When writing your nursing student cover letter, express your eagerness to gain and apply skills in patient care. Show your interest in the school or organization, and describe any clinical or health care experience you already have.
This guide will help you write a cover letter for the next phase of your nursing career.
Nursing Student Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Level
- Senior-Level
How To Write a Nursing Student Cover Letter
Your nursing student cover letter should usually have five sections in this order:
1. Heading
At the top of the page, include:
- Your name and contact information
- The date
- The recipient’s name, title, organization, and contact information (when available)
(Note: Feel free to omit this section if you send your letter by email and your contact details are part of your signature.)
Example
Isabelle Burns
Home Health Aide | [email protected] | (876) 543-2109 | 432 Second Avenue, Miami, FL 65432
March 27, 2024
Ladonna Bishop
Senior Admissions Officer
Miami Dade College
(432) 109-8765
[email protected]
2. Salutation
If you can’t find the recipient’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.”
Examples
Dear Mr. Atisha,
Dear Emergency Center Director of Nursing:
3. “Hook” or introduction
Catch the reader’s attention by citing an achievement from your resume or a key credential the organization seeks in applicants.
Example
While serving Mount Sinai patients as a certified nursing assistant for over five years, I earned multiple Employee of the Month awards for compassion, level-headedness, and a strong work ethic. I’m elevating my nursing skills to contribute more to this wonderful institution, and I ask to be considered for the nursing student extern position in the emergency center here.
4. Body paragraph(s)
Explain why the organization or opportunity interests you. Then, cite a few more of your key achievements or qualifications, possibly using bullet points.
Example
As a committed health care worker with over two years’ experience and a passion for improving the lives of vulnerable community members, Miami Dade College’s reputation for excellent teaching appeals to me. The following achievements demonstrate I have the ability to excel:
- Receiving praise four times during my performance appraisals for providing dignified personal care and toileting assistance
- Reducing hospital admissions by 22% for my patients in 2020 by providing nutritious meals and facilitating safe physical activity whenever possible
- Being thanked by a patient’s relative for providing companionship after she experienced a major stroke
5. Closing
Finally, reiterate your interest and ask for an interview.
Example
I’d appreciate the chance to discuss how my proven record of exceptional care, academic success, and passion for nursing can complement Mount Sinai’s mission of excellence in service to the community. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to set up an interview.
Best regards,
Nicolas LaTouche
Nursing Student Cover Letter Tips
1. Show you’re eager to build patient care skills
Start your letter strong with a clear example of your commitment to patient health and recovery.
Example
Reducing falls by 32% for patients on my roster in 2023 was my proudest achievement as a home health aide so far. My excellent knowledge of dementia care and a keen awareness of health and safety best practices for people with limited mobility helped me keep my patients safe. I hope to bring the same dedication to a career in nursing.
2. Explain why you’re drawn to the opportunity
On a separate document or sheet of paper, take 10 minutes to brainstorm why this school or opportunity interests you. For example, maybe you share the organization’s commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable community members.
When you’re done brainstorming, review your notes: Do any stand out as important or persuasive? Take another 10 minutes to brainstorm and elaborate on them. Repeat this process until you have two or three concise sentences that speak to the opportunity at hand.
Example
As a caring and empathetic home health aide dedicated to providing dignified and sensitive health care and assistance, the University of San Diego’s reputation for high-quality nursing education appeals to me. My hardworking attitude and quick learning ability will make me an asset to the San Diego health care system.
3. Showcase your health care knowledge
Use bullet points to present your knowledge of key health care or nursing areas like patient assessment, family relations, or medication administration.
Example
My recent achievements include:
- Receiving a letter of thanks from a patient’s family for recognizing stroke symptoms and seeking prompt emergency assistance
- Training three new hires last year to improve their understanding of healthy meal planning and preparation
- Scoring 100% for accuracy and efficiency for health documentation during spot checks
Nursing Student Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
Nicolas LaTouche
Nursing Student | [email protected] | (305) 098-7654 | 111 Main Blvd., Doral, FL 33198
January 1, 2024
Mr. Michael Atisha
Emergency Center Director of Nursing
Mount Sinai Medical Center of Florida
(305) 674-2121
[email protected]
Dear Mr. Atisha,
While serving Mount Sinai patients as a certified nursing assistant for over five years, I earned multiple Employee of the Month awards for compassion, level-headedness, and a strong work ethic. I’m elevating my nursing skills to contribute more to this wonderful institution, and I ask to be considered for the nursing student extern position in the emergency center here.
My associates and supervisors at Mount Sinai have constantly encouraged me to pursue a nursing degree. Moreover, the University of Miami’s nursing program has helped solidify my determination to help save lives. During my studies, I have:
- Accumulated over 1,200 hours of clinical experience
- Observed and treated patients with acute conditions, including heart attacks, respiratory distress and trauma
- Worked alongside registered nurses and assessed patients in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit
I’m eager for the opportunity to discuss how my proven record of exceptional care, academic success and passion for nursing can complement Mount Sinai’s mission of excellence in service to the community. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to set up an interview.
Best regards,
Nicolas LaTouche
P.S. — I’d also love to show you letters from my professors and past patients praising my efficiency and bedside manner.
Nursing Student Cover Letter Frequently Asked Questions
How should I start my cover letter?-
With a clear example of your success in the type of role you’re pursuing. The concept of “show, don’t tell” absolutely applies to your cover letter’s first paragraph. For instance, don’t tell the reader you’re a “proactive health care professional.” Show you’re proactive by citing a time you exceeded expectations in your practicum or found a new way to support and advocate for patients.
What’s the most important part of a cover letter?-
Any explanation you give for why the specific organization or opportunity interests you. These details distinguish the cover letter from your resume and other application materials and can help you get past applicant tracking systems (ATS).
What traits are useful to highlight in my cover letter?-
Desired qualities in nursing professionals include empathy, precision, dedication, collaboration, and emotional resilience. Consider which of these traits best describe you, then give an example or two of how you’ve demonstrated them.
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