If you are a newly-licensed nurse who lacks work experience, you may feel hesitant about writing an application letter that showcases your qualifications. However, employers are often willing to hire entry-level nurses who demonstrate a strong desire to learn and grow. To help you get started, we’ve provided seven sample application letters for nurses without experience. You can edit these examples to fit your own background and career goals.
If you’re a new nurse looking to apply for jobs but don’t have any experience, you may be wondering how to create a compelling application letter. Cover letters are essential components of job applications because they allow employers to learn more about your qualifications and personality. In this article, we’ll provide you with seven sample application letters for nurses without experience. By using these examples as a guide, you can craft a strong letter that showcases your skills and passion for nursing.
Each of our seven sample application letters includes a unique greeting, body, and complimentary close. We’ve designed these examples to help you understand how to structure your own letter and what information to include. You can use the examples as-is or edit them to fit your own background and career aspirations. With a little effort, you can create an application letter that highlights your strengths and demonstrates your commitment to the nursing profession.
Sample Application Letters for Nurses Without Experience
Application Letter for Entry-Level Nurse Position
Greeting: Dear Hiring Manager,
Letter Body:
I am writing to express my interest in the entry-level nurse position at [Hospital]. As a recent graduate of [Nursing School], I am eager to apply my knowledge and skills in a clinical setting. During my clinical rotations, I gained experience in [list skills or tasks], which have prepared me well for the challenges of nursing practice. I am excited about the opportunity to work with a team of experienced nurses who can guide me as I start my career.
Complimentary Close: Sincerely,
Application Letter for New Graduate Nurse Residency Program
Greeting: Dear Nurse Residency Program Director,
Letter Body:
I am excited to apply for the New Graduate Nurse Residency Program at [Hospital]. As a recent graduate of [Nursing School], I am eager to start my career in a supportive learning environment. During my clinical rotations, I gained experience in [list skills or tasks], which have prepared me well for the challenges of nursing practice. I am committed to lifelong learning and am excited about the opportunity to participate in a structured residency program that will help me develop my clinical knowledge and skills.
Complimentary Close: Best regards,
Application Letter for Registered Nurse Position in Long-Term Care
Greeting: Dear Director of Nursing,
Letter Body:
I am writing to apply for the Registered Nurse position in the long-term care unit at [Facility]. Although I am a new nurse, I am eager to use my skills and knowledge to provide compassionate care to elderly residents. During my clinical rotations, I gained experience in [list skills or tasks], which have prepared me well for the challenges of working in a long-term care setting. I am excited about the opportunity to work with a team of experienced nurses who share my dedication to providing high-quality care.
Complimentary Close: Respectfully,
Application Letter for Nursing Assistant Position
Greeting: Dear Hiring Manager,
Letter Body:
I am writing to apply for the Nursing Assistant position at [Facility]. Although I am a new nurse, I am eager to gain experience and contribute to the healthcare team. During my clinical rotations, I gained experience in [list skills or tasks], which have prepared me well for the challenges of working as a nursing assistant. I am excited about the opportunity to work with a team of experienced nurses who can guide me as I start my career.
Complimentary Close: Thank you for your consideration,
Application Letter for Nurse Extern Position
Greeting: Dear Nurse Extern Program Director,
Letter Body:
I am interested in applying for the Nurse Extern position at [Hospital]. As a new nurse, I am eager to gain experience and learn from experienced nurses. During my clinical rotations, I gained experience in [list skills or tasks], which have prepared me well for the challenges of working as a nurse extern. I am excited about the opportunity to participate in a structured externship program that will help me develop my clinical knowledge and skills.
Complimentary Close: Best regards,
Application Letter for Nursing Residency Program
Greeting: Dear Residency Program Director,
Letter Body:
I am excited to apply for the Nursing Residency Program at [Hospital]. As a new nurse, I am eager to gain experience in a structured learning environment. During my clinical rotations, I gained experience in [list skills or tasks], which have prepared me well for the challenges of nursing practice. I am committed to lifelong learning and am excited about the opportunity to participate in a residency program that will help me develop my clinical knowledge and skills.
Complimentary Close: Sincerely,
Application Letter for Home Health Nurse Position
Greeting: Dear Home Health Agency Manager,
Letter Body:
I am writing to apply for the Home Health Nurse position at [Agency]. Although I am a new nurse, I am committed to providing high-quality care to patients in their homes. During my clinical rotations, I gained experience in [list skills or tasks], which have prepared me well for the challenges of home health nursing. I am excited about the opportunity to work with a team of experienced nurses who can guide me as I start my career in home health.
Complimentary Close: Thank you for your time,
Tips for Writing a Strong Application Letter
When writing your application letter, keep these tips in mind:
- Address the letter to a specific person if possible.
- Use a professional tone and avoid slang or jargon.
- Show your enthusiasm for the position and the nursing profession.
- Highlight specific skills or experiences that make you a good fit for the job.
- Proofread carefully for spelling and grammatical errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I make my application letter stand out?
A: To make your application letter stand out, focus on your unique qualities and experiences. Highlight specific skills or accomplishments that demonstrate your potential as a nurse. Use concrete examples to illustrate your strengths, such as a difficult patient case that you handled successfully.
Q: Should I mention my lack of experience in my application letter?
A: While it’s important to be transparent about your background, you don’t need to highlight your lack of experience in your letter. Instead, focus on your strengths and how you can contribute to the job. Emphasize your willingness to learn and grow as a nurse.
Q: How long should my application letter be?
A: Your application letter should be no longer than one page. Keep your paragraphs short and to the point, and use bullet points or lists to highlight important information. Be sure to proofread carefully for spelling and grammatical errors.
Q: What should I include in my letter if I’m applying for a specific nursing specialty?
A: If you’re applying for a specialty nursing position, such as labor and delivery or critical care, be sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills. You can also mention any certifications or training you have that are specific to the specialty. Emphasize your passion for the specialty and your willingness to learn and grow in that area.
Q: Do I need to include a resume with my application letter?
A: It’s a good idea to include your resume with your application letter. This will allow the employer to see your qualifications and work history in more detail. Be sure to tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for and highlight your relevant experience and skills.
Q: How can I make my application letter more personal?
A: To make your application letter more personal, do some research on the employer and the job. Mention specific aspects of the job or the company that appeal to you. If you know someone who works for the company, mention their name and how they inspired you to pursue a nursing career.
Q: What should I do if I don’t hear back from the employer after I submit my application letter?
A: If you don’t hear back from the employer after submitting your application letter, follow up with a phone call or email. This will show your initiative and interest in the job. Be polite and professional, and ask if they have any questions or need any further information from you.
Conclusion
Writing an application letter as a new nurse can be daunting, but it’s an important step in your job search. By using our sample application letters as a guide, you can create a strong letter that showcases your skills and passion for nursing. Remember to keep your letter concise, highlight your strengths, and proofread carefully before submitting. Good luck in your job search!