Resource Centre > Job Hunting Tips

How to Write a Nursing Cover Letter

How to Write a Nursing Cover Letter

It can be challenging to find a nursing job, especially if it’s your first, but with a high-quality nursing cover letter, you can definitely stand out from the competition. To help you with this, here are some tips for writing an effective and compelling nursing cover letter, no matter what type of health care organization you’re interested in joining.

Important Reminder: If you're looking for a job don't forget to create a free account and upload your resume. That way, employers can contact you directly about any up-coming opportunities.  


Customize your Nursing Cover Letter Each Time you Apply to a New Facility
 


Just like in any industry, each physician’s office, hospital, or other healthcare facility is unique in its needs and therefore requires a unique set of skills and qualifications from its nurses and other job applicants. Accordingly, every nursing cover letter you write needs to be customized to the job for which you’re applying. Research the culture, services, and patients of the facility you’re interested in and use these things within your letter. It will show the hiring manager you’re truly interested and taking the right steps.


Short ‘n Sweet is Best

Keep your nursing cover letter to one page, single-spaced and in a professional, business letter format, which includes an appropriate header with your address and that of the prospective employer. Your focus, in this order, should be on:

Describing your passion and interest in the role

This one’s important, so try to be really specific in explaining why nursing is such an important part of your life and what it means to you.

Exemplifying your nursing skills 

Highlight your strengths and list your qualifications and accomplishments. This is your time to shine!

Noting how your education and training are relevant to the job 

Don’t forget any specialized training and consider highlighting this first if you think the facility would specifically benefit from it.

Keep in mind, while most of this information will be provided in your resume as well, your nursing cover letter is an opportunity to relate your qualifications and credentials to the position you're applying for. It is your job as an applicant to point this out to the hiring manager - if it isn’t immediately obvious, you could lose their attention and your shot at the job before they’re even done reading.

Looking for a nursing job? New jobs get posted daily on our nursing job board - you search by keyword or location and sign up for daily alerts.

Don’t be Afraid to Make it Personal

People will typically remember personal stories, so if something pops into your head that makes a good connection to the role, be sure to include it. Perhaps it’s the memory of a patient who positively influenced you during an internship, or maybe it has to do with a friend or family member. Be authentic and make it brief but memorable.

Make a call to action

Your nursing cover letter should close with a strong paragraph stating that you’d love to speak further about the role and indicating how you can be reached to discuss next steps.


Nursing Cover Letter Samples

Here are some examples of how you can structure your nursing cover letter:

 

Nursing Cover Letter Sample 1

Your Address
City, Province and Postal Code

Date

Name of Person and title
Company/Organization
Address

Dear Contact/Hiring Manager’s Name, 

First, include insight into why you are contacting the organization (“I am writing to express interest in…”). Include the title of the occupation to which you’re applying and where you learned about the position (e.g. organization’s website, Indeed.com, etc.). Talk about the company you’re applying to – why are you interested in this position at this facility including details to show you know something about them – and why you love nursing in general. Think back and include one important fact or relevant story about yourself that would stand out from other applicants.

Second, include what about the occupation piqued your attention and what would make you the ideal candidate. Draw attention to your expertise and how it’s relevant to the position for which you’re applying. Be sure to include strong and diverse examples of how past experiences have prepared you to handle the duties of the job you’re seeking.

Include information about your education: program, graduation date, and academic successes.

Lastly, briefly recap why you’re a great candidate for the position. Express that you would like to further discuss the position, and provide your contact information to proceed with next steps in the process.

Sincerely,

Your Name. 

 

Nursing Cover Letter Sample 2

Your Address
City, Province and Postal Code 

Date

Contact/Hiring Manager’s Name
HR Manager
Company Name
Company Address

 

Dear Mr./Ms. LAST NAME:

I’m writing to you today regarding the nursing job vacancy you posted on (WEBSITE/SOURCE NAME). I was thrilled to see that the role perfectly suits my education and skillset, and I am confident that I would be an excellent fit for the role and ORGANIZATION NAME.

I have an EDUCATION CREDENTIAL and NUMBER OF YEARS years of extensive work experience. During that time, I developed the skills to deliver impeccable health care and service towards patients. I have been trained in monitoring patients, updating information on vital signs and documents to effectively monitor their health, and SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE. While working at CLINIC OR HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATION NAME as a JOB TITLE, I was tasked with assessing the condition of patients, ordering and developing diagnostic tests, and SPECIFIC TASKS. I firmly believe that I will bring the energy and dedication necessary to thrive in your hospital’s (OR clinic’s) environment.

As noted on my resume, my competencies and capabilities are strongly in line with the requirements stated in your job description. For instance, while working as a JOB TITLE, I have gained a deep understanding of how to perform emergency medical procedures such as basic and advanced cardiac life support, SPECIFIC TASKS, as well as other condition-stabilizing interventions. I have become skilled at accurately obtaining and interpreting medical information to determine the health status and needs of my patients. Additionally, I possess excellent communication skills, which help me to effectively interact with patients, families, physicians, and other health team members. Overall, I believe my background will allow me to be of great service to your hospital (OR clinic).

I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you. Please accept the enclosed resume.

Sincerely,

Your Name. 

 

Nursing Cover Letter Sample 3

Your Address
City, Province and Postal Code 

Date

Contact/Hiring Manager’s Name
HR Manager
Company Name
Company Address

Dear Mr./Ms. LAST NAME:

I am writing to express interest in the Registered Nurse position open at your facility and ask that you please consider me for the role. I graduated from EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION with an EDUCATION CREDENTIAL in SEASON OR MONTH YEAR. From my resume, you will see that my experience matches the qualifications listed for this position. I heard about this job through your website and I am very interested in what you have to offer.

Through my nursing education at EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION, and my recent work as a registered nurse, I have acquired skills in patient assessment and gained a solid foundation in providing holistic nursing care that focuses on all aspects of a person’s health. I am passionate about nursing and I realize that patient care requires a solid foundation in nursing skills and techniques, organization and prioritization of care, and communication skills. These skills, along with my compassion, patience, and patient advocacy, are what I offer as a registered nurse.

I would be honoured and excited to be a part of your team and contribute my skills to your staff and patients. I welcome the opportunity to discuss this position and my qualifications at your convenience. If there is any additional information you need me to provide, I would be pleased to do so. Please feel free to contact me at the information below. 

Your time and consideration are greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Your Name.

Don’t forget to check out our nursing job board where you can search by keyword or location. New jobs get posted daily! You can also create a free account and upload your cover letter/resume so employers can contact you directly.


Free Nursing Cover Letter Templates

Download the above nursing cover letter samples in template formats so you can easily edit/adjust the wording. 

 



Be sure to keep these tips for writing a great nursing cover letter in mind. They will help you stand out from the crowd so you can land a job that's a great fit with who you are and what you can bring to a new role and workplace.

Related Resources 

How to Write a Nurse Resume
How Much is the Average Nursing Salary in Canada?
11 Nursing Interview Questions & How to Answer them

 

Author Bio:

Emma Caplan writes and edits client-facing documents and takes pride in making them sales-ready and reader-friendly. She has additional experience in quality control and proofreading. She has written articles and podcast summaries for the Vancouver Real Estate Podcast, edited fiction and non-fiction books, and volunteers as a copy editor for Editors BC’s West Coast Editor and Students for High Impact Charities.

Emma has also earned a certificate in editing and a bachelor of management degree. In her free time, Emma enjoys hiking, travelling, and creating jewelry. Connect with her on LinkedIn