The early stages of your career are often the most difficult, even in nursing, where job opportunities are abundant. Building an eye-catching cover letter is a great way to differentiate yourself from the competition as you begin applying for entry-level nursing positions. The key is to emphasize your genuine passion for patient-centered care in addition to your clinical knowledge. Our guide provides expert tips and examples to help you build a strong cover letter and jump-start your health care career.
Entry-Level Nurse Cover Letter Templates and Examples
During my precept placement at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, I received a personal letter of thanks from a patient for spotting a potentially life-threatening situation in the early stages. My clinical knowledge and quick thinking allowed me to alert the supervising doctor, which contributed to saving the patient’s life. I am excited to apply the same clinical rigor as a nurse at the UCSF Medical Center.
UCSF’s commitment to providing cutting-edge patient care using innovative research and technology excites me as a newly qualified nurse. My ability to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care would be a strong asset to your team based on my recent accomplishments:
Achieved 98% positive patient feedback scores during precept placement and received consistent scores of over 90% during theoretical and practical assessments
Conducted patient assessments, collected medical history, and performed a variety of medical testing, including X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and blood testing
Interfaced effectively with diverse patient populations and developed treatment plans in alignment with emotional, spiritual, and physical needs
I’d like to set up an interview to discuss how my clinical knowledge can drive positive outcomes for patients at UCSF Medical Center. Please feel free to contact me for any additional questions you may have regarding my background. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Jasmine Brown
Matthew Johnson
Registered Nurse | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Philadelphia, PA 12345 | LinkedIn
March 7, 2025
Tyrone Jackson
Senior Hiring Manager
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
(987) 654-3210 [email protected]
Dear Mr. Jackson:
In my first year as a registered nurse at Temple Hospital, I achieved patient satisfaction ratings of over 93%. As a nursing professional, I’m passionate and committed to providing superior care to my patients using evidence-based approaches to treatment. My exceptional clinical knowledge will allow me to achieve positive outcomes for patients at your esteemed hospital.
UPenn is a world-class hospital truly devoted to clinical advancement and patient-centered care. In the early stages of my nursing career, I’ve served as an advocate to ensure the alignment of treatment plans with my patients’ emotional, physical, and cultural needs. I can bring the same dedication to your medical team based on my previous successes:
Achieved patient satisfaction ratings of over 93% in 2023, communicated empathetically with diverse patients, and drove the delivery of patient-centered care
Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team of nurses and physicians to improve patient outcomes and enhance clinical workflows in a 400-bed hospital with a 1-to-5 patient ratio
Performed health exams for illnesses, injuries, and life-threatening conditions, developed treatment plans, and provided emotional support to patients and families
I look forward to speaking with you further about how my dedication to patient advocacy and clinical excellence can benefit your hospital. Feel free to contact me via phone or email at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Cynthia Roberts
Senior Hiring Manager
UW Medicine
(987) 654-3210 [email protected]
Dear Ms. Roberts:
As you can see from my attached resume, I have two years of experience providing clinical support for leukemia, bone marrow transplants, and chemotherapy treatments. While at St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital, I delivered specialized care to diverse patient populations in a pediatric oncology unit with 60 beds. I look forward to applying my expertise in patient-centered care to drive positive clinical outcomes in the pediatric nurse position.
St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital has a reputation for delivering compassionate care to pediatric patients that strongly aligns with my professional background. In my previous role, I submitted patient referrals to the Make-a-Wish Foundation for children suffering from terminal conditions and coordinated with hospital staff to facilitate requests. Some of my recent contributions include:
Supported the delivery of high-quality care to pediatric patients, adolescents, and young adults suffering from solid tumors, hematology conditions, leukemia, and malignant hematology
Communicated with parents, families, and patients to provide education on long-term prognosis, treatment plans, and medical conditions with empathy and compassion
Achieved patient satisfaction ratings of 94% over two years and identified opportunities to plan events and activities to raise morale and improve the quality of life for patients
I would like to schedule an interview to tell you more about how my experience in pediatric care can benefit your team and patients. Feel free to contact me via phone or email at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Meera Patel
Emma Thompson
Aesthetic Nurse | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Los Angeles, CA 90001 | LinkedIn
I am excited to apply for the entry-level aesthetic nurse position at Radiance Aesthetic Clinic. As a newly licensed RN passionate about medical aesthetics, I am eager to begin my career in a clinic that values innovation and patient-centered care. My clinical training and dedication to helping patients feel confident in their appearance make me a strong candidate for this role.
Radiance Aesthetic Clinic’s reputation for advanced aesthetic treatments and personalized care aligns with my goal of providing safe, effective cosmetic procedures. While completing my nursing program at the University of California, Los Angeles, I gained valuable experience in patient care, injections, and dermatological treatments during my clinical rotations. My hands-on training and coursework have prepared me to contribute to your team in the following ways:
Assisted in administering Botox and dermal filler treatments during a clinical internship, learning precise injection techniques under the supervision of experienced providers
Educated patients on pre- and post-treatment skincare, improving compliance with aftercare instructions
Shadowed aesthetic nurses in laser treatments and microneedling procedures, gaining insight into industry best practices
Developed strong patient communication skills while working in a dermatology clinic, ensuring clients felt comfortable and informed about their treatment options
I am eager to bring my enthusiasm and training to Radiance Aesthetic Clinic and to discuss further how I can contribute to your team. Please contact me via phone or email to schedule an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Dr. James Mitchell
Senior Hiring Manager
Austin Family Medical Center
(987) 654-3210 [email protected]
Dear Dr. Mitchell,
I am excited to apply for the entry-level nurse practitioner position at Austin Family Medical Center. As a recent graduate of the University of Texas Nurse Practitioner program and a board-certified family nurse practitioner (FNP), I am eager to begin my career in a practice dedicated to patient-centered care. My clinical training and background as an RN have prepared me to provide compassionate and evidence-based care to diverse patient populations.
Austin Family Medical Center’s commitment to preventive care and holistic patient wellness aligns with my goal of promoting health and well-being in the community. During my clinical rotations, I worked in primary care settings, treating patients across the lifespan and gaining hands-on experience in diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient education. Some of my key qualifications include:
Conducted comprehensive health assessments for an average of 15 patients per day during clinical rotations, focusing on chronic disease management and preventive care
Diagnosed and developed individualized treatment plans under physician supervision, improving patient adherence to care recommendations by 30%
Provided patient education on medication management, nutrition, and lifestyle modifications, leading to improved health outcomes for patients with hypertension and diabetes
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care and ensure seamless patient follow-up, reducing hospital readmission rates in high-risk patients
I am eager to bring my clinical skills, dedication, and enthusiasm to Austin Family Medical Center. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with your team’s needs. Please contact me via phone or email to schedule an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Dr. William Carter
Hiring Manager
Chicago General Hospital
(987) 654-3210 [email protected]
Dear Dr. Carter,
I am excited to apply for the entry-level RN position at Chicago General Hospital. As a recent graduate of the University of Illinois Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program and a newly licensed RN, I am eager to bring my clinical skills, compassion, and commitment to patient care to your team.
Chicago General Hospital’s dedication to high-quality, patient-centered care aligns with my values as a nurse. Throughout my clinical rotations in medical-surgical, pediatric, and emergency units, I gained hands-on experience in patient assessments, medication administration, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. Some of my key qualifications include:
Managed a caseload of five to seven patients per shift during clinical rotations, providing direct patient care, monitoring vital signs, and administering medications
Assisted in wound care, IV therapy, and patient education, helping to improve recovery times and patient satisfaction
Collaborated with nurses and physicians to develop individualized care plans, ensuring optimal patient outcomes
Provided emotional support and health education to patients and families, enhancing overall patient experience
I am eager to bring my dedication and clinical skills to Chicago General Hospital. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team. Please contact me via phone or email to schedule an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Sophia Martinez
How To Write an Entry-Level Nurse Cover Letter
When writing a great entry-level nurse cover letter, the key is to highlight the strongest aspects of your nursing externships. The early stages of your career can be especially challenging in a competitive job market, so it’s important to carefully describe your early career experience. Also, tailor your application for each nursing position to maximize your odds of landing the interview. Below, we’ll walk you through each section of your entry-level nurse cover letter:
1. Contact information and salutation
List all essential contact information in the header of your entry-level nurse cover letter, including your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL. Be sure to address the hiring manager by name — Mr. or Ms. [Last Name]. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.” This adds a personal touch to your application and shows you’ve researched the hospital before applying.
2. Introduction
Open your entry-level nurse cover letter with a strong introduction to make a lasting impression on the hiring manager. During the early stages of your career, you need to compensate for a lack of hands-on experience by carefully tailoring your content towards individual health care organizations. Emphasize key aspects of your nursing experience that align with the hospital’s needs. Build your introduction around one of your most notable achievements, especially if it can be backed by clinical data.
Example
In my first year as a registered nurse at Temple Hospital, I achieved patient satisfaction ratings of over 93%. As a nursing professional, I’m passionate and committed to providing superior care to my patients using evidence-based approaches to treatment. My exceptional clinical knowledge will allow me to achieve positive outcomes for patients at your esteemed hospital.
3. Body paragraphs
In the body paragraphs of your entry-level nurse cover letter, continue to describe your clinical achievements and qualifications. Start by mentioning specific details about the hospital’s approach to patient care. Emphasize why you’re interested in the position and how your clinical skills align with the organization’s needs. Include accomplishments demonstrating your ability to interface effectively with multidisciplinary teams and diverse patient populations. This shows potential employers that you’re the right fit for the hospital’s culture.
Example
UCSF’s commitment to providing cutting-edge patient care using innovative research and technology excites me as a newly qualified nurse. My ability to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care would be a strong asset to your team based on my recent achievements:
Achieved 98% positive patient feedback scores during precept placement and received consistent scores of over 90% during theoretical and practical assessments
Conducted patient assessments, collected medical history, and performed a variety of medical testing, including X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and blood testing
Interfaced effectively with diverse patient populations and developed treatment plans in alignment with emotional, spiritual, and physical needs
4. Entry-level nurse skills and qualifications
Creating quality content for your entry-level nurse cover letter can be challenging if you have limited clinical experience. One way to compensate for this is by incorporating key terms from the job description into your paragraphs. This shows potential employers how you’ve applied your nursing skills during your externship and academic programs. Below, you’ll find a list of skills to keep in mind when building your entry-level nurse cover letter:
Key Skills and Qualifications
Activities of daily living (ADLS)
Acute care
Case management
Clinical operations
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Electronic Health Records (EHR)
HIPAA
Infectious disease protocols
IV therapy
Medication administration
Oncology
Patient advocacy
Patient centered-care
Patient education
Patient management
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Telemetry
Treatment planning
Vital sign monitoring
Wound care
5. Closing section
In the closing paragraph of your entry-level nurse cover letter, include a call to action inviting the hiring manager to bring you in for an interview. Emphasize how your nursing expertise can help drive patient satisfaction and positive clinical outcomes. Be sure to thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration in the last sentence.
Example
I look forward to speaking with you further about how my dedication to patient advocacy and clinical excellence can benefit your hospital. Feel free to contact me via phone or email at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Matthew Johnson
Entry-Level Nurse Cover Letter Tips
1. Quantify your nursing experience
Although you likely have limited work experience at the entry level, it’s still important to feature hard numbers and clinical data to convey your positive impact on patients and clinical operations. Citing patient satisfaction scores from your externship is one possible approach. You could also feature the size of the hospital and patient ratio, as this demonstrates you can deliver quality care in fast-paced health care environments:
Achieved patient satisfaction ratings of over 93% in 2023, communicated empathetically with diverse patients, and drove the delivery of patient-centered care
Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team of nurses and physicians to improve patient outcomes and enhance clinical workflows in a 400-bed hospital with a 1-to-5 patient ratio
Performed health exams for illnesses, injuries, and life-threatening conditions, developed treatment plans, and provided emotional support to patients and families
2. Align your cover letter with the hospital’s culture
Tailoring your cover letter towards individual applications is a great way to stand out during the job search. Research the hospital before building your document, as this provides valuable insights into the types of information to prioritize. In the example below, the candidate showcases how their commitment to patient advocacy, which positions them as an ideal fit for the hospital’s culture:
UPenn is a world-class hospital truly devoted to clinical advancement and patient-centered care. In the early stages of my nursing career, I’ve served as an advocate to ensure the alignment of treatment plans with my patients’ emotional, physical, and cultural needs. I can bring the same dedication to your medical team based on my previous successes:
3. Highlight your areas of clinical expertise
Hiring managers will be interested in learning more about your clinical knowledge, so showcasing these skill sets throughout your cover letter is essential. Emphasize nursing skills that match the job description. In the example below, the candidate highlights their knowledge of various oncology treatments to show they’re qualified to work in this specific unit:
As you can see from my attached resume, I have two years of experience providing clinical support for leukemia, bone marrow transplants, and chemotherapy treatments. While at St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital, I delivered specialized care to diverse patient populations in a pediatric oncology unit with 60 beds. I look forward to applying my expertise in patient-centered care to drive positive clinical outcomes in the pediatric nurse position.
Entry-Level Nurse Cover Letter FAQs
Why should I submit an entry-level nurse cover letter?-
While a cover letter may not always be required for nursing positions, it can sometimes offer unique advantages during the early stages of your career. This allows you to compensate for a lack of hands-on experience with a strong introduction that captures who you are as a nursing professional. Including a cover letter also speaks to your genuine enthusiasm for the position, which can make all the difference in today’s competitive job market.
How long should my cover letter be?-
It’s best to keep your cover letter short and compelling, especially when pursuing entry-level positions. Limit your document to 400 words or less, and avoid bulky paragraphs that simply reiterate job responsibilities from your resume. Instead, focus your content around the most impactful aspects of your nursing experience, even if you can only cite your externship.
Should I use artificial intelligence to write my cover letter?-
While artificial intelligence (AI) can be a viable support tool to help you get started, never allow it to write your entire document. Your cover letter needs to capture your passion and commitment to patient care in your own words. Relying solely on AI tools such as ChatGPT will likely yield generic content and effectively rob the cover letter of your unique voice.
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Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).
