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Proficiency in patient assessment
Describe your ability to safely conduct comprehensive patient assessments, identify health concerns and create effective care plans with patients and their primary care provider.
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Registered Nurse Cover Letter Examples
Visit our extensive library of customizable cover letter templates and these registered nurse samples as a guideline to improve your RN resume.
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Use our extensive library of professional cover letter examples as practical starting guides. You’ll also find ready-made content with our helpful Cover Letter Builder — simply click, customize and download.
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How to Format Your Cover Letter
Visit our helpful cover letter format and writing guide for additional advice on how to customize your application, or read on to find nursing-related advice.
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Contact Information
- Make sure your professional cover letter header matches your resume for a cohesive look. Include your name, phone number, and email.
Date and Recipient's Mailing Information
- Visit the company’s directory to research the hiring manager and contact info. Add the date of writing, followed by the manager’s name, job title, and professional mailing address.
Greeting
- Begin the letter with a professional salutation. We prefer the following formal greetings: “Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name,” “Hello, Mr./Ms. Last Name,” or the last resort, “To whom it may concern.”
Introduction
- Add the name of the position and company, how you learned about it, and one relevant nursing skill or accomplishment to advertise your suitability in this opening paragraph.
Body
- Use one or two paragraphs to elaborate on one or two accomplishments listed on your resume. The goal is to quantify your training further and prove your proficiency.
Closing Statement
- In the final paragraph, reiterate your interest and qualifications. Express your eagerness to discuss your candidacy in an interview further.
Signature
- End the letter with a formal closing followed by your full name and, if applicable, your professional titles or certifications. Acceptable signatures include “Salutations,” “Best,” or “Regards.”
Use skills to personalize your registered nurse cover letter
Nursing covers a vast blend of soft, hard and technical skills. Use our Cover Letter Builder to source tailored nursing skills based on your professional experience. Try this starter list of 15 technical registered nursing skills or accomplishments that you could feature on your cover letter:
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Medication administration
Highlight your expertise in administering medications safely and accurately, along with your knowledge of various drugs, interactions and potential side effects.
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Medical procedures expertise
Mention your experience in assisting with or independently performing procedures such as IV insertion, wound care and catheterization.
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Critical thinking and problem-solving
Showcase your ability to think quickly on your feet, make sound clinical judgments or handle emergent situations with confidence.
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Patient education
Emphasize how you educate patients and their families about treatment plans, medications and disease management.
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Electronic health records (EHR) management
Demonstrate your proficiency using EHR systems to document patient information, maintain accurate records, and improve healthcare efficiency.
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Infection control practices
Discuss your knowledge of and commitment to maintaining strict infection control protocols to ensure patient safety and prevent the spread of diseases.
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Advanced life support (ALS) certification
If applicable, mention any specialized certifications you hold, such as ALS or pediatrics advanced life support (PALS).
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Patient advocacy
Describe how you actively advocate for patients’ rights, ensuring they receive quality care and are well-informed about their treatment options.
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Collaborative team player
Highlight your ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary healthcare teams, fostering positive communication and cooperation.
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Patient Monitoring and Assessment
Explain your experience continuously monitoring patients’ vital signs, symptoms, and overall condition and how you use this information to provide timely interventions.
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Pain management skills
Discuss your proficiency in assessing and managing patients’ pain levels to ensure their comfort and well-being.
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Wound care expertise
If relevant, detail your experience managing complex wounds and promoting wound healing using evidence-based practices.
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Intravenous (IV) therapy skills
Mention your competence in starting and maintaining IV lines and your knowledge of IV medications and fluids.
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Patient safety focus
Describe your commitment to patient safety, including participation in safety initiatives and dedication to minimizing medical errors.
PRO TIP:
Don’t overstuff your cover letter — limit yourself to one or two skills so you can adequately highlight your accomplishments. Prioritize skills or achievements requested on the job advertisement to score well on applicant tracking systems (ATS). Visit our ATS resume article to learn more about these tools.
Free Registered Nurse Cover Letter Example
“Dear Mr. Bianchi
As a skilled Registered Nurse with comprehensive experience providing nursing services to various patients within critical care environments, I am pleased to present the enclosed resume. My background in supporting patient care will allow me to substantially assist Klahown Medical Center in meeting—and exceeding—its healthcare goals.
My background includes preparing surgical rooms and equipment, utilizing highly technical devices/equipment, monitoring patient progress, and communicating with cross-functional medical teams to coordinate patient care. Tracking patient vitals, maintaining detailed patient and procedure records, and providing overarching bedside nursing support are just a few of the many tasks I perform each day, consistently providing a superior level of compassionate patient care.
Highlights of my experience include the following:
Providing comprehensive nursing support in various surgical cases, including general, orthopedic, neuro and spine, ENT, gynecological, plastic, vascular, urological, and endoscopic procedures.
Consistently demonstrating solid commitment to providing quality patient care in alignment with nursing philosophy, organizational standards, and legal regulations.
Communicating effectively across diverse medical teams to ensure appropriate and necessary patient care; tracking patient progress and reports.
Achieving credentials as a Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN) and a Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN); possessing a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.
With my expertise in managing patient care and support, I am confident that I can greatly contribute to your organization. I look forward to discussing this opportunity and my qualifications in more detail. Thank you for your consideration; I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Felicia S. Tucker”
The cover letter persuasively presents the candidate’s relevant experience, qualifications, and achievements. The candidate communicates how her skills align with the employer’s needs and demonstrates confidence and enthusiasm for the opportunity. Let’s see how she expands on her skills to help elaborate on her resume:
1 Opening paragraph:
The letter begins with a direct address to the recipient, using the name “Mr. Bianchi,” which adds a personalized touch. Visit the job advertisement or hospital directory to find the department head or potential hiring manager. The candidate immediately establishes her credentials as a “skilled Registered Nurse with comprehensive experience” in critical care environments.
2 Focus on relevant experience:
This job seeker highlights her background in supporting patient care and provides specific examples of her responsibilities, such as preparing surgical rooms, utilizing technical equipment, and coordinating with medical teams. This demonstrates her expertise and competence in surgical and hospital environments.
3 Potential staff value:
In the second paragraph, the candidate states that her skills and background will “substantially assist” the Klahown Medical Center in meeting and exceeding its healthcare goals. She focuses on transferrable skills that would make her a valuable asset to a privatized medical center.
4 Notable accomplishments:
Rather than seamlessly segueing from her intro to her body paragraphs, the job seeker notes the “Highlights of my experience” to emphasize the wide variety of surgical cases she has handled and her commitment to quality patient care. By mentioning her credentials as a Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN) and a Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) and her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, she establishes her qualifications and dedication to continuous learning.
5 Confidence and enthusiasm:
In the closing paragraph, the candidate expresses confidence in contributing to the organization. She also is eager to discuss the opportunity and her qualifications in more detail. This shows her enthusiasm and genuine interest in the position.
6 Gratitude and professional closure:
The letter concludes with a polite “thank you for your consideration,” and the candidate expresses anticipation to hear from the recipient. Using “Sincerely” as the closing salutation maintains a professional tone.
Add a Resume as a Foundational Base
A cover letter helps promote your resume — but your resume acts as an essential building block for your job search. This concise summary helps hiring managers trace your training, experience, skill development, and accomplishments. The following help articles, online tools and sample can help you improve your resume.
Registered Nurse Cover Letter FAQ
How long should a registered nurse cover letter be?
A well-written cover letter for a registered nurse typically ranges from 250 to 400 words. Be concise, focusing on relevant experiences, skills, and your passion for nursing. Please keep it to one page, ensuring that essential information stands out to the hiring manager.
Should I include my contact information in the cover letter if it's already on my resume?
We recommend including your contact information and using the same formatting and styling choices as your resume. These matching headers create a cohesive application packet that helps your resume stand out and helps hiring managers find your information. Our Cover Letter Builder features a matching resume tool to help you craft both documents on one convenient site.
Can I use the same cover letter for multiple nursing job applications?
It's best to tailor each cover letter to the specific nursing job you're applying for. Customize the content to match the job requirements, company values, and job description. Please address the hiring manager by name to make it more personalized and impactful.
Should I mention my salary expectations in the cover letter?
It's generally not recommended to mention salary expectations in the cover letter. Focus on showcasing your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role. Salary negotiations usually occur during the later stages of the hiring process.
Is it essential to mention my licenses and certifications in the cover letter?
Highlighting your relevant licenses and certifications in the cover letter is crucial. It demonstrates your qualifications and compliance with the necessary regulatory requirements for the nursing position. Include any specialized certifications or training that align with the job you're applying for.