Nursing Cover Letter Examples & Templates

To craft an effective nursing cover letter, begin with a compelling opening line that grabs the reader’s attention, such as a brief personal story related to nursing or a notable achievement.

Discuss specific skills and experiences that make you suitable for the position. Use examples from your clinical rotations, previous nursing jobs or relevant healthcare positions.

Mention any specialties or certifications you have, such as BLS, ACLS, or a specialization in a particular area of nursing like pediatrics or oncology.

Explore our guide on what to include in a cover letter for additional examples and tips on what to include throughout each section of your letter.

In a nursing cover letter, strategically highlighting specific skills can greatly enhance your appeal as a candidate. Here are key skills to emphasize:

• Empathy and Compassion: Nursing is a caring profession, and demonstrating your ability to empathize with patients and provide compassionate care is crucial. Share specific instances where your empathy improved a patient’s care experience.
• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Nurses often face complex situations where quick and effective decision-making is necessary. Provide examples of how you’ve used your critical thinking skills to resolve issues or improve care.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: The ability to work well within interdisciplinary teams is vital in nursing. Describe situations where your collaboration contributed to better patient outcomes or enhanced team efficiency.
• Leadership and Management Skills: If you have management or leadership skills, such as supervising a team or leading a project, these are valuable to highlight. Discuss any roles where you’ve guided other staff or managed resources.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with healthcare technology, like electronic health records (EHR) systems, is increasingly important. Mention your experience with specific platforms or your ability to learn new technologies quickly.

Explore the cover letter examples for nursing on this page and our library of cover letter examples to see how you can effectively showcase relevant skills throughout your letter.

A nursing cover letter should typically be concise and to the point, ideally fitting on a single page. The ideal cover letter length is about three to four paragraphs, with each paragraph containing three to four sentences. 

This length allows you to effectively communicate your qualifications, experience and interest in the position without overwhelming the reader.

The key is to be brief but impactful, ensuring that every sentence adds value and relevance to your application.

While some employers may not require a cover letter, submitting one can significantly enhance your job application and improve your chances of landing an interview. 

Explore the necessity of cover letters for additional guidance. Here are a few reasons why including a cover letter with your resume is important:

• First Impressions: It offers the first impression to potential employers, providing a glimpse into your communication skills, professionalism and personality. It’s your opportunity to express how you align with the organization’s values and goals.
• Detailing Specific Experiences: While a resume provides a broad overview of your skills and experiences, a cover letter allows you to delve into specific instances where you’ve applied those skills effectively. 
• Demonstrating Fit and Interest: A well-crafted cover letter can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position and your fit within the organization. It lets you explain in detail why you want to work at that healthcare facility.
• Addressing Gaps or Changes: If there are any gaps in your employment history or if you’re making a career transition, a cover letter provides a chance to explain these circumstances positively and proactively.

We recommend exploring our basic cover letter guide to learn how to craft a concise yet compelling cover letter for your next nursing role.