Your nurse cover letter is your chance to showcase your passion for nursing and your unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care to patients.
Think of your cover letter as your opportunity to showcase your understanding of patients’ healthcare needs and demonstrate your ability to make a tangible difference in your community.
While a poorly formatted cover letter can have your application sent to the rejection pile, a well-crafted cover letter can be the deciding factor in securing your dream nursing role.
In this guide, we’ll help you make a lasting impression on hiring managers and get you noticed and hired faster.
Nurse full text-only cover letter example
14 August 2023
As a Waikato native with over five years of experience as a Registered Nurse, I am writing to express my interest in the Registered Nurse position at Hamilton Children's Hospital. My passion for providing compassionate care to children and supporting their families during challenging times has been the driving force behind my fulfilling career in pediatric nursing.
Since graduating from The University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Nursing in 2010, I have had the privilege of working in various pediatric settings, including my internship at Starship Children's Hospital. These experiences have honed my clinical skills and deepened my understanding of the unique needs of children and their families.
Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence in patient care by focusing on the following:
- Providing holistic care: Addressing children's physical, emotional, and developmental needs with a focus on creating a safe and comforting environment.
- Building therapeutic relationships: Establishing trust with children and their families, communicating effectively with empathy and respect, and advocating for their best interests.
- Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams: Working seamlessly with physicians, specialists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care.
- Using an evidence-based practice: Staying updated with the latest research and best practices to deliver high-quality, safe, and effective nursing care.
- Educating and empowering families: Providing clear and concise information to parents and caregivers, empowering them to actively participate in their child's care.
I am particularly drawn to Hamilton Children's Hospital's reputation for providing exceptional pediatric care in a family-centered environment. The hospital's commitment to the community aligns with my own values as a nurse. I am eager to contribute my skills and passion to your team and make a positive impact on the lives of the children and families you serve.
In addition to my clinical skills, I am a highly motivated and adaptable team player. I am confident in my ability to quickly integrate into your team and make a meaningful contribution to the hospital's mission.
Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my CV for your review, which includes references from previous supervisors. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience can benefit Hamilton Children's Hospital.
Ngā mihi nui,
Miriama Daniels
Sections of a nurse cover letter
Your cover letter should effectively highlight your nursing journey. Each element of your cover letter plays a vital role in revealing why you're the perfect fit for the role.
To create an impressive cover letter, be sure to include the following sections:
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Cover letter header: Include your contact information and the date to ensure a smooth connection with potential employers.
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Greeting: Personalise your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager by name. This shows initiative and respect and demonstrates your attention to detail.
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Introduction: This section is your chance to capture attention and leave a lasting impression. Share your enthusiasm for the specific role and healthcare facility and briefly highlight important professional details.
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Body paragraphs: Detail relevant experiences, skills, and accomplishments, weaving a narrative demonstrating how your unique qualities align with the healthcare facility's needs and values.
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Conclusion: As your cover letter draws to a close, summarise your essential qualifications and reiterate your genuine interest in the role. Don’t forget to include a compelling call to action!
- Signature: Sign off with a professional closing, your name and any relevant credentials.
Your cover letter should be a concise and impactful snapshot of your qualifications and passion, not a lengthy biography.
Keep your cover letter to a single page, ensuring that every word contributes to a compelling narrative that showcases your skills, experience, and dedication to nursing.
To help get you started, check out our other related cover letter examples from the healthcare sector:
For more tips and details to help format each section, review our article on how to write a cover letter.
Now, it’s time to captivate employers with your introduction!
Introduction of a nurse cover letter
Begin your nursing cover letter by highlighting a notable accomplishment or a captivating story demonstrating your nursing expertise in a real-world scenario.
For example, did you initiate a program that resulted in a 15% improvement in patient satisfaction scores? Did you implement a new protocol that reduced medication errors by 10% or decreased patient wait times by 20 minutes?
Dear Mr. Rawiri Baker,
As a dedicated Registered Nurse passionate about providing compassionate care and improving patient outcomes, I am excited about the opportunity at Auckland City Hospital. In my previous role at Wellington Regional Hospital, I implemented a new patient education program that resulted in a 20% reduction in patient readmission rates. I am eager to bring my expertise in patient advocacy and evidence-based practice to your team.
Hello, my name is Emily! Pleased to meet you! I am interested in the Registered Nurse position at Auckland City Hospital. I have five years of experience as a nurse, and I would be a good fit for your team.
Whatever your accomplishments, briefly mention any relevant nursing skills and achievements in the cover letter introduction. Maintain a professional tone, using clear and concise language to convey your message effectively.
Remember, a powerful introduction can captivate the reader's attention and set the tone for the rest of your application!
14 August 2023
As a Waikato native with over five years of experience as a Registered Nurse, I am writing to express my interest in the Registered Nurse position at Hamilton Children's Hospital. My passion for providing compassionate care to children and supporting their families during challenging times has been the driving force behind my fulfilling career in pediatric nursing.
Since graduating from The University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Nursing in 2010, I have had the privilege of working in various pediatric settings, including my internship at Starship Children's Hospital. These experiences have honed my clinical skills and deepened my understanding of the unique needs of children and their families.
Nurse cover letter body
In the body paragraphs of your cover letter, be sure to follow a clear structure:
- Discuss your relevant nursing skills and expertise
- Highlight how your work style, values, and previous experience align with the healthcare facility
- Conclude your cover letter by reiterating your enthusiasm for the position
- End your cover letter with a strong call to action
First body paragraph: your suitability for the role (skills & experience)
In the first body paragraph, begin by showcasing the key skills, qualifications and experiences that make you the ideal candidate for the role. You can achieve this by including the following:
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Education and qualifications: Discuss any details about your nursing degree and any relevant certifications, emphasising your commitment to professional development.
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Clinical skills: Detail your proficiency in patient assessment, medication administration, wound care, and other specialised skills relevant to the role.
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Patient care experience: Share specific examples of how you've provided compassionate care, advocated for patients, and collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to achieve positive patient outcomes.
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Technical skills: If applicable, mention your proficiency with electronic health records (EHRs), medical equipment, or other relevant technologies and proficiencies, such as fluency in Te Reo Māori or New Zealand Sign Language.
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Cultural competency skills: Discuss your experience providing culturally safe and responsive care to diverse patient populations.
- Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Discuss your commitment to upholding the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and your dedication to providing equitable, inclusive healthcare for patients.
When elaborating upon volunteer work or community involvement, focus on experiences directly related to healthcare or demonstrate transferable skills valuable in nursing.
For example, volunteering at a hospice, assisting with health screenings at a community event, or mentoring nursing students effectively showcases your dedication to serving others.
Second body paragraph(s): alignment with the organisation
In this section, demonstrate your understanding of the healthcare facility's values and mission, identifying key aspects that resonate with you.
Research the healthcare facility’s website, annual reports, or social media presence to gain insights into its culture and priorities. Then, articulate how your own aspirations and principles resonate with them.
In the case of Starship Hospital, some key values that can be gleaned from their website and mission statement include:
- Prioritising the involvement of families in the care of their children
- Commitment to advancing pediatric care through education and research, aiming to improve outcomes for children in New Zealand and beyond
- Focused on treating everyone with manaaki (respect) and compassion
- Values teamwork, collaboration and tūhonotanga (doing things together)
Incorporate specific examples from the healthcare organisation's mission statement into your cover letter where possible to help highlight how you’re a great fit for the role.
“Starship Hospital's steadfast commitment to family-centred care and manaakitanga deeply resonates with my own nursing philosophy and values. In my previous role, I initiated a program that increased family participation in care plans by 30%, resulting in a 10% decrease in average hospital stays for pediatric patients. I’m excited about bringing my passion for patient care to the Starship Hospital team.”
Call to action & conclusion: a powerful close
Conclude your cover letter with a sincere thank you to the hiring manager for their time and consideration, along with a clear expression of interest in discussing your qualifications further in an interview.
Briefly reiterate your most relevant nursing skills or experiences that make you the ideal candidate for this position.
This call to action leaves a positive final impression, highlighting your enthusiasm for the position and willingness to engage in further dialogue in the future.
End your cover letter with an appropriate sign-off, followed by your name and any relevant credentials.
"I am confident that my dedication to patient care, clinical expertise, and passion for nursing align seamlessly with Hamilton City Hospital's values and goals. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how I can help provide exceptional care to the Hamilton community.
Ngā mihi nui,
Awhina Murray”
Key Takeaways
A well-crafted nurse cover letter should effectively highlight your relevant accomplishments, expertise, skills and passion for nursing.
Still trying to figure out where to start? Our cover letter builder simplifies the process, helping you create a professional nurse cover letter that resonates with hiring managers and opens pathways to rewarding opportunities in New Zealand's healthcare industry.
