Nursing Cover Letter: How to Make a Cover Letter That Gets You Hired
Learn how to write a nursing cover letter for a job application with real examples, expert tips, and our free AI-powered builder designed specifically for registered nurses.
Cover Letter Examples for Nursing Jobs
See the difference between a generic cover letter and one tailored for nursing positions. A strong opening paragraph is what gets hiring managers to keep reading.
“I am writing to apply for the nursing position at your hospital. I am a hard-working and passionate nurse who would be a great addition to your team. I have experience in patient care and am a quick learner.”
“As a Medical-Surgical RN with 3 years of experience managing 5-6 patients per shift at Cedars-Sinai, I was excited to see your opening for a night shift RN on the Telemetry unit. My experience with cardiac monitoring, IV drip titration, and Epic charting aligns directly with what your team needs.”
Try It: Generate a Sample Opening
Our AI builder creates fully personalized cover letters based on your actual experience.
Resume and Cover Letter: How They Work Together
Your resume and cover letter serve different purposes. The biggest mistake nurses make is repeating the same information in both documents.
Google Docs Cover Letter Templates vs. AI Cover Letter Builder
Free templates get you started, but hiring managers can spot them instantly. Here's why nurses are switching to AI-powered builders.
Google Docs Templates
- Same template used by thousands of applicants
- Generic — not designed for nursing roles
- You write everything from scratch
- No ATS optimization or keyword matching
- Manual formatting and layout adjustments
RNResume AI Builder
Recommended- Unique content generated from YOUR experience
- Built specifically for nursing specialties
- AI writes it — you just answer simple questions
- Optimized for healthcare ATS systems
- Professional formatting handled automatically
What Should a Nursing Cover Letter Include?
Every effective nursing cover letter follows this structure. Address it properly, format it cleanly, and hit these five key elements.
Proper Addressing
Address your cover letter to a specific person — the nurse manager or hiring manager. Check the job posting, hospital website, or call the unit. Use "Dear [Name], RN, BSN" when possible. Avoid "To Whom It May Concern."
Strong Opening Hook
Start with a specific accomplishment or connection to the role — not "I am writing to apply." Mention the exact position, unit, and hospital name. Show you researched the organization.
Clinical Skills & Experience Match
Highlight 2-3 clinical skills that directly match the job posting. Use specific numbers: patient ratios, certifications, equipment. This is where you prove you can do the job.
Why This Hospital & Unit
Show genuine interest in this specific workplace. Mention their Magnet status, patient population, research initiatives, or values. Hiring managers want nurses who chose them, not just any job.
Professional Closing
End with a clear call to action: express enthusiasm for an interview, reference your attached resume, and provide your contact information. Keep it confident but not presumptuous.
Formatting tip: Keep your cover letter to one page (250-400 words), use a professional font like Calibri or Arial at 11-12pt, and maintain 1-inch margins. Match the font and header style to your resume for a cohesive application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you write a cover letter for a nursing job?
Start by addressing the hiring manager by name. Open with a specific hook — an accomplishment or connection to the hospital. Then highlight 2-3 clinical skills that match the job posting, explain why you want to work at this specific facility, and close with a clear call to action. Our AI builder walks you through this process in 7 simple steps.
How should I start my nursing cover letter?
Never start with "I am writing to apply." Instead, lead with something specific: a clinical achievement ("Having managed 6 ICU patients simultaneously during a code blue..."), a connection to the hospital ("As a long-time admirer of [Hospital]'s Magnet designation..."), or your most relevant qualification. The first sentence determines whether they keep reading.
Do nurses really need a cover letter in 2026?
Yes — especially for competitive positions at Magnet hospitals, specialty units (ICU, ER, L&D), and new grad programs. While some online applications make it optional, including a strong cover letter sets you apart from candidates who skip it. Many nurse managers read cover letters to gauge personality and fit.
How long should a nursing cover letter be?
Keep it to one page, ideally 250-400 words (3-4 short paragraphs). Hiring managers spend about 30 seconds scanning a cover letter. Be concise — every sentence should either demonstrate a relevant skill or show why you want this specific position.
Can I use ChatGPT to write my nursing cover letter?
General AI tools like ChatGPT can produce a decent draft, but they lack nursing-specific knowledge — clinical terminology, unit types, certification relevance, and healthcare hiring norms. Our builder is designed specifically for nursing roles, with prompts that extract the right details and generate content that resonates with nurse managers.
Build Your Nursing Cover Letter in Minutes
Answer 7 simple questions. Our AI creates a personalized, professional cover letter tailored to your nursing specialty.