advocacy.
Compassion and empathy: Essential for providing patient-centered care and for building trust and rapport with patients undergoing stressful health challenges.
Adaptability and flexibility: Demonstrates the ability to handle the fast-paced and often unpredictable nature of healthcare environments.
Attention to detail: Critical for administering medications, updating patient records accurately, and ensuring patient safety.
Teamwork and collaboration: Vital for working effectively with interdisciplinary healthcare teams and ensuring cohesive patient care.

Greeting recruiters with your nurse cover letter salutation

What better way to start your conversation with the hiring manager, than by greeting them?

Take the time to find out who the professional, recruiting for the role, is.

Search on LinkedIn, the company website. And for those still keen on making a fantastic first impression, you could even contact the organization, asking for the recruiter's name and more details about the job.

Address recruiters in the nurse greeting by either their first name or last name. (e.g. "Dear Anthony" or "Dear Ms. Smarts").

If you're unable to discover the recruiter's name - don't go for the impersonal "To whom it may concern", but instead use "Dear HR team".

List of salutations you can use

Dear Hiring Manager,
Dear [Employer's Name],
Dear [Department] Team,
Dear [Title] [Last Name],
Dear [Job Title] Hiring Committee,

Get creative with your nurse cover letter introduction

Recruiters are going to assess plenty of candidate profiles for the role. Thus, anything you do to stand out will win you brownie points.

Use your nurse cover letter introduction to share something memorable about your experience .

But before you go down the rabbit hole of creativity and humor, align your message with the company culture.

For example, if you are applying for a role in some startup, use those first two sentences to tell a funny story (about your experience) to quickly connect with the recruiter.

What to write in the body of your nurse cover letter

Now that you've got your intro covered, here comes the heart and soul of your nurse cover letter.

It's time to write the middle or body paragraphs . This is the space where you talk about your relevant talent in terms of hard skills (or technologies) and soft (or people and communication) skills.

Keep in mind that the cover letter has a different purpose from your nurse resume.

Yes, you still have to be able to show recruiters what makes your experience unique (and applicable) to the role.

But, instead of just listing skills, aim to tell a story of your one, greatest accomplishment.

Select your achievement that:

covers job-crucial skills;
can be measured with tangible metrics;
shows you in the best light.

Use the next three to six paragraphs to detail what this success has taught you, and also to sell your profile.

Closing paragraph basics: choose between a promise and a call to action

You've done all the hard work - congratulations! You've almost reached the end of your nurse cover letter .

But how do you ensure recruiters, who have read your application this far, remember you?

Most nurse professionals end their cover letter with a promise - hinting at their potential and what they plan on achieving if they're hired.

Another option would be to include a call for follow-up, where you remind recruiters that you're very interested in the opportunity (and look forward to hearing from them, soon).

Choose to close your nurse cover letter in the way that best fits your personality.

Keep this in mind when writing your zero experience nurse cover letter

Even though you may not have any professional experience , your nurse cover letter should focus on your value.

As a candidate for the particular role, what sort of skills do you bring about? Perhaps you're an apt leader and communicator, or have the ability to analyze situations from different perspectives.

Select one key achievement from your life, outside work, and narrate a story that sells your abilities in the best light.

If you really can't think of any relevant success, you could also paint the picture of how you see your professional future developing in the next five years, as part of the company.

Key takeaways

Winning recruiters over shouldn't be difficult if you use your nurse cover letter to tell a story that:

Is personalized by greeting your readers and focusing on key job skills greets;
Isn't spread all over the place, but instead focuses on one key achievement and selling your value as a professional;
Introduces your enthusiasm for the role, passion for the job, or creativity in communication;
Is also visually appealing - meeting the best HR practices;
Ends with a nod to the future and how you envision your growth, as part of the company.

Nurse cover letter examples

Explore additional nurse cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Cover letter examples by industry

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