Writing an Effective Nursing Cover Letter: Step-by-Step Guide

Writing an Effective Nursing Cover Letter: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ever been unsure about writing a powerful nursing cover letter, let’s delve into the best ways to create this important document that truly counts! In the process of applying for jobs, a nursing cover letter remains highly significant. It often shapes the initial impression a potential employer forms of you. This letter offers an opportunity to tell your story and bring attention to specific parts of your resume that you’d like to highlight.

It also allows you to explain why you’re interested in working for a particular employer, what you know about them, and how you’re the perfect fit for the job. An impressive cover letter can make a difference, helping you stand out from other candidates and secure an interview.

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This guide will lead you through crafting a strong nursing cover letter, offer insights on avoiding errors, and provide practical tips to keep you on track. Our nursing cover letter template and an example letter are available for download to kick-start your journey. Once you master this process, you’ll be composing winning cover letters in no time.

Four Steps to Crafting Your Nursing Cover Letter

Many nurses find writing a cover letter daunting, especially because it’s not always clear what to include, how much to repeat from your resume, and which details are relevant. A cover letter lets you elaborate on aspects of your professional and personal history that a resume might not fully convey. It lets your passion and interests shine through, showcasing your ability to communicate effectively. These steps will guide you in creating a standout cover letter. Feel free to utilize our sample letter and downloadable template. The cover letter plays a significant role in convincing employers that they must meet you!

1. Establish a Header with Your Contact Details

The header in your cover letter should match the one on your resume. Ideally, both documents should share the same design for a consistent presentation. Your full name, often in a larger font, should be included. Also, mention your credentials (e.g., Jane Otto, BSN, RN). Provide your address, or at the very least your city, state, phone number, and professional email address. Avoid using a school email or casual address; opt for a professional Gmail account (e.g., [email protected]). Flashy fonts, colors, text boxes, and other decorations are unnecessary. While templates with such features are available, our template and cover letter example follow a straightforward and clean format.

2. Introduce Yourself and State the Position You’re Applying For

In the first paragraph, identify the role you’re seeking and where you came across the job listing. If an employee within the organization referred you, mention them. This is also a great spot to share something about the organization, showing that you’ve done your research and adding authenticity to your letter. You can reference their mission, recent achievements like Magnet certification, or any other aspect that demonstrates your knowledge of their values and how yours align.

3. Highlight Your Skills and Reasons for Choosing the Employer

This section could span 2 to 5 paragraphs, with shorter paragraphs aiding readability. As evident in our cover letter template and example, you can separate hard skills, soft skills, and computer skills into distinct paragraphs for clarity. If you’re a new graduate or nursing student, spotlight relevant healthcare-related experiences, both paid and volunteer. If you’re an experienced nurse, emphasize your most prominent skills and any unique aspects that make you stand out. Mention internships, externships, or other experiences that differentiate you. For new nurses, if you’re progressing in a specific skill set (like interpreting ECGs or wound care), it’s worth mentioning. This is also the right spot to showcase nursing soft skills (communication, collaboration, patient education, etc.). Computer skills matter, so if you’re proficient with electronic medical records or computers in general, highlight that too.

4. Conclude with a Closing Paragraph and Reiterate Your Interest

The closing paragraph should reaffirm your enthusiasm for the position and the organization. Express your eagerness to explore how your skills, knowledge, and experience align with their need for dedicated nurses.

Avoid These 7 Mistakes in Your Nursing Cover Letter

1. Sending a Letter with Spelling and Grammar Mistakes:

Excellent documentation and attention to detail are essential in nursing. Grammatical errors may give an impression of someone not valuing precision. Reviewers might reject a candidate with such errors in their resume or cover letter.

2. Copying Your Resume:

While a nursing cover letter can emphasize points from your resume, it should avoid duplicating it. Find creative ways to highlight key traits, skills, or experiences without repeating the exact content.

3. Using Inconsistent or Incorrect Format:

It’s best if your cover letter and resume match in terms of design, font, and structure. This creates a cohesive application package with a consistent visual identity.

4. Failing to Connect Your Qualifications to the Position:

A targeted cover letter should directly address the role you’re applying for and its required qualifications, skills, and responsibilities. Not doing so weakens your case for an interview.

5. Neglecting to Address a Specific Person or Department:

Often, job postings lack a specific name or department for addressing the letter. If provided, use it. If not, a general term like “Hiring Manager” or “Hiring Committee” works.

6. Starting Each Paragraph with “I”:

Employ varied ways to begin paragraphs (see our sample letter for ideas). Starting multiple paragraphs with “I” is acceptable, but avoid overusing it.

Tips from Nurses for Writing Your Nursing Cover Letter

1. Research Prospective Employers:

Tailor your cover letter for a targeted approach. Demonstrating your grasp of the organization’s mission, values, or key aspects shows that you’re knowledgeable and have done your homework. Impress them with your understanding of their institution.

2. Emphasize Relevant Skills for the Position’s Qualifications:

Highlighting skills relevant to the job demonstrates that you’re well-equipped and a strong contender. Without demonstrating your fit for the responsibilities, you might not receive an interview call.

3. Include Soft Skills:

Although nursing involves many task-oriented skills, communication is vital for effectiveness. Collaboration, empathy, and building positive relationships with patients and families are crucial. Make sure to mention your ability in these areas, as they’re integral to nursing.

4. Showcase Your Best Traits:

While you can’t cover everything about yourself, you can cherry-pick qualities that align with the position’s requirements. For instance, a hospice role might require excellent communication and compassion.

5. Express Your Passion:

Conveying your enthusiasm is a plus, indicating that your interest is genuine. Employers value an enthusiastic attitude and a proactive approach. Expressing your motivation to serve others can help you stand out.

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6. Highlight Your Willingness and Ability to Learn:

In nursing, being open to learning, acquiring new skills, and accepting feedback is vital. Indicate that you’re adaptable, receptive to improvement, and eager to grow as a nurse.

7. Check for Errors:

Ensuring your cover letter is error-free is crucial. Proofread for spelling, grammar, flow, readability, paragraph structure, and sentence structure. Use spell-check tools or online grammar checkers. Aim for diverse vocabulary and clear ideas. Additionally, ask a trusted friend, colleague, or family member to review it. If feasible, consider hiring a proofreader or, better yet, a career coach.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Cover Letters

What should I include in my nurse cover letter?

A nurse cover letter should encompass a header with your contact

information and the recipient’s details. The body should specify the position you’re applying for and how you meet the required skills, qualifications, and expertise.

What should I avoid including in my nurse cover letter?

Avoid phrases like “My references are available upon request,” “Please don’t hesitate to contact me,” or redundant information if it’s already in your header. Focus on valuable content.

What’s the difference between a new grad nurse cover letter and an experienced nurse cover letter?

A new grad nurse cover letter showcases your academic performance, clinical experiences, passion, enthusiasm, and related healthcare involvements. Experienced nurses emphasize their skills, expertise, and achievements gained over time.

Are nursing cover letters necessary?

While not always mandatory due to online applications, writing a strong cover letter can set you apart. If your resume matches other candidates’, a well-crafted cover letter can make a lasting impression and highlight your personality.