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Being a licensed practical nurse (LPN) offers unique challenges and profound rewards. From delivering patient-centered care to managing clinical tasks and supporting registered nurses and physicians, a career in nursing demands a special blend of empathy, technical skills and a steadfast commitment to patient health.
The process of job applications should not add to your already significant and important workload. Allow us to take some of the uncertainty and effort off your plate, so you can devote your energy to what matters.
Our resources make building an impactful LPN cover letter simple, with tools tailored specifically for your profession.
Our guide provides:
- A sample cover letter designed for success in the healthcare field.
- Customizable cover letter templates that highlight your clinical competencies, patient care skills and teamwork abilities.
- Expert advice to help you personalize your cover letter to catch the eye of healthcare recruiters and nursing directors.
- Effective strategies to make your cover letter stand out and showcase your dedication to nursing.
Need a hand getting started? Our Cover Letter Builder is ready to help! This tool streamlines the writing process with prewritten phrases tailored to nursing roles, enabling you to effortlessly display them on a polished template. With practical tips, content suggestions and formatting help, you can finalize and submit your cover letter with ease and confidence.
LPN cover letter example
What makes this a great sample cover letter for an LPN?
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Directly addresses a hiring manager
Addressing this letter directly to a hiring manager gives this letter a personal touch and demonstrates to the employer that this candidate has researched the role.
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Numerical data
The presence of numerical figures helps this candidate demonstrate the real-world impact of their experience.
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Simple layout
A neat and basic layout helps this candidate’s cover letter shine by making the content accessible, easy to read and distraction-free.
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Cover letter template for an LPN
Want an LPN cover letter template that you can copy, paste and customize to suit your exact needs? We’ve got exactly what you need.
Willard Kant
123 Healthway Lane
Springfield, IL 62704
June 6, 2024
Chelsea Waterson
Springfield Health Clinic
456 Care Drive
Springfield, IL 62704
Dear Ms. Waterson,
I am writing to express my interest in the licensed practical nurse position at Springfield Health Clinic as advertised. With over three years of experience in residential care settings and a deep commitment to patient health and well-being, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.
In my current role at Springfield Senior Care, I handle medication administration and patient care for over 30 residents daily. This experience has honed my ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment. I am particularly proud of my role in implementing a new documentation system that improved our team’s efficiency by 20%.
I am eager to bring my expertise in patient care, medication administration and health education to Springfield Health Clinic. I am confident that my proactive approach and dedication to nursing will make me a valuable asset to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to Springfield Health Clinic’s continued success and growth. Please feel free to contact me at (555) 555-5555 or via email at example@email.com.
Sincerely,
Willard Kant
Format your LPN cover letter
Ensuring your cover letter is impeccably formatted and precise is crucial for leaving a professional and lasting impression on healthcare facility recruiters.
A well-organized letter not only showcases your professionalism but also helps recruiters quickly understand your nursing qualifications and patient care skills, increasing your chances of progressing to the interview stage.
Here are some formatting tips to help you build a standout cover letter for an LPN position:
- Font style and size: Choose clean, professional fonts like Arial or Calibri. For optimal readability, keep your font size between 10-12 points.
- Spacing: Ensure your cover letter is easy to read by using consistent spacing throughout, ideally with line spacing set between 1.15 and 1.5.
- Margins and alignment: Align your text to the left to keep your document organized, and use 1-inch margins to frame your content neatly and demonstrate your attention to detail.
Choose an LPN cover letter template
Your cover letter is often the first impression you make on potential employers, so selecting a cover letter template that meets healthcare industry standards while reflecting your professional demeanor is essential. For an LPN role, choose a template that is simple and professional, avoiding overly intricate designs that might distract from the critical nature of your application.
Explore our range of cover letter templates designed specifically for nursing professions, and pick one that best demonstrates your professional identity and strong attention to detail. To present your application package as cohesive and thorough, select a resume template that complements your cover letter.
How to write a cover letter for an LPN
As a licensed practical nurse who values detailed preparation, knowing that 83% of hiring managers consider cover letters vital to the recruitment process should motivate you to give your cover letter the attention it deserves.
This is your chance to provide context to your resume’s achievements, showcase your nursing skills and explain why you’re the ideal candidate for the nursing position.
Here are a few steps to help you create a cover letter that details your nursing journey and highlights your unique skills.
Step 1
Review the job description for the LPN position
Starting with a customized cover letter for each specific role is crucial. Personalizing your letter not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also how your skills match the healthcare facility’s needs. Like in a resume, your cover letter should directly address the requirements of the specific job to demonstrate how well you fit the role and how committed you are to pursuing it.
Tailoring your cover letter can also help you navigate any applicant tracking systems (ATS) that healthcare institutions might use to filter candidates. These systems scan for keywords relevant to the job description, so including specific terms can make your cover letter more ATS-friendly and ensure it gets noticed by a hiring manager.
Step 2
Include your contact information in the header
Make sure your contact details are clearly visible at the top of your cover letter. Include the following information so that employers can easily contact you for further discussion:
- Your name.
- City and state.
- Phone number.
- Email address.
- Relevant links to your professional portfolio or LinkedIn profile, if applicable.
Ensure your email address is professional and matches the one you use on your resume.
Step 3
Address the hiring manager by name
Personalize your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager directly. If the job listing does not include contact details, a little research can usually uncover the right person to address. This effort demonstrates your initiative and genuine interest in the role.
If it’s challenging to find a specific name, “Dear Hiring Manager” is an appropriate alternative.
Step 4
Introduce yourself in the first paragraph
Begin your cover letter with a strong introduction that immediately highlights key qualifications. No matter where you are in your nursing career, your opening paragraph should capture the employer’s attention, underline your nursing expertise and immediately demonstrate your value.
Example opening paragraph for a new LPN:
I am excited to apply for the LPN position at [facility name], as seen in [source]. With robust training in [specific nursing skills] and a dedicated approach to patient care, I am eager to bring my abilities to your professional team.
Example opening paragraph for an experienced LPN:
I am writing to express my interest in the LPN position at [facility name]. With over [number] years of experience in various healthcare settings and a proven track record in [specific nursing tasks or achievements], I am confident in my capacity to make a significant contribution to your team.
Keep your introduction short and laser-focused, summarizing your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role in just a few sentences.
Step 5
Explain why you’re the best candidate for the role
The body of your cover letter is an excellent opportunity to delve into the experiences you are most proud of in your nursing career, particularly those that align closely with the job you’re applying for.
Focus on:
- Specifying relevant experience: Share details about your practical nursing experiences, such as managing patient care or administering medications, which demonstrate your competencies. Emphasize your critical thinking and decision-making abilities.
- Highlighting your skill set: Discuss both your hard and soft skills, like clinical expertise, meticulous attention to patient needs and exceptional communication abilities. Provide examples of how you’ve effectively utilized these interpersonal skills in your nursing practice.
- Addressing unique qualifications: Mention any specialized certifications, ongoing nursing education or unique experiences that distinguish you, like expertise in a specific area of healthcare or proficiency with healthcare IT systems.
Example body paragraphs for an LPN cover letter:
During my time at [healthcare facility], I was responsible for overseeing a patient group in a high-demand surgical unit, delivering both acute care and routine monitoring. My ability to blend comprehensive clinical knowledge with compassionate patient interaction was key in achieving high patient satisfaction rates.
In another position at [healthcare facility], I spearheaded a project to improve medication administration efficiency. My strategies reduced medication errors by 40% and enhanced patient safety, reinforcing our facility’s reputation for excellence.
Step 6
Write your cover letter closing
The conclusion of your cover letter should reemphasize why you are the ideal candidate for the role without reiterating information from earlier in the letter. End with a paragraph that:
- Reinforces your enthusiasm for the position.
- Highlights your readiness to tackle the responsibilities of the job.
- Invites further discussion in an interview.
- Thanks the reader for considering your application.
Example closing:
I am excited about the possibility of bringing my nursing expertise and proactive approach to [healthcare facility]. I am confident in my ability to contribute to your team’s success and look forward to discussing how my background, skills and enthusiasm align with your facility’s objectives. Thank you for considering my application.
Step 7
Sign off professionally
End with a polite signoff like “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name.
Write a matching resume
A cover letter should serve as a complement to a persuasive resume. If you haven’t prepared a nursing resume yet, now is the time to create one! Like writing a cover letter, building a strong resume is simpler when you have access to excellent resume examples to guide you.
Not sure where to start with your resume? No worries! Our Resume Builder tool makes the process easy with professional formatting help, phrasing suggestions based on your work history and stylish, ATS-friendly templates.
Key takeaways
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Explore LPN cover letter examples
Start by looking at some LPN cover letter examples to gather insights. Learning about how other LPN candidates build their cover letters can help determine your own approach.
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Highlight essential skills for an LPN
Focus on key skills necessary for a successful nursing career, such as patient care, medical terminology knowledge and medication administration. It’s equally important to highlight soft skills, including empathy, effective communication and meticulous attention to patient needs.
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Choose an appropriate LPN cover letter template
Select a cover letter template that reflects your professional demeanor. If you’re unsure about which style to use, opting for a straightforward, clean template is a safe choice.
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Keep your introductory paragraph concise
Begin your letter by immediately engaging the reader. Introduce yourself and quickly express your passion for the nursing field and your enthusiasm for the specific LPN position.
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Compose detailed body paragraphs
In the body of your cover letter, share specific examples of your nursing experiences. Discuss your roles in patient care initiatives, your contributions to team successes and the measurable outcomes that demonstrate your effectiveness as an LPN.
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Ensure appropriate formatting
Your cover letter should reflect the meticulous attention to detail that you bring to your nursing work. Use traditional fonts, maintain consistent margins and spacing and thoroughly proofread your letter to eliminate any errors.
Resources to help prepare for your interview
Last Updated: June 11, 2024
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Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.
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