Nursing Cover Letter Example & Guide [2024]

If you want to be considered for the top nursing jobs you’ll need to be strategic with your job search.

A cover letter will help you.

One important thing to remember is that your cover letter should reflect your resume - not repeat the information. It’s your chance to align yourself with the available position and explain to the hiring manager why you’re interested in it. That’s why it’s so important that you tailor your nursing cover letter to the position you’re applying for. You’ll want to show them why you’re the perfect match and vice versa. 

We’ve put together a whole cover letter guide that you can use for inspiration to get started on your own nursing cover letter. Or you can read on and see our nursing cover letter examples. Also don’t miss out on our 3 tips for writing a nursing cover letter in the end. 

What to include in a nursing cover letter

As a nurse I am sure you know how important it is to connect with both patients you’re caring for and the doctors you’re working with. You’ll want to convey this in your nursing cover letter. One way to express this is by being conscious about your interpersonal skills (the skills that let you get along with other people) and include these in your cover letter. 

Besides this, a nursing cover letter roughly consists of these 5 steps: 

• Cover letter header
• Salutation and “the hook”
• Your motivation and offer
• Call to action
• Sign off

A great place to showcase your skills would be in either the hook, or in your motivation and offer. To help you get started, go ahead and see the nursing cover letter examples below: 

Nursing cover letter sample you can copy and use

Stephanie Ellis - Clinical Nursing Specialist

163 Cliffside Drive - East Syracuse, NY 13057 - 6064691311 - stephanie@ellis.com

March 1, 2024

To: Karen Williams - Bellevue Hospital Center

Dear Karen

It is with pleasure that I express my interest in the Clinical Nursing Specialist position just made available at Bellevue Hospital Center. I finished my Master of Science degree in Nursing at Adelphi University - New York, and with nearly 5 years of experience as a Clinical Nurse, I offer the proven clinical skills, healthcare knowledge and record of patient-care excellence that you are seeking for your Clinical Nursing Specialist opening. During my time at New Port Hospital I had the opportunity to become acquainted with the fast pace and distinct challenges of working in a large medical facility. I believe that my gentle bedside manner and outstanding attention to detail would make me a valuable addition to your team.

Throughout my career I have learned my way around many different nursing environments such as the emergency room, home health care services, and also clinical nursing. My people skills are exceptional and I always strive to become familiar with each patient’s family members and support system. I believe this offers both patients and relatives the best possible support in a difficult time and enables us as caretakers to plan the most effective home care schedule. My aim is to give each patient and their family the knowledge and tools necessary to provide the correct health care at home. 

With my nursing degree and extensive experience working with the challenges of clinical nursing I believe that I would be a strong candidate for the Clinical Nursing Specialist position at your hospital. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss the requirements of the position with you further at your convenience. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Ellis

 

Note, how Stephanie repeats the term “Clinical Nursing Specialist” throughout the cover letter. This will make it easier for an Applicant Tracking System to recognize her as a strong candidate and thus put her first in line for getting a job interview. 

3 tips for writing a nursing cover letter

Keep it at maximum one page

Most recruiters and hiring managers are busy people and they don’t have time to read skim more than one page per cover letter they receive. Nail that and you’re on your way to be called in for an interview. 

Keep your content relevant

Relevance is of course always key when it comes to job search. Add in some power words and words from the job ad and you’re golden. 

Personalize your cover letter

To really hook someone from the beginning of your cover letter, a great tip is to use the person’s first name. This grabs their attention like nothing else will and will keep her focused on your inspiring content. 

 

Ready to start on your own nursing cover letter? 

When you click here you’ll be sent directly to our cover letter editor where you’ll be able to write your nursing cover letter (feel free to copy as much from our examples as you wish, we won’t tell anyone).

PS. If you want more cover letter inspiration, check out our other cover letter examples. If you need inspiration for your nursing resume, we’ve got you covered as well.