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.
Read on to find out how to write your nurse cover letter by:
- 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
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my deep interest in the Registered Nurse position at Mercy Hospital. My extensive experience in diverse clinical settings and my unwavering commitment to patient care resonate profoundly with the values and standards of excellence upheld by your esteemed healthcare team.
During my tenure at Methodist Hospital of Chicago, I successfully managed a multidisciplinary team overseeing an 18-bed unit in the acute care department. A standout moment was spearheading the improvement of infection control protocols across five patient care units, leading to a 30% reduction in hospital-acquired infections within a year. This feat not only demonstrates my strong leadership capabilities but also my dedication to patient safety and high-quality care delivery – competencies that I am eager to contribute to the team at Mercy Hospital.
My background has equipped me with the critical skills necessary to thrive in a fast-paced hospital environment. I am eager to discuss how my clinical expertise and compassionate approach to nursing can support the mission of Mercy Hospital. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview. I look forward to the opportunity to further elaborate on how I can be an asset to your nursing staff.
Sincerely,
TAYLOR FOSTER
Registered Nurse
What makes this cover letter good:
- 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.
Intro Paragraph
I am deeply inspired by the holistic care approach that Nightingale Health Services is renowned for, and I am eager to contribute my adept clinical skills to support your team's commitment to outstanding patient care.
RIGHT
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.
Body Paragraph
During a peak period, I successfully managed a 30-patient ward, coordinating care that resulted in a 40% decrease in medication errors and a 15% increase in overall patient satisfaction. My commitment to efficient processes and patient-centered care aligns with the standards of excellence at your facility.
RIGHT
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.
Closing Paragraph
I am eager to bring my expertise to your team and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills align with the role during an interview.
RIGHT
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.
By Role
Aesthetic Nurse
When pursuing a position as an Aesthetic Nurse, it’s essential to showcase your experience with cosmetic procedures and patient care. Emphasize certifications like 'Botox Certification' or 'Dermatology Nursing' and the length of any related programs or internships. Highlight strong interpersonal skills and a delicate touch, as these are crucial for patient satisfaction. Cite specific instances where your patient care approach led to positive outcomes or increased client loyalty, using the 'skill-action-result' format to illustrate your direct impact on client well-being and clinic reputation.
View Aesthetic Nurse Cover Letter
Agency Nurse
When aiming for an Agency Nurse position, highlight any hands-on nursing experience, particularly in varying clinical settings, as adaptability is key. Detail your proficiency in patient care, including specific clinical skills such as administering medications or wound care. If you possess additional certifications like BLS or ACLS, underscore these qualifications. Use the 'skill-action-result' model to describe how your efforts improved patient outcomes or streamlined processes. Emphasize your flexibility and ability to quickly integrate into new teams, which are essential traits for an Agency Nurse.
View Agency Nurse Cover Letter
Clinical Nurse
For an Entry-Level Clinical Nurse position, you should emphasize clinical rotations and relevant healthcare experience. Communicate your proficiency in patient care, ability to work in high-stress environments, and any nursing specialties you're familiar with. If you've completed courses like 'Anatomy and Physiology' or 'Patient Care Fundamentals', showcase these along with their duration. Illustrate how your skills led to positive patient outcomes or streamlined care processes, using a 'skill-action-result' framework in your examples.
View Clinical Nurse Cover Letter
Clinical Research Nurse
For a Clinical Research Nurse role, showcase any experience in clinical research or patient care settings. It's essential to highlight your attention to detail and ability to adhere to protocols. Mention any specific research methodologies or clinical trials you've been part of. Showcasing coursework or certifications in areas such as 'Clinical Research Conduct' or 'GCP' will demonstrate your preparedness. Detail how your skills have positively impacted research outcomes or patient experiences, using a 'skill-action-result' framework in your examples.
View Clinical Research Nurse Cover Letter
Company Nurse
For the role of Company Nurse, highlight your patient care skills and any hands-on experience with occupational health. Emphasize your knowledge of healthcare regulations and proficiency in emergency response. If you have relevant certifications, like Basic Life Support (BLS) or Occupational Health Nursing (OHN), mention these along with their validity period. Use concrete examples to demonstrate how your interventions have improved workplace safety or health outcomes, illustrating your ability to follow a 'situation-action-outcome' framework in your cover letter.
View Company Nurse Cover Letter
Critical Care Nurse
When applying for a Critical Care Nurse position, it is essential to showcase experience in high-pressure medical environments. Mention specific skills like acute patient care, proficiency in monitoring vital signs, and managing life-saving equipment. If you've completed advanced training such as ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) or have specialty certifications, include these details in your cover letter. Employ the 'situation-action-outcome' structure to describe instances where your intervention directly improved patient outcomes or increased efficiency in patient care protocols.
View Critical Care Nurse Cover Letter
Dental Nurse
When applying for a Dental Nurse position, highlight any hands-on patient care experience along with your proficiency in dental procedures and equipment sterilization. Outlining your knowledge of dental terminology and mentioning any certifications such as 'Dental Radiography' or 'Infection Control' can be advantageous. Illustrate how your attention to detail and organizational skills have positively impacted a dental office's efficiency. Use concise examples showing a 'skills-action-result' format to demonstrate your direct contributions to patient care or office operations.
View Dental Nurse Cover Letter
ER Nurse
In pursuing an ER Nurse position, it's essential to spotlight your clinical experience, particularly in emergency medicine or acute care settings. High-stress situation management and quick decision-making are critical qualities to demonstrate. Mention any advanced certifications you may hold, such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC), indicating their duration. Illustrate specific incidents where your medical expertise and calm demeanor positively impacted patient outcomes and supported your team using a 'skill-action-result' format.
View ER Nurse Cover Letter
Hemodialysis Nurse
When applying for a Hemodialysis Nurse position, it's essential to spotlight your specialized training in nephrology and patient care. Discussion of hands-on experience with hemodialysis machines, vascular access monitoring, and your ability to handle potential complications quickly is key. If you've completed courses like 'Acute Renal Replacement Therapy' or similar, include these to showcase your expertise. Providing a clear example of a time when your intervention improved a patient's treatment outcome, using the 'skill-action-result' framework, will demonstrate the concrete value you bring to the role.
View Hemodialysis Nurse Cover Letter
ICU Nurse
When applying for an ICU Nurse position, underline direct patient care experience, particularly in critical care settings. Demonstrate proficiency with complex assessments, patient monitoring, and acute care protocols. Stress certifications such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Critical Care Nursing (CCRN), including the date of completion to show recency. Illustrate how your clinical decision-making and teamwork have led to improved patient outcomes, utilizing a 'skill-action-result' framework to convey your contributions in high-stakes environments.
View ICU Nurse Cover Letter
Infection Control Nurse
When seeking a role as an Infection Control Nurse, it's essential to underscore your clinical background, especially in infection prevention and control practices. Practical experience in disinfection and sterilization procedures should be prominent. Certifications such as the 'Certification in Infection Control' (CIC) need to be highlighted, mentioning how long you've been certified. Illuminate your prowess in developing and implementing infection control protocols by giving concrete examples that resulted in decreased infection rates, employing a 'situation-action-outcome' framework in your cover letter.
View Infection Control Nurse Cover Letter
LPN
When seeking an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) position, emphasize any hands-on nursing experience and patient care competencies. Detail your nursing education and any specialized training, such as phlebotomy or administering medication. Show your ability to follow care plans and communicate effectively with patients and healthcare teams. Mention times when your care improved patient outcomes or efficiency in a healthcare setting, using a 'skill-action-result' framework to outline your contributions. Highlighting these points can underline your readiness for the role.
View LPN Cover Letter
LVN
When applying for an LVN role, highlight your hands-on nursing care experience and any specialized area you've worked in, like geriatrics or pediatrics. Demonstrate knowledge in patient assessment and care plan development. If certified in BLS or other specific medical procedures, specify this and the duration spent gaining these skills. Share examples of your empathy and attention to detail, using a 'skill-action-result' model, to underline how you've positively impacted patient outcomes or improved the efficiency of care delivery.
View LVN Cover Letter
Medical Surgical Nurse
When applying for a Medical Surgical Nurse position, emphasize any clinical experience in a med-surg setting. Detailing your proficiency in patient care management, wound dressing, and medication administration is essential. Highlight any certifications, such as a Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification (CMSRN) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), along with their durations. Showcase specific instances where your attention to detail and adaptability led to improved patient outcomes, using a 'skill-action-result' model to depict the direct impact of your capabilities.
View Medical Surgical Nurse Cover Letter
Nicu Nurse
When seeking a position as a NICU Nurse, it's essential to underscore any hands-on experience in a neonatal unit or pediatrics. Highlight strong interpersonal skills and ability to work under pressure, crucial for the sensitive environment of a NICU. If you've completed specialized training such as 'Neonatal Resuscitation' or 'Infant Nutrition,' be sure to mention these alongside their durations. Illustrate how your competencies improved patient care outcomes, using a 'skill-action-result' framework in your cover letter.
View Nicu Nurse Cover Letter
Nurse Anesthetist
When applying for a Nurse Anesthetist position, it's essential to detail your experience in anesthesia and patient care. Showcase skills in evaluating patients, formulating anesthetic plans, and monitoring recovery. Include specifics such as your experience in different surgery settings, knowledge of anesthesia machines, or experience with emergency situations. Emphasize certifications like Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Illustrate how your expertise led to successful patient outcomes and smooth surgical procedures, using a 'situation-action-result' framework in your cover letter.
View Nurse Anesthetist Cover Letter
Nurse Practitioner
When applying for a Nurse Practitioner position, underscore your clinical experience and detail any specializations, such as family medicine or pediatrics. Emphasize proficiency in patient assessment, treatment planning, and health education. Highlight any advanced certifications you hold, e.g., 'Family Nurse Practitioner' or 'Adult-Gerontology', and stress the length of your practical experience to demonstrate your expertise. Illustrate with concrete examples how your clinical judgements have positively impacted patient outcomes, using a 'scenario-action-result' format to show your direct influence on patients' health.
View Nurse Practitioner Cover Letter
OB Nurse
When applying for an OB Nurse position, highlighting practical experience in obstetric care and maternal health is essential. Emphasize your proficiency in fetal monitoring, labor support techniques, and postnatal care. If you've completed specialized courses like 'Neonatal Resuscitation' or 'Perinatal Nursing', showcase these certifications with durations. Demonstrate with concrete examples the impact of your skills on patient outcomes, utilizing a 'skill-action-result' framework. Mention your ability to work in fast-paced environments and your compassionate approach to patient interactions.
Occupational Health Nurse
When applying for an Occupational Health Nurse position, it's important to emphasize experience in health promotion, emergency care, and illness prevention. Highlight certifications or coursework in occupational health nursing or related fields. Describe examples of how you've successfully managed workplace health programs or mitigated workplace hazards. Use a 'scenario-action-outcome' format to showcase specific ways your interventions have improved employee health or decreased absenteeism, demonstrating the direct contributions you've made to workplace wellness and safety.
View Occupational Health Nurse Cover Letter
PACU Nurse
When seeking a role as a PACU Nurse, it’s essential to underscore your proficiency in post-anesthesia care and patient monitoring. Highlight any experience with vital signs assessment, pain management techniques, and post-operative patient education. Mention if you hold certifications like Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) or have completed a post-anesthesia care unit course, specifying the duration to showcase your specialization. Demonstrate the impact of your skills by describing scenarios where your interventions led to positive patient outcomes or increased recovery efficiency, using a concise 'skill-action-result' framework.
Pediatric Nurse
When applying for a Pediatric Nurse position, it's essential to showcase your experience in pediatric care or working with children. Highlight your proficiency in patient education, vaccination administration, and development milestone tracking. Mention any special certifications like Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or your degree in nursing, including specifics like Child Health. Describe instances where your nursing care has positively impacted a child's health recovery, using a clear cause-effect-outcome format, to exemplify your ability to provide compassionate and expert care.
View Pediatric Nurse Cover Letter
Perioperative Nurse
When applying for a Perioperative Nurse position, it's important to showcase your experience in surgical nursing and patient care. Emphasize your proficiency in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative procedures. If you've completed any specialized training, such as an Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification, include this along with the duration. Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with surgical teams, your attention to detail in sterile environments, and your patient-centered care approach. Use concrete examples where your skills have directly contributed to patient outcomes or improved operational efficiency.
View Perioperative Nurse Cover Letter
Practice Nurse
When applying for a Practice Nurse position, demonstrate your experience with patient care and important clinical skills such as phlebotomy or administering immunizations. Detail your proficiency in patient education and health promotion initiatives. Include any specialized training such as 'Wound Care Management' or 'Chronic Disease Nursing,' noting the duration to exhibit your commitment to the field. Show how your expertise has positively influenced patient outcomes and clinic operations by using a clear 'skill-action-result' format in your examples.
View Practice Nurse Cover Letter
School Nurse
When applying for a School Nurse position, underscore any prior nursing or pediatric care experience. Proficiency in managing emergencies and routine care in a school setting is essential. Point out relevant coursework or certifications, such as 'Pediatric Nursing' or 'School Nursing Certification,' with time frames to demonstrate ongoing commitment. Describe how your expertise has positively impacted student health outcomes or programs, employing a straightforward 'skill-action-result' model to showcase your effectiveness.
View School Nurse Cover Letter
Staff Nurse
When applying for a Staff Nurse position, prioritize showcasing your clinical experience and patient care skills. Highlight any specialized training, like 'Acute Care Nursing' or 'Pediatric Nursing', including the course length to demonstrate your commitment to the field. It is also important to mention your ability to work well in teams and handle stressful situations. Give concrete examples where your nursing interventions led to positive patient outcomes or improved unit efficiency, using a clear 'skill-action-result' format.
View Staff Nurse Cover Letter
Surgical Nurse
When applying for a Surgical Nurse position, make sure to spotlight hands-on experience in pre and postoperative care and any surgical specialties you may have worked in. Demonstrate a solid grasp of sterile techniques and infection control protocols. Proficiencies in monitoring patients' vital signs and assisting with surgeries should be mentioned along with any advanced certifications like CNOR or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Use specific instances where your intervention has contributed to positive patient outcomes or improved surgical efficiencies.
View Surgical Nurse Cover Letter
Telemetry Nurse
Securing a Telemetry Nurse position demands underscoring your proficiency in cardiac care and monitoring systems. Emphasize your experience with EKG interpretation, vital signs monitoring, and patient management. Showcase certifications like 'Advanced Cardiac Life Support' or 'Telemetry Nursing Certification,' including their duration, to prove your ongoing commitment and expertise. Illustrate your skills with concrete examples following the 'skill-action-result' format to demonstrate how you've improved patient outcomes or streamlined telemetry practices in past roles. Highlighting these specifics will make your cover letter compelling and outcome-oriented.
View Telemetry Nurse Cover Letter
Travel Nurse
In pursuing a Travel Nurse position, underscore your adaptability and quick-learning abilities. Detail experiences where you effectively adapted to diverse healthcare settings and protocols. Stress the importance of your strong interpersonal skills, as they ensure quality patient care and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. If you hold specialized credentials like ACLS or BLS, or specific nursing areas expertise, such as ICU or ER, highlight these. Use a straightforward 'experience-action-outcome' method to illustrate how your contributions have improved patient outcomes or streamlined processes in your previous nursing roles.
View Travel Nurse Cover Letter
Veterinary Nurse
When seeking a Veterinary Nurse position, stress any hands-on experience with animal care, such as previous work in shelters or clinics. It's important to display a solid grasp of veterinary procedures, medications, and animal behavior. If you've completed a Veterinary Nursing Diploma or equivalent, indicate this along with its duration. Detail how your skills, such as attention to detail or empathy, have led to successful outcomes in animal care using clear 'skill-action-result' examples.
View Veterinary Nurse Cover Letter
