Writing a Successful Nursing Cover Letter

^{Updated 1/13/2021 | Reviewed by: Andrea Hipolito, R.N. and Kiley Griffin, R.N.}

Writing an effective nursing cover letter may seem unnecessary–trust us: it’s not. Roughly 45% of job seekers send resumes without a nursing cover letter. Yet, a majority of employers prefer cover letters to accompany a resume. 

Job seekers spend the most time developing their resumes and neglect their cover letters or don’t write one at all.  

A cover letter is a great way to separate yourself from the pack. Even if a hiring manager only skims it, it can mean the difference between you and another candidate getting the job if something catches their eye.

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With the right care and effort, you can craft a professional nursing cover letter that helps distinguish you from other candidates.  

We’ve also provided a sample cover letter to help give you an idea of what to write.

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When Nursing Cover Letters Are Required

Here are the most common scenarios when a nursing cover letter is required:

• Applying directly to a specific person: Suppose the job posting invites applicants to apply to a particular individual instead of a general application system. In that case, it is appropriate to include a cover letter and address it to the individual.
• Referral for a position: If you apply for work based on another professional or mentor’s recommendation, don’t skip the cover letter. Use the cover letter to explain that someone referred you to the job and specify whom. This allows hiring managers to see that someone they value as a trusted professional in the healthcare industry believes you are qualified for a position.
• When requested in a job listing:  Some job listings specifically request candidates to submit a cover letter with their application. Following job listing requirements to include a cover letter shows hiring managers that you follow instructions and have an eye for detail. Both are essential qualities in the nursing profession.

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Benefits to Writing a Nursing Cover Letter

Knowing you are the best candidate for the job and proving it are two different things. You may have an impeccable resume; however, 20 other candidates are applying for the same position.

Nursing careers are in demand, but that does not mean there isn’t competition for specific nursing positions.

Resumes are neatly-spun packages of information about a candidate’s education, job history (when applicable), and professional certification. They leave little room for information about who you are as a candidate. 

That is where a cover letter comes in. When formatted correctly, nursing cover letters offer several advantages.

Identify your intent

Resumes indicate your worth. Cover letters reveal your intent. Outline how your desires and skills align with the job you are applying for. This shows the hiring manager you are interested in the position.

Hopefully, it’s not going to be a just another job for you. It will become part of your mission and vision as a nursing professional. For instance, if a position will help grow your leadership skills and prepare you for an advanced nursing career, state that as part of the intent. 

Provide a more in-depth description of candidates

Your education and credentials make up only a small portion of who you are as a nursing professional. How someone looks on paper is not an indicator of how they will perform. It does not accurately gauge their character.

In that sense, a cover letter provides a sample of what the hiring manager will expect in the interview.

Using a cover letter to honestly explore your strengths, weaknesses, experiences, interests, and perspectives is an asset. Maybe your resume includes a certification or award you are proud of. Expand on it in the cover letter. 

What makes you proud of that achievement and how does it make you the best candidate for the position?

Explain the gaps

Hiring professionals suggest resumes span one page for new nurses and those with less than 10 years of experience. Due to length limits, it is hard to explain any gaps in work history. Also, resumes leave out room for detailing why you may have shifted gears from an earlier career into nursing. 

A cover letter provides the perfect opportunity to explain these situations.

Establish willingness to work

Cover letters add an extra touch to a job application. As stated, nearly half of all job applicants fail to include a cover letter with their job applications unless requested.

Going that extra mile shows a hiring manager that you are willing to put the work in to get the job done right. That is a desirable quality for any business or industry, especially in nursing and other healthcare careers.

Remember that a cover letter should focus on a resume’s highlights, fleshing them out in a more meaningful way.

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These are key purposes of a nursing cover letter.

Include only information that falls into one of the four benefits listed above to get the most mileage out of your cover letter.

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Steps for Writing Your Cover Letter

The nursing field requires structure and proper etiquette.

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You wouldn’t walk into a patient’s room and say,

“hey, Adam, what’s up, man?” 

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The same need for etiquette and structure applies to writing a cover letter. 

Accordingly, we have provided steps to writing a successful nursing cover letter. 

Header

When a nurse injects a patient with a vaccine, they clean the area first with an alcohol wipe. They don’t just stick the needle in. In the same vein, you need to start by listing your name, phone number, email, and residential address. 

Make sure you put the date under that information. 

Last, include the recipient’s contact information as well. 

Use a professional greeting

This is your first impression – show respect. Using “Dear” will work when sending a formal cover letter. If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name simply write “Dear hiring manager.” 

Write your opening paragraph

Your opening paragraph serves as the bait or pitch to get the hiring manager’s attention. Don’t bother placing a fishing lure of fluff to try and get their attention. It’s essential to lead with honesty and earnestness. 

While writing this paragraph, make sure you include the title for the position you’re applying to. If you’re applying to work as an RN, state that. Next, articulate why you applied for this job to begin with and your overall excitement to obtain this role.

Make sure that you key in on specific details about the position and how they interest you.

Here’s an example of a stellar background paragraph:

During my time at LIU-Post I was not simply an undergraduate student. Often having a rigorous schedule because of work, collegiate volleyball, being a dormitory resident assistant, membership in student organizations and the honors program, as well as my clinical rotations, I was extremely busy. I learned that I thrive in this demanding environment and with the multitasking skills required to successfully manage all my activities, I performed well. Although each of the activities differed, I feel that I can use the organizational, socio-emotional, leadership, and human resources skills gained from my activities in my nursing career as well. In my clinical experience as a nursing student I acquired excellent oral and written communication skills with my patients, family members, and colleagues.

Background paragraph

Dedicate this paragraph to your career in nursing up to this point. You want to include all the most applicable skills that pertain to this position. Be specific. Include the detailed duties that you performed that correspond to this new role. 

If you’re applying to work in oncology, but have training in wound therapy, maybe don’t lead with that. Try including only relevant examples. 

Next, include any measurable achievements you’ve had in other jobs that relate to this role. Key word: measurable. 

Expand on qualifications

Try adding a few short stories that can highlight your primary achievements. This is a great opportunity to highlight your soft skills as well. 

Conclusion

In your concluding paragraph, circle back to why you’re the best candidate for this role. Try to expand on your eagerness to obtain the position. End the paragraph with a call to action. A call to action expresses your desire to hear from them soon with next steps regarding the hiring process.

End your letter formally

Just like you began your letter, conclude your letter professionally with a “Sincerely” or “Respectfully,” followed by your name. Ending your letter this way helps it end on a high, formal note. 

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You’ve made it. Congratulations!

Writing a cover letter on its own separates you from the pack. However, writing a strong cover letter makes you an even more intriguing candidate. A nurse wouldn’t leave a stitch when sewing up a wound and neither should you leave a job unfinished when applying for a job.

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