Grad Nurse Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2023

Create a professional resume in minutes for free.

Build Resume

Job growth within the nursing field is expected to reach 9% over the next 10 years. While this does create a healthy demand for registered nurses, you’ll need to stand out from other applicants to get the job you want. Crafting a unique and professional cover letter is one of the ways you can leave a lasting impression.

Below, we’ve provided tips to keep in mind when writing up your cover letter as a recent nursing graduate. We’ll show you examples of both good and bad letters so that you know exactly what to aim for.

Downloadable Cover Letter Examples

Example #1
Grad-Nurse_Example-1.pdf

Example #1

Example #2
Grad-Nurse_Example-2.pdf

Example #2

Example #3
Grad-Nurse_Example-3.pdf

Example #3

Grad Nurse Cover Letter Examples (Text Format)

Years of Experience
  • Example #1 #1
  • Example #2 #2
  • Example #3 #3

Joe Smith
Nursing Student | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | 123 Address St., Portland, OR 97201

January 1, 2021

Nancy Jones
Recruitment Manager
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
(310) 423-5154
[email protected]

Dear Ms. Jones,

During my clinicals, I was consistently recognized by my preceptor as a top-performing nursing student in my rotation. Through my team collaboration skills, high level of patient awareness, and safety prioritization I have been able to achieve more than what was expected.

As a hospital pioneering medical research and education, Cedars-Sinai is setting new standards for patient care. I know the role of Registered Nurse (I) needs someone who can handle the fast-paced, high-demand environment. I believe my skills in the areas listed below can help your team:

  • Communicator: I engage with patients in-person and on phone calls in a calm, professional manner, resolving any conflict with compassion and care.
  • Problem-Solver: Before bringing issues to my nurse manager, I do everything within my power to solve any problems that arise.
  • Adaptable: The ever-changing environment of the hospital has trained me to think on my feet and pivot with whatever comes my way.

I’m looking forward to connecting with you to talk about how my skills and strengths could benefit the team at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. I’m available to talk at a time that works best with your schedule.

Best regards,

Joe Smith, RN

P.S. I’d also like to talk to you about how I created patient care plans for the specific needs of the clients in my care during my CSU clinicals.

Tiffany Black
Registered Nurse | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | 123 Address St., Seattle, WA 98101

January 1, 2021

Jack Meyer
Hiring Manager
Virginia Mason Medical Center
(206) 223-6757
[email protected]

Dear Mr. Meyer,

As a student at the University of Washington School of Nursing, I was often praised for my attention to detail and strong work ethic. I hope to bring that dedication of constantly improving my skills to enhance the level of care for the patients at Virginia Mason Medical Center.

I find myself drawn to the value of critical thinking and care that VMMC fosters. I believe what drives my performance is an ambition and desire to learn, and this can be shown through my achievements:

  • Earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a 3.8 GPA
  • Maintained 95% positive evaluation rate during my preceptorship at UW Medical Center
  • Passed the NCLEX-RN exam on the first attempt

I would like to schedule an interview to further discuss how I can help improve patient outcomes at VMMC. I’m available to meet whenever you find a convenient time.

Best regards,

Tiffany Black, RN

P.S. I would love to talk to you about how I received a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students!

David Moore
Nursing Student | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | 123 Address St., Sequim, WA 98826

January 1, 2021

Keith Howard
Human Resources Manager
Rosewood Family Health Center
(503) 772-4335
[email protected]

Dear Mr. Howard,

While earning my bachelor’s of science in nursing, I chose a Rural Health Clinic for the medical placement portion of my degree program. This experience has led me to dedicate my career to serving low-income and otherwise disadvantaged communities.

I feel a connection with Rosewood Family Health Center’s focus and commitment to helping underserved populations. With my training in a rural setting, I’m hopeful that I can bring this same positive energy to RFHC.

I’m looking forward to instilling an even greater sense of community and excellence at RFHC. Here are some of my past successes:

  • Graduated at the top of my nursing program’s 2021 class with a perfect 4.0 GPA
  • Mastered eClinicalWorks, Epic, and other popular healthcare software platforms during my medical placement training
  • In preceptor evaluations, I often received praise for my bedside manner and communication skills while working with patients

Please contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview to talk more about how I can take RFHC’s sense of teamwork and high standards even further. I’m available to connect with you at a time that fits your schedule best.

Best regards,

David Moore, RN

P.S. I’d love to explain how I was able to maintain a 97% medication review score during my preceptorship.

Grad Nurse Cover Letter Checklist

It can be hard to know where to start when writing a cover letter. To avoid being long winded and unfocused in your approach, it’s best to follow a methodical structure to keep your ideas concise and clear. All cover letters for the nursing field should include these five main elements:

1. Heading. Select a professional stylized template to make your name and information catch the reader’s attention. Be sure to include the following:

  • Name, title, and contact information
  • Date you wrote the letter
  • Addressee’s information

2. Salutation. If you have the hiring manager’s name, be sure to use it in your greeting (Mr./Ms. [Last Name]). Use “Dear Hiring Manager” instead if you’re unsure of the manager’s name.

3. Introduction. Grab the attention of the reader by introducing yourself and your interest in the job.

4. Body paragraphs. Provide relevant professional experience, education, and skills within these two paragraphs. Using bullet points with easily digestible information will draw attention to those things you want to highlight most.

5. Closing section. Use this final thought as a call to action (CTA), asking the manager to set up an interview. After you sign off on the letter, you can even add a P.S. section that includes one last achievement.

Introduction

The first words of your cover letter should grab the attention of whoever is reading it. This is a chance for you to communicate your interest in the nursing job and intrigue the hiring manager to continue reading. Pick your top accomplishment and bring it to life by explaining how you did it and how it demonstrates your ability to perform the job you’re applying for. Be specific and avoid generic facts.

Good


As a student at the University of Washington School of Nursing, I was often praised for my attention to detail and strong work ethic. I hope to bring that dedication of constantly improving my skills to enhance the level of care for the patients at Virginia Mason Medical Center.

Bad


I’m a well-qualified RN with a nursing degree from the University of Washington.

Body Paragraphs

Do your research into the organization you’re wanting to work for. Incorporating your appreciation for their missions and values or speciality services shows your interest goes deeper than just needing to get hired. This is your chance to get specific about why you want this job and what is driving your interest.

Provide any relevant accomplishments that can be associated with the position you’re applying for. List your certifications, promotions, and leadership achievements along with an explanation of how you demonstrated these things and how they apply to the job. You want to provide quantifiable results to show how you can bring that same success to this new role.

Good


I feel a connection with Rosewood Family Health Center’s focus and commitment to helping underserved populations. With my training in a rural setting, I’m hopeful that I can bring this same positive energy to RFHC.

I’m looking forward to instilling an even greater sense of community and excellence at RFHC. Here are some of my past successes:

  • Graduated at the top of my nursing program’s 2021 class with a perfect 4.0 GPA
  • Mastered eClinicalWorks, Epic, and other popular healthcare software platforms during my medical placement training
  • In preceptor evaluations, I often received praise for my bedside manner and communication skills while working with patients

Bad


I would love to lend my expertise to the Rosewood Family Health Center team. My accomplishments include:

  • Earned good grades throughout nursing degree program
  • Learned how to use EHR systems
  • Received high scores in preceptor evaluations

Closing

Finish strong with a request for an interview and a CTA for the hiring manager. Increase your chances of securing that connection with the manager to speak to what you’ve provided on paper, not only thanking them for their time but showing some initiative and offering next steps.

Adding an extra little something after you sign off in a P.S. section is another way to stand out in a group of applicants. It’s an opportunity to get in one last achievement at the end of your letter. It adds an element of personality and is a way for you to be remembered or to intrigue the hiring manager to reach out for more information.

Good


I’d love to set a date for an interview to talk about how my desire for continued improvement and excellence can only add to the environment of expertise and compassion at VMCC. Please contact me to set up a time that works with your schedule.

Best regards,

Tiffany Black, RN

P.S. I would love to talk to you about how I received a DAISY award!

Bad


Thank you for the opportunity to apply for this position at VMCC. I appreciate your time and I hope to hear from you soon to further discuss the job.

Best,

Tiffany Black