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Cover Letter Samples, Advice, and Templates for New Graduate Nurses

January 9, 2025
Cover LetterNursingJob Search

A well-written cover letter for new graduates is your secret to stand out in the competitive healthcare job market. As a recent graduate registered nurse, your cover letter should highlight your clinical training, commitment to patient care, and basic nursing skills even if you may not have much practical experience.

Example of a professional nurse resume template with a clean and modern design
Nurse Resume Template
Use Example

The Need of a Strong Nursing Cover Letter

Many recently graduated nurses choose to focus just on their résumé instead of the need of a tailored cover letter. But using a nursing cover letter gives you the possibility to:

  • Share your excitement about patient-centered care.
  • Stress your experience from an externship and clinical training.
  • Show off your people skills—which are absolutely vital in healthcare settings.
  • Personalise your application by tying it up with the institution's goals.

Whether you are passed over or set for an interview will rely on the quality of your cover letter. Let us carefully break it apart.

How to Write a Cover Letter for Nursing

Contact Details and Salutation

Make sure to include your primary contact information at the top of your cover letter:

  • Your Name
  • Contact Information
  • Business Email Address
  • LinkedIn Profile (if available)

If at all feasible, address the hiring manager by name. In the absence of a name, use "Dear Hiring Manager" rather than a generic greeting such as "To Whom It May Concern."

Jonathan Doe
123 Anywhere St., Any City, ST 12345
Email: hello@smartcv.top
Website: www.smartcv.top

Overview

The recruiter's attention should be captured in your opening paragraph. Emphasize a noteworthy accomplishment from your externship or clinical rotations and express your interest in the position.

Applying for Johnson & Johnson's New Grad Nurse job thrills me. Over my nursing career, my love of patient care and commitment to excellence have driven me. Over my clinical career at XYZ Hospital, I developed great patient care abilities, worked with multidisciplinary teams, and received compliments for my compassionate attitude.

Stressing Your Body Paragraphs' Clinical Experience

Your cover letter should show how you have applied the skills on your resume. Use bullet points to simplify scanning your accomplishments.

My professional principles are ideally aligned with Johnson & Johnson's reputation for innovation in healthcare and dedication to patient-centered care. I gained a solid foundation in acute care and patient management throughout my clinical rotations:
  • In a hospital with 300 beds, I delivered compassionate bedside care while being supervised by certified nurses.
  • Patients' medication adherence improved by 20% as a result of education.
  • In order to improve patient outcomes, I worked with a multidisciplinary team and assisted with crucial procedures.

Key Nursing Skills to Emphasise in Your Cover Letter

Add general skills naturally into your work instead of listing them. Essential skills for a cover letter for a recently graduated registered nurse include:

Clinical ProficiencySoft Skills
Patient assessmentsEmpathy & Compassion
Medication administrationStrong communication
Electronic Health Records (EHR)Team collaboration
IV therapyProblem-solving
Vital sign monitoringAttention to detail

Final Paragraph

In addition to restating your excitement about the position, your closing line should contain a request for the recruiting manager to set up an interview.

I would adore the chance to contribute my commitment and abilities to the nursing staff at Johnson & Johnson. To explore how my experience fits your needs, don't hesitate to get in touch with me as soon as possible. I appreciate your thought and time.

FAQs for a Cover Letter for a Nurse Graduate