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New Graduate Nurse Cover Letter Examples: A Complete Guide

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Entering the nursing field as a new graduate is an exciting yet challenging experience. The job market for nurses is competitive, and as a new graduate, you might feel uncertain about how to stand out from other applicants. One of the key tools in your job application process is your cover letter. A well-written cover letter can set you apart from other candidates by showcasing your skills, training, and passion for nursing.

In this comprehensive article, we will explore the components of a strong new graduate nurse cover letter, provide detailed examples, and offer valuable insights into how to make your cover letter compelling. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the tools to craft an effective cover letter that can help you secure your first nursing position.

Why a Cover Letter Matters for New Graduate Nurses

As a new graduate nurse, your cover letter is your first chance to make a strong impression. While your resume highlights your education and clinical experiences, the cover letter offers an opportunity to showcase your personality, passion, and unique skills. Employers want to see more than just qualifications; they want to know why you want to work for their healthcare facility, how you’ll contribute to their team, and what makes you a perfect fit for the role.

Even though you may not have years of nursing experience, a well-crafted cover letter can emphasize your clinical training, patient care skills, and enthusiasm for the profession. It’s also your chance to explain why you’re the best candidate for the role, demonstrate your understanding of the healthcare environment, and provide insights into how you will thrive in your first nursing position.

Key Elements of a New Graduate Nurse Cover Letter

A strong new graduate nurse cover letter should include the following components:

• Professional Header
• Engaging Introduction
• Educational Background
• Clinical Experience
• Passion for Nursing and the Specific Role
• Closing Statement and Call to Action

Each of these sections is crucial for making your cover letter stand out. Below, we’ll break down each element with detailed explanations and examples to help guide you in writing your own cover letter.

1. Professional Header

Your cover letter should always start with a professional header. Include your contact information, the date, and the hiring manager’s details. This format establishes a professional tone from the outset and ensures that your cover letter is properly structured.

If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, you can use a general title such as “Hiring Manager” or “Nurse Recruitment Team.” However, if possible, address the cover letter to a specific individual to show that you’ve done your research.

2. Engaging Introduction

Your introduction needs to grab the reader’s attention right away. Introduce yourself, state the position you’re applying for, and explain why you’re excited about the opportunity. Make it clear that you’re a new graduate but emphasize your readiness to enter the nursing field.

Example of an Engaging Introduction:

In this example, the candidate clearly states their educational background, mentions the specific position, and expresses enthusiasm for the role. This sets a positive tone and encourages the reader to continue.

3. Educational Background

Since you’re a new graduate, your educational background is one of your strongest assets. Use this section to highlight your nursing degree, any academic achievements, and the key skills you developed during your studies. Mention any honors, scholarships, or relevant coursework that supports your candidacy.

Example of Highlighting Educational Background:

This example emphasizes the candidate’s academic success and specific certifications. These details help demonstrate that the candidate is well-prepared to handle the demands of the nursing profession.

4. Clinical Experience

Your clinical experience is crucial to highlight in your cover letter as a new graduate. Since you may not have much professional work experience, your clinical rotations are the next best thing. Focus on the types of patients you cared for, the settings you worked in, and any specific skills you developed during these experiences.

Example of Highlighting Clinical Experience:

This example provides a detailed account of the candidate’s clinical experiences and emphasizes their ability to work in various healthcare environments. It also highlights key nursing skills such as medication administration and teamwork.

5. Passion for Nursing and the Specific Role

Employers are not just looking for someone who can perform the job—they want someone who is passionate about nursing and their organization. Use this section to explain why you’re drawn to nursing and why you’re particularly excited about working for this specific healthcare facility.

Example of Explaining Passion for Nursing and the Role:

This example conveys the candidate’s passion for nursing while also demonstrating knowledge of the hospital’s values. By mentioning specific aspects of the hospital, the candidate shows that they are genuinely interested in the role and have done their research.

6. Closing Statement and Call to Action

The closing paragraph should reiterate your interest in the position and encourage the hiring manager to contact you for an interview. Be polite, express gratitude for the opportunity, and provide your contact details.

Example of a Strong Closing Statement:

This closing statement effectively reiterates the candidate’s enthusiasm and invites further discussion while providing clear contact details.

Sample 1: General New Graduate Nurse Cover Letter

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address]

Hiring Manager [Hospital Name] [Hospital Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Registered Nurse position at [Hospital Name], as advertised on your website. I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from [University Name], and I am eager to bring my clinical skills and passion for patient care to your esteemed team.

During my clinical rotations at [Hospital or Clinic Name], I gained valuable experience working in a variety of settings, including medical-surgical, pediatrics, and intensive care units. I became proficient in patient assessments, medication administration, and wound care, and I developed strong communication skills while interacting with patients and their families. I am also certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), which have prepared me for handling critical patient situations.

I am drawn to [Hospital Name] because of your commitment to providing excellent, compassionate care and your dedication to professional development. I am confident that my clinical experiences, patient-centered approach, and strong work ethic make me a great fit for your nursing team.

Thank you for considering my application. I would love the opportunity to further discuss how my skills align with the needs of your department. Please feel free to contact me at [Phone Number] or [Email Address].

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Sample 2: Pediatric New Graduate Nurse Cover Letter

Hiring Manager [Children’s Hospital Name] [Hospital Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

I am excited to apply for the Pediatric Nurse position at [Children’s Hospital Name]. I recently completed my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at [University Name] and had the privilege of completing a clinical rotation in the pediatric unit at [Hospital Name]. I am eager to contribute to your dedicated team and provide excellent care to pediatric patients.

During my pediatric rotation, I gained hands-on experience caring for children with a variety of conditions, including chronic illnesses, post-operative recovery, and respiratory issues. I quickly learned the importance of communication, patience, and empathy in working with both young patients and their families. I developed skills in pediatric medication administration, IV therapy, and patient education, ensuring that both patients and their families felt supported throughout the care process.

I am particularly drawn to [Children’s Hospital Name] because of your hospital’s reputation for innovative pediatric care and family-centered services. I am confident that my clinical experience, combined with my passion for working with children, will allow me to make a meaningful contribution to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background and skills can contribute to your pediatric nursing staff. Please feel free to contact me at [Phone Number] or [Email Address].

Sample 3: ICU New Graduate Nurse Cover Letter

Hiring Manager [Hospital Name – ICU Department] [Hospital Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurse position at [Hospital Name]. I recently earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from [University Name], and I am excited to bring my skills, training, and dedication to patient care to your ICU team.

During my clinical rotations, I had the opportunity to work in the ICU at [Hospital Name], where I cared for critically ill patients and assisted in the management of complex conditions such as sepsis, trauma, and post-surgical recovery. I quickly developed the ability to perform under pressure, monitor patients using advanced medical equipment, and collaborate effectively with the multidisciplinary team to ensure optimal patient outcomes. My certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) further enhance my ability to handle critical situations.

I am particularly excited about the opportunity to work in your ICU because of [Hospital Name]’s outstanding reputation for providing cutting-edge critical care. I am eager to contribute to your team and to continue learning and growing as an ICU nurse.

Thank you for considering my application. I would love the opportunity to discuss how my experience and skills can benefit your ICU. Please feel free to contact me at [Phone Number] or [Email Address].

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Full Example of a New Graduate Nurse Cover Letter

Here’s a complete example of a new graduate nurse cover letter that incorporates all of the key elements discussed above:

Additional Tips for Writing a New Graduate Nurse Cover Letter

• Personalize Each Cover Letter: Tailor your cover letter to each job you apply for by mentioning the specific hospital or healthcare facility and their values or programs. Personalizing your cover letter shows that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in working for that organization.
• Use Keywords from the Job Posting: Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen applications. To ensure your cover letter gets through these systems, include keywords from the job posting, such as “patient care,” “medication administration,” or “clinical experience.”
• Keep It Concise: While it’s important to include relevant information, your cover letter should be no longer than one page. Focus on the most important aspects of your background, skills, and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the job.
• Proofread for Errors: Before submitting your cover letter, be sure to proofread it for spelling and grammatical errors. A cover letter with mistakes can create a negative impression. Consider asking a friend or mentor to review it as well.
• Highlight Your Soft Skills: Nursing isn’t just about technical knowledge—it’s also about empathy, communication, and teamwork. Highlight these soft skills in your cover letter by providing examples from your clinical experiences where you demonstrated compassion or collaboration with others.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Your cover letter should include: A professional header with your contact information and the employer’s details. An engaging introduction stating the position you’re applying for. A summary of your nursing education and certifications. A description of your clinical experiences and key skills. A paragraph explaining your passion for nursing and why you’re excited about the specific role or healthcare facility. A strong closing statement encouraging the employer to contact you for an interview.

Your cover letter should be concise, typically no longer than one page. Focus on the most relevant details that demonstrate your qualifications, clinical experience, and passion for the nursing profession. Avoid repeating information from your resume.

To make your cover letter stand out: Tailor it to the specific job and healthcare facility by mentioning their name, mission, or values. Highlight your clinical experience with examples of hands-on patient care. Emphasize your passion for nursing and patient care. Mention any relevant certifications (e.g., BLS, ACLS). Keep it professional and error-free.

Instead of focusing on a lack of experience, emphasize your strengths as a new graduate, such as your education, clinical training, relevant skills, and enthusiasm for the nursing field. Highlight how your academic and clinical experiences have prepared you for the job.

To personalize your cover letter: Research the hospital or healthcare facility and mention specific details about their reputation, mission, or patient care approach. Address the cover letter to the hiring manager or nurse recruiter by name, if possible. Explain why you are particularly interested in working for that specific facility and how your values align with theirs.

Writing an effective cover letter as a new graduate nurse can be the key to securing your first nursing position. By focusing on your education, clinical experiences, passion for patient care, and enthusiasm for the specific role, you can create a compelling cover letter that will help you stand out to potential employers. Remember to personalize your letter, keep it concise, and ensure it’s free of errors.

With a well-crafted cover letter, you’ll be one step closer to starting your career as a registered nurse in a healthcare environment where you can make a meaningful impact.

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• If you're stepping into the professional world, understanding the basics is crucial. Learn What is a cover letter and its role in the job application process.
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• How long should a cover letter be : The length of a cover letter is vital in conveying your message concisely. Discover the optimal length to make sure your cover letter is not too short nor too long.
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• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Mistakes to Avoid
• Cover Letter Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions

Nursing Cover Letter Template

Sample nursing cover letter.

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

A nursing cover letter is still crucial in the job application process. It’s often the first impression a potential employer will have of you. A cover letter is a chance to tell your story and call attention to aspects of your resume you want a reviewer to notice.

It’s also a chance to explain to an employer why you want to work for them, what you know about them, and why you’re an ideal candidate. A strong cover letter can tip the balance in your favor, helping you stand out from the competition and land an interview.

In the following guide, we walk you through writing a strong nursing cover letter, mistakes to avoid, and real-world tips that will keep you focused. Check out our downloadable nursing cover letter template and a sample letter to get started. Once you master the process, you’ll be writing winning cover letters in no time.

4 Steps to Write Your Nursing Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter can feel overwhelming for many nurses, especially because it’s difficult to know what to say, how much to reiterate what’s on your resume , and what information to include or not. A cover letter is an opportunity to explain aspects of your professional or personal history that a resume can’t always get across. Your passion and interests come through, along with your ability to communicate clearly. Review the following steps to write a stand-out cover letter. Feel free to use our sample letter and downloadable template. The cover letter is a significant part of convincing employers that they absolutely need to meet you!

Create a Header with Your Contact Information

Introduce yourself and note the position you’re applying for in the opening paragraph, highlight your skills and the reasons you want to work for this employer, write a closing paragraph and restate your interest, 7 mistakes to avoid in your nursing cover letter.

• Submitting Spelling and Grammar Errors: Nursing requires excellent documentation and attention to detail. Grammatical errors are unprofessional, and they can paint a picture of someone who doesn’t value attention to detail. Many resume reviewers will likely pass on a candidate whose resume and/or cover letter contain errors.
• Copying Your Resume: Your nursing cover letter can highlight aspects of your resume , but it shouldn’t be a verbatim copy. Find creative ways to underscore your key characteristics, skills, or experiences without repetition.
• Using Incorrect or Inconsistent Format: It’s best practice for your cover letter and resume to match in terms of design, font, and format. This creates a branded, visually cohesive application package.
• Forgetting to Tie Your Qualifications to the Position: Your cover letter should be targeted and specific, addressing the position you’re applying for and its qualifications, skills, and responsibilities. If you don’t tie your qualifications to the job in question, that makes a weak case for you getting an interview.
• Failing to Address the Letter to a Specific Person or Department: Many postings fail to provide the name of an individual or a department to address in your letter. If they provide this information, use it. If they don’t, you can use the generic “Hiring Manager” or “Hiring Committee”.
• Starting Every Paragraph with “I”: Be creative in finding different ways to begin each paragraph (see our sample letter for examples). If two paragraphs begin with “I”, that’s OK, but no more than that.

Tips from Nurses on Writing Your Nursing Cover Letter

Research potential employers, explain relevant skills that meet the position’s qualifications, include your soft skills, highlight your best qualities, demonstrate your passion, showcase your ability and willingness to learn, check for errors, frequently asked questions about nursing cover letters, what should a nurse cover letter include.

A nurse cover letter should include a header with your name, credentials, and contact information, plus the receiver’s contact information. The body of the letter should specifically address the position you’re applying for, and how you can fulfill the characteristics, credentials, skills, knowledge, and expertise required.

What should a nurse cover letter not include?

Your cover letter does not need to include phrases like, “My references are available upon request”; “Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns”; or “I can be contacted via email at _____________or via phone at _____________.” These are all givens, and if your contact information is in your header, there’s no need to say it again.

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

A new grad nurse cover letter can’t demonstrate the level of skill, expertise, and knowledge as a seasoned nurse. New grads haven’t accumulated years of nursing experience, but they have their academic and clinical performance, enthusiasm, passion, and related healthcare experience to share, whether paid or volunteer. When employers advertise new grad positions, they understand that new grad resumes and letters can’t reflect the resumes of experienced nurses.

Are nursing cover letters necessary?

In these days of online applications, a cover letter may be optional, meaning that applicants can upload a cover letter if they choose to. For some applications, a cover letter will be required. Consider this: if a cover letter is optional, why not go the extra mile and write a strong one? If your resume and experience are comparable to another candidate’s, your cover letter could give you the edge. After all, a resume can’t by nature express much personality, but a cover letter can. So, make a strong impression with a well-crafted letter, whether it’s required or not.

Download our cover letter template (DOCX, 14KB)

Name and Credentials

Town, State | Phone | Email

Personalized LinkedIn profile URL (optional)

Dept and/or contact person Facility or organization Street Town, State, Zip

Dear ________________:

Paragraph 1: Begin by stating the position for which you are applying. Say something about the organization to demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and understand what they’re all about, and that this letter is not at all “cookie-cutter” in nature.

Paragraph 2: Share select highlights of your career, expertise, experience, skills, or personal characteristics that are directly applicable to this position and/or this employer. You can emphasize something from your resume that you want them to make note of, as long as you don’t use exactly the same language as your resume, which is redundant.

Paragraph 3: This is a good place to highlight some of your “soft skills” (e.g., communication, emotional intelligence, relational intelligence, patient education, compassion, empathy, etc).

Paragraph 4: Here you can call attention to your computer skills, EMR experience, etc., as well as any other tech skills worth mentioning.

Closing paragraph: Tie the letter together, reiterate your interest, and express your enthusiastic desire to have the opportunity to meet to discuss your experience and the position further.

Sincerely, Your name and credentials

Miguel Schwartzkoffnian, BSN, RN

Annabelle, HA | 000-000-1000 | [email protected]

LinkedIn.com/in/MichaelSchwartzfoffianbsnrn

April 3, 2023

Department of Nursing Recruitment University of Tabula Rasa Medical Center 301 Rasa Drive Glen Tabularea, MOO 22222

Dear Nursing Recruitment Department:

As a caring and dedicated summa cum laude graduate of Adelphi University’s BSN program, please accept my enthusiastic interest in the Registered Nurse – Respiratory/Intermediate Care position posted on your website. I am both personally and professionally aligned with the values that are a very clear aspect of your organization’s mission. From your “Power of Caring” funding of your expanded Outpatient Care Center to your “Next Generation” initiative, I can clearly see the forward-thinking philosophy underlying UTRMC and its reputation as an innovative facility and community member.

During my education, I thrived in clinical practice where I received positive preceptor feedback following each rotation. I am highly coachable, and as you can see from my resume, I bring more than six years’ related healthcare experience as both an EMT and CNA. I am already well-versed in code blue response, Foley catheter insertion and care, venipuncture, ECG interpretation, and non-complex wound care. Comfortable in new settings, I am not afraid to ask questions to enhance my learning and improve the quality of care I deliver to patients and their families. I thrive in multidisciplinary environments, and I use my highly-developed communication skills and emotional and relational intelligence to foster a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among my colleagues, and nurse-patient relationships built on trust.

As a digital native and quick learner, I am highly competent using the Epic and Cerner EMRs and Microsoft Office Suite, and I have full confidence in my natural curiosity and powers of critical thinking in relation to learning new technologies and digital interfaces.

I have a great deal to contribute as a member of the UTRMC community of clinicians. I look forward to discussing the intersection of my skills and experience with the needs of your inspiring organization that embraces its role beyond the actual facility and into the surrounding community it serves.

Sincerely, Miguel Schwartzkoffnian, BSN, RN

Page last reviewed on February 24, 2023

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