Nursing Cover Letter for a New Grad: Examples, Templates & Tips

Cover letter template for new nursing grad

Copy and paste the copy below to make a cover letter for a new grad in nursing.

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Emily Hall
Clayton, NC 27520
555-555-5555
example@example.com

January 18, 2024

Carlos Richardson, RN
The Cigna Group
9496 North Second Street
Clayton, NC 27520

Dear Mr. Richardson,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the registered nurse position at The Cigna Group, as advertised on your website. With a Master’s Degree in Clinical Nurse Specialist and a solid foundation in patient care, I am eager to contribute my skills and dedication to the exceptional health care services provided by The Cigna Group.

During my academic journey, I fully understood nursing principles and practices, completing 160 clinical hours in diverse health care settings. I am particularly drawn to The Cigna Group due to its commitment to innovation, patient-centered care and emphasis on preventive health measures — values that resonate with my professional aspirations.

My experience as a nurse intern has equipped me to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care to patients. In my clinical rotations at Johnston Health Clayton, I consistently demonstrated proficiency in assessing patient needs, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and implementing care plans. My dedication to patient advocacy and safety is evidenced by achieving a 30% reduction in patient incidents during my rotation, contributing to the overall improvement in the unit’s safety metrics.

I am eager to bring my passion for patient care, solid academic foundation and hands-on experience to The Cigna Group. My commitment to excellence, evidenced by my academic achievements and clinical successes, makes me a strong candidate for the registered nurse position.

Thank you for considering my application. Please find my resume attached for your review.

Sincerely,

Emily Hall

Formatting a new grad nursing cover letter

Crafting an exceptional cover letter is a blend of impactful content and its presentation.

Here’s how to format your cover letter for a strong impression:

Your cover letter is a snapshot of your nursing career. These formatting tips organize your content and subtly represent your professionalism.

Choosing the right template

Create your cover letter

Now, about that cover letter template. Depending on your stylistic preferences, you have a couple of different options. They include:

• For a straightforward approach — Opt for a template with clean lines and a clear layout.
• For a creative touch — choose a template with subtle creative elements or a slightly unconventional layout.

Remember, a clear and concise template with well-crafted content will effectively highlight your skills as a new graduate nurse.

Now it’s time to start crafting that cover letter.

How to write a new grad nursing cover letter

Ready to learn how to write a cover letter that showcases your nursing expertise?

A compelling cover letter can be a significant asset in the nursing field. In fact, 83% of hiring managers consider cover letters an important factor in their decision-making. Let’s ensure yours stands out!

Start by thoroughly reading the job description. Health care organizations often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter applications, and using the right terminology will help you sail past it.

Look for specific phrases that describe the ideal candidate’s skills — like “patient care,” “clinical knowledge,” “compassionate communication” or “emergency response” — and incorporate these into your cover letter to align with the role you’re applying for.

Accuracy in your contact information is vital. A small error could be the difference between getting an interview or not. Ensure consistency between your cover letter and resume.

In your cover letter header, include:

• Your full name and credentials: Display your name prominently, and add relevant nursing credentials (like RN, BSN) right after your name.
• Location: Include your city and state. This can be relevant for employers considering locality.
• Contact information: Ensure your phone number and professional email address are accurate. These details are crucial for potential employers to contact you.

Personalizing your cover letter by addressing it to the right individual makes you look good.

If the job posting specifies a contact person, use their name to demonstrate your attention to detail and personal touch.

If there’s no name listed, addressing it to the “Nursing Department” or “HR Department” is a safe and professional approach.

A useful tip: A little research on the organization’s website or a brief phone inquiry could reveal the appropriate contact person. This small step shows your initiative and can make a notable difference.

Your cover letter’s opening is your first chance to engage the reader. Introduce yourself in a manner that reflects your enthusiasm for nursing and your readiness for the role.

Here are two example openings for new graduate nurses:

Now it’s time to dive into the heart of your cover letter and explain why you’re the perfect fit for the nursing role. Aim for two or three engaging paragraphs that tell your unique nursing story.

Focus on these areas:

• Demonstrate relevant experience: In your cover letter, connect your clinical experiences and nursing education to the job you’re applying for. Share specific examples from your rotations or nursing school that align with what the job requires.
• Focus on transferable skills: Emphasize the skills you’ve developed that are transferable to the nursing position. This can include hard skills like patient care and medication administration, as well as essential soft skills like strong communication, empathy and the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Highlight unique elements about your background: If your resume doesn’t fully capture the uniqueness of your journey to nursing, use your cover letter to fill in the gaps. Whether it’s a previous career, a unique volunteer experience or a personal story that led you to nursing, these details add depth to your profile.

Example body paragraphs:

Write a cover letter closing that reiterates your excitement. Thank the reader for considering your application and express your eagerness to discuss how you can contribute to their health care team.

Example closing:

End your letter professionally. A simple “Sincerely,” “Best Regards” or “Kind Regards” is appropriate and shows respect.

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Pair your cover letter with a resume

Create your resume

Remember, while your cover letter introduces you, it’s your resume that truly highlights your qualifications. They should complement each other seamlessly, much like the coordinated care in a health care setting.

Start by selecting a resume template that shares your cover letter’s style. This consistency underscores your professionalism and attention to detail — crucial traits in nursing. Consider it as weaving a cohesive narrative through your entire application.

Unsure how to make a resume? Look to various resume examples for guidance. As a new nursing graduate, focus on resume examples that emphasize clinical experience, educational achievements and any relevant health care projects or volunteer work.

Short on time? A resume maker can be incredibly helpful. It’s ideal for quickly assembling a resume that showcases your nursing skills and education. Utilize premade sections and phrases tailored to nursing, allowing you to construct a professional and organized resume.

Key takeaways