Even in an in-demand field like nursing, landing that first job can feel overwhelming for a new graduate nurse. But here’s a tip: A well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference. A good cover letter for a new graduate nurse is your chance to introduce yourself, highlight your skills, and explain why you’re the perfect fit for the position.
Here’s a guide to writing an effective new graduate nurse cover letter, along with five sample cover letters to inspire you no matter what field you are entering.
How To Write a Nursing Cover Letter as a New Graduate
Don’t know where to start? First, the basics:
- Start With a Strong Opening: Begin your cover letter with a professional greeting and a strong opening paragraph that captures the reader's attention. Mention the position you’re applying for and where you found the job listing.
- Highlight Your Education and Clinical Experience: As a new graduate, your education and clinical rotations are your strongest assets. Mention specific clinical experiences and skills you gained during your nursing program that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
- Show Enthusiasm and Passion: Employers want to see your passion for nursing. Share why you chose this career path and what excites you about the opportunity.
- Tailor Your Letter to the Job: Customize your cover letter for each job application. Highlight the skills and experiences that align with the specific requirements of the position.
- End With a Strong Closing: Conclude your cover letter with a call to action, such as requesting an interview. Thank the employer for their time and consideration.
Tips for Writing Effective Cover Letters
Every cover letter is different, but the best new graduate nurse cover letter examples generally include these guidelines:
- Keep it Concise: It doesn’t have to be a novel. Aim for a one-page cover letter. Be clear and to the point.
- Use a Professional Tone: Maintain a professional tone throughout the letter, but don’t be too cold — let your personality shine through!
- Proofread: Make sure your cover letter is free of spelling and grammatical errors. Consider asking a friend or mentor to review it.
- Include Keywords: Include relevant keywords from the job posting to demonstrate that you’re a good match for the position.
- Be Honest: Be truthful about your skills and experiences. Honesty builds trust with potential employers.
5 Effective New Graduate Nurse Cover Letter Examples
Here are five great new graduate nurse cover letter examples that can be a strong starting point to help boost your resume with prospective employers:
Cover Letter Example 1: General Nurse Position
New graduate nurses generally start in entry-level positions, including floor nursing at hospitals, clinics, home health, and assisted living facilities. This first new graduate nurse cover letter example can be tailored to fit a wide range of entry-level nursing positions you may be applying for.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Employer’s Name]
[Organization Name]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the Nurse position at [Employer], as advertised on [Job Board/Website]. As a recent graduate from [Your Nursing School] with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and dedication to your esteemed team.
During my clinical rotations and preceptorship, I gained hands-on experience in various settings, including the [Unit] at [Facility Name]. I developed strong clinical skills, including patient assessment, medication administration, and wound care. My ability to communicate effectively with patients and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams has prepared me well for this role.
I am particularly drawn to [Employer] because of your commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. I am eager to contribute to your team and learn from your experienced staff. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and certifications will be a perfect fit for your unit.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Cover Letter Example 2: Pediatric Nurse Position
If you love helping younger people and know how to build rapport with children and families, pediatric nursing is a great fit for new nurses. Here’s an effective new graduate nurse cover letter example for a pediatric nursing position.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Employer’s Name]
[Facility/Agency Name]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am thrilled to apply for the Pediatric Nurse position at [Employer Name], which I found on [Job Board/Website]. I recently graduated from [Your Nursing School] with an Associate of Science in Nursing and completed my pediatric clinical rotation at [Pediatric Hospital/Clinic/Provider Name], where I discovered my passion for working with children and their families.
In my pediatric rotation and preceptorship, I honed my skills in pediatric assessments, administering vaccinations, and providing emotional support to young people and their families. I have a strong understanding of child development and the unique needs of pediatric patients. My compassionate approach and excellent communication skills enable me to build rapport with children and their parents quickly.
I am particularly impressed by [Employer]’s reputation for excellence in pediatric care and your innovative approach to treatment. I am excited about the opportunity to join your team and contribute to the well-being of your patients. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to your esteemed institution.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Cover Letter Example 3: Critical Care Nurse Position
Critical care nursing takes a special breed of nurse, but it is also always in demand. If you’re a graduate interested in pursuing this intense but rewarding specialty, this new graduate nurse cover letter example is for you.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Employer’s Name]
[Hospital/Clinic Name]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am writing to apply for the Critical Care Nurse position at [Employer Name], as advertised on [Job Board/Website]. I recently graduated from [Your Nursing School] with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and have completed my clinical rotation in the ICU at [Provider Name], where I developed a strong interest in critical care nursing.
During my ICU rotation, I gained experience managing patients with critical care needs, performing advanced patient assessments, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement care plans. I have demonstrated the ability to remain calm under pressure and provide high-quality care in fast-paced environments.
I am excited about the opportunity to work at [Employer Name] because of your commitment to innovation and excellence in critical care. I am eager to bring my skills, enthusiasm, and dedication to your team. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background and skills align with the needs of your unit.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Cover Letter Example 4: Pediatric Clinic Nurse Position
Nothing compares with helping children safely navigate the world, and many new nurses pursue a pediatric clinic position for this reason. This new graduate nurse cover letter example can help if that applies to you.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Employer’s Name]
[Hospital/Clinic Name]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am excited to apply for the Pediatric Clinic Nurse position at [Employer Name], as advertised on [Job Board/Website]. I recently graduated from [Your Nursing School] with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and completed a clinical rotation in the pedatric unit at [Hospital/Clinic Name], where I developed a strong passion for pediatric care.
During my pediatric rotation, I gained hands-on experience assisting with infant care and educating new parents. I have a strong understanding of the unique needs of growing children. My compassionate approach and excellent communication skills enable me to provide supportive and high-quality care to children and their families.
I am particularly impressed by [Employer Name]’s dedication to providing a safe and supportive environment for young children. I am eager to join your team and contribute to the positive medical experiences of your patients. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background and skills align with the needs of your pediatric unit.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Cover Letter Example 5: Home Health Nurse Position
Home health, including pediatric home health nursing, is a rapidly growing nursing specialty that can offer new nurses flexibility, independence, and the ability to provide highly personalized care. What’s more, it’s an in-demand field that is attracting many recent nursing school graduates. Here is a new graduate nurse cover letter example for anyone who sees home health nursing as a good fit.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Employer’s Name]
[Provider/Home Health Agency Name]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am writing to apply for the Home Health Nurse position at [Employer Name], as advertised on [Job Board/Website]. I recently graduated from [Your Nursing School] with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and have gained valuable experience during my clinical rotations, including a community health rotation that solidified my interest in home health care.
During my community health rotation, I provided in-home care to patients with chronic conditions, conducted health assessments, administered medications, and educated patients and their families on disease management and prevention. I have developed strong organizational and time management skills, which are essential for managing multiple patients in a home health setting. My ability to work independently and build rapport with patients and their families has prepared me well for this role.
I am particularly impressed by [Employer Name]’s dedication to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to clients in their homes. I am excited about the opportunity to join your team and contribute to the well-being of your clients. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my background and skills align with your agency's needs.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
An Effective New Graduate Nurse Cover Letter Can Make a Huge Difference
Writing a strong cover letter as a new graduate can set you apart from other candidates and help you land your first nursing job. Use these tips and sample cover letters as a guide to create your own personalized and compelling cover letter.
At Care Options for Kids, we want to attract the best people who are excited about changing lives and providing the highest-quality care. For new nurses, we provide unparalleled support, including a 24/7 line that nurses can call for any level of assistance. We also share knowledge, insights, and guidance with less experienced nurses and mentor new nursing grads one-on-one with experienced pediatric care professionals.
Good luck, and happy job hunting!
Join the Care Options For Kids Team!
Are you ready for meaningful work that comes with benefits and not burnout? Join the compassionate care team that helps children and families live their best lives. Our clinicians provide best-in-class pediatric nursing, therapy, and school-based services. We bring individualized care to children where they live, work, and play. We have opportunities in homes, schools, and clinics across the country.
Apply at Care Options for Kids now. We make it easy to start so you can make a difference as soon as possible.
