Getting a nursing job demands more than just clinical skills. A powerful cover letter makes you stand out from dozens of other candidates. Many nurses struggle with putting their best qualities on paper, making it hard to get noticed by hiring managers.
This guide offers 15 carefully crafted cover letter samples for registered nurses at different career stages and specialties. Each letter showcases a unique approach to highlighting nursing qualifications, patient care philosophy, and professional goals. Read on to transform your job application into a compelling story that lands you an interview.
Sample Cover Letters for Registered Nurse
Here are fifteen expertly crafted cover letter examples to help you secure your next nursing position.
1. New Graduate Registered Nurse
123 Nursing Street
Chicago, IL 60007
555-123-4567
janedoe@email.com
May 1, 2025
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Human Resources Department
251 E Huron St
Chicago, IL 60611
Subject: Application for Graduate Nurse Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
As a recent graduate from University of Illinois Chicago with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an active RN license, I am excited to apply for the Graduate Nurse position at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Your facility’s reputation for excellent patient care and professional development programs aligns perfectly with my career goals.
During my clinical rotations, I gained hands-on experience in medical-surgical units, pediatrics, and emergency care. My preceptors consistently praised my assessment skills, attention to detail, and compassionate patient interactions. At University Medical Center, I maintained a 100% medication administration accuracy rate while caring for up to five patients under supervision.
My clinical highlights include:
- Successfully managing care for diverse patient populations
- Developing strong skills in wound care and IV management
- Learning and adapting to electronic medical record systems
- Collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary healthcare teams
I am particularly drawn to Northwestern’s commitment to evidence-based practice and would be thrilled to contribute to your culture of excellence while growing as a new nurse. My strong communication skills, eagerness to learn, and dedication to patient-centered care make me a good fit for your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and enthusiasm would benefit your nursing staff and patients.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe, BSN, RN
2. Experienced Medical-Surgical Nurse
456 Healthcare Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
555-987-6543
robertjohnson@email.com
April 27, 2025
Massachusetts General Hospital
Human Resources Department
55 Fruit Street
Boston, MA 02114
Subject: Senior Medical-Surgical Nurse Position Application
Dear Nurse Recruitment Team,
With eight years of dedicated medical-surgical nursing experience and a passion for exceptional patient care, I am applying for the Senior Medical-Surgical Nurse position at Massachusetts General Hospital. Your institution’s commitment to healthcare innovation and outstanding patient outcomes makes it an ideal workplace for my next professional chapter.
Currently at Boston Medical Center, I manage care for 6-8 complex patients daily, mentor new staff, and serve on the unit’s Quality Improvement Committee. My background includes:
Clinical Expertise:
- Advanced wound care certification
- Specialized training in caring for post-surgical oncology patients
- Extensive experience with cardiac monitoring and telemetry
- Proficiency in managing multiple IV medications
Leadership:
- Charge nurse responsibilities for a 28-bed unit
- Preceptor for 12 new nurses over the past three years
- Development of unit-specific patient education materials
My consistent focus on patient safety has contributed to a 22% reduction in medication errors and a 15% decrease in patient falls on my unit. Additionally, my patient satisfaction scores consistently rank in the top 10% of our department.
I am excited about the possibility of bringing my clinical skills and leadership abilities to your respected institution. Thank you for considering my application.
Respectfully,
Robert Johnson, BSN, RN, CMSRN
3. ICU Nurse Specialist
789 Critical Care Lane
Seattle, WA 98101
555-246-8135
sarahwilliams@email.com
April 25, 2025
Harborview Medical Center
Human Resources Department
325 Ninth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
Subject: Critical Care Nurse Position Application
Dear ICU Hiring Committee,
As a Critical Care Registered Nurse with six years of specialized experience and current CCRN certification, I am excited to apply for the ICU position at Harborview Medical Center. Your facility’s reputation as a Level I Trauma Center and your commitment to treating the most critical patients in the Pacific Northwest strongly aligns with my professional goals.
My current role at Seattle Grace Hospital has provided extensive experience with:
- Managing care for critically ill trauma patients
- Advanced ventilator management including APRV and HFOV
- CRRT and other continuous dialysis modalities
- Post-cardiac surgery care including IABP and ECMO support
- Implementation of early mobility protocols for ICU patients
Throughout my career, I have maintained a commitment to evidence-based practice. Last year, I led a unit initiative to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections, resulting in a 35% decrease over six months. My ability to remain calm under pressure while managing multiple critical priorities has been consistently noted in my performance reviews.
My additional qualifications include:
- ACLS, PALS, and BLS certifications
- CCRN certification
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Washington
- Active member of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your exceptional team of critical care professionals.
Sincerely,
Sarah Williams, BSN, RN, CCRN
4. Pediatric Nurse
321 Children’s Way
Philadelphia, PA 19104
555-789-4561
michaelbrown@email.com
April 30, 2025
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Human Resources Department
3401 Civic Center Blvd
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Subject: Pediatric Nurse Position Application
Dear Pediatric Nursing Recruitment Team,
With five years of specialized pediatric nursing experience and a genuine passion for child-centered care, I am applying for the Pediatric Nurse position at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. CHOP’s international reputation for excellence in pediatric care and research makes it my dream workplace.
Currently at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, I provide compassionate, family-centered care to patients ranging from newborns to adolescents with complex medical conditions. My experience includes:
Clinical Skills:
- Pediatric assessment and intervention
- Age-appropriate pain management techniques
- Administration of medications and treatments to pediatric patients
- Growth and development monitoring
- Family education and support
My greatest professional achievement has been developing a distraction therapy program for our oncology unit that reduced anxiety during procedures by 40%, as measured by standardized pain scales. This program has since been adopted hospital-wide.
My educational background includes:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Drexel University
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification
- Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)
- Continuing education in pediatric pain management
Your hospital’s dedication to advancing pediatric medicine through research and innovation particularly appeals to me. I would be honored to contribute to CHOP’s mission of providing exceptional care to children and their families.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my skills and passion for pediatric nursing could benefit your esteemed institution.
Warmly,
Michael Brown, BSN, RN, CPN
5. Emergency Department Nurse
567 Rapid Response Road
Austin, TX 78701
555-321-7890
lisajackson@email.com
April 28, 2025
Dell Seton Medical Center
Human Resources Department
1500 Red River St
Austin, TX 78701
Subject: Emergency Department RN Position
Dear Emergency Services Hiring Manager,
As an Emergency Department nurse with seven years of Level I Trauma Center experience and current CEN certification, I am excited to apply for the ED RN position at Dell Seton Medical Center. Your facility’s reputation for excellent emergency care and status as the primary teaching hospital for Dell Medical School makes it an ideal setting for my next professional challenge.
My current position at Houston Methodist Hospital has honed my skills in:
- Rapid triage and assessment
- Management of critically ill and injured patients
- Trauma resuscitation
- Stroke and STEMI protocol implementation
- Disaster preparedness and mass casualty incident response
I thrive in fast-paced environments where quick thinking and precise clinical judgment are essential. During my tenure at Houston Methodist, I have maintained a reputation for efficiency without compromising quality care, consistently exceeding department benchmarks for door-to-provider times.
My professional qualifications include:
- Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
- Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) certification
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Texas
What sets me apart is my ability to maintain composure and clear communication during high-stress situations. Last year, I received recognition for my leadership during a multi-vehicle accident that brought 12 critical patients to our department simultaneously.
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my emergency nursing experience could benefit your department and patients.
Respectfully,
Lisa Jackson, BSN, RN, CEN
6. Labor and Delivery Nurse
432 Maternity Circle
San Francisco, CA 94143
555-654-3210
davidmiller@email.com
April 29, 2025
UCSF Medical Center
Human Resources Department
505 Parnassus Ave
San Francisco, CA 94143
Subject: Labor and Delivery Nurse Position
Dear Birth Center Hiring Team,
With nine years of specialized experience in maternal-child health and current certification in inpatient obstetrics, I am applying for the Labor and Delivery Nurse position at UCSF Medical Center. Your facility’s reputation for family-centered birth experiences and advanced maternal care aligns perfectly with my professional philosophy.
At my current position with Kaiser Permanente San Francisco, I have developed expertise in:
- Supporting physiologic birth while ensuring safety
- High-risk pregnancy management
- Fetal monitoring interpretation (NICHD categories)
- Assistance with cesarean births
- Postpartum care and breastfeeding support
My passion for maternal-infant bonding led me to champion our unit’s skin-to-skin initiative after cesarean births, which increased immediate skin-to-skin contact rates from 45% to 82% over one year. This initiative contributed to higher breastfeeding success rates and improved patient satisfaction scores.
My qualifications include:
- RNC-OB (Inpatient Obstetric Nursing Certification)
- NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program)
- AWHONN Fetal Monitoring Certification
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing from San Francisco State University
- Active member of the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses
UCSF’s commitment to evidence-based practice and supporting diverse birthing populations particularly appeals to me. I would be honored to bring my skills in culturally sensitive care to your esteemed team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my experience could contribute to your exceptional maternal care services.
Sincerely,
David Miller, BSN, RN, RNC-OB
a7. Oncology Nurse
876 Cancer Care Court
New York, NY 10065
555-987-1234
emilythomas@email.com
May 2, 2025
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Human Resources Department
1275 York Avenue
New York, NY 10065
Subject: Oncology Registered Nurse Position
Dear Oncology Nursing Selection Committee,
As an Oncology Certified Nurse with six years of specialized experience in cancer care, I am applying for the Oncology RN position at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Your institution’s groundbreaking research and commitment to compassionate, cutting-edge cancer treatment make it my ideal workplace.
My current role at NYU Langone Health has allowed me to develop expertise in:
- Chemotherapy administration and symptom management
- Biotherapy and immunotherapy protocols
- Care of stem cell transplant recipients
- Palliative care and pain management
- Patient and family education regarding diagnosis, treatment, and side effects
Beyond technical skills, I bring a deep commitment to emotional support for patients facing cancer. My colleagues and patients frequently comment on my ability to provide clear information during difficult times and my patience in answering questions about complex treatments.
Professional achievements include:
- Development of a chemotherapy education program that improved patient understanding of treatment by 45%
- Recipient of the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses, 2023
- Presenter at the Oncology Nursing Society regional conference on managing immunotherapy side effects
My qualifications include:
- Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN)
- Chemotherapy/Biotherapy Provider Certification
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Columbia University
- Currently pursuing Master’s in Oncology Nursing
I am particularly drawn to Memorial Sloan Kettering’s specialized cancer programs and would be honored to contribute to your mission of conquering cancer through exceptional care, innovative research, and outstanding education.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my oncology nursing experience could benefit your patients and team.
Warmly,
Emily Thomas, BSN, RN, OCN
8. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse
543 Behavioral Health Boulevard
Denver, CO 80220
555-456-7890
markwilson@email.com
April 26, 2025
University of Colorado Hospital
Human Resources Department
12605 E 16th Avenue
Aurora, CO 80045
Subject: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Position
Dear Mental Health Services Hiring Manager,
With seven years of dedicated experience in psychiatric nursing and certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse, I am applying for the Psychiatric RN position at University of Colorado Hospital. Your facility’s integrated approach to mental health treatment and commitment to trauma-informed care strongly align with my professional practice philosophy.
At my current position with Denver Health Medical Center, I have developed specialized skills in:
- Crisis prevention and de-escalation techniques
- Therapeutic communication with diverse patient populations
- Psychopharmacology and medication management
- Group therapy facilitation
- Safety planning and suicide risk assessment
My approach to psychiatric nursing centers on building therapeutic relationships while maintaining appropriate boundaries. I take pride in creating an environment where patients feel safe, respected, and empowered in their recovery journey.
Notable contributions to my current unit include:
- Implementation of a sensory modulation program that reduced the use of restraints by 35%
- Development of staff training on trauma-informed care approaches
- Creation of a discharge planning protocol that decreased readmission rates by 18%
My qualifications include:
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC)
- Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) instructor certification
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Colorado
- Active member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association
I am particularly interested in your hospital’s specialized programs for mood disorders and would welcome the opportunity to contribute to your multidisciplinary team approach to mental health care.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my psychiatric nursing experience could benefit your patients and department.
Sincerely,
Mark Wilson, BSN, RN, PMH-BC
9. Operating Room Nurse
234 Surgical Suite Street
Baltimore, MD 21287
555-789-0123
susanclark@email.com
May 3, 2025
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Human Resources Department
1800 Orleans Street
Baltimore, MD 21287
Subject: Perioperative Registered Nurse Position
Dear Surgical Services Recruitment Team,
As a CNOR-certified Operating Room nurse with eight years of perioperative experience across multiple surgical specialties, I am applying for the Perioperative RN position at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Your institution’s reputation for surgical excellence and groundbreaking procedures makes it an ideal setting for my next professional chapter.
At my current position with University of Maryland Medical Center, I have gained extensive experience in:
- Serving as circulator and scrub nurse for complex procedures
- Setting up and maintaining sterile fields
- Coordinating efficient room turnover
- Managing surgical instrumentation and equipment
- Ensuring adherence to safety protocols and counts
I have specialized experience in neurosurgical and cardiac procedures, with additional training in robotic-assisted surgeries. My technical skills are complemented by strong communication abilities, allowing me to effectively coordinate with surgical teams and advocate for patients during vulnerable periods.
Professional achievements include:
- Recipient of the Perioperative Nursing Excellence Award, 2024
- Development of a standardized orientation program for new OR nurses
- Participation in quality improvement initiatives that reduced surgical site infections by 25%
My qualifications include:
- Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Towson University
- Member of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN)
Johns Hopkins’ commitment to surgical innovation and excellence in patient outcomes particularly appeals to me. I would be honored to contribute my skills to your world-class surgical services department.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my perioperative nursing experience could benefit your surgical teams and patients.
Respectfully,
Susan Clark, BSN, RN, CNOR
10. Home Health Nurse
765 Community Care Drive
Portland, OR 97201
555-321-6547
jamesanderson@email.com
April 27, 2025
Providence Home Health Services
Human Resources Department
4805 NE Glisan Street
Portland, OR 97213
Subject: Home Health Registered Nurse Position
Dear Home Health Services Manager,
With five years of dedicated experience as a home health nurse and certification in wound care, I am applying for the Home Health RN position with Providence Home Health Services. Your organization’s commitment to compassionate, comprehensive care in the home setting aligns perfectly with my professional values.
My current role with Legacy Health Home Care has allowed me to develop expertise in:
- Independent assessment and care planning in the home environment
- Complex wound care and ostomy management
- Chronic disease management (diabetes, CHF, COPD)
- Patient and caregiver education
- Care coordination with interdisciplinary teams
What distinguishes my practice is my ability to adapt clinical skills to diverse home settings while respecting patients’ autonomy and preferences. I take pride in building trusting relationships with patients and their families, empowering them through education and support.
Notable achievements include:
- Development of a diabetic foot care program that reduced hospitalization rates by 30%
- Consistently maintaining a patient satisfaction rating above 95%
- Successful management of a caseload of 20-25 patients across varied geographical areas
My qualifications include:
- Wound Care Certification (WCC)
- Home Health Nursing Certification (HCS-D)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oregon Health & Science University
- Member of the Home Healthcare Nurses Association
Providence’s reputation for quality home health services and commitment to holistic patient care strongly attracts me to your organization. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to your mission of extending exceptional healthcare into patients’ homes.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my home health nursing experience could benefit your patients and team.
Sincerely,
James Anderson, BSN, RN, WCC
11. Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse
890 Tiny Miracles Trail
Nashville, TN 37232
555-234-5678
laurawilson@email.com
May 1, 2025
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Human Resources Department
1211 Medical Center Drive
Nashville, TN 37232
Subject: Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse Position
Dear NICU Recruitment Team,
As a Registered Nurse with six years of specialized experience in neonatal intensive care and current certification as a Critical Care Neonatal Nurse, I am excited to apply for the NICU position at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Your facility’s Level IV NICU and commitment to family-centered developmental care align perfectly with my professional practice philosophy.
My current position at TriStar Centennial Medical Center has provided me with expertise in:
- Care of extremely premature infants (23-26 weeks gestation)
- Management of complex respiratory conditions including HFOV and NAVA ventilation
- Administration and monitoring of vasoactive medications
- Therapeutic hypothermia protocols
- Family education and integration into the care team
Beyond technical skills, I bring a deep commitment to developmental care principles that support optimal neurological outcomes. I have become known for my ability to create a healing environment that minimizes stress and promotes growth for our tiniest patients.
Professional accomplishments include:
- Implementation of a unit-wide positioning and handling protocol that improved developmental outcomes
- Development of a parent education series on interpreting infant cues
- Recipient of the NICU Nursing Excellence Award, 2023
My qualifications include:
- Critical Care Neonatal Nursing Certification (CCRN-Neo)
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) instructor
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Belmont University
- Currently pursuing Master’s in Neonatal Nursing
- Active member of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses
Vanderbilt’s commitment to research and evidence-based practice in neonatal care particularly appeals to me. I would be honored to contribute to your renowned NICU team and the families you serve.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my neonatal nursing experience could benefit your unit.
Warmly,
Laura Wilson, BSN, RN, CCRN-Neo
12. Geriatric Nurse
127 Elder Care Lane
Minneapolis, MN 55455
555-876-5432
richardtaylor@email.com
April 30, 2025
University of Minnesota Health
Human Resources Department
500 Harvard Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Subject: Geriatric Nurse Specialist Position
Dear Senior Services Hiring Committee,
With eight years of dedicated experience in geriatric nursing and certification as a Gerontological Nurse, I am applying for the Geriatric Nurse Specialist position at University of Minnesota Health. Your institution’s commitment to excellence in senior care and age-friendly healthcare initiatives strongly aligns with my career focus.
My current role at Abbott Northwestern Hospital has allowed me to develop expertise in:
- Comprehensive geriatric assessment
- Management of multiple chronic conditions
- Dementia care and behavioral health approaches
- Fall prevention strategies
- Medication management for older adults
My approach to geriatric nursing centers on preserving dignity, autonomy, and function while addressing complex care needs. I take pride in my ability to see beyond immediate medical issues to consider quality of life and what matters most to each older adult.
Professional achievements include:
- Development of a hospital-wide delirium prevention protocol that reduced cases by 40%
- Implementation of an enhanced mobility program that decreased length of stay by 1.2 days
- Creation of transition care resources that reduced readmission rates by 25%
My qualifications include:
- Gerontological Nursing Certification (RN-BC)
- Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. Catherine University
- Advanced training in palliative care approaches
- Active member of the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association
I am particularly interested in University of Minnesota Health’s specialized programs for complex care management of older adults and would welcome the opportunity to contribute to your interdisciplinary team approach.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my geriatric nursing experience could benefit your patients and healthcare system.
Sincerely,
Richard Taylor, BSN, RN-BC, CDP
13. Nurse Educator
678 Teaching Terrace
Rochester, MN 55905
555-432-1098
jenniferbrown@email.com
May 2, 2025
Mayo Clinic
Human Resources Department
200 First Street SW
Rochester, MN 55905
Subject: Clinical Nurse Educator Position
Dear Nursing Education Selection Committee,
With ten years of clinical nursing experience and four years as a unit-based educator, I am applying for the Clinical Nurse Educator position at Mayo Clinic. Your institution’s reputation for nursing excellence and commitment to lifelong learning make it an ideal setting for my next professional challenge.
My current role as a Clinical Educator at Cleveland Clinic has provided me with expertise in:
- Developing and implementing evidence-based education programs
- Coordinating orientation for new staff nurses
- Facilitating simulation-based learning experiences
- Conducting skills validation and competency assessments
- Mentoring nurses through career development and certification preparation
My teaching philosophy centers on creating engaging learning environments that connect theory to practice. I enjoy finding innovative ways to make complex concepts accessible and relevant to bedside nursing care.
Professional accomplishments include:
- Development of a critical care transition program that increased retention of new ICU nurses by 35%
- Creation of a hospital-wide preceptor development course
- Implementation of a unit-based journal club that increased evidence-based practice initiatives
- Co-author of two published articles on nursing education methodologies
My qualifications include:
- Master of Science in Nursing Education from Case Western Reserve University
- Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)
- Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification (CMSRN)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ohio State University
- Active member of the National League for Nursing
Mayo Clinic’s commitment to nursing professional development and culture of learning particularly appeals to me. I would be honored to contribute to your exceptional nursing education team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my nursing education experience could benefit your organization.
Respectfully,
Jennifer Brown, MSN, RN, CNE, CMSRN
14. Travel Nurse
456 Nomad Way
San Diego, CA 92101
555-678-9012
danielharris@email.com
April 29, 2025
TravelNurse Staffing Agency
Recruitment Department
789 Healthcare Blvd
San Diego, CA 92101
Subject: Critical Care Travel Nurse Application
Dear Travel Nurse Recruiter,
As a Critical Care Registered Nurse with five years of experience across multiple healthcare systems and current certifications in critical care and trauma nursing, I am applying for a position as a Critical Care Travel Nurse with TravelNurse Staffing Agency. Your agency’s reputation for placing nurses in prestigious facilities and providing excellent support to traveling professionals makes you my top choice.
My experience includes:
- Three years in a Level I Trauma Center ICU
- Two years in Cardiovascular ICU
- Completion of six travel assignments in four different states
- Adaptability to various EMR systems (Epic, Cerner, Meditech)
- Rapid integration into new team environments
What sets me apart is my ability to quickly adapt to new protocols, technologies, and team dynamics while maintaining excellent patient care standards. My preceptors and managers consistently comment on my flexibility, quick learning, and positive attitude when facing new challenges.
Recent assignments have allowed me to:
- Lead rapid response teams in unfamiliar hospital environments
- Manage ECMO patients at a specialized cardiac center
- Assist with implementation of new critical care protocols
- Serve as resource nurse during electronic medical record transitions
My qualifications include:
- Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification
- Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of California, Los Angeles
- Active RN licenses in California, Texas, Florida, and New York
I am seeking 13-week assignments in Level I or II trauma centers and am available to begin my next contract within three weeks. My flexibility regarding location and shift preferences makes me an adaptable candidate for your clients’ staffing needs.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing potential assignments with your agency.
Sincerely,
Daniel Harris, BSN, RN, CCRN, TCRN
15. Nurse Manager
901 Leadership Lane
Durham, NC 27710
555-345-6789
karenmartin@email.com
May 3, 2025
Duke University Hospital
Human Resources Department
2301 Erwin Road
Durham, NC 27710
Subject: Medical-Surgical Nurse Manager Position
Dear Leadership Selection Committee,
With twelve years of progressive nursing experience including five years in nursing leadership roles, I am applying for the Medical-Surgical Nurse Manager position at Duke University Hospital. Your institution’s commitment to nursing excellence and Magnet status aligns perfectly with my leadership philosophy.
My current role as Assistant Nurse Manager at UNC Medical Center has provided me with expertise in:
- Staff scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation
- Performance management and professional development of nursing staff
- Quality improvement initiatives and regulatory compliance
- Shared governance implementation
- Strategic planning and policy development
My leadership approach focuses on creating a positive work culture that supports both staff satisfaction and exceptional patient outcomes. I believe in leading by example, maintaining visibility on the unit, and empowering staff through shared decision-making.
Key accomplishments in my current role include:
- Reduction of unit turnover rate from 22% to 8% through mentorship programs and improved work-life balance initiatives
- Implementation of a unit-based quality council that decreased hospital-acquired conditions by 35%
- Development of a charge nurse leadership program adopted hospital-wide
- Achievement of 95% staff certification rate through educational support and incentives
My qualifications include:
- Master of Science in Nursing Leadership from Duke University
- Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC)
- Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification (CMSRN)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of North Carolina
- Member of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership
Duke University Hospital’s reputation for innovative nursing practice and commitment to professional growth make it an ideal setting for my leadership skills. I would be honored to contribute to your tradition of nursing excellence.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my nursing leadership experience could benefit your medical-surgical department.
Respectfully,
Karen Martin, MSN, RN, NE-BC, CMSRN
Wrap-up: Cover Letters for Nurses
These sample cover letters showcase different approaches to highlighting nursing qualifications across various specialties and career stages. Each letter demonstrates how to effectively communicate clinical skills, professional achievements, and personal nursing philosophy to potential employers.
Remember that a successful cover letter should be tailored to the specific position and facility, highlighting relevant experience and explaining why you’re a good fit for that particular role. Use these