cover letter for student nurse job

7 Professional Nursing Student Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your nursing student cover letter is your chance to make a strong first impression. Highlight your clinical experience and any relevant skills you've acquired. Show your dedication to patient care and your enthusiasm for the nursing profession. Make it clear why you're the ideal candidate for the program or position.

All cover letter examples in this guide

Beginner Nursing Student

Nursing Student Clinical Experience

Nurse Practitioner Student

Graduate Nursing Student

Nursing Student For Externship

Nursing Student No Experience

Written by Volen Vulkov

Cover Letter Guide

Nursing Student Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Nursing Student Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

By Experience

Embarking on your nursing career, you've hit a common snag: the daunting task of writing a cover letter that stands out. Unlike your resume, your nursing student cover letter is your chance to showcase a crowning achievement, weaving a compelling narrative that captures your professional pride. Strike a balance between formality and originality, dodging clichés that dull your unique story. Remember, brevity is key—your impactful message should unfold in just one page. Let's guide you through crafting a cover letter that shines.

• Write a nursing student cover letter that helps you stand out (and get the job);
• Understand how to start and end your nursing student cover letter with the appropriate greeting;
• What to include in the body of your nursing student cover letter to put your best foot forward;
• Your most important achievements - how to present them as part of your nursing student cover letter.

And if you want to make your life even easier, simply drag and drop your nursing student resume into Enhancv's AI cover letter generator, and it will write your cover letter for you in just a few moments.

If the nursing student isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

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Nursing Student cover letter example

Michelle Sanders

Cleveland, OH

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Highlighting relevant educational background (e.g., "honed my skills at Case Western Reserve University") emphasizes the candidate's formal training and foundation in nursing, which is crucial for a job in the medical field.
• Describing specific volunteer experience (e.g., "volunteer time with the American Red Cross") demonstrates the applicant's practical experience and commitment to healthcare outside of formal education.
• Illustrating the impact of one’s work (e.g., "instrumental in orchestrating a community health survey analysis") showcases the ability to perform data-driven decision-making and create community health initiatives, important in evidence-based medical practice and public health.
• Mentioning soft skills, such as being detail-oriented and having empathetic communication abilities, addresses the interpersonal skills required in nursing to effectively interact with patients and colleagues.

Designing your nursing student cover letter: what is the best format

Let's start with the basics, your nursing student cover letter should include your:

• Introduction
• Body paragraph
• Closing statement
• Signature (that's not a must)

Next, we'll move to the spacing of your nursing student cover letter, and yes, it should be single-spaced ( automatically formatted for you in our cover letter templates ).

Don't go for a old-school font (e.g. Arial or Times New Roman), but instead, pick an ATS-favorite like Chivo, Volkhov, or Raleway, to stand out.

Our cover letter builder is also set up for you with the standard one-inch margin, all around the text.

Finally, ensure your nursing student resume and cover letter are in the same font and are submitted in PDF (to keep the formatting in place).

P.S. The Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't be assessing your [job] cover letter, it's solely for the recruiters' eyes.

The top sections on a nursing student cover letter

• Header: This section includes your contact information, the date, and the employer's contact details, providing a professional appearance and making it easy for the recruiter to reach you.
• Salutation: A personalized greeting addressing the hiring manager by name demonstrates that you've done your research and adds a personal touch to your cover letter.
• Introduction: Here, you should state your nursing program, your passion for the nursing field, and why you're interested in the specific healthcare facility, setting the tone for the rest of your cover letter.
• Body: This is where you elaborate on your clinical experiences, relevant coursework, and any special skills or volunteer work that makes you a unique fit for the nursing position.
• Closing: In the closing section, reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity, invite the recruiter to review your attached resume, and include a call to action, such as requesting an interview or stating your intention to follow up.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

• Clinical competence and technical skills: Ability to perform essential nursing tasks efficiently and accurately, adhering to medical protocols and hospital policies.
• Empathy and strong patient advocacy: Demonstrates understanding and sensitivity to patient needs and concerns, and effectively communicates to ensure patient comfort and safety.
• Adaptability and resilience: Ability to handle high-stress situations, adapt to rapidly changing environments, and maintain composure during emergencies or unexpected events.
• Attention to detail: Consistently observes and accurately documents patient health status, medication administration, and response to treatments.
• Teamwork and collaboration: Works effectively with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, contributing to patient care planning, and supporting peers and superiors.
• Commitment to professional development: Shows initiative to continuously learn, engage in professional education, and apply evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes.

How to personalize your nursing student cover letter greeting

Before you start writing your nursing student cover letter, take the time to find out who is recruiting for the role.

Search for the recruiter's name on LinkedIn or the corporate website to address them personally in your nursing student cover letter salutation .

What if you can't find out who's recruiting for the role?

Always aim to avoid the very impersonal "Dear Sir/Madam" - instead, opt out for "Dear HR Team" or "Dear Hiring Manager" to make a better first impression.

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear [Department] Team
• Dear [Specific Position Title] Hiring Committee
• Dear Dr. [Last Name]
• Dear Ms. [Last Name]
• Dear Mr. [Last Name]

Introducing your profile to catch recruiters' attention in no more than two sentences

The introduction of your nursing student cover letter is a whole Catch 22 .

You have an allocated space of no more than just a paragraph (of up to two sentences). With your introduction, you have to stand out and show why you're the best candidate out there.

Set out on a journey with your nursing student cover letter by focusing on why you're passionate about the job. Match your personal skills and interests to the role.

Another option for your nursing student cover letter introduction is to show you're the ideal candidate. Write about how your achievements and skills are precisely what the company is looking for.

However you decide to start your nursing student cover letter, always remember to write about the value you'd bring about. Making it both tangible (with your metrics of success) and highly sought out.

How to select your best achievement for the middle, or the nursing student cover letter body

You probably feel exhausted by this point in your application: you've dived into all the details of your success and skills in your nursing student resume.

What else can you include in your nursing student cover letter body ?

Well, for starters, the next three to six paragraphs should show you further value as a professional. Or, why should recruiters choose you?

Think back on a noteworthy achievement that answers key job requirements and dive deep.

Structure your nursing student cover letter middle as you'd a story: following chronological logic and highlighting outcomes, thanks to skills.

At the end of the day, you'd want recruiters to be able to see you as the best candidate for the role and understand more about who you are and what makes your success unique (and valuable to the role).

Time to wrap up your nursing student cover letter

Writing the closing paragraph of your nursing student cover letter is just as important as the salutation.

You have to make it personalized to the job advert and recruiter.

Experienced professionals advise candidates to end with a request or reminder for follow-up. Write that you're grateful for the opportunity, and, at the same time, hint that you're available for the next steps of the process.

Otherwise, you could also conclude your nursing student cover letter by facing the future. How do you see yourself, as part of the team? In particular, how would you settle in your new role in the first six months to a year?

Which story should you tell in your nursing student cover letter when you have zero experience

Candidates, lacking professional experience in the field - this one is for you.

Your nursing student cover letter is an exercise of integrity, honesty, and, above all, spinning a positive narrative around your strengths.

And what better way to capture recruiters' attention than with your most job-relevant achievement (this could be from your internship or volunteering experience)?

Make sure to back up your success with transferrable skills that are relevant to the job (e.g. how your year, studying abroad, has taught you to be more motivated and handle multicultural environments).

Another safe card you can bet on is your career dream: in the body of your nursing student cover letter, go into the details of how your ambitions would help make the company you're applying for better.

Key takeaways

Creating your nursing student cover letter should be a personalized experience for the role and the recruiter, where you:

• Format your cover letter using the same ATS-friendly font (e.g. Railway) as you did for your resume;
• Greet recruiters, using their name, and follow up with two sentences to introduce yourself, your interest in the role, and to stand out;
• Map out one key success from your career (or life) that has taught you job-crucial skills;
• Substitute your lack of experience with an achievement from your internships, degrees, or volunteering gigs;
• End with a promise for your potential or your availability for an interview.

Nursing Student cover letter examples

Explore additional nursing student cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Cover letter examples by industry

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14 nursing student cover letters.

Approved by real hiring managers, these Nursing Student cover letters have been proven to get people hired in 2024. A hiring manager explains why.

Table of contents

• Nursing Student
• Senior Nursing Student
• Entry-Level Nurse
• Graduate Nurse
• New Grad RN
• Registered Nurse Intern
• Registered Nurse (New Grad)
• Nurse Practitioner (New Grad)
• Alternative introductions for your cover letter
• Nursing Student resume examples

Nursing Student Cover Letter Example

Why this cover letter works in 2024, strong communication skills.

In this cover letter, the candidate highlights their strong communication skills and ability to handle high-pressure situations. These skills are vital for a nursing student, and mentioning them helps show the candidate's potential value to the company.

Leadership and Fundraising

By mentioning their experience leading a team of students and raising funds for a charity, the candidate demonstrates their leadership ability and commitment to healthcare. This accomplishment sets them apart from other applicants and reinforces their passion for the industry.

Eagerness to Learn

Expressing excitement about learning from experienced professionals shows that the candidate is genuinely interested in growing their skills and advancing their career. This enthusiasm for personal growth is an attractive quality in a potential employee, especially in a student role.

Express Your Passion and Motivation

By sharing your personal story and journey towards wanting to become a nurse, you are allowing the hiring manager to see your genuine interest and dedication to the profession. Not only does this make your cover letter unique, but it also shows that your choice of career is driven by more than just a paycheck.

Showcase Leadership and Results

Pointing out that you led a significant group project and stating the tangible results achieved (i.e., 20% reduction in patient recovery time) illustrates your leadership skills and your ability to effect change. It provides compelling evidence of your potential value to the team.

Express Interest in the Institution

Directly expressing your interest in the hospital's commitment to innovation and research shows you have done your homework about the institution. It also signals that you are motivated by the same values, which can be a strong selling point for your fit within the organization.

Make it Personal

When you talk about your personal connection or experience with the organization, it makes your cover letter feel more genuine. It tells me that you're not just applying to any nursing job, but specifically to our institution. This is a subtle way of saying, "I'm invested in your mission and values."

Show your Impact

Providing real examples of the impact you've made in past roles or projects, especially when quantified, helps me see your potential contributions to our team. It's not just about what you've done, but how what you've done has made a difference.

Share your Motivations

Telling me what excites you about this opportunity allows me to understand your motivations. It shows that you've done your homework and you're not just looking for any job, but a job that aligns with your passions and goals.

Express your Eagerness

By expressing your eagerness to bring your skills to our team, you're showing me that you're enthusiastic about the role and ready to hit the ground running.

A warm sign-off leaves a positive impression at the end of your letter. It shows respect and adds a personal touch, which can go a long way in establishing a connection.

Show your match with the employer's values

Explain how your personal interests align with the employer's values. This shows you have done your research and are genuinely interested in what they stand for.

Demonstrate your work ethic in nursing school

Talk about your dedication and hard work during your studies. This gives an employer confidence in your ability to handle the responsibilities of a nursing student role.

Highlight your teamwork and communication skills

Being a good team player and communicator is crucial in healthcare. Showcase examples of these skills to make a strong impression.

Express interest in healthcare innovation

Show your eagerness to engage with new technologies and methods in healthcare. Employers are looking for forward-thinking individuals.

Convey enthusiasm for the opportunity

End your cover letter on a positive note, expressing your excitement about the role and your eagerness to contribute to the team.

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Connect with the organization's mission

Expressing your attraction to the organization's reputation and learning environment suggests you're looking for a place where you can grow and contribute meaningfully.

Highlight your proactive learning approach

Showing your strong work ethic and commitment to academic excellence paints a picture of a nursing student who takes initiative and seeks to excel.

Stress your strengths in communication and advocacy

Emphasizing your communication skills and attention to patient advocacy indicates you have the soft skills necessary for effective nursing care.

Show interest in innovation and research

Your interest in evidence-based practice and research reveals your desire to not just work in the present but also contribute to the future of nursing.

Invite further discussion

Ending by welcoming the opportunity for further discussion shows eagerness and openness to engage, making you a more appealing candidate.

Show genuine interest in the employer's values

When you talk about what draws you to the employer's values, it shows you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in being part of their team. This is crucial for a nursing student role where empathy and alignment with healthcare values matter.

Demonstrate commitment to your nursing education

Highlighting your dedication to academic success and practical learning in nursing shows us your strong foundation. We look for candidates who are not just book-smart but also have real-world experience to handle the challenges in healthcare settings.

Engage in community and research for broader impact

Engaging in community service and research projects as a nursing student speaks volumes. It tells us you're proactive about contributing to the nursing field beyond the classroom and clinical settings, indicating a passion for making a difference.

Express eagerness for growth opportunities

Stating your enthusiasm for our training and mentorship programs demonstrates an eagerness to learn and grow. In the nursing field, continuous learning is key, and we value individuals who are committed to their professional development.

Highlight alignment with the organization's goals

Your confidence in your ability to contribute to our team shows you've understood what we value in our nursing staff. It’s important for us to know that your skills and aspirations match our organizational goals, making you a potentially great fit.

Senior Nursing Student Cover Letter Example

Demonstrate preparedness and discipline.

Explaining how your education armed you with practical nursing skills, the ability to handle high-pressure situations, and a comprehensive understanding of medical procedures, shows that you are not just academically prepared, but also emotionally and mentally equipped for the rigors of the job.

Highlight Successes and Ambition

By emphasizing a distinct achievement - reducing patient complaints by 30% - you're showing your capacity to drive improvements in a healthcare setting. Furthermore, expressing your eagerness to bring your skills to the clinic demonstrates ambition and a proactive attitude, which are qualities that hiring managers usually look for.

Entry-Level Nurse Cover Letter Example

Connect your passion to the job.

When you explain how your passion for nursing and community health led you to apply for our specific role, it gives me a clear idea of why you're interested in us. This also shows that your values align with ours, which is crucial for a productive working relationship.

Highlight your Achievements

Highlighting a specific achievement where you made a difference, especially when quantified, shows that you're proactive and can deliver results. It gives me a glimpse of your potential impact on our team.

Express Interest in our Initiatives

Expressing your interest in our specific initiatives shows me you've done your research and understand what we're about. It also suggests that you're already thinking about how you can contribute and learn from us.

Show Gratitude

Expressing your gratitude for the consideration tells me that you value our time and effort in the hiring process. It leaves us with a positive impression of your professionalism.

Be Professional

A professional sign-off is a simple yet effective way of showing respect towards the hiring manager. It gives your cover letter a polished finish.

Graduate Nurse Cover Letter Example

Start with your passion for nursing.

Begin by sharing your enthusiasm for the field. This helps create a personal connection with the reader.

Showcase your problem-solving skills

Detail a specific project or challenge you've tackled. This demonstrates your ability to think critically and achieve results.

Share your clinical and volunteer experiences

Highlighting your hands-on experiences shows you have practical skills and a commitment to healthcare.

Emphasize your interest in technology in healthcare

Discuss your excitement about using technology to improve patient care. This indicates you're ready to contribute to modern healthcare practices.

Make a confident closing statement

Finish strong by reiterating your fit for the role and your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the organization's mission.

New Grad RN Cover Letter Example

Start with your 'why'.

When you share why you're excited about beginning your nursing career, especially with a specific organization, it shows you have a clear purpose and understand the value of the organization's work.

Showcase your nursing education journey

Highlighting your strong work ethic, passion, and commitment during nursing education demonstrates your readiness and eagerness to apply what you've learned in a real-world setting.

Emphasize patient education skills

Discussing your role in patient education and empowerment showcases your holistic approach to nursing, not just focusing on treatment but also on prevention and long-term health.

Align with the organization's values

Expressing why you're drawn to the organization's commitment to patient-centered care and a positive environment shows that you're not just looking for any job but a place where your values meet theirs.

Express confidence in your fit

Concluding with your confidence in how your skills and experiences align with the organization's needs encourages the reader to view your application favorably.

Convey enthusiasm for the new grad rn position

Showing excitement about the role and the organization, especially after shadowing a nurse there, personalizes your application and highlights your genuine interest.

Emphasize your project's impact on patient outcomes

Discussing the successful implementation of a patient education program and its positive results underscores your ability to make a meaningful difference in patient care.

Stress the importance of teamwork and continuous learning

Highlighting your commitment to working as part of a team and your eagerness to keep learning demonstrates that you are ready to grow and contribute to the organization's success.

Connect your skills to the organization's mission

By aligning your skills and experiences with the organization's goals, you make a compelling case for why you are an excellent fit for the role and the team.

Registered Nurse Intern Cover Letter Example

Show your eagerness for the rn intern role.

Expressing a strong interest in the position and the organization shows that you have done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.

Highlight your clinical experience

Sharing specific examples from your clinical rotations, like developing a patient education tool, shows your initiative and ability to contribute positively to the team.

Demonstrate leadership in your nursing program

Taking on leadership roles and advocating for student needs illustrates your problem-solving skills and your ability to work collaboratively.

Communicate your commitment to patient care

Mentioning your passion for nursing and your dedication to patient care aligns with the core values of most healthcare organizations, making you a more attractive candidate.

Registered Nurse (New Grad) Cover Letter Example

Emphasize a strong work ethic and passion.

Stating your strong work ethic, passion for patient advocacy, and dedication to learning indicates you're a motivated individual. In the fast-paced field of nursing, these qualities are essential for success and show you’re prepared for the challenges ahead.

Showcase practical experience and initiative

Describing your clinical rotations and the initiatives you took reveals your practical experience and ability to identify areas for improvement. In nursing, the capacity to take initiative can significantly enhance patient care and outcomes.

Express excitement to join the healthcare team

Your excitement about joining the team and contributing to patient care shows us your commitment to the profession. It’s key for new grads to be enthusiastic and ready to apply their skills in real-world settings.

Convey confidence in your contribution to the team

Being confident in your ability to bring fresh perspectives and strong clinical skills to the team is crucial. It reassures us that you’re ready to tackle the challenges of being a new grad nurse and contribute positively to our healthcare setting.

Appreciate the opportunity to discuss further

Thanking us for considering your application and expressing eagerness to discuss how you can contribute further demonstrates professionalism. It’s a polite and effective way to close your cover letter, leaving a lasting positive impression.

Nurse Practitioner (New Grad) Cover Letter Example

Show your passion for nursing in your cover letter.

Talking about your passion for advanced practice nursing, your dedication to learning, and commitment to patient advocacy sets a solid foundation. It tells me, as a hiring manager, that you have the right motivations for the job.

Highlight your hands-on experience

By mentioning your clinical experience and volunteer work, you’re proving that you’re not just about theories. You show that you’ve applied your knowledge in real-world settings, an essential aspect for a new grad nurse practitioner.

Express excitement about the role

When you specifically mention your excitement to join our team, it assures me of your genuine interest in the position. It’s refreshing to see candidates who are not just looking for any job but are excited about what we do.

Discuss how you align with our mission

Stating how your experiences and values match our mission and goals is crucial. It makes me think you're not just a good fit skill-wise but also in terms of our culture and what we stand for.

Thank the reader professionally

A simple thank you at the end of your cover letter shows good manners. It leaves a positive impression, making me more inclined to want to meet you and learn more about how you can contribute to our team.

Alternative Introductions

If you're struggling to start your cover letter, here are 6 different variations that have worked for others, along with why they worked. Use them as inspiration for your introductory paragraph.

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