Whether you’re taking care of patients and families or advocating for their needs, one thing’s for certain: nurses are healthcare heroes. At CVapp.ie, we believe in making high-quality, professional career resources accessible to everyone. We’re proud to support our healthcare professionals, and with our special cover letter writing guide, we aim to help you find your next nursing role in no time with a job-winning cover letter.
Generally speaking, every great cover letter contains the following elements:
Without further ado, let’s begin with the first essential element: the cover letter header!
The main purpose of your cover letter header is to enable employers to get in touch with you. Headers should contain your full name, contact information (such as your phone number and email address) and any links to professional networks or websites if you wish to include them. It’s important that your header is formatted neatly and professionally, and with our CVapp.ie cover letter templates, we’ve got something for everybody. Once you’ve chosen a design template you like, simply input your information and you’re on your way to completing a job-winning cover letter. Winning!
While it may seem like a boring or insignificant detail, cover letter greetings can radically improve or harm your chances of getting the nursing role you’re applying for. It’s best to use a professional, polite and personalised greeting, such as “Dear Mr. McMahon,” or “Dear Ms. Gallagher.” Be sure to double-check the spelling and ensure you have the correct name and title of the person you're addressing. If you don’t know the name of your employer, simply addressing your cover letter to “Dear Company Name,” is fine, too!
Dear Mrs. King,
The main goal of an introduction is to pique the interest of employers and leave them eager to learn more about you. Well-crafted introductions are tailored to the requirements of the job description, which means it’s essential to read over the job description a few times so you have a great understanding of what employers are looking for. In this section, you can briefly expand upon details about your professional background that highlight why you’re an ideal candidate for the role. How many years have you practised nursing? What do you specialise in? Do you have any significant certifications or qualifications that can help you stand out from the sea of other candidates? Be sure to use actionable, appropriate language that helps you convey your professional potential.
In my opinion, being a nurse is one of the most rewarding career pathways possible. As a recent graduate, I am excited to apply for a nursing role with St. Jude Children's Hospital. Helping to heal, comfort and nurture patients is an honour, and making a difference in the lives of children has always been a passion of mine. Thank you for your time and consideration.
While the introduction and conclusion help give your cover letter structure, the body paragraphs add overall substance to your cover letter. Without body paragraphs, a compelling cover letter simply isn’t possible! In this section, prioritise highlighting key details about your nursing career and any qualifications that would allow you to add value to the institution you’re applying for. It’s not always possible to include every single detail (employers would get overwhelmed anyway!) so stick to just including the most significant details. You can share examples from your career that convey your professional strengths, any outstanding achievements, or elaborate on any existing specialisations you may have. If possible, always try to use numbers, facts or figures to support your claims and demonstrate your impact.
I possess a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University College Dublin and I am fully registered with An Bord Altranais. In addition to my qualifications, I am proud to have excellent interpersonal skills, teamwork skills and communication skills. It is imperative that patients are treated with empathy, sensitivity, compassion and understanding at all times.
As a young student at University College, I had the privilege of interning at St. Jude Children's Hospital. I will never forget the compassion and duty to care of the staff, and have longed to work at the hospital in a nursing capacity ever since. On a technical level, I am adept at administering medication, completing diagnostic health tests and assessments, and providing emotional support and counselling to families and patients. I also have strong collaboration skills, ensuring that patients have access to whatever resources and support may be necessary.
To finish your cover letter off strong, you’ll need an impactful and engaging conclusion. To achieve this, it’s best to summarise any key points that help illustrate your value as a nursing professional. It’s important that this summary is kept brief and that you don’t add any new points: this can confuse or overwhelm employers. It’s also essential to thank the recipient for their time and consideration. Before you end your conclusion, be sure to include a call-to-action statement. Call-to-action statements prompt employers to reach out to you in the near future. For example: I’d love to discuss this opportunity with you. Would you be available to connect next week? Overall, conclusions should be concise yet convincing. Call-to-action statements are a great way to assert your enthusiasm and confidence!
Lastly, you can end with an appropriate, professional and polite sign-off, such as “yours sincerely,” “best wishes” or “kind regards.” Congratulations, you’ve just finished your first CV with CVapp.ie!
If you have any questions, please do not hestiate to let me know. I have attached my contact details and I would love to connect with you at your earliest convenience to discuss this role further.
Best wishes,
Clara Whelan
CVapp.ie is here to support your professional growth throughout all stages of your career. Be sure to check out the CVapp.ie website and blog for more career tools and resources. Good luck, we believe in your greatness!