Are you on the hunt for your first nursing job? Writing a cover letter might seem daunting, especially if you’re just starting your career. To make it easier for you, we’ve compiled seven new grad RN cover letter templates that you can customize and use as a guide.
Before we dive into the examples, let’s quickly go over what a cover letter is and why it’s important. A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume when you apply for a job. Its purpose is to introduce yourself, highlight your qualifications, and explain why you’re the best candidate for the job.
As you read through the examples, keep in mind that you can find more templates online and edit them as needed. Let’s get started!
1. Applying for a Pediatric Nurse Position
Greeting: Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Paragraph 1: As a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, I am excited to apply for the pediatric nurse position at [Hospital/Clinic]. During my clinical rotations, I developed a passion for working with children and their families. I am confident that I can provide compassionate and competent care to your patients.
Paragraph 2: In addition to my education, I have completed a pediatric nursing internship at [Hospital/Clinic]. Through this experience, I gained valuable skills in patient assessment, medication administration, and patient education. I am eager to continue to learn and grow as a nurse at [Hospital/Clinic]. Thank you for considering my application.
Complimentary Close: Sincerely,
2. Applying for a Medical-Surgical Nurse Position
Greeting: Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Paragraph 1: I am excited to apply for the medical-surgical nurse position at [Hospital/Clinic]. As a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, I am eager to begin my career as a nurse at your facility.
Paragraph 2: During my clinical rotations, I gained experience in various areas, including medical-surgical nursing. I developed skills in patient assessment, medication administration, and wound care. Through my education and clinical experiences, I have developed a strong foundation in evidence-based practice and patient-centered care. I am confident that I can provide high-quality care to your patients.
Complimentary Close: Best regards,
3. Applying for a NICU Nurse Position
Greeting: Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Paragraph 1: I am writing to express my interest in the NICU nurse position at [Hospital/Clinic]. As a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, I am eager to begin my career in neonatal nursing.
Paragraph 2: During my clinical rotations, I had the opportunity to work in the NICU and care for premature infants and their families. Through this experience, I gained knowledge and skills in respiratory support, parent education, and developmental care. I am passionate about providing family-centered care and am excited about the opportunity to continue to learn and grow as a nurse at [Hospital/Clinic].
Complimentary Close: Sincerely,
4. Applying for a Psychiatric Nurse Position
Greeting: Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Paragraph 1: I am excited to apply for the psychiatric nurse position at [Hospital/Clinic]. As a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, I am passionate about providing holistic care to patients with mental health needs.
Paragraph 2: During my clinical rotations, I had the opportunity to work with patients with various mental health diagnoses. Through this experience, I gained skills in therapeutic communication, crisis intervention, and medication administration. I am eager to continue to learn and grow as a psychiatric nurse at [Hospital/Clinic]. Thank you for considering my application.
Complimentary Close: Best regards,
5. Applying for a Community Health Nurse Position
Greeting: Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Paragraph 1: I am writing to express my interest in the community health nurse position at [Hospital/Clinic]. As a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, I am passionate about promoting health and preventing illness in the community.
Paragraph 2: During my clinical rotations, I had the opportunity to work with a community health nurse and participate in home visits, health fairs, and educational programs. Through this experience, I gained skills in health promotion, disease prevention, and care coordination. I am excited about the opportunity to continue to make a difference in the community as a nurse at [Hospital/Clinic].
Complimentary Close: Sincerely,
6. Applying for a Labor and Delivery Nurse Position
Greeting: Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Paragraph 1: I am excited to apply for the labor and delivery nurse position at [Hospital/Clinic]. As a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, I am passionate about providing safe and compassionate care to women and their families during childbirth.
Paragraph 2: During my clinical rotations, I had the opportunity to work in the labor and delivery unit and assist in various stages of childbirth. Through this experience, I gained skills in fetal monitoring, pain management, and newborn care. I am eager to continue to learn and grow as a labor and delivery nurse at [Hospital/Clinic]. Thank you for considering my application.
Complimentary Close: Best regards,
7. Applying for a Oncology Nurse Position
Greeting: Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Paragraph 1: I am writing to express my interest in the oncology nurse position at [Hospital/Clinic]. As a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, I am passionate about providing compassionate care to patients with cancer and their families.
Paragraph 2: During my clinical rotations, I had the opportunity to work in the oncology unit and care for patients with various types of cancer. Through this experience, I gained skills in chemotherapy administration, symptom management, and palliative care. I am eager to continue to learn and grow as an oncology nurse at [Hospital/Clinic]. Thank you for considering my application.
Complimentary Close: Sincerely,
Tips for Writing a New Grad RN Cover Letter
Now that you’ve seen some examples, here are some tips to keep in mind when writing your own new grad RN cover letter:
- Address the hiring manager by name, if possible.
- Start with a strong opening sentence that grabs the reader’s attention.
- Highlight your qualifications, including education, clinical experiences, and any certifications.
- Explain why you’re interested in the position and why you’re a good fit for the organization.
- Show enthusiasm and passion for the nursing profession.
- Proofread carefully for spelling and grammar errors.
- Keep the letter concise, no more than one page in length.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I format my new grad RN cover letter?
Your cover letter should be formatted like a professional business letter, with a header that includes your name and contact information, the date, and the recipient’s name and contact information. Use a standard font and size, such as Times New Roman or Arial, and keep the margins at 1 inch.
What should I include in my new grad RN cover letter?
Your cover letter should include a brief introduction, a statement of your qualifications, an explanation of why you’re interested in the position, and a closing statement. Be sure to highlight your education, clinical experiences, and any certifications.
Should I include my GPA in my new grad RN cover letter?
It’s not necessary to include your GPA in your cover letter, but if you have a high GPA, you may want to mention it briefly. Keep in mind that employers are more interested in your clinical experiences and skills than your grades.
How can I make my new grad RN cover letter stand out?
To make your cover letter stand out, try to personalize it as much as possible. Research the organization and the position you’re applying for, and tailor your letter to match their needs. Use specific examples from your clinical experiences to highlight your skills and qualifications. And don’t forget to show enthusiasm and passion for the nursing profession.
Do I need to include a cover letter with my resume?
It’s always a good idea to include a cover letter with your resume, even if it’s not required. A cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and show that you’re serious about the position.
How long should my new grad RN cover letter be?
Your cover letter should be no more than one page in length. Keep it concise and to the point, and focus on highlighting your qualifications and skills that are most relevant to the position.
Conclusion
Writing a new grad RN cover letter can be challenging, but with the right tools and tips, you can create a strong and effective document that will help you land your first nursing job. Use the examples and tips in this article as a guide, and don’t be afraid to personalize your letter to match the needs of the organization you’re applying to. Good luck!