senior staff nurse cover letter

Staff Nurse Cover Letter Examples (Template & 20+ Tips)

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A cover letter is your opportunity to make a great first impression on hiring managers. Writing a strong, professional cover letter as a staff nurse can help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of landing the job. Our Staff Nurse Cover Letter Guide will equip you with the tips and strategies you need to craft a winning cover letter.

We will cover:

• How to write a cover letter, no matter your industry or job title.
• What to put on a cover letter to stand out.
• The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
• How to build a cover letter fast with our professional Cover Letter Builder .
• What a cover letter template is, and why you should use it.

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Staff Nurse Cover Letter Sample

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to apply for the Staff Nurse position at [Name of Facility]. With my experience in providing efficient and compassionate care to patients, combined with my commitment to upholding the highest standards of patient care, I believe I am an ideal fit for this role.

I have been working as a Registered Nurse for the past five years. During this time, I have been involved in a wide range of nursing activities, such as administering medications, drawing blood, and providing wound care. In addition, I have extensive experience in providing education to patients and their families on health promotion and disease prevention, as well as developing and implementing care plans. I also have experience in managing patient records and coordinating with other healthcare professionals to ensure effective patient care.

I am well-versed in the latest healthcare technologies and processes and have a track record of successfully implementing them. With my knowledge of medical terminology, billing, and coding, I can quickly and efficiently process patient paperwork. I am also familiar with the latest medical regulations and protocols and am committed to following them.

I am confident that I am the best candidate for this position. I have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and am able to connect with patients in a friendly and professional way. I am also a team player, and I am willing to go the extra mile to ensure that each patient receives the best possible care.

I am excited about the opportunity to join your team and am confident that I can make a positive contribution to your organization. I have attached my resume for your review, and I look forward to discussing my qualifications further.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Why Do you Need a Staff Nurse Cover Letter?

A Staff Nurse cover letter is a critical part of the job application process. It is an opportunity to introduce yourself to a potential employer and demonstrate your qualifications for the position. Here are some reasons why you need a Staff Nurse cover letter:

• It allows you to highlight your strengths and experience in a concise and effective way.
• It shows that you are taking the job application seriously and have put effort into your application.
• It gives you the opportunity to set yourself apart from other applicants.
• It demonstrates your knowledge and enthusiasm for the position.
• It provides an opportunity to explain why you are the best candidate for the job.

A Few Important Rules To Keep In Mind

• Keep the cover letter short and to the point. It should be no longer than one page.
• Begin the letter with a professional salutation and address it to the hiring manager.
• Outline your qualifications and experience that are relevant to the position.
• Highlight any awards or accomplishments that are relevant to the position.
• Express your enthusiasm for the position and your desire to be a part of the team.
• Include a call to action at the end of the letter to prompt the hiring manager to contact you.
• Proofread your letter multiple times to ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors.
• Avoid using generic phrases and clichés in your letter.
• Include keywords from the job description in your cover letter.
• Keep the tone of your letter professional and positive.

What's The Best Structure For Staff Nurse Cover Letters?

After creating an impressive Staff Nurse resume , the next step is crafting a compelling cover letter to accompany your job applications. It's essential to remember that your cover letter should maintain a formal tone and follow a recommended structure. But what exactly does this structure entail, and what key elements should be included in a Staff Nurse cover letter? Let's explore the guidelines and components that will make your cover letter stand out.

Key Components For Staff Nurse Cover Letters:

• Your contact information, including the date of writing
• The recipient's details, such as the company's name and the name of the addressee
• A professional greeting or salutation, like "Dear Mr. Levi,"
• An attention-grabbing opening statement to captivate the reader's interest
• A concise paragraph explaining why you are an excellent fit for the role
• Another paragraph highlighting why the position aligns with your career goals and aspirations
• A closing statement that reinforces your enthusiasm and suitability for the role
• A complimentary closing, such as "Regards" or "Sincerely," followed by your name
• An optional postscript (P.S.) to add a brief, impactful note or mention any additional relevant information.

Cover Letter Header

A header in a cover letter should typically include the following information:

• Your Full Name: Begin with your first and last name, written in a clear and legible format.
• Contact Information: Include your phone number, email address, and optionally, your mailing address. Providing multiple methods of contact ensures that the hiring manager can reach you easily.
• Date: Add the date on which you are writing the cover letter. This helps establish the timeline of your application.

It's important to place the header at the top of the cover letter, aligning it to the left or center of the page. This ensures that the reader can quickly identify your contact details and know when the cover letter was written.

Cover Letter Greeting / Salutation

A greeting in a cover letter should contain the following elements:

• Personalized Salutation: Address the hiring manager or the specific recipient of the cover letter by their name. If the name is not mentioned in the job posting or you are unsure about the recipient's name, it's acceptable to use a general salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Company Name] Recruiting Team."
• Professional Tone: Maintain a formal and respectful tone throughout the greeting. Avoid using overly casual language or informal expressions.
• Correct Spelling and Title: Double-check the spelling of the recipient's name and ensure that you use the appropriate title (e.g., Mr., Ms., Dr., or Professor) if applicable. This shows attention to detail and professionalism.

For example, a suitable greeting could be "Dear Ms. Johnson," or "Dear Hiring Manager," depending on the information available. It's important to tailor the greeting to the specific recipient to create a personalized and professional tone for your cover letter.

Cover Letter Introduction

An introduction for a cover letter should capture the reader's attention and provide a brief overview of your background and interest in the position. Here's how an effective introduction should look:

• Opening Statement: Start with a strong opening sentence that immediately grabs the reader's attention. Consider mentioning your enthusiasm for the job opportunity or any specific aspect of the company or organization that sparked your interest.
• Brief Introduction: Provide a concise introduction of yourself and mention the specific position you are applying for. Include any relevant background information, such as your current role, educational background, or notable achievements that are directly related to the position.
• Connection to the Company: Demonstrate your knowledge of the company or organization and establish a connection between your skills and experiences with their mission, values, or industry. Showcasing your understanding and alignment with their goals helps to emphasize your fit for the role.
• Engaging Hook: Consider including a compelling sentence or two that highlights your unique selling points or key qualifications that make you stand out from other candidates. This can be a specific accomplishment, a relevant skill, or an experience that demonstrates your value as a potential employee.
• Transition to the Body: Conclude the introduction by smoothly transitioning to the main body of the cover letter, where you will provide more detailed information about your qualifications, experiences, and how they align with the requirements of the position.

By following these guidelines, your cover letter introduction will make a strong first impression and set the stage for the rest of your application.

Cover Letter Body

I am writing to express my interest in the Staff Nurse position you have advertised. I am confident that my knowledge, clinical skills, and dedication to patient care make me an ideal candidate for the role.

I am a registered nurse with five years of experience in delivering care in a variety of healthcare settings. I am dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to patients in all stages of their lives. I am an expert in patient assessment, medication administration, and chronic disease management.

I am also an experienced staff nurse with the ability to coordinate care plans and collaborate with other healthcare professionals. I have a proven ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and to communicate effectively with patients and their families. In addition, I have excellent time management and organizational skills.

As a nurse, I am passionate about helping others and providing quality care. I am a reliable and dedicated team player who is committed to enhancing the patient experience and improving patient outcomes. I am confident that I can make a positive contribution to your healthcare team.

I have attached my resume for your review and I look forward to hearing from you about this opportunity. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Complimentary Close

The conclusion and signature of a cover letter provide a final opportunity to leave a positive impression and invite further action. Here's how the conclusion and signature of a cover letter should look:

• Summary of Interest: In the conclusion paragraph, summarize your interest in the position and reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the organization or school. Emphasize the value you can bring to the role and briefly mention your key qualifications or unique selling points.
• Appreciation and Gratitude: Express appreciation for the reader's time and consideration in reviewing your application. Thank them for the opportunity to be considered for the position and acknowledge any additional materials or documents you have included, such as references or a portfolio.
• Call to Action: Conclude the cover letter with a clear call to action. Indicate your availability for an interview or express your interest in discussing the opportunity further. Encourage the reader to contact you to schedule a meeting or provide any additional information they may require.
• Complimentary Closing: Choose a professional and appropriate complimentary closing to end your cover letter, such as "Sincerely," "Best Regards," or "Thank you." Ensure the closing reflects the overall tone and formality of the letter.
• Signature: Below the complimentary closing, leave space for your handwritten signature. Sign your name in ink using a legible and professional style. If you are submitting a digital or typed cover letter, you can simply type your full name.
• Typed Name: Beneath your signature, type your full name in a clear and readable font. This allows for easy identification and ensures clarity in case the handwritten signature is not clear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Staff Nurse Cover Letter

When crafting a cover letter, it's essential to present yourself in the best possible light to potential employers. However, there are common mistakes that can hinder your chances of making a strong impression. By being aware of these pitfalls and avoiding them, you can ensure that your cover letter effectively highlights your qualifications and stands out from the competition. In this article, we will explore some of the most common mistakes to avoid when writing a cover letter, providing you with valuable insights and practical tips to help you create a compelling and impactful introduction that captures the attention of hiring managers. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career journey, understanding these mistakes will greatly enhance your chances of success in the job application process. So, let's dive in and discover how to steer clear of these common missteps and create a standout cover letter that gets you noticed by potential employers.

• Not including a professional summary.
• Using too much jargon or technical language.
• Not mentioning the organization you’re applying for.
• Not customizing the cover letter to the job.
• Not proofreading and double-checking for errors.
• Focusing too much on past experience.
• Not addressing the cover letter to the right person.
• Making the cover letter too long.
• Not mentioning your strengths and qualifications.
• Using an unprofessional email address.
• Including unnecessary personal information.

Key Takeaways For a Staff Nurse Cover Letter

• Highlight your experience in the field as a staff nurse
• Demonstrate your knowledge of the hospital’s policies, procedures, and protocols
• Express your enthusiasm for the position and your commitment to providing quality patient care
• Showcase your ability to collaborate with other medical professionals
• Describe your excellent communication and organizational skills
• Mention any relevant certifications or licenses you hold
• Highlight any achievements you have made as a staff nurse
• Provide any additional relevant information about your background and qualifications

Resume Worded   |  Career Strategy

14 experienced nurse cover letters.

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

Table of contents

• Experienced Nurse
• Pediatric Nurse
• Nurse Manager
• Geriatric Nurse
• Nursing Home Nurse
• Senior Registered Nurse
• Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Educator
• Nurse Case Manager
• Alternative introductions for your cover letter
• Experienced Nurse resume examples

Experienced Nurse Cover Letter Example

Why this cover letter works in 2024, highlighting time management skills.

Time management and prioritization are essential skills for nurses. This sentence demonstrates that the applicant is aware of this and has developed these skills in their previous role.

Quantifiable Accomplishments

Providing specific numbers and accomplishments makes the candidate's experience more tangible and impressive. It shows that they can make a real impact in their role.

Personal Connection to the Field

Sharing a personal connection to the field shows genuine interest and passion for the role. It helps the candidate stand out from others who may not have that same connection.

Concise and Polite Closing

A short and polite closing paragraph shows professionalism and respect for the reader's time. It also reiterates the applicant's interest in the role and company.

Show a Connection With the Company

When you express admiration for the organization and tie it to your career path, you demonstrate that you're not just looking for any job, but specifically this one. It shows you've done your research and you're excited about the role and the company.

Highlight Quantifiable Achievements

Don't shy away from bragging about your past successes. When you mention the number of patients you've treated and the tangible improvements you've made, it gives me a clear reading of your experience level and effectiveness. It's evidence that you can handle the workload and make a real impact.

Share Your Personal Philosophy

When you share your commitment to patient-centered care, it gives me a peek into your values as a nurse. It's great to see that you're driven not just by job duties, but by a genuine care for your patients. That's the kind of thing that can't be taught, and it makes you a strong fit for our patient-focused organization.

Highlighting Key Achievements

The fact that you led a safety initiative that significantly reduced medication errors demonstrates your adept problem-solving skills and your ability to drive improvements. It's a powerful testament of your ability to make a difference, which is what every recruiter wants to see.

Showcasing Teamwork and Innovation

By pointing out your role in a task force that improved patient discharge processes, you are showing that you can work effectively as part of a team, while also highlighting your innovative thinking. Employers value team players who can also bring fresh ideas to the table.

Expressing Alignment with Company Values

Your excitement about joining a community that shares your vision of transforming patient care shows you've done your homework about the organization's values and culture. This is a great way to show that you would be a good cultural fit.

Adding a Polite Closing Statement

Your closing sentence shows politeness and gratitude for the opportunity, which is always appreciated. It's a small detail, but it shows your professionalism.

Showing Eagerness to Contribute

By expressing your eagerness to contribute to the team and make a difference in the lives of patients, you show that you're not just looking for a job, but a place where you can make a meaningful impact. This displays a strong sense of purpose and dedication, which is highly valued in the nursing field.

Show your personal connection to the nursing field

Discussing a personal experience that led you to the nursing profession, especially in geriatric care, makes your application stand out as genuine and passionate.

Highlight specific achievements in geriatric nursing

Pointing out your achievements, such as creating a fall prevention program, showcases your direct impact on patient care and safety in a measurable way.

Demonstrate your comprehensive skills

Detailing your experience in various nursing skills, like wound care and medication management, proves you are well-prepared for the challenges of the job.

Align with the company’s care philosophy

Expressing your appreciation for the company's approach to care shows that your values align with theirs, which is crucial for long-term success in the role.

Express eagerness to contribute

Concluding your cover letter by reiterating your excitement to join the team reinforces your genuine interest in the position and the company.

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Share personal motivation

Starting with a personal story about what drives your passion for nursing, especially in geriatric care, makes your application memorable. It helps me see you as a compassionate individual, not just another candidate.

Emphasize your geriatric nursing foundation

Detailing your extensive experience in patient care, especially with older adults, assures me of your capability and dedication to this specialization.

Showcase patient-centered skills

Describing your approach to individualized care plans emphasizes your commitment to each patient's well-being. It's a crucial trait for a nurse in our senior living community.

Align with our care philosophy

Expressing alignment with our person-centered care approach signals that you understand and value our way of treating residents. It suggests you'll integrate smoothly into our team.

Demonstrate eagerness for the role

Your closing statement, showing eagerness to discuss how you can contribute, creates an open door for interview opportunities. It indicates you're ready and eager to bring your skills to our team.

Show your excitement for the experienced nurse role

Starting your cover letter by expressing excitement shows you are not just looking for any job, but are interested in this specific role at Adventist Health. This can make you more memorable.

Highlight your nursing experience and passion

Talking about your years of experience and passion for nursing not only demonstrates your qualifications but also shows your personal commitment to patient care, which is crucial in healthcare.

Demonstrate teamwork in nursing

Showing your ability to work well with others and adapt to different situations indicates that you are a team player who can handle the pressures of a healthcare environment effectively.

Discuss your involvement in community health

Mentioning your volunteer work shows your initiative and dedication to health education and preventive care, qualities that are highly valued in the healthcare industry.

Express gratitude in your nurse cover letter

Closing with a thank you note is polite and shows your appreciation for the reader’s time, leaving a positive impression.

Pediatric Nurse Cover Letter Example

Express passion for the role.

When you directly state your excitement for the role and align it with your personal beliefs, it shows a deep level of commitment. It immediately tells me that this isn't just a job to you, but a calling. That kind of passion often translates into high job performance and satisfaction.

Share Tangible Results

Sharing specific achievements, like improving patient follow-up rates, communicates that you're not just going through the motions, but actively seeking to improve patient care outcomes. It gets me thinking about what you might be able to achieve in our hospital.

Highlight What Makes the Role Unique

When you emphasize the child-centered nature of the role, it sends a clear message that you understand and value what differentiates pediatric nursing from other specialties. It's a clear indicator that you've thought through this career choice and are prepared for its unique challenges and rewards.

Nurse Manager Cover Letter Example

Emphasizing leadership achievements.

The fact that you managed to transform your unit into a model of efficiency underlines your leadership skills and your knack for driving positive change. Employers are always on the lookout for individuals who can lead and inspire others.

Promoting Community Engagement

By discussing your involvement in a community outreach program, you're showing that you can take initiative and that you care about improving community health. This kind of commitment is highly appreciated in healthcare roles.

Expressing Interest in Company Initiatives

By highlighting a specific initiative that the company is known for, it shows that you've done your research and that you're passionate about the same things they are. It's a great way to show you're serious about the role and the company.

Envisaging Your Potential Role

By foreseeing your potential role and contributions at Mayo Clinic, you're showing that you're already thinking about how you can help the organization succeed. Employers want to see candidates who are forward-thinking and proactive.

Expressing Enthusiasm for Collaboration

Your closing statement underlines your enthusiasm for aligning your skills with the company's goals. This shows that you're not just interested in personal advancement, but also in how you can contribute to the organization's success. This is a powerful message to send to a potential employer.

Geriatric Nurse Cover Letter Example

Describing your solid background in geriatric care establishes your credibility and readiness to handle the specific needs of older patients.

Showcase your holistic care approach

Detailing your involvement in creating individualized care plans and managing chronic conditions highlights your commitment to the comprehensive well-being of your patients.

Connect with the community’s values

Sharing your interests that align with the community's activities demonstrates your potential to engage and enhance the residents' living environment.

State your alignment with the mission

Expressing your passion for improving the lives of older adults and your alignment with the community’s mission sets a strong foundation for your contribution to the team.

Communicate your desire to make an impact

Ending your cover letter with a statement of eagerness to join and contribute to the team underscores your dedication to making a positive difference in the residents' lives.

Nursing Home Nurse Cover Letter Example

Show your nursing home care experience.

Talking about your years of experience gives a clear picture of your background. It helps me understand that you're not new to this field and have specific skills that can benefit our residents.

Detail your role in team collaboration

Mentioning how you work with teams shows you're a team player. It's important in nursing home settings where teamwork can make a big difference in residents' care.

Connect with the employer's values

Expressing why you're drawn to our values strengthens your application. It makes me believe you'll fit in well with our culture and mission.

Express eagerness to join

Stating your desire to discuss your fit for the role demonstrates proactiveness. It signals to me you're genuinely interested in the opportunity.

Highlight your desire to make an impact

Showing your motivation to contribute positively to our team is compelling. It tells me you're passionate about making a difference in the lives of our residents.

Senior Registered Nurse Cover Letter Example

Show your senior registered nurse experience.

When you talk about your long-term experience, it makes me see you not just as a candidate, but as someone who has grown and thrived in nursing. It's like telling me you've walked the path and now you're ready to lead others on it.

Highlight leadership in nursing

Describing your role in managing and leading in your current job helps me picture you in action. It's important because it shows me you're not just a part of the team, you're driving it forward.

Value the nursing home's reputation

Your interest in our reputation and commitment mentions that you've done your homework and you're looking for a place where you can grow. It tells me you're not just looking for any job, but the right fit.

Express eagerness for the senior nurse role

By asking for a chance to discuss how you fit into our goals, you're not just ending a letter; you're opening a door to future conversations. It's proactive and shows me you're serious about joining the team.

Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Cover Letter Example

Show passion for geriatric care.

Starting your letter with excitement for the role immediately grabs my attention. It's clear you're not just looking for any job, but this job, which sets a positive tone right away.

Discuss geriatric nurse skills

When you detail your experience with complex health conditions in geriatric patients, you're painting a picture of your day-to-day expertise. It's crucial for me to understand that you can handle the specific challenges our patients face.

Highlight respect for multidisciplinary approach

Your appreciation for our center's approach to care shows you value teamwork and holistic care. It tells me you're ready to be part of our ecosystem, contributing to and benefiting from our collaborative environment.

Express dedication to geriatric nursing

Thanking me for considering your application shows politeness, but more importantly, your eagerness to contribute your skills and passion for geriatric care indicates a deep commitment to our mission. It's the kind of dedication we look for in our team.

Initiate a future conversation

Your closing thought about discussing your contribution to our mission is not just polite; it's strategic. It suggests you're thinking ahead about how you can fit into and enhance our team, which is exactly the forward-thinking approach we value.

Nurse Educator Cover Letter Example

Connect your passion to the nurse educator role.

Stating your passion for teaching and mentoring right away connects your personal goals with the mission of HCA Healthcare, making you a more compelling candidate.

Share outcomes of your educational initiatives

Describing specific, successful initiatives you've led, especially with quantifiable outcomes, showcases your ability to make a tangible impact on nursing staff competencies.

Emphasize adaptability in teaching

Highlighting your adaptability in meeting diverse learning needs demonstrates your understanding of the complexities in nurse education and your preparedness for the role.

Align your values with the organization

Showing that your values align with those of HCA Healthcare strengthens your case as a good fit for the organization, making your application stand out.

Polite closing in your nurse educator cover letter

Ending with a polite thank you and expressing eagerness to discuss your contribution further sets a professional and respectful tone, ending your letter on a high note.

Nurse Case Manager Cover Letter Example

Show enthusiasm for the nurse case manager role.

Starting your cover letter with excitement shows you really want the job. It makes me, as a hiring manager, notice your application.

Highlight your nurse case management experience

Talking about your years of work and what you have achieved helps me see your skills and what you can do in our team. It's good to know how you can help our patients.

Explain your skills in patient care coordination

When you talk about your skills in planning and reviewing patient care, it tells me you have what it takes to do well in this job. Your experience in educating patients is also a plus.

Match your values with the hospital

By saying our goals are the same, it makes me think you will fit in well with our team. It's important for everyone to work towards the same aim in healthcare.

Close with a strong call to action

Asking to discuss your application further is a good way to end your letter. It shows you are ready to take the next step and eager to join us.

Alternative Introductions

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

Cover Letters For Jobs Similar To Experienced Nurse Roles

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Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.

Nurse Cover Letter & Writing Guide

Being a nurse, you’re a superhero in the modern world, ready to put on a uniform and use your stellar skills to conquer the domain of healthcare. There’s just one step that you need to complete first—to get the job, you need a strong resume and an outstanding nursing cover letter.

Now, you may be thinking that your abilities in handling countless patients, organizing chaos, and deciphering doctors’ handwriting are enough to get you employed. So, why should you spend your precious time writing a cover letter when you should already be attending to patients who are in need of your assistance?

Here’s why: a well-written cover letter is a secret weapon in the job-hunting process. It opens the door to new career possibilities, grabs the attention of potential employers, and can single-handedly secure interviews. We’ll discuss all of these aspects in this article, so let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

Your nursing cover letter should be one page long , containing 3–5 paragraphs and 250–400 words.

Add contact details to the header of the document , and don’t forget to include a formal greeting and closing.

When talking about your skills and achievements, make them relevant to the position that you’re applying for .

Don’t repeat the contents of your resume ; add new information.

Write a catchy first paragraph , include a call to action in the last one , and consider adding a postscript as an additional attention-grabber.

The Best Format for Your Nursing Cover Letter

One of the most important aspects of writing a compelling cover letter is knowing how to structure and format it. Similar to your nurse resume , your cover letter should also be brief and concise but packed full of valuable information. This is important whether you’re writing a nursing cover letter as a new grad or a seasoned veteran.

First off, it’s essential to keep the document one page long at most. It’s often better to be on the shorter side, but you don’t want to keep it too short . Aim for a cover letter with 3–5 paragraphs and 250–400 words.

Furthermore, you want a clean and professional document. Don’t overdo it with flashy and colorful design, especially if you lack design skills. Here are some tips on how to create a visually appealing layout for your cover letter:

Cover Letter Layout

You should use a proven font (e.g., Arial or Helvetica).

Font size should be 10–12 pts.

Set margins to 1 inch on all sides.

Use left alignment for the text.

Your letter should be single-spaced with additional white space between different sections and paragraphs.

Now let’s check out what to include in a letter and how to arrange its content:

What to include in a Cover Letter

Put your and the recipient’s contact information in the header .

Open the letter with a formal salutation .

Create an irresistible first paragraph to grab their attention.

Continue with the body of the letter split into several paragraphs.

Finish the letter with a call to action .

Include a formal ending phrase .

(Optional) Add a postscript that features a particularly catchy detail.

Complete Guide to Writing a Nursing Cover Letter

Now that we have a basic understanding of what a cover letter should look like, we can go into more detail regarding its content. Keep in mind that the key principles of writing a cover letter remain the same, regardless of whether you have decades of experience or are creating an entry-level nursing cover letter.

Before we get started, here’s a brief visual example to show you what your cover letter should look like:

#1. Add Contact Information in the Header

The header of your nursing cover letter is the best place for contact information. You should include your details as well as your recipient’s. Furthermore, don’t forget to add the date of writing .

When listing the addressee’s information, it’s a good idea to do research and find out their name instead of merely addressing a recruiter or a hiring manager. That way, you start building rapport right from the get-go through personalization and show that you’re a diligent, attentive individual.

These are the details to include:

Mandatory Details

Phone number

Email address

Optionally, you can add your mailing address and relevant links to your social media profiles (e.g., LinkedIn).

Let’s see that in an example:

Good Example

Sadie Ramage Registered Nurse 1717 Clifford Street Berkeley, CA 94704 510-665-1279 [email protected]

Columbus, 07/05/2023

April Rodriguez Hospital Hiring Manager Columbus Community Hospital 110 Shult Dr Columbus, TX 78934

#2. Greet the Hiring Manager

There’s no need to overcomplicate the formal salutation of your cover letter. One of the best ways to open it is with a simple "Dear" followed by the recipient's name. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:

Greeting the Hire Manager Guidelines

If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use their title.

Avoid the generic “ To whom it may concern .”

Use “Ms.” instead of “Mrs.” or “Miss.”

#3. Emphasize Your Achievements in the Introduction

The harsh truth is that not all hiring managers read every cover letter that comes their way. Just like with resumes, they might skim through some of the letters or skip them altogether. That’s why you want to start strong with an impactful introduction paragraph to grab their attention and get them to keep reading.

You can achieve that by turning the first paragraph of your nursing cover letter into an elevator pitch. Add a couple of your most impressive skills and achievements in a couple of sentences to give the reader a hint of what you’re capable of. That way, they’ll be interested to see what else you can do.

Let’s check out a good example:

I am writing to express my keen interest in the Registered Nurse position at Columbus Community Hospital, as advertised on your website. With a Master’s Degree in Nursing and 7+ years of experience managing staff and providing high-quality care to up to 25 patients per day, I am confident in my ability to contribute to the exceptional service that your esteemed institution provides.

#4. Elaborate on Why You’re the Right Fit

The body of your nursing cover letter should demonstrate why you’re the best person for the job. This part is the main selling point of the document , and it should feature the most information. In 1–3 paragraphs, you want to expand on your nurse skills and achievements to emphasize your knowledge and competence in the field.

“As a dedicated member of the emergency department at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, I have spearheaded the implementation of a new triage system, resulting in a 27% reduction in patient waiting times and up to a 25% boost in overall efficiency. The initiative garnered me an award for Excellence in Patient Care.

Notice how the candidate used numbers and percentages to make their achievements stand out. They help quantify your work and make it more concrete in the eyes of hiring managers.

Another important aspect of cover letter writing is relevance. You want to show the abilities and accomplishments that potential employers want to see. Instead of haphazardly adding random details to your nursing cover letter, you should research the company to find out who their ideal candidate is.

On a related note, you can get bonus points by showcasing in-depth knowledge of the organization that you want to join. By mentioning some of the reasons why you want to work with them in particular , you’ll stand out among the other candidates with generic cover letters.

#5. Add a Call to Action

Once you’ve given hiring managers enough information to show them what makes you the best person for the position, you want to incentivize them to contact you . That’s why you need a strong call to action in the final paragraph of your nursing cover letter to end it on a high note .

After politely thanking the reader for their time, mention how you’d love to hear back from them and discuss your potential future together in greater detail.

Here’s a good example:

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and career goals align with Columbus Community Hospital’s requirements in more detail.

#6. Formally Close the Letter

Remember how we opened our nursing cover letter with a brief and stylish greeting? We want to close it in a similar manner. There are several ways to go about it, with some of the most common being:

Kind regards

Best regards

Respectfully

You should put your name right underneath it and call it a day. Here’s an example:

Sadie Ramage

Pro tip : You can add a postscript for an increased chance of grabbing the reader’s attention . Most people read this bit, even if they skip the rest of the letter entirely. By including a particularly impressive achievement in your postscript, you can get the hiring manager to circle back and read the rest of your nursing cover letter.

#7. Proofread the Cover Letter

A nursing cover letter is an important document, which is why you should proofread it thoroughly. A cover letter for a nursing student should be just as polished and professional as that of a senior nurse, as the benefits extend beyond just spotting mistakes . Here are some of the benefits:

Benefits of Proofreading the Cover Letter

You can improve the clarity of your message and convey the information easier by adjusting parts of your nursing cover letter.

A carefully proofread letter shows enhanced professionalism and dedication to perfection.

Proofreading helps you spot and correct any potential issues within the format and layout .

Reviewing your cover letter helps you verify that it’s properly tailored to the specific position that you’re applying for and matches your resume.

Nursing Cover Letter Example

Let’s put everything that we’ve learned so far into practice with a complete nursing cover letter example.

Nursing Cover Letter Writing Tips

Here are a few final professional tips to wrap up this comprehensive lesson:

If you’re writing a nursing cover letter with no experience, you should focus on the accomplishments obtained in your academic career . You can also put more emphasis on your skills and motivation.

A nurse’s job often requires an assortment of soft skills in addition to all the role-specific hard skills. Don’t forget to mention abilities such as communication, decision-making, or critical thinking.

You should submit your nursing cover letter in PDF file format when sending a soft copy. It’s a versatile format that can be viewed on any device without changing its format or layout.

Demonstrate cultural fit by showing knowledge and understanding of the healthcare organization that you’re applying to. Be sure to mention whether your values and experiences align with theirs to demonstrate that you can contribute to their endeavors.

Closing Thoughts

You now know the power a well-crafted nursing cover letter holds. It’s a passport to the professional world and a way to stand out in a sea of scrubs.

As you start writing, remember that this document represents a snapshot of your unique and personal journey. Let your personality shine through along with all those impressive skills and accomplishments. Go forth, armed with knowledge, confidence, and nursing prowess. You’re one cover letter away from your dream job and the frontlines of the healthcare battlefield!

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