how to write an application letter for a nursing college

Writing Application Letter for Nursing College

An application letter for nursing college is an essential document for individuals who wish to pursue a career in nursing. It is a formal request submitted to a college or university as part of the application process. The letter introduces the applicant and highlights their qualifications, experiences, and reasons for pursuing a nursing career.

After obtaining the following paragraphs, you can learn about the definition of an application letter for nursing college and its structure, receive advice on how to make an application letter for admission in nursing college attractive to the college committee, and get the response for the most popular questions concerning this issue.

What Is an Application Letter for Nursing College?

An application letter for nursing college is a formal-written request or proposal submitted by an individual who intends to enroll in a nursing program at a college or university.

Most requirements depend on the college or university you are willing to enter. If you still don’t know where you want to study, don`t worry. You can read the article about the most expensive university in the world on our website.

The college letter of application nursing should be well-written and concise, highlighting the applicant’s academic background, work experience (if any), and any other relevant qualifications that make them a suitable candidate for the nursing program.

It should also include the applicant’s personal statement, outlining their motivation for pursuing nursing and why they have chosen that specific college or university.

Overall, the goal of the application letter for admission to nursing college is to convince the admissions committee that the applicant is passionate about nursing and has the necessary skills and qualifications to succeed in the nursing program.

How to Write an Application Letter for Nursing College

Writing an application letter for nursing college requires careful planning and attention to detail.

Here are some steps to follow when writing an application letter:

• Research the nursing program: Before writing your application letter, research the nursing program you are applying to. Look at their website about their mission, curriculum, and admission requirements. If you face difficulties with it, you ask advice from college admissions consultants or grad school admission consultants . You can learn more details about them in other articles on our website.
• Introduce yourself: Start your letter with a brief introduction of yourself, including your name, educational background, and any relevant work experience.
• Highlight your qualifications: In the body of your letter, highlight the qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the nursing program. This may include your academic achievements, relevant coursework, clinical experience, or any other relevant skills or experiences.
• Explain your motivation: Explain why you are interested in pursuing a nursing career and why you have chosen this particular nursing program.
• Proofread: Before submitting your application letter, proofread it carefully for spelling and grammar errors.
• Follow up: After submitting your application letter, it’s a good idea to follow up with the nursing program to ensure they received your application.

Sometimes students need to decline admission to a college after accepting because they understand that this college isn’t for them. You can read what to do when college isn’t for you and how to decline admission to a college after accepting.

Be sure to take the time to write a thoughtful and well-crafted letter that highlights your qualifications and shows your passion for nursing.

Key Takeaways

Crafting an effective application letter for nursing college requires a professional, respectful, and concise approach. If you’re confident in your ability to guide other students through the application process, consider becoming a college advisor.

Whether you’re familiar with this opportunity or not, our website offers plenty of resources to help you get started. Also, you can ask for advice from a college advisor, or if you have enough experience, you can be him.

Sample Nursing Application Letter

We prepared the sample for you to ensure you understand the theory.

Dear Admissions Committee, I am writing to express my interest in the nursing program at XYZ College. With a passion for helping others and a strong desire to make a positive impact on the world, a career in nursing is the right path for me. I recently completed my Bachelor’s degree in Biology at ABC University. I gained a solid scientific foundation and developed critical thinking skills to serve me well in the nursing program. I have also volunteered at the local hospital for the past two years. What motivates me to pursue a career in nursing is the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. I am passionate about providing compassionate care to patients and helping them through difficult times. I am particularly impressed with the nursing program at XYZ College, which I believe will provide me with the knowledge and skills I need to succeed as a nurse. The program’s focus on clinical experience and hands-on training particularly appeals to me, as practical experience is essential to becoming a skilled and confident nurse. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to contributing to the nursing program at XYZ College. Sincerely, [Your Name]

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Letter Templates

Letter of Intent for Nursing School (With Samples)

A letter of intent for nursing school is written to explain your goals qualifications and interest in a nursing school. When writing a letter of interest for nursing school, you should focus on explaining why you are interested in nursing school and what parts of your background make you a suitable candidate for nursing school as well as your ambitions after you graduate. With a high-quality letter of intent, you can get accepted into a nursing school that will start off your nursing admission and help you pursue your career goals.

Download Templates

The quality and content of your Letter of intent for nursing school will determine your chances of getting selected as a student in any nursing school, hence it is important that you ensure that your letter of intent for nursing school provides a clear representation of you, your accomplishments and your passion for the nursing profession. Download our well-researched, impeccable written, and proven templates today to give yourself an edge in the selection process.

How to Write a Letter of Intent for Nursing School

A letter of intent for nursing school should be well-written and highlight all the reasons you should be considered as a candidate. Here are some steps to guide you through the process of writing a letter of intent for nursing school to kick-start your nursing school application process:

Address the letter to the head

When addressing the letter, it is important to include the full address of the nursing school to which you are applying. However, if you are submitting an online letter of intent for nursing school, this step may be unnecessary. You should only mention the school.

Introduce yourself

Introduce yourself with your full name and state your reason for writing the letter of intent. Mention how the school suits your educational and career goals.

Analyze your reasons for choosing nursing

Nursing is a noble profession, and you need to identify why you are interested in being a nurse. List your reasons for wanting to be a nurse first before you start writing the later of intent.

Refer to the list you wrote before starting the letter. Briefly mention and explain your reasons for being passionate about nursing. You may employ the use of a short anecdote for your main reason. You may choose to refer to a childhood memory of your first encounter with a nurse, you may refer to a past experience with a loved one and how you developed a passion for helping patients.

Be sure to relate your reasons to basic nursing skills like maintaining patient charts, monitoring vital signs, bedside monitoring, patient and family education, etc. be sure to mention your good qualities such as your patience, compassion, adaptability, and other character-related qualities that will make you a good nurse.

Mention your qualifications and achievements

Mention the qualifications and achievements that make you a suitable candidate for the nursing school. You may also mention how you intend to maintain or improve upon your academic performance if you are admitted into the nursing school.

Add a professional closing

Round off your letter of intent for nursing school by expressing your gratitude for the consideration and your eagerness to hear from the reader. Finally use a professional closing and your name and signature (physical or email signature).

Template for a Letter of Intent for Nursing School

Dear selection committee,

I am writing to you to indicate my interest in admission into the nursing program. I am very interested in enrolling in your nursing program because (give specific details about the nursing school and why you want to enroll). Furthermore, I am confident in my passion for nursing, motivation, and previous accomplishments, and my prospects as a student nurse in your nursing program.

From an early age, I have developed a passion for the healthcare profession because (discuss reasons why you are interested in nursing school). My passion for the nursing profession will motivate me to become a dedicated and determined student in your nursing program.

My previous accomplishments also show my qualification to enroll in your nursing program. In the past, I have accomplished quite a few things (list accomplishments here). I am convinced that these experiences will help me succeed in your nursing program because (establish a connection between your accomplishments and the nursing program)

In conclusion, I intend to utilize my passion for nursing and previous accomplishments in my service of patients as I pursue my goals in the nursing profession.

During my course in your nursing program, I intend to (discuss a nursing school goal). After graduation, I plan to (briefly explain your professional goals).

For the reasons given above, I am certain that your nursing program will be a good fit for my studies and ambition as a nurse. I have the dedication to achieve success in your nursing program and I will be grateful for the opportunities the school provides.

I appreciate your time and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, (Your name)

Sample Letter of Intent for Nursing School

Dear selection committee

I am writing to you to indicate my interest in admission into the nursing program. I am very interested in enrolling in your nursing program because the Santa Barbara school of nursing is one of the leading nursing schools in the country, and I believe the quality education your school provides will make me the best professional nurse I can be. Furthermore, I am confident in my passion for nursing, motivation, and previous accomplishments will aid my prospects as a student nurse in your nursing program.

From an early age, I have developed a passion for the healthcare profession because as a child, I was hospitalized for a fractured femur, and I fell in love with the nursing profession as I watched the dedicated nurses that provided care as I healed. My passion for the nursing profession will motivate me to become a dedicated and determined student in your nursing program.

My previous accomplishments also show my qualification to enroll in your nursing program. In the past, I have accomplished quite a few things like;

● Leading the red cross club in high school.

● Organizing CPR training for the students in the school

● Volunteering at the community clinic where I live.

I am convinced that these experiences will help me succeed in your nursing program because I have harnessed my passion for the nursing profession, and I have used it to gain a wealth of experience in healthcare.

In conclusion, I intend to utilize my passion for nursing and previous accomplishments in my service of patients as I pursue my goals in the nursing profession. During my course in your nursing program, I intend to achieve academic excellence while striving to improve student participation in humanitarian endeavors. After graduation, I plan to establish a Non-profit humanitarian clinic to provide health care for the many who desperately need it the most.

Sheila Gomez

Related: Nursing Job Letter of Intent (Samples & Examples)

Important Tips to Remember

When writing a letter of intent for nursing school, it is important that you consider the following guidelines to avoid certain mistakes and make your letter of intent for nursing school as attractive to the reader as possible;

Make a plan

The first step is to think about the time and space available for the writing process. You should be able to identify your peak productivity period and schedule that time to write your letter of intent for nursing school making sure that you do not get outside interruptions. If you have to work with a deadline, try deciding how many days you have left and then break the letter down into milestones.

Brainstorm ideas

Start by writing down a list of everything you find exciting about the nursing profession. Also, note the things that you think will make you successful in nursing school and the things you want to accomplish both in nursing school and as a professional nurse. Not all your ideas will make it into the letter of intent and that’s fine. The brainstorming process is for you to notice some details you may not have noticed before and then selectively choose which information you want to include in your letter.

Outline your thoughts

Outline the ideas you got from the brainstorming process and see which ones fall into meaningful categories. Use the categories to decide what you want the main point of each paragraph in your letter to be.

Write a rough draft

It is unrealistic to expect to write the perfect letter of intent for nursing school on the first trial. You will most likely have to go through a couple of rough drafts. Focus on making sure that the contents of your letter flow correctly, and you include all your ideas logically. Also, ensure that you communicate your thoughts clearly. So, use professional but relatable language. If you are submitting the letter electronically, you may not need to include the traditional business header. However, if you need to submit a letter of intent physically, you should include the traditional business header.

Revise your letter of intent

Go over your rough draft until you have a well-polished and persuasive letter of intent for nursing school. Make sure you have not left out any important information and remove all unnecessary words and sentences. Finally, proofread to eliminate grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. Whoever reads the letter will pay attention to the way you communicate yourself with writing, and they might judge you based on how well your letter is written.

A great letter of intent for nursing school will give you an added advantage as you seek to get admitted into any nursing program of your choice, hence it is important that you ensure that your letter of intent for nursing school is of the best possible quality. We have provided the best templates to give you the advantage you need to pursue your nursing ambition.

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Nursing School Letter of Intent Examples

Reviewing nursing school letter of intent examples gives you insights into the content of this essential document for your nursing school application. While every school will have its own requirements when it comes to the submission of a letter of intent, there are some general rules you should follow when you plan this important application component. This blog will help you understand what the nursing school letter of intent is, its purpose, and the guidelines for creating a letter that will make you stand out. A strong nursing school letter of intent supports your other application components, including your nursing school personal statement , so, it’s important to plan and execute this application component with care. Planning and writing a strong letter of intent can help you prepare for nursing school interview questions . So, read on to learn more!

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Article Contents 10 min read

What is a nursing school letter of intent.

If you are interested in pursuing a program at nursing school, you are required to state the reasons for your interest in your application. You should be able to explain your motivation behind pursuing the program, your future goals, and past qualifications to help the admissions committee learn more about you as a potential candidate. Their job is to evaluate your application against their school's benchmark to determine whether you are a suitable match or not. A letter of intent makes this job easier, complementing other components of your nursing school application, such as your nursing school application resume in presenting your candidature. Unlike medical school letters of intent , nursing school letters of intent are submitted as part of primary applications. Not all schools require this application component, but it is fairly common and used as an addition to the rest of the primary application.

Every nursing program will have its own structure and format requirements when it comes to letters of intent. Some schools ask for letters of intent to be short essays that touch upon certain topics/prompts. Some schools want short answers to specific questions. You should carefully research the requirements of their school before you sit down to write the letter and stick to these requirements religiously. If you go over the word limit or decide to write an essay instead of answering specific questions, your letters will be discarded and you will be removed from the competition.

Take the time to plan to write this letter due to its significance in your application. Like any other statement of intent , you should write a nursing school letter of intent in a formal tone. Focus on providing the most accurate information as per your nursing school’s requirements, including the following sections:

You should end your letter of intent by summarizing why you are a good fit for the program and thank the admissions committee for considering your application. Write a professional closing phrase such as \"yours sincerely\" with your name. It will give your document a summarizing conclusion and a formal ending. ","label":"Conclusion","title":"Conclusion"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

Remember, as we already emphasized, every school will have its own requirements, formats, and prompts, so please make sure to follow them closely. The sections we outline above are the most common talking-points of this application component, but your chosen programs may require something different.

Writing a letter of intent involves your dedicated time and effort. Give yourself at least 4 weeks to read through the schools’ guidelines, brainstorm and draft your letter. Additionally, consider getting help from nursing school admissions consulting to create the best possible letter of intent for your application.

Interested in a quick summary of the section below? Take a look at this infographic:

Step 1: Research the required format

Check the format of the letter with the schools for which you are writing your letter of intent. Often, the schools lay out their own requirements about what to include in the letter of intent. Hence, it is the best to confirm on those requirements.

Step 2: Create a structure

The first step in writing a nursing school letter of intent is by outlining what you wish to mention in your letter. Create a structure by identifying and writing heading for the sake of easing your process of writing. It will help you in organizing your thoughts better. Based on the requirements of the letter outlined by your school, start planning how you can structure your submission. For example, if you are submitting a short 500-word essay, you should structure your letter as an academic essay, including an intro, body, and a conclusion.

If you are responding to a list of questions, similar to medical school secondary essay prompts , your answers should still follow the academic essay structure, but you will need to shorten them significantly to keep to the word limit.

Step 3: Brainstorm

Once you know what structure you will be following, you can think about your reasons for joining a nursing school in general or a specific program. Accumulate all ideas in one place so that you have access to all the information at once and you don’t end up missing out on anything. Start by answering these questions:

• When was the first time you learned about the profession of nursing?
• What inspired you to choose nursing as a career?
• What makes you a qualified candidate for a nursing program?
• What do you plan on doing after completing your nursing program?

After collecting your ideas, start drafting the first copy of your letter of intent. Organize your thoughts into meaningful paragraphs with a logical flow for a clear presentation of information.

While you should try your best to write a professional nursing school letter of intent initially, do not expect your first few drafts to be error-free. Ideally, it will take you a few weeks to finally create the perfect document, so be patient with your work. You can get a nursing application review service to help you with your drafts.

Step 5: Make sure to use examples and personal stories

It is best to demonstrate your arguments with the help of examples to provide concrete proof of your abilities. 

For example, rather than initiating the letter with “ I have been interested in nursing since I was in the 6th grade ,” can you think of a story about why you even started thinking of becoming a nurse in the first place?

“ I had my first experience in a hospital when I was in 6th grade. My grandmother was in an accident and was hospitalized. The selfless nature of the nurses moved me. They took utmost care of my grandmother and helped her with medicines and meals. Due to their diligence and service, my grandmother recovered speedily in a fortnight. This incident inspired me to take an avid interest in the profession of nursing .”

Step 6: Proofread and edit

Revise and re-check your letter of intent several times to eliminate grammatical, spelling, and logical errors. If a sentence is not adding value to your statement, replace it with something that makes your letter impactful or remove it all together. Remember, your letter should be concise and clear, so do not add any fluff to it! 

There are some nursing programs that use unified application systems, but all nursing programs have their own application requirements. Some may request a resume, while some may not. So, if you are applying to each program separately, your letter of intent should include what makes you a perfect candidate for a specific school. If you are applying via a school portal and not a unified application system, your entire application should be tailored to the school.

Tips for Writing a Strong Nursing School Letter of Intent

While writing a nursing school letter of intent is not a daunting task, a few tips can make your work faster and easier:

Many nursing school programs will ask you why you are the perfect candidate for their program specifically. However, even if your school does not, we strongly recommend you emphasize what makes you a great fit. To do this, research the program you are writing the letter for. Note their values, mission, research projects, community projects, and so on, and try to demonstrate in your letter of intent that you can contribute to the program\u2019s goals and mission. "}]">

Let’s take a look at some nursing school letter of intent examples:

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing this letter to express my interest in the University of Massachusetts Amherst College of Nursing's prestigious Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. It is one of the best programs to help aspiring healthcare professionals like me get started in the noble field of providing patient care.

My passion for building a career in healthcare goes back to my primary school days. Once, while playing on the school playground, my friend fell of a swing and badly injured his ankle. When I escorted him to the school infirmary, I saw the gentle care the nurse provided by cleaning his wound and dressing it up. Her kind approach and the ease with which she managed to help my friend left a great impression. Since this incident, I have always considered nursing as a potential career path for me. My dedication solidified further as I entered high school.

During my time at the X high school, I pursued the study of physical science, including biology, chemistry, and physics. In grade 11, I enrolled in a competitive anatomy and physiology workshop, which I completed with honors. Throughout high school, I often spent my lunch hours and after school hours in the biology and chemistry labs to get acquainted with the practical use of concepts in these subjects. My hard work paid off, and I graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.8. I am confident that my strong foundational knowledge will help me better understand the courses in your prestigious nursing program. 

Apart from my academics, I worked as a member of the Red Cross Club for two years. This experience was crucial in developing my understanding of what I can expect in my career as a nurse. I took part in events like "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" to raise awareness for breast cancer among the members of our community in Boston. I also helped organize Blood Drives where I interacted with donors, assisted in medical checkups, and served refreshments after a donor completed the donation process. I believe that these experiences will help me in nursing school since I have prior knowledge of working with patients and handling medical equipment.

My time at nursing school will pave the way to gain professional expertise as a healthcare professional in the future. My career goal is to achieve professional training and become a registered nurse after completing my Bachelor's degree. I wish to specialize in critical care and work in the same division of a local healthcare institution to serve my community. 

I believe that these reasons make me a suitable match for your nursing school. If selected, I will be grateful for such a life-changing opportunity. While pursuing the program, I will continue my sincere efforts to study meticulously and finish my degree with honors. I also wish to continue my volunteering activities by becoming a part of the UMass American Red Cross.

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to your reply.

Richard Keith

This statement is regarding my interest in applying for the distinguished nursing program at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. My educational background and experience in healthcare have contributed to my suitability as a candidate for this program. 

My motivation to become a nurse goes back to the beginning of my senior year at school, when I had to undergo an appendectomy. During my time in the hospital, the selfless attitude of the nurses moved me. I was extremely nervous before my surgery, but my attending nurse made sure that I was comfortable, answered all my questions, and helped to calm me down. Her kindness and support inspired me to build a career in nursing. 

I chose an undergraduate degree in Microbiology and learned how microorganisms affect our lives. I was particularly interested in the study of global health issues. During this time, I engaged in a shadowing opportunity through the volunteering program at the local hospital, where I learned to communicate with patients, recorded their responses, administered basic medications, and checked for symptoms. I participated in the IVHQ’s volunteering programs abroad for my summer breaks. I spent a fortnight in Argentina in 20XX, working on a Healthcare Volunteer Project in Buenos Aires. I assisted in local clinics and nursing homes for disabled children with essential healthcare tasks. 

I want to work as a pediatric nurse after completing my nursing program. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience in Buenos Aires working with children, and I wish to drive my career in that direction. I firmly believe that becoming a nurse will give me a sense of achievement in life, and I will thoroughly enjoy my career as a nurse. I wish to conclude my statement by thanking you for your time and consideration of my application. 

Amanda Brown

Dear admissions committee,

I am interested in enrolling in the nursing program at the Northwestern State University of Louisiana. I am confident in my abilities as a motivated and enthusiastic individual with an avid interest in nursing, which will make me fit for your program. 

I started considering nursing as a potential career when I watched my uncle fight cancer. The nurses who were there to help him were compassionate and kind-natured. Their support meant a lot to us because good bedside manners count the most during such times. I remember realizing that supporting people was something I wanted to do. Thus, I decided to become a nurse. 

My previous accomplishments show my qualification as an eligible candidate for your nursing program. I have pursued a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration that I cleared with a GPA of 3.5. I worked at the local community hospital as a volunteer to get the first-hand experience of being a nurse. Initially, I was responsible for assisting wheelchair patients in transferring to different departments. I progressed to become a part of the discharge team, where I assisted in preparing paperwork and helped patients move. This opportunity allowed me to build relationships with other nurses, doctors, and patients. I learned to function efficiently as an individual and as a part of a team for supporting people in need.

In the next two years, my goal is to complete my studies and training and begin my career as a nurse. During my course in your nursing program, I intend to achieve academic excellence while striving to improve my participation in humanitarian endeavors. I wish to use my passion for nursing and previous accomplishments in my service to patients. 

I am a self-driven individual with the urge to make the world a better place. After reviewing the curriculum of your nursing program, I am confident that it matches my learning needs. With appropriate training at your institution, I can achieve success and make a difference in people's lives. 

I thank you for the opportunity to express myself. 

Cynthia Perez

A nursing school letter of intent is a statement that explains the reasons for your interest in nursing and what makes you a good candidate for a nursing program.

A nursing school letter of intent allows the admissions committee to judge your commitment to a nursing program and evaluate your profile as a potential candidate.

Start by researching your school’s requirements. Based on the prompts, brainstorm ideas for your letter and start drafting the first version.

Always follow the word limit required by your programs of choice.

Your nursing school letter of intent should include personal stories related to your interest in nursing. Additionally, you can mention the related skills you acquired throughout your journey to nursing school.

You should send a nursing school letter of intent with your primary application for nursing school.

Not all schools require the submission of the letter of intent, but make sure to check application requirements of each school you apply to.

You should address your letter of intent to the admissions committee of the nursing school to which you are applying. 

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How to Write a Nursing Cover Letter That Stands Out + Examples

• Do You Need One?
• What to Include
• 6 Common Mistakes
• Cover Letter Template
• Cover Letter Example
• Don't Forget It!

You're not alone if you think writing a nursing cover letter is intimidating. However, a great cover letter may be the difference between landing the job or having your application ignored. 

Keep reading for expert advice regarding the importance and benefits of writing a nursing cover letter and common mistakes to avoid, and some examples you can use!

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Do You Need Nursing Cover Letters?  

The cover letter is your chance to highlight your past experience and let the hiring manager know why you believe you're the best fit for the role. The hiring manager will quickly notice you are motivated and enthusiastic about the job prospect. 

It's also your first chance to show your articulation and communication skills. A well-crafted cover letter makes an impression that instantly sets you apart from other applicants. 

Benefits of Writing a Nursing Cover Letter

Most candidates don't take the time to create a cover letter. In the world of online applications, attaching one is usually optional and feels like extra work. So many applicants fill out the bare minimum and move on to the next job posting. 

Stand out from the competition - Write a killer cover letter. 

Why you should take the time to create your cover letter

• Increase chances your application is reviewed
• Highlight your accomplishments, skills, and qualifications
• Showcase your personality and communication skills
• Make a great first impression
• Show your interest in the position/company

Your resume is important, but the cover letter sets the tone for your entire application. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Nursing Resumes to learn more about current resume etiquette and trends.

Writing a nursing resume can feel overwhelming. It’s no easy task! Nowadays, nursing resumes must be able to pass through resume reading software before it even reaches a recruiter. That’s why we’ve put together THREE nurse resume templates to cater to your unique professional needs and employment situation.

By clicking download, you agree to receive email newsletters and special offers from Nurse.org. You may unsubscribe at any time by using the unsubscribe link, found at the bottom of every email.

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What to Include in Your Nursing Cover Letter

Did you learn how to write business letters in school? Have you forgotten everything about how to format them? You’re not alone - we’ve got your back here at Nurse.org. 

Let's go through the basic format of a nursing cover letter that can be used at any stage of your professional development, including entry-level and specialty changes. 

The header is simple; it’s just contact information for both you and the hiring organization. The basic format is:

Phone Number

Email Address

Street Address  

• City, ST, Zip Code

Hiring Manager (Use name if possible)

• Healthcare Organization 

The best advice here is to find out the hiring manager's name so you can personalize the greeting. 

How to find out the name of a hiring manager:

• If you have a connection in the organization, ask who will review your application. 
• Review the company website or LinkedIn to find the manager or director for the position. 
• Call the Human resources department. This can be hit or miss, but it's worth a shot if you haven't found the right person. 

Generic greetings should be your last resort. If you've tried and still can't find the name, "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear Nursing Recruitment Team" will work. You'll wow them with the rest of your letter. 

Paragraph #1: Opening

In the opening paragraph, identify the position you're applying for and briefly state why you're a good fit. HR and hiring managers often look at resumes for several positions, so this is a chance to remind them that you are applying for X opportunity. It signals the hiring manager to read the rest of your letter and resume with that position in mind. 

Paragraph #2: Background & Qualifications

Your qualifications paragraph is the most important one in your cover letter. Briefly summarize your background, skills, and traits that make you the perfect candidate for the position in about 2-3. Use keywords from the posted job description that complement your skill set. You can also use bullet points to make this paragraph stand out.

Note for new grads: All of your background experience is valuable. Suppose you don't have healthcare-specific work experience. In that case, you can highlight customer service skills, eagerness to learn new processes, and highlights from nursing school clinical experiences. 

Notes for nurses transitioning to new specialties: Give a brief career synopsis and highlight the skills you think will best transfer to the new specialty. Emphasize strengths that align with the job position posting. 

Paragraph #3: Compliment the Organization

Your final paragraph shows you're serious about the position. Research the organization and state why you want to join their team. You can find great information and keywords to use on the job post or their website.

Closing the Nursing Cover Letter

Your closing sentence is brief and invites further conversation. Restate your contact information and Invite the hiring manager to discuss the role further. Then, add in a final closure and your signature. Congratulations,  your letter is complete!

The closure should be respectful and professional. Examples include

• Respectfully
• Sincerely yours
• Yours truly
• With warm regards
• Best regards

How to List Your Nursing Credentials

It’s easy to get confused about how to list your nursing credentials. The correct way to sign your name with credentials is:

[Name], [Highest level of education completed], [License type], [Certifications]

Jane completed an associate degree and is a Registered Nurse without other certifications (yet). Her signature is Jane Doe, ADN, RN

If Jane goes on to complete her BSN and Pediatric certification, her signature changes to: Jane Doe, BSN, RN, CPN

We’ve got templates below to help you get started, but first let’s review some common mistakes you should avoid. 

6 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Nursing Cover Letter   

Writing a great nursing cover letter may seem daunting, but the process does get easier with practice. Here are a few common nursing cover letter mistakes and pitfalls to avoid.

1. Leaving Grammatical Errors and Typos

Most programs have some spell and grammar check capabilities, but don't rely on them alone. Websites such as grammarly.com offer free proofreading and grammar review. Make sure to review that all names are correctly spelled.

2. Using a Generic Greeting

Do your research to find the hiring manager’s name. If you can’t find it, open the letter with “Dear Hiring Manager.” Avoid “To whom it may concern” at all costs. 

3. Forgetting to add Keywords

Read the job description carefully. Find keywords that relate to your experience and use them throughout the cover letter. 

4. Not Following Instructions

Follow any specific requirements listed in the job description or application website. If the listing says to upload your cover letter as a PDF, save your document as a PDF before submitting it. 

This is your first test to see if you pay attention to detail and follow directions. Don't fail before you even get started!!

5. Using the Same Cover Letter for Different Jobs

Each position and organization are unique; don’t repeatedly use the same letter. However, you also don't need to start from scratch each time! 

Save your cover letters as you write them so they’re available to edit next time. Highlight different skills if needed. Make it personal to the new position by including keywords from the job listing.

6. Forgetting to Proofread and Edit

Notice how #1 and #6 are almost identical? It’s on purpose - proofreading is the most critical aspect of writing. Here are some tips to help you make sure your cover letter is perfect:

Read your letter out loud. Does it make sense? Do any of the sentences sound strange when you read them out loud? 

Walk away . Putting a bit of time between writing and finalizing your edits can make a world of difference in the final draft.

Enlist a friend. Ask a  trusted friend, career advisor, or faculty member to read the letter before you hit send. 

Nursing Cover Letter Template

Here’s everything your nursing cover letter should include.

City, State, Zip Code

Healthcare Organization Name

Telephone Number

Email address

Dear (Mr. Mrs. Ms.) ________,

Dear Nursing Recruitment Team,

Opening: 2-3 sentences that express your excitement. Name the exact position you are applying for and the organization. Briefly state why you are the best fit. 

Background & Qualifications: 2-4 sentences to highlight your applicable certifications, achievements and strengths. You may use bullet format to draw attention to this section.

Compliment the Organization: 2-3 sentences to show you’ve researched the organization and position. Highlight organizational values that align with yours.

Closing sentence: Thank the hiring manager for taking time to review your application. Invite them to contact you to arrange an interview. 

With warm regards, 

Your Name, (credentials)

Example Nursing Cover Letter

(718) 555–0100

[email protected]

123 Main Street; 

City, ST 12345

August 01, 2023

Hailey Johnson

Human Resources

Mercy Healthcare

123 Broadway Ave;  City, ST 12300

Dear Ms. Hailey Johnson,

I am excited to apply for the Registered Nurse residency program at Mercy Healthcare. I recently graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and believe the skills and knowledge gained during nursing school will be highly valuable to your team.

I received excellent clinical reviews throughout nursing school and graduated with honors. I have excellent time-management skills and look forward to further developing hands-on skills through clinical practice. My ability to coordinate tasks and collaborate with others allows me to provide excellent patient care. 

Mercy Healthcare is well-known for patient-centered care and shared governance. I look forward to making a difference in patients’ lives through compassion, dedication, and excellent nursing care. 

Thank you for considering my application. I can be reached at (718) 555–0100 or [email protected] to arrange an interview and further discuss my qualifications.

Ava Smith, BSN, RN

Don't Forget Your Cover Letter!

Always, always, always attach a cover letter to your job applications. These templates should help you get started. Attaching a cover letter immediately sets you apart from the candidates who do not take the time to write or attach one. Highlight your strengths and show the hiring manager that you’re serious about the position. Then start prepping your answers to  common interview questions for when you get that call.

Joleen Sams is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner based in the Kansas City metro area. During her 10-year RN career, Joleen worked in NICU, inpatient pediatrics, and regulatory compliance. Since graduating with her MSN-FNP in 2019, she has worked in urgent care and nursing administration. Connect with Joleen on LinkedIn or see more of her writing on her website.

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