graduate nursing cover letter examples australia

QLD Health Graduate Cover Letter Guide for Nursing (+ Free Template)

Written by Nicole Wren

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by Nicole Wren | Jun 24, 2024 | Examples , Writing Advice

Applications for 2025 Queensland Health nursing graduate programs open on Friday, 28th June 2024. A critical element of your application is your cover letter (you won’t need to develop a targeted resume, since your resume information is submitted into an online form).

To give yourself the best chance of getting a spot in this competitive program (at your preferred location ad in your preferred clinical specialty), you’ll need to ensure your QLD Health graduate cover letter makes the best impression possible. We provide advice on how to do that and include a free downloadable template.

Eligibility Criteria

Before you start writing, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for the Queensland Health’s nursing graduate programs:

• Citizenship and Residency: You must hold Australian citizenship, Australian permanent residency, New Zealand citizenship (with a subclass 444 Special Category Visa or right to be granted), or a visa with non-employer sponsored work rights.
• Registration: Be eligible for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), including all necessary documentation and identity checks.
• Recent Graduation: Graduated within the past 2 years (between July 2022 to July 2024) from your first undergraduate nursing degree, midwifery degree, or graduate-entry Master of Nursing or Master of Midwifery. Or be due to complete your qualification by December 2024.
• Work Experience: At the time of application submission, you shouldn’t have worked as a registered nurse or midwife for more than 960 hours (equivalent to 6 months full-time) since qualifying in the relevant qualification. Exceptions apply if you are working in certain non-government health sectors, where you can work up to 1,976 hours (equivalent to 1 year full-time).

Why Your Qld Health Graduate Cover Letter Matters

The cover letter is a vital part of your application for Qld Health’s graduate programs. It’s your chance to convey your enthusiasm, showcase your skills, and explain why you are the perfect fit for the role. Your cover letter should outline your motivation for applying, your passion for the profession, and what you’ll bring to the team.

Here’s how you can make your cover letter count.

Writing Your Cover Letter

Format your cover letter correctly.

Our free Queensland Health graduate cover letter template provides a start. Your cover letter should be one A4 page in length, with standard fonts and margins.

Start with a Strong Introduction

Begin with a brief introduction about yourself and why you’re writing. Mention the HHS you’re applying for as a first preference and your interest in it. Your cover letter might be viewed by more than one HHS, and so it’s important to demonstrate some flexibility within this.

Highlight Your Skills and Experience

Discuss your relevant skills, experience, and qualifications. Think about two or three key points from your resume and explain how they make you a great fit for the role. Give examples of your skills or mention how you’ve used them in practical settings.

Showcase Your Enthusiasm

Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the profession and your eagerness to contribute to Qld Health. Explain why you are particularly interested in their graduate program and how you align with their values and goals.

Conclude Confidently

Wrap up your letter by expressing your desire for an interview and noting that your resume is attached. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity and your readiness to bring your skills to their team.

Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered.

Writing a winning cover letter can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our team of experts specialises in writing cover letters tailored to Nursing graduate programs Qld, with extensive experience preparing these letters for applicants and presenting at Queensland nursing forums (including Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union). With our guidance, you can ensure your cover letter meets all the necessary criteria and truly showcases your potential.

Join Queensland Health Webinars for More Insights

To further prepare for your application, consider joining Queensland Health’s upcoming webinars. These sessions offer valuable advice from recruiting managers and insights into the graduate program.

Prepare to Succeed – An Introduction to the Nurse and Midwife Graduate Program

• Format: Teams webinar [40 minutes]
• Date: Wednesday 3 July 2024, 3pm

Graduate Nursing and Midwifery Opportunities for First Nations Applicants

• Date: Thursday 4 July 2024, 3pm

Graduate Nursing Opportunities – Ask Our Panel Anything

• Date: Wednesday 10 July 2024, 3pm

Graduate Midwifery Opportunities – Ask Us Anything

• Date: Thursday 11 July 2024, 3pm

Get in Touch

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to start your career with Queensland Health on the right foot. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

Nicole Wren

Senior Writer

Nicole is the principal resume writer at Resumes to Impress. Nicole loves writing and sharing her knowledge about all things job hunting and career guidance.

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Nursing Graduate Cover Letter

This free sample cover letter for a nursing graduate has an accompanying nursing graduate sample resume to help you put together a winning job application.

Kerri Ingleton 3/67 Spring Street Launceston TAS 7000 M: 0422 222 222 E: [email protected]

Phillip Costa Staff Development Coordinator St Joseph's Hospital 123 Example Street Hobart TAS 7000

Dear Mr Costa

Re: Graduate nurse program

Thanks for your advice over the phone earlier this week. As a new graduate nurse from the University of Tasmania, please accept my application for St Joseph Hospital's new graduate program. I am an enthusiastic candidate with all the skills necessary to join this program and contribute to patient care at the hospital.

During my clinical placements at Launceston General Hospital, Springdale Aged Care Home and North-West Regional Hospital, I learned a range of nursing skills on the job, while also developing the ability to think on my feet and problem-solve. I especially enjoyed my rotation on the emergency ward and hope to one day specialise in this area.

I work well as part of a team, communicate well, and have excellent attention to detail. I strive to offer the best customer service to patients and always ensure safe practice on the job. The deputy director of nursing at Launceston General Hospital was especially impressed with my skills on my placement there and offered me a professional reference.

I received excellent grades at university, including the Florence Nightingale Award for my marks in pharmacology. I achieved high marks in all my subjects and have an excellent academic record (see transcript attached).

I'm eager to find out more about the new graduate program and the employment opportunities at St Joseph's Hospital. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

[sign here]

Kerri Ingleton

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Writing your cover letter.

The cover letter is a document of equal importance to the CV. The cover letter is the first impression the selector will have of the candidate and its negative or positive impact is going to influence his or her further reading of the CV.

A Cover Letter must be very professional, well written, without misspellings. The content directly explains the candidate meets the requirements for the position, emphasising and directing the attention of the selector towards the abilities, skills and knowledge the candidate has proved, with concrete examples based on previous experience or non-work experience (ie. if you have never worked or have been outside the job market for a while).

Note: Please address your cover letter as per the following: To Whom it May Concern.

Why is the cover letter useful?

• Cover letter highlights the difference with the rest of candidates.
• Cover letter has to convince the selector to invite you to an interview.
• Cover letter shows your motivation.
• Cover letter reflects your skills for written communication.

Paragraph 1: present and explain the aim of the cover letter.

Paragraph 2: why you are interested in the company that you are writing to, in this industry and in this particular position.

Paragraph 3: what you contribute (achievements, experience); abilities and capacities that you will use to carry the position’s functions.

The order of paragraphs two and three can vary based on how you want to write the cover letter.

Paragraph 4: invitation to the interview. Be creative when finishing the letter; do not use the expression "I wait for your call". Mention that you can call to arrange an appointment or meeting, not an interview.

Warm goodbye, full name and sign the letter.

Remember to make your cover letter eye-catching; you want the reader to be taken in, read on to your CV and give you an interview. You want to distinguish yourself from the rest! Bearing this in mind, think about your main strength for the position and highlight it from the beginning – don’t let your potential employer read through lots of irrelevant data and miss the good part! Your main strength will be something that isn’t in the requirements for the job – all the other candidates will have these so think outside the box, what else can you bring to the table? Maybe you have worked for a competitor and so can educate your (potential!) new company about the competition they face. 

• Consider the cover letter as a business letter, a professional one.
• Never more than a page for writing a resume cover letter.
• Quality paper, white or very clear (same type and colour of paper that was used to print the resume).
• Brief explanation of what you offer and want, without forgetting that the cover letter must be in accordance with what the company needs.
• Bring (from your CV or resume) only aspects relevant to the position (abilities, capacities, achievements). Do not make a new summary of your resume. Your resume talks about you, your cover letter about the company, the target…
• Use the cover letter to convince, to persuade the reader that you are the most appropriate candidate for the position, that you can perform the functions.
• Show enthusiasm and interest in the company. Write something about the company or industry that shows you know about them.
• Check your spelling, grammar and expressions before approving the letter.
• Use short phrases, concise but with a rich lexicon writing a cover letter. No more than four or five paragraphs.
• Avoid very formal expressions and facts. The cover letter is a measure of what you want to obtain.
• Use action verbs writing a cover letter.
• Do not overuse "I", it can give an egocentric image of the candidate.
• Do not use copies of cover letters or paragraphs previously used for other selection processes. Send an original cover letter to each employer.
• Write a resume cover letter in a creative way, oriented towards the client (the company), be flexible and always willing to work in a team and learn.
• Don’t forget to make your letter stand out and mention something which makes you special; make your potential employer want to go on to read your CV or resume. If you did a special course or have a great qualification, mention it and let yourself shine!

Why write a cover letter instead of sending only the CV?

• Writing a cover letter you are sure that you do not forget important things, excludes misunderstandings and also serves as reminder.
• You can select yours words and context meanings carefully.
• Because of the one-way-communication, you are able to structure your line of reasoning, without interference, thus not only gaining time, but also influencing the other party more effectively in less time.
• People take the written words with more attention than a phone call to introduce your CV, and always not interrupting to other people in their work

Can a cover letter be personal and effective?

Everyone of us must have the experience of receiving letters that could have been written for any person; nothing shows the sender is directing him/herself to you especially. The use of standard phrases leaves the reader (in this case the Human resources manager) to think that they and the company are not important for the person who is writing the cove letter. The can be read with only limited attention.

If you start the cover letter with: “I refer to your advertisement in the ……. where you ask for a ….…..”

The manager will not be surprised and will search for the real start of the letter. You will want him to think from the moment he starts reading, that your letter is worth reading a lot more than all the others: SO, BE ORIGINAL!! Always remember that the letter you write is representing you and you want to be invited for a interview and show that you are the most suitable candidate for the position you are applying.

The letter as an image-builder …

Imaging reading a letter with the following sentences:

In reference to your advertisement of … looking for….

Please, find enclosed…

Thanking you in advance…

I hope to be invited for an interview…

Your cover letter is formal, standard, boring. The text in this kind of cover letters lack character, personality and impact. The overall image will be one of pure routine.

If you learn to be creative, you can change your way of thinking and your creative sentences can be used more than one also. Show in your cover letter something more about you than only the academic background and experience. Show your interest in that company, show the skills you have and you have developed in many professional and personal areas…

Disadvantage of writing a cover letter…

A cover letter lacks intonation, facial expression and posture (body-language). This has to by balanced by the careful selection of words, action verbs and creative writing skills. Try something like this:

Dear Ms. Smith

I am currently a nursing student at …. and will graduate at the end of December this year. I am passionate about nursing and wish to work for a progressive, private health care company such as Ramsay Health Care.

Through my studies, I have achieved a great appreciation and understanding evidence based nursing practice and am an enthusiastic student who is keen to begin a career in nursing.

Before commencing my nursing studies, I worked in the financial sector with Deutsche Bank in advisory services. During this time I consulted and liaised with customers and assisted the CEO with a number of stakeholder objectives providing me with critical and valuable customer service skills, which I believe are second to none. I am keen to transfer my excellent customer service skills to the clinical environment.

Yours sincerely,

Dear Mr. Smith

I am responding to your exciting ad in …….. regarding the Pharmaceutical Representative opportunity. Please regard this letter as my formal application. Enclosed is my CV detailing my extensive education, experience, and background.

I have had over 7 years experience in the sales and marketing field, and 5 years experience as a nurse. I have maintained a number o key contacts in the health care sector and would be keen to use my strong networking skills to help expand your organisations into new market areas.

Throughout my sales and marketing career I won top sales awards, and trained other sales representatives specific sales techniques to increase their sales. I enjoy working with the public, as well, demonstrating products, and educating others in their uses. I believe I would excel in pharmaceutical sales because I truly find sales a challenging and rewarding career. Additionally, my nursing background offers me a competitive advantage in providing a strong clinical background and understanding of products.

I am available for an interview at a mutually convenient time.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely

6 New Grad Nurse Cover Letter Examples + How To Write

Finding your first nursing position after graduation can be a daunting task. Knowing what steps to take to find your dream job will help propel you toward your goal of gainful employment as an RN. Once you have prepared an excellent resume, be aware that you have one final action to take in the application process; that of a persuasive cover letter. You may be unclear about how to write an exceptional cover letter and wonder what are some excellent examples of new grad cover letters? Using a professionally prepared cover letter as a guide is a great way to learn how to compose a top-notch document. Read the following article “6 best new grad nurse cover letter examples + how to write” for recommendations that will help you get started on your best ever nursing cover letter without stress.

What Exactly is a New Grad Nurse Cover Letter?

How is a new grad nurse cover letter different from an experienced nurse cover letter, 4 reasons why an excellent cover letter makes a difference to new grad nurses, 1. nurses are professional-, 2. leads to an interview-, 3. expands on resume-, 4. you may be up against experienced nurses-, what are some excellent examples of new grad nurse cover letters, example #1: cover letter of diane joyner, what makes this an excellent new grad registered nurse cover letter:, example #2: cover letter of jan bock, example #3: cover letter of joan zimmerman, example #4: cover letter of lizzie arndt, what makes this an excellent new grad registered nurse cover letter: new grad nurse cover letter examples, example #5: cover letter of lynn horton, example #6: cover letter of paul linney, how to write an excellent new grad rn cover letter, 1. heading-.

• Your Name and Contact Information • The date • The recipient's name and address

2. Opening Paragraph-

• Your professional credentials (RN or BSN) • Which specific job you are applying for • A few brief points about why you are a great fit • Why you want to work for this particular institution or position

3. Background-

4. qualifications-.

• Specific clinical experience • Other job or volunteer transferable experience • " Soft skills " such as communication, leadership, group experience, compassion, and problem-solving

5. Closing Paragraph and Sign-Off-

6. don't just reiterate your resume-, 7. outshine with your willingness to learn-, 8. detail why you want the job-, 9. showcase your exceptional side-, 10. fashion the letter to the exact position-, 11. show your passion-.

• Adaptability • Ease with technology • Willing to accept change • Eager and positive attitude • Fresh perspective

12. Proof Read-

7 common mistakes to avoid when writing your new grad nurse cover letter, 1. too general-, 2. improper format-, 3. too wordy-, 4. duplicate resume-, 5. not selling yourself to the job-, 6. too informal-, 7. spelling and grammar errors-, 3 consequences of a poorly written new grad rn cover letter, 1. you may not be granted an interview-, 2. you may misrepresent yourself-, 3. compensation and opportunities may be compromised-, my final thoughts, frequently asked questions answered by our expert, 1. what is the difference between new grad nurse cover letter and new grad nurse cv, 2. is a cover letter necessary for a new grad nurse, 3. can i use the same cover letter for all new grad nurse positions i'm applying for, 4. how many cover letters do i need when applying for new grad nurse job positions, 5. can my new grad nurse cover letter expire, 6. my new grad nurse job applications says a cover letter is optional, should i still submit one, 7. do cover letters for new grad nurses have to be long, 8. as a new grad nurse, when should i write my cover letter, 9. what should be included in a new grad nursing cover letter.

• Heading • Salutation • Opening paragraph of who you are and your intentions for which specific job • Background paragraph, where you highlight your education and clinical experience • Qualification paragraph, which is used to “sell” the employer on your qualities and abilities as a nurse • Closing paragraph and sign-off

10. What Should Not Be Included In A New Grad Nursing Cover Letter?

11. how much time does it take to write a cover letter for a new grad nurse, 12. can i ask someone else to write my new grad nurse cover letter, 13. is it a good idea to use ready templates to write my new grad nurse cover letter, 14. are there any online apps or tools that make writing a good cover letter for a new grad nurse easy.

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Nursing Cover Letter Example

In this post, nurse cover letter example.

In this post Show

A sample to use when building your nursing cover letter. Use this example as a base and adapt it to your own needs.

When creating a nursing cover letter, it’s crucial that you tailor it to the role or medical facility you are applying for. You must show your passion and share your goals and visions relative to the company.

Keep your cover letter concise and make sure you highlight your strengths, qualifications, and accomplishments. Each nursing cover letter you write should demonstrate your nursing talents and your own unique set of skills and experience if applicable.

This sample cover letter will cover working in a doctor’s office or healthcare facility. The first paragraph of a professional cover letter will explain why you are a perfect fit for the role and draw on relevant years of experience or related education obtained in the industry throughout the cover letter. Below is an example of a nursing cover letter template for an entry-level nursing position.

Nurse Cover Letter Template

This template is created for entry-level nursing roles. All you need to do is input your own information!

Once you’ve downloaded and edited your cover letter, make sure to save it with a new name (try: <Your name> Cover Letter — <Position you’re applying for>). Then, export the document as a PDF and you’re ready to submit it.

[Today’s Date]

[Your full name] [Your phone number] [Your email] [Your address, city, state, postcode] [Your LinkedIn]

[Hiring Manager’s Name] [Company Address, City, State] [Phone number] [Email address]

Dear [Hiring Manager],

RE: <insert role title> position

I’m writing to you today regarding the entry-level nursing job vacancy on XXXX. I was delighted to see that the role perfectly suits my skillset and nursing education. I am confident that I am already well equipped to rise to the challenge.

I have a XXX degree in nursing and XXX years of work experience as an XXX (nurse position). During that time, I developed the skills to deliver impeccable patient care and a variety of other health care services. I have been trained in XXX, XXX and XXX to monitor patient’s health adequately. While working at XXXX as an XXXX, I was tasked with XXXX and also XXX, which gave me all the necessary nursing skills for this particular role.

As noted on my resume, my competencies and capabilities are firmly in line with the requirements stated in your job description. For instance, while working at XXX in XXXX, I have gained a deep understanding of how to perform medical procedures such as XXX as well as other condition-stabilising interventions. Additionally, I possess excellent communication skills, which help me to interact with patients effectively, family members, physicians, and other health team members.

I look forward to hearing back from you at your earliest convenience and feel free to contact me at any time. I welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss your needs with me in detail.

Yours Sincerely,

[Your Name]

A perfect cover letter will highlight all your relevant skills and qualifications tailored to the nurse job/company a to which you are applying for. Ensure that you proofread your cover letter to avoid grammatical errors to increase your chances of receiving a job interview. Finally, be sure that your nursing resume and nurse cover letter match to ensure transparency in your job application.

The job search and job market can be hard to navigate. However, it is imperative that if you do use cover letter or resume templates, to modify it to suit your own needs – after all, your cover letter is your chance to show them why you’re uniquely suited to the role.

Cover Letters: A Comprehensive Guide [With Templates and Examples]

Learn how to create a polished, professional and personal cover letter that will grab the hiring manager’s attention for all the right reasons.

Read the Guide

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How to Write a New Grad Nurse Cover Letter (With Examples!)

What is a new grad nurse cover letter.

• Cover Letter Benefits
• New Grad Nurse Cover Letter Features
• What to Include

First, congratulations on graduating from nursing school! This is a huge milestone that paves the way for an exciting and fulfilling career in the nursing profession. As you embark on this next chapter, it's time to polish  your new grad nurse resume and craft a captivating new grad nurse cover letter that truly shines.

If you are a recent nursing school graduate, you are in the right place! This article will explain what a new nurse cover letter is, how they are unique from other cover letters, what they should include, and four sample new grad nurse cover letters. 

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A new grad nurse cover letter is the document that will accompany your resume when applying for a nursing position or nurse residency program as a new grad nurse.

It serves as an introduction to the hiring manager and provides an opportunity to highlight your qualifications, skills, and passion for nursing.

Most importantly, cover letters also allow you to make a positive first impression. A well-written cover letter helps grab the hiring manager's attention and makes them interested in reviewing your resume and considering you for the position.

By clicking download, you agree to receive email newsletters and special offers from Nurse.org. You may unsubscribe at any time by using the unsubscribe link, found at the bottom of every email.

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Do You Need a Cover Letter When Applying to Jobs as New Grad Nurse?

The short answer is yes, you do need one! Here are the top 3 reasons why new nurse grad cover letters are an essential component of a job application:

Personalization

A cover letter allows you to customize your application and tailor it to the specific nursing position you are applying for. You can highlight relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications that make you a strong candidate for that particular role.

Showcase Your Qualifications

A cover letter provides an opportunity to expand on the information provided in your resume. 

You can elaborate on your educational background, clinical experiences, and any specialized training or certifications you have obtained. This helps the hiring manager understand your qualifications in more detail.

Express Your Passion For Nursing

A cover letter allows you to convey your passion for nursing and express why you are motivated to pursue a career in this field. It helps the hiring manager gauge your enthusiasm and commitment to the profession.

Stand Out From Your Competition

A cover letter gives you the opportunity to differentiate yourself from other candidates. By highlighting your unique experiences, skills, and qualifications, you can make a compelling case for why you are the best fit for the position.

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How is a New Grad Nurse Cover Letter Unique from Other Cover Letters?

A new grad nurse cover letter is different from other cover letters because the context is very specific to newly graduated nurses entering the workforce. Here are some unique aspects:

Nursing Education

As a new graduate nurse, your educational background is a critical component of your qualifications. 

Your cover letter will likely place significant emphasis on your nursing education, including the nursing program you completed, and any relevant coursework or clinical rotations. 

If you graduated with honors, this is a great place to emphasize it!

Limited Professional Experience Compared to Experienced RNs

Unlike experienced nurses, new grad nurses have limited professional experience. Therefore, the focus of your cover letter will often be on your clinical experiences during your nursing program, including any internships, externships, or practical training. 

You can highlight the skills, knowledge, and achievements gained during these experiences to demonstrate your readiness for the job.

Demonstrate Enthusiasm and Eagerness to Learn

As a new graduate, employers understand that you are entering the nursing field with a strong foundation of theoretical knowledge but limited practical experience. 

Your cover letter should convey your enthusiasm for learning and your eagerness to grow as a nurse. You can express your commitment to ongoing professional development, continuing education, and embracing mentorship opportunities.

What Should You Include in a New Grad Nurse Cover Letter?

When crafting a New Grad Nurse Cover Letter, you should include the following sections, each serving a specific purpose:

1. Personal and Contact Information

Include your full name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the cover letter. This information allows the hiring manager to easily reach out to you.

2. Greeting

Address the cover letter to the hiring manager or the person responsible for reviewing applications. 

If the job posting does not mention a specific name, you can address it as "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Name of the Healthcare Organization] Hiring Team."

To find the appropriate contact information, you can search the organization's website and LinkedIn profiles of employees, or consider making a phone call to the organization's human resources department.

3. Opening Paragraph

In the opening paragraph, introduce yourself as a recent nursing graduate and express your interest in the specific nursing position you are applying for. 

Mention how you learned about the job opening, whether through a job posting, referral, or research on the organization.

4. Middle Paragraph(s):

In the middle paragraph(s), elaborate on your qualifications, skills, and experiences. 

Highlight your nursing education, including the name of the nursing program, the degree obtained, and the date of graduation. Mention any honors, awards, or notable achievements during your studies.

Discuss your clinical experiences, such as internships or practical training, and emphasize the types of patients you worked with, the skills you gained, and any noteworthy contributions or accomplishments.

Additionally, highlight any relevant transferable skills from other experiences, such as leadership roles, volunteer work, or part-time jobs. These skills can include communication, teamwork, critical thinking, organization, and problem-solving.

5. Closing Paragraph

In the closing paragraph, reiterate your interest in the position and express gratitude for the opportunity to apply. 

Emphasize your enthusiasm for further discussing your qualifications in an interview. 

You can mention that you are open to providing any additional information or references upon request.

6. Sign Off

End the cover letter with a professional sign-off, such as "Sincerely," followed by your full name. 

Leave space for your handwritten signature if you are submitting a physical copy of the letter.

Nursing Cover Letter Tips for New Grads

Remember to keep your cover letter concise and focused, typically no longer than one page. 

Customize it for each job application, aligning your qualifications and experiences with the specific requirements of the position.

 Proofread the letter carefully to ensure it is free from errors and presents a professional image.

4 Nurse Cover Letter Examples for New Grads 

Here are four nurse cover letter examples tailored to different scenarios for new grad nurses:

Example #1: New Grad Nurse Applying to a Med Surg Unit

Dear (Recipient's Name),

I am writing to express my strong interest in the New Grad Nurse position within the Medical-Surgical Unit at (Healthcare Organization). As a recent graduate of (Nursing Program) with a passion for patient care and a solid foundation in medical-surgical nursing, I am excited to contribute to your dedicated team.

During my nursing education at (Nursing Program), I developed a comprehensive understanding of medical-surgical nursing principles and gained valuable clinical experience. I successfully completed rotations in diverse healthcare settings, including medical-surgical units, where I had the opportunity to care for patients with a wide range of conditions and diagnoses. My clinical experiences helped equip me with strong assessment skills, the ability to administer medications safely, and effective communication with interdisciplinary teams.

I am confident in my ability to provide exceptional care to patients in the Medical-Surgical Unit at (Healthcare Organization). I am committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care and ensuring the highest standard of safety and quality.

I am impressed by (healthcare Organization’s) reputation for excellence in medical-surgical care and your commitment to fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. I am eager to join your team and contribute to the delivery of outstanding patient outcomes.

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and passion for medical-surgical nursing align with the needs of (Healthcare Organization) in an interview. Please find my attached resume for your review. I look forward to hearing from you.

(Your Full Name)

Example #2: New Grad Nurse Applying to a Labor and Delivery Unit

I am thrilled to apply for the New Grad Nurse position within the Labor and Delivery Unit at (Healthcare Organization). As a recent graduate of (Nursing Program), I am excited to embark on a fulfilling career in maternal-child health and contribute to the exceptional care provided by your renowned department.

Throughout my nursing education, I developed a strong passion for women's health and had the privilege of completing a clinical rotation in the Labor and Delivery Unit at (Hospital Name). This experience provided me with hands-on exposure to the full spectrum of obstetric care, including antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum stages. I gained valuable skills in fetal monitoring, assisting with labor and delivery, conducting newborn assessments, and providing breastfeeding support.

My dedication to providing compassionate care to women and their families is unwavering. I possess excellent communication skills, which allow me to establish trusting relationships with patients, address their concerns, and provide education during pivotal moments. I am confident in my ability to promote a safe and nurturing environment for both mothers and infants, ensuring positive birth experiences and healthy outcomes.

The commitment to excellence and family-centered care at (Healthcare Organization) aligns perfectly with my professional values. Joining your Labor and Delivery Unit would allow me to contribute my knowledge and skills while continuously growing and learning as a nurse.

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to discuss further how my passion for maternal-child health and my dedication to providing exceptional care align with the needs of (Healthcare Organization). Please find my attached resume for your review. I look forward to the possibility of an interview.

Example #3: New Grad Nurse Applying to the ICU

I am writing to express my interest in the New Grad Nurse position within the Intensive Care Unit at (Healthcare Organization). As a recent graduate of (Nursing Program), I am eager to embark on a challenging and rewarding career in critical care nursing and contribute to your esteemed department's mission of providing exceptional patient care.

During my nursing education, I had the privilege of completing a clinical rotation in the ICU at (Hospital Name). This invaluable experience exposed me to a wide array of critical care scenarios, including postoperative care, respiratory distress, and cardiovascular emergencies. I developed strong assessment skills and honed my ability to monitor and interpret vital signs.

My passion for critical care nursing is fueled by a commitment to deliver exemplary patient outcomes. I thrive in high-pressure situations, utilizing critical thinking and effective communication to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and ensure prompt and precise interventions. I am eager to learn and become more proficient in advanced life support techniques, medication administration, and ventilator management to provide compassionate and evidence-based care to critically ill patients.

(Healthcare Organization)'s reputation for excellence in critical care and commitment to advancing patient care aligns perfectly with my professional aspirations. I am impressed by the innovative practices and ongoing professional development opportunities available within your organization. 

Thank you for considering my application. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my dedication, clinical competencies, and enthusiasm for critical care align with the needs of (Healthcare Organization). Please find my attached resume for your review. I am excited about the possibility of an interview and look forward to hearing from you.

Example #4: New Grad Nurse Applying to an Oncology Unit

I am writing to express my sincere interest in the New Grad Nurse Program within the Oncology Unit at (Healthcare Organization). As a recent graduate of (Nursing Program) with a strong passion for oncology nursing, I am eager to contribute to your dedicated team and provide compassionate care to individuals and families impacted by cancer.

Throughout my nursing education, I was deeply inspired by the strength and resilience of oncology patients I encountered during my clinical rotations. I gained exposure to various aspects of oncology care, including chemotherapy administration, symptom management, patient education, and palliative care. 

I am committed to providing holistic support to patients throughout their cancer journey. I possess excellent communication skills, enabling me to establish trusting relationships, listen attentively to patients' concerns, and provide emotional support. I am dedicated to staying updated on advancements in oncology treatments and nursing interventions to ensure the highest standard of care.

(Healthcare Organization)'s reputation as a leading provider of oncology services, along with your comprehensive and patient-focused approach aligns with my professional goals. Participating in your New Grad Nurse Program would provide an ideal platform to enhance my skills, expand my knowledge, and contribute to the well-being of oncology patients.

Thank you for considering my application. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my passion for oncology nursing, and dedication to patient care. Please find my attached resume for your review. I am excited about the possibility of an interview and look forward to hearing from you.

A well-crafted new grad nurse cover letter is a valuable tool for showcasing your qualifications, skills, and passion for nursing. It allows you to personalize your application and stand out from other candidates, despite limited professional experience. 

By highlighting your education, clinical experiences, transferable skills, and career goals, you can highlight your readiness and commitment to excel as a new graduate nurse.

Remember, landing your first nursing position may take time and perseverance. But with a well-crafted cover letter, a compelling resume, and a great attitude, you will land your first nursing job. Good luck in your job search as you embark on this fulfilling and rewarding journey as a new grad nurse!

Sarah Jividen , RN, BSN, is a trained neuro/trauma and emergency room nurse turned freelance healthcare writer/editor. As a journalism major, she combined her love for writing with her passion for high-level patient care. Sarah is the creator of Health Writing Solutions , LLC, specializing in writing about healthcare topics, including health journalism, education, and evidence-based health and wellness trends. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two children. 

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How to Write the Perfect Nurses Cover Letter

You’ve spent days – maybe weeks or months – finding the right job for you. The position that you feel you’ll excel in, one that will enable you to showcase your skills and thrive, learn and develop, grow and shine.

You come to write your nursing cover letter and freeze – how do you encompass all your enthusiasm, your love for the job? How do you write a nurses cover letter that will see you in front of the interview panel, giving them the reasons why you should be given the job?

Here are some tips that will help you write the perfect cover letter that will help you pin down an interview:

• The entire nursing cover letter should only be a page or two long – a page is best – and be set out correctly.
• Templates are available online; it might seem trivial, but it’s still important. You can find some great templates at Resume Genius .
• Sometimes “old school” is better and setting out your cover letter correctly will catch the eye of the person deciding whether you’ll be interviewed or not. Keep it brief but informative. The reader should be interested and want to find out more, but you can still be rejected at this stage even if your letter is interesting.
• Remember nursing is about procedures and protocols, and if you try something new and contemporary you might not be successful.
• Your nursing cover letter should identify the position you’re applying for (and, if you wish, where you saw it advertised).
• Include the date, and be sure to end with a call-to-arms: “please feel free to contact me on my listed mobile number, if you have any questions. I am looking forward to your call” lets the reader know you’re not only available, but expecting their call.
• The perfect nurses cover letter should address the criteria laid out in the job advertisement – if the actual advertisement does not list a set of criteria, then it might be best to call the department or person responsible and obtain these.
• The criteria enables the selection of the most appropriate people to interview. It serves as a weeding-out process, so no matter how silly or trivial you think a part of the criteria is, make sure you do it 100% correctly.
• Address the criteria individually, in point-form if you wish, but keep it brief. A small example of how you fulfil the criteria is perfect and will able you to expand on them when you get to interview.

A great nursing cover letter will not get you a job, but it will get you an interview so the panel will see you’re the best person for the position. If you are currently in the process of looking for your next career opportunity, please browse our selection of nursing jobs .