You want your cover letter to strike the perfect balance between being professional and showing some personality. But how do you achieve this?
If you write too formally, your tone may come across as stiff. If you're too casual, it may sound overly conversational.
While modesty is always valued, how can you confidently present your skills without sounding arrogant or boastful?
This guide will help you find the right balance, ensuring your cover letter is both professional and personable, while focusing on the key job requirements.
Cover letter examples for nursing student
Explore additional nursing student cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Entry-Level Nursing Student
- Highlighting the "Paediatric First Aid Certification" from St John Ambulance demonstrates specialised training in emergency response, relevant for a role focused on children's care and well-being.
- Emphasising teamwork and leadership skills is vital, as shown through leading a 10-member team to deliver high-quality care, which indicates strong organisational and collaborative abilities in multidisciplinary settings.
- Mentioning the development of 15 individualised care plans and the improvement of children's emotional and physical well-being showcases practical experience in creating effective and impactful care strategies.
- Illustrating record-keeping and communication skills through regular family updates and educational workshops indicates proficiency in maintaining transparent, supportive family relationships, crucial for the role of a Learning Disability Nurse.
Advanced Nursing Student
- Highlighting relevant experience: The cover letter effectively showcases Sophia's experience as a Clinical Skills Trainer at the NHS Learning Centre, where she trained over 100 nursing students and improved patient safety and knowledge retention.
- Emphasising passion and specific role enthusiasm: Sophia's title "Aspiring Nurse | Patient Care Enthusiast" and summary reflect her strong interest and dedication to providing exceptional patient care.
- Showcasing relevant education and certifications: Mentioning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and additional courses like "Advanced Patient Care" emphasises her solid educational background relevant for a nursing role.
- Inclusion of achievements and leadership: The achievements section highlights recognitions like the “Patient Communication Award,” demonstrating Sophia's effectiveness in patient interaction and innovative contributions to healthcare education.
Senior Nursing Student
- Emphasise Relevant Experience: Highlighting volunteer and work experience related to patient care and collaboration, as these are crucial skills for a nursing role. Detailing specific achievements, such as improving patient satisfaction and care efficiency, demonstrates competency and impact in healthcare settings.
- Showcase Education and Certification: Including relevant courses like "Advanced Patient Care Techniques" and "Healthcare Data Management" signifies proactive enhancement of knowledge necessary for contemporary nursing practices.
- Highlight Volunteer Contributions: Mentioning volunteer work with organisations like the British Red Cross enhances credibility, showing dedication to the field beyond academic requirements. This showcases a commitment to community health improvements and practical patient interaction exposure.
- Demonstrate Soft Skills and Passion: Underscoring soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability alongside personal passions for patient wellbeing and health innovation, illustrates alignment with the values of compassionate and progressive healthcare delivery.
Part-Time Nursing Student
- Highlighting Tutoring Experience: Emphasising Chloe's extensive experience as a Peer Tutor and Academic Mentor, which is directly relevant to roles in education and healthcare training.
- Showcasing Academic Achievements: Mentioning awards such as the Coursework Excellence Award and Educator of the Semester Nominee to demonstrate academic excellence and recognition in educational effectiveness.
- Focus on Inclusivity and Community Engagement: Referencing volunteer work and student engagement initiatives to highlight a commitment to inclusivity and improving community health education.
- Mentioning Additional Courses: Including additional courses like "Teaching and Learning in Nursing" and "Student Mentoring for Success" showcases a dedication to continuing professional development in educational strategies.
Full-Time Nursing Student
- Highlighting Relevant Volunteer Experience: The cover letter effectively emphasises Scarlett’s hands-on volunteer experience in healthcare settings, which is crucial for a student nurse role. This includes participation in community health workshops and mental health initiatives, which demonstrate her commitment to health education and peer support.
- Showcasing Academic Excellence: Mentioning the "Commendation for Academic Excellence" provides evidence of Scarlett’s dedication to her studies and her ability to maintain high academic standards, making her a strong candidate in the competitive field of nursing.
- Demonstrating Leadership and Mentoring Skills: The cover letter highlights Scarlett’s experience as a mentor and peer tutor, illustrating her ability to lead and positively impact her peers' educational outcomes.
- Pointing Out Certifications and Courses: Including courses such as "Clinical Skills for Nurses Certification" demonstrates her commitment to enhancing her clinical skills, an essential aspect of nursing.
Nursing Student Graduate Assistant
- Emphasis on Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively highlights Daniel's hands-on experience as a Volunteer Health Assistant and care provider for a family member, showcasing his direct patient care skills and ability to collaborate with healthcare professionals.
- Showcase of Certifications: Mentioning the completion of CPR and BLS Certification underlines his preparedness in life-saving techniques, a crucial requirement for roles in health care assistance.
- Highlighting Educational Achievements: Listing the top performance in Clinical Skills Assessment enhances his credibility, indicating a high level of proficiency in core nursing skills.
- Passion for Healthcare and Community Involvement: The inclusion of Daniel's passion for healthcare and public health education exhibits his commitment to patient well-being and community health, aligning with the values sought by healthcare employers.
Nursing Student Resident
- Highlighting relevant experience, such as actively participating in nursing simulations with NHS Health Education England, showcases practical skills and the ability to perform under pressure, which is essential for a role in critical care nursing.
- Mentioning the Advanced Life Support Certification from Resuscitation Council UK underscores specialised training in emergency medical response, emphasising readiness for critical patient care scenarios.
- Detailing achievements such as 'Top Performer in Nursing Simulations' and the 'Workshop Organiser Excellence Award' reinforces credibility and dedication, important traits for career growth in healthcare.
- Including volunteering experience with the British Red Cross as a Health Outreach Volunteer highlights community engagement and patient advocacy, aligning with the holistic approach required in nursing roles.
Nursing Student Trainee
- Highlight Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively emphasises Charlie's experience as a Volunteer Healthcare Assistant and a Part-time Caregiver, showcasing hands-on involvement in patient care and communication with healthcare teams.
- Focus on Achievements and Impact: It is instrumental in highlighting quantifiable achievements such as increasing patient satisfaction by 25% and improving community engagement by 50% through health awareness workshops.
- Feature Certifications and Training: Bringing attention to certifications in Basic Life Support and Infection Control Training indicates the applicant’s commitment to learning and meeting essential industry standards.
- Align Skills with Role Requirements: The cover letter successfully matches Charlie’s skill set (e.g. nursing care, infection control) with the typical demands of a Nursing Assistant role, thereby positioning Charlie as a well-rounded candidate.
Nursing Student Co-op
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise past roles related to patient care, such as the Student Nurse Assistant and Nursing Volunteer, showcasing practical skills that align with the nursing field.
- Certifications and Courses: Mention certifications like Basic Life Support Certification and courses such as Fundamentals of Nursing Practice, which demonstrate commitment to ongoing learning and readiness to respond in emergencies.
- Emphasis on Teamwork and Communication Skills: Highlight collaboration with nursing professionals and community health engagement, illustrating ability to work in team settings and communicate effectively in various scenarios.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Reference measurable outcomes, such as the 20% improvement in patient satisfaction, to provide concrete evidence of effectiveness in past roles and potential for future contributions.
Nursing Student Fellow
- Emphasises paediatric-specific skills such as paediatric care, patient safety, and high-dependency care, which are crucial for roles in acute paediatric settings.
- Highlights leadership experience gained through coordinating teams, such as leading volunteers and facilitating community health initiatives, showcasing the ability to manage healthcare teams.
- Mention of relevant certifications like the Paediatric Advanced Life Support course underscoring advanced skills in emergency paediatric care techniques.
- Demonstrates record-keeping and organised systems implementation experience, significantly reducing administrative errors, which is vital in healthcare environments.
By Role
Nursing Student Intern
- Relevance of Experience: Highlighting her volunteer experience with the British Red Cross and NHS Trust demonstrates practical, hands-on experience within health services, which is crucial for a Health Clinic Intern role.
- Education & Coursework: Mentioning her current pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Biology along with relevant courses like "Introduction to Medical Terminology" and "Healthcare Management Basics" underscores her commitment and foundational knowledge in the medical field.
- Skills Alignment: Emphasising skills such as communication, organisational skills, and data analysis reflects key competencies needed for efficiently managing clinical administrative tasks and collaborating within medical teams.
- Passion & Motivation: Expressing her interest in medical ethics, fitness, wellbeing, and community development aligns with the values and objectives of many health clinics, showing she is driven by a genuine interest and commitment to healthcare services.
Nursing Student Clinical Placement
- Relevant Experience: Highlighting the applicant's volunteer roles, such as Healthcare Volunteer at the British Red Cross, demonstrates hands-on experience in patient care and health education, which are aligned with the responsibilities of a Nursing Associate.
- Certifications: Mentioning the "Patient Care Certificate" certified by City & Guilds helps to establish foundational competence and readiness for patient care responsibilities, crucial for a Nursing Associate role.
- Education and Skills: The inclusion of a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Social Care from the University of Leicester showcases an academic background that supports the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary in the healthcare field.
- Passion and Commitment: Displaying a passion for Healthcare Education, Technology in Healthcare, and Mental Health Advocacy positions the applicant as motivated and forward-thinking, essential traits for career advancement in nursing.
Nursing Student Assistant
- Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively highlights specific and relevant experience in nursing and patient care, such as volunteer work with the British Red Cross and as a Clinical Skills Facilitator with NHS Scotland. These experiences align well with the role of a Student Clinical Assistant.
- Skills and Qualifications: The candidate emphasises key skills pertinent to nursing, including phlebotomy, EKGs, and patient care, along with certifications in advanced patient care techniques and basic phlebotomy. This demonstrates a well-rounded skillset that is beneficial in a clinical setting.
- Achievements and Impact: By showcasing awards and developments, such as the Patient Care Excellence Award and healthcare simulation development, the candidate effectively communicates an ability to improve and innovate within patient care environments.
- Volunteerism and Passion: Demonstrating a strong commitment to elder care advocacy and community health outreach, the candidate shows an authentic dedication to healthcare beyond professional requirements, which is valuable for roles focused on patient well-being.
Nursing Student Extern
- Demonstrated Compassion: Emphasising compassionate care and emotional support in roles such as the Healthcare Assistive Volunteer showcases the candidate's ability to provide genuine patient care, essential for nursing roles.
- Relevant Experience: Highlighting experience as a Nursing Volunteer with responsibilities like assisting in patient care under registered nurses and coordinating community health workshops adds practical credibility and relevance to the candidate's nursing aspirations.
- Achievements in Volunteer Service: Mentioning awards and recognition such as 'Excellence in Volunteer Service' indicates a proven track record of commitment and excellence in healthcare-related community service.
- Specialised Skills and Certifications: Detailing certifications like 'BLS Certification' and courses undertaken in Clinical Skills and Simulations further underscores the candidate's preparedness and continuous learning to enhance nursing capabilities.
Nursing Student Preceptorship
- Relevant Work Experience: The candidate highlights their volunteering roles as Health Office Assistant and Peer Health Educator, showcasing direct involvement in health education and student engagement, relevant to a nursing role.
- Specific Achievements: The cover letter quantifies achievements, such as boosting student understanding by 25% and streamlining paperwork processing by 15%, emphasising their impact and efficiency in prior roles.
- Education and Courses: Mentioning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and relevant courses like Advanced Nursing Skills provides a solid educational foundation, crucial for nursing preceptorships.
- Diverse Skill Set: Skills such as First Aid and CPR, public speaking, and health education are pertinent to a nursing student position, indicating readiness for both clinical and educational responsibilities.
Nursing Student Practicum
- Relevant Experience: Highlighting experience in roles such as "Health Education Volunteer" and "Community Health Workshops Facilitator" showcases hands-on experience in public health and education, relevant to a School Nurse role.
- Tailored Skills: Emphasising skills like 'Child Health Assessment', 'Workshop Facilitation', and 'Community Engagement', which are directly applicable to a School Nurse's responsibilities.
- Specific Achievements: Mentioning quantifiable achievements, such as a 40% increase in student engagement and a 25% improvement in information retention, demonstrates effectiveness in educational roles.
- Passionate Interests: Including passions like 'Child Development' and 'Health Education Campaigns' indicates a genuine interest and dedication to the wellbeing and education of children, aligning with the values of a School Nurse.
Nursing Student Research Assistant
- The cover letter effectively highlights relevant certifications such as "Clinical Research Data Management" and "Ethical Guidelines in Research," showcasing specialised expertise that aligns with the role of a Research Assistant.
- Key skills such as "Data Collection" and "Protocol Management" are emphasised, which are crucial for ensuring compliance and accuracy in research studies, making them ideal for study management roles.
- Showcase of specific activities, like managing cross-departmental collaboration projects to improve data integrity and initiating a new protocol reducing participant dropout by 20%, illustrates notable achievements in the field.
- The cover letter succinctly includes volunteering experiences and passions, such as "Community Health Improvement," and a proactive approach in research integrity and public health awareness, reflecting a well-rounded candidate.
Nursing Student Peer Tutor
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your role as an "Academic Workshop Facilitator" and "Curriculum Designer" to demonstrate your practical experience in education and support roles.
- Showcase Achievements: Mention your "Workshop Attendance Growth" and "Peer Tutor of the Year" awards to substantiate your impact and efficacy in academic support.
- Incorporate Educational Background: Include your "Bachelor of Arts in Education" from a reputable institution like the University of Birmingham to indicate your formal qualifications.
- Detail Specific Skills: Highlight skills such as "Time Management" and "Tutoring Strategies" which are integral to the role and reflect your capability to enhance student learning experiences effectively.
Nursing Student Volunteer
- Emphasising health workshops and wellness programme development experience demonstrates the ability to improve student engagement and health outcomes in educational settings.
- Highlighting First Aid at Work Certification and expertise in emergency responses showcases readiness for immediate healthcare needs and aligns well with the role's responsibilities in a school environment.
- Including specific achievements such as organising Health Awareness events and receiving positive feedback highlights effectiveness in executing impactful health education initiatives.
- Showcasing experience in First Aid training and online consultations reflects capability in promoting self-care and day-to-day student health management.
Nursing Student Mentor
- Highlighting relevant experience, such as the role of Community Healthcare Intern and the associated achievements like improving patient satisfaction scores and efficiency in patient data management.
- Emphasising strong educational background and continuous learning through specific courses such as "Advanced Clinical Skills for Nurses" and "Community Healthcare Strategies".
- Showcasing key skills like patient assessment, care planning, and evidence-based practice, which are critical for a Community Nurse position.
- Mentioning participation in extra-curricular activities like volunteering with British Red Cross, illustrating dedication to community engagement and public health awareness.
Nursing Student cover letter example
Louis Wood
Manchester, UK
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
To the Hiring Manager,
As a nursing student who is passionate about promoting well-being and advancing patient care, I am drawn to the opportunity at your organization after learning about your commitment to holistic health care and community engagement.
During my time as a Peer Health Educator at the University of Manchester, I successfully spearheaded educational initiatives that reached over 300 students, focusing on stress management and healthy living. By collaborating with counseling services, I enhanced students' access to mental health resources by 40%. This experience honed my skills in patient care delivery and communication, which I am eager to bring to your team.
I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my background, skills, and dedication can contribute to your esteemed team. Thank you for considering my application. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview.
Sincerely,
Louis Wood, Nursing Student
What makes this cover letter effective:
- Relevance to Role: Highlight your experience as a Peer Health Educator, which directly relates to patient care delivery and health promotion, crucial elements for a nursing role.
- Acknowledging Organizational Values: Express a genuine interest in the organization's commitment to holistic healthcare and community engagement to demonstrate alignment with its goals.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Mention specific achievements, like increasing access to mental health resources by 40%, to provide tangible evidence of your impact and effectiveness.
- Invitation for Further Discussion: Clearly state your eagerness for an interview and provide contact information, which shows proactiveness and interest in the role.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
Cover letters are a vital part of professional job applications, helping shape recruiters' first impression of your profile.
Here’s why they’re important:
- Indicates your genuine interest: A well-researched cover letter reflects your knowledge of the company and role.
- Professionalism from the outset: Employers expect your cover letter to be structured, polite, and formal. If you wish to add a more personalised touch, be sure to address your recipient directly.
- Capture the recruiters' attention: For most roles, candidates tend to have rather similar experience, which is why you should use your cover letter to explain what is unique about your profile.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
You only have one chance to impress your potential UK employers, so be wise about writing your cover letter.
When doing so, follow these three simple but essential steps:
- Do your research: Begin by researching the company and the role you're applying for. Check their website, social media pages, and relevant news to understand what drives their business.
- Highlight company values: Identify the company's core beliefs and explain how your personal and professional experiences resonate with them. For instance, if the organisation prioritises innovation, provide examples where you've demonstrated creative thinking.
- Match your skills to the job: Analyse the job description carefully and pick out the most important skills or qualifications they’re seeking. Be sure to mention your relevant achievements that prove you're the perfect fit for the position.
How to format a nursing student cover letter
To get your cover letter's formatting right:
- Use a modern font like Lato, Raleway, or Chivo, rather than the overused Arial or Times New Roman.
- Set your cover letter to be single-spaced with 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides—our templates are automatically set up for you.
- Ensure both your CV and cover letter are consistent in font style and formatting.
- Always send your cover letter as a PDF to prevent alterations and preserve its layout.
When it comes to structuring your cover letter, follow this sequence: begin with your address and contact details, then the employer's details (i.e. name and address), and the date. Next, start with a personalised greeting, followed by your introductory, body, and closing paragraphs. Be sure to include a sign-off and your signature at the end.
Remember, although Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) software, which may scan your CV for keywords, won't read your cover letter, it will be reviewed by recruiters.
How to write your nursing student cover letter salutation
It's never advisable to begin your cover letter with 'Dear Sir/Madam', as it sounds comes across as impersonal.
Take the time to find out who is hiring for the role and address them directly in your cover letter greeting (e.g., 'Dear Mrs Chanceworth', 'Dear Harrod').
If you're uncertain where to find the hiring manager’s name, check the company website, look on LinkedIn, or send a courteous email requesting this information. Don't hesitate to ring reception either—they are unlikely to refuse to assist.
How to write your nursing student cover letter intro
While your cover letter should remain professional, adding a touch of personality or humour can make you stand out.
Hiring managers sift through countless applications, day in and day out. Anything unique or personable that grabs their attention could give you a competitive edge.
But do your homework first to ensure a dash of creativity would be appropriate and suitable to the company culture.
Cover Letter Intro
As a dedicated nursing student deeply inspired by your commitment to community-centred care and your pioneering patient support initiatives, I am eager to contribute to the compassionate and holistic healthcare services at [Company Name]. Joining your esteemed team presents an unparalleled opportunity to align with a forward-thinking organisation renowned for its dedication to improving patient outcomes through innovative practices.
RIGHT
How to write your nursing student cover letter body
As you reach the body of your cover letter, you might wonder what to write in it.
Our advice? Don’t just copy your CV—choose your greatest achievement and tell its story.
Focus on how you got there using hard and soft skills, describe your involvement, and quantify the results with concrete outcomes.
Remember, recruiters aren’t looking for an epic tale of your career—they want something concise, relevant, and directly addressing their needs.
Cover Letter Body
During my third year of nursing studies at the University of Manchester, I undertook a placement at St Andrew's Hospital where I was integral in piloting a patient-care initiative aimed at reducing hospital readmission rates. By implementing an innovative discharge procedure I co-developed, which involved comprehensive patient education and follow-up communication, we achieved a reduction in readmission rates by 15% over a six-month period. This experience not only honed my leadership and collaboration skills but also reinforced the importance of thorough communication and patient-centred care. These skills and the insight gained have significantly shaped my approach to nursing and patient interaction, qualities I am eager to bring to [Hospital/Clinic Name].
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
You’ve written a brilliant cover letter so far—so don’t undermine it at the very end.
If you think signing off with a polite 'Kind regards' or 'I look forward to hearing from you' will make a strong impression, think again.
A better approach is to make a tangible promise—one that reflects both personal and professional growth—and demonstrates your value to the recruiters.
Alternatively, encourage the hiring managers by asking when you might expect to hear back from them.
Cover Letter Closing
Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to bring my skills and passion for nursing to your esteemed institution and contribute positively to your team. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background, education, and enthusiasm align with the goals of your organisation. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you. Thank you once again for your time and consideration.
RIGHT
Conclusion
Creating a compelling cover letter is vital in making a positive first impression on potential employers. Personalise your letter by addressing the hiring manager directly and ensuring your skills align with the job description.
Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the role, and express genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity. Finally, maintain a professional format that complements your CV for a cohesive application.
