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Registered Nurse Cover Letter Example & Writing Guide

Craft a professional registered nurse cover letter with our detailed example. Learn how to highlight clinical skills, certifications, and patient care experience to land your next nursing role.

Hiring-Manager Approved Expert-Written Updated 2026

Registered Nurse Cover Letter Example

Here's a professional registered nurse cover letter example you can use as a reference. Customize it with your own experience, achievements, and the specific company details.

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am writing to apply for the Registered Nurse position at [Company Name]. As a dedicated RN with six years of experience in medical-surgical and emergency department nursing, I bring a strong foundation in patient-centered care, clinical assessment, and interdisciplinary teamwork that aligns perfectly with your unit's mission.

At my current hospital, I manage a caseload of 10–12 patients per shift in a fast-paced 50-bed medical-surgical unit. I have consistently maintained patient satisfaction scores above 95% and was recognized as Nurse of the Quarter for implementing a bedside shift report protocol that reduced communication errors by 28%. I am ACLS, BLS, and PALS certified, and I have extensive experience with Epic EHR documentation and medication administration using barcode scanning technology.

I am drawn to [Company Name] because of your Magnet designation and your commitment to evidence-based nursing practice. I am eager to contribute to a culture that values professional development and collaborative patient care. My experience in high-acuity settings has sharpened my critical thinking and ability to remain composed during emergencies, which I know are qualities your team values.

I would love the opportunity to bring my clinical expertise and compassionate care philosophy to [Company Name]. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to schedule an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Key Phrases for a Registered Nurse Cover Letter

Include these powerful phrases in your registered nurse cover letter to demonstrate expertise and make an impression on hiring managers:

patient-centered careclinical assessmentinterdisciplinary teamworkevidence-based nursing practicemedication administrationcritical thinkingMagnet designation

Pro Tip: Don't just list these phrases—weave them naturally into your cover letter to show genuine expertise. Hiring managers can spot keyword stuffing.

Expert Tips for Your Registered Nurse Cover Letter

1

Highlight your certifications (ACLS, BLS, PALS) prominently

2

Mention specific EHR systems you've used, such as Epic or Cerner

3

Quantify patient loads, satisfaction scores, and quality improvements

4

Show familiarity with the hospital's values, accreditations, or specialties

5

Emphasize both technical nursing skills and compassion

Do's & Don'ts

Do's

  • Reference your nursing license and certifications early
  • Include patient satisfaction or quality metric improvements
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the facility and its patient population
  • Mention continuing education or specialty training

Don'ts

  • Don't use overly clinical jargon that non-nurse recruiters may not understand
  • Don't leave out certifications—they are essential for nursing roles
  • Don't be vague about your unit or patient population experience
  • Don't forget to mention your state licensure if applying out of state

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a nursing cover letter emphasize?

Focus on your clinical experience, patient care philosophy, certifications, and any measurable improvements you've driven (e.g., patient satisfaction, infection rates). Tailor your letter to the specific unit or specialty.

How do I address a cover letter to a hospital?

If possible, address it to the nurse manager or hiring manager by name. If the name isn't available, 'Dear Hiring Manager' or 'Dear Nurse Recruitment Team' are appropriate alternatives.

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