cover letter for nurses job application with experience

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
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• 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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• Content tailored to the job posting you're applying for
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How to Write a Nursing Cover Letter

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Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:

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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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