6 New Grad Nurse Cover Letter Examples + How To Write

This article is on New Grad Nurse Cover Letter Examples. 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.

After you have written a stellar resume, remember that there is still one more step in the application process: writing an engaging cover letter. You might be wondering what are some outstanding samples of cover letters for recent graduates because you’re not sure how to write an amazing one. One of the best ways to learn how to write an excellent cover letter is to use one that has been professionally prepared as a model. To begin writing your best-ever nursing cover letter without stress, read the following article: “6 best new grad nurse cover letter examples + how to write.”

What Exactly Is A New Grad Nurse Cover Letter?

A recent RN graduate’s resume is sent with a brief letter titled “new grad nurse cover letter.” This group includes registered nurses (RNs) without prior nursing experience.

An essential component of any nursing job application is a cover letter. It highlights your strengths and establishes a more personal connection with the prospective employer. Since you have no prior experience working as a nurse, this letter is extremely important for a newly graduated nurse. To proceed to the next stage of landing your first nursing job, you will therefore need to present yourself as strongly as possible on paper.; the nursing interview.

How Is A New Grad Nurse Cover Letter Different From An Experienced Nurse Cover Letter?

There is one key distinction between a cover letter for a new graduate nurse and one for an experienced nurse, despite the fact that both include many similar elements like credentials and relevant experience. An RN with nursing experience will include relevant work history in a cover letter. RNs with no prior nursing experience are fresh out of school. In order to prove they have what it takes to be qualified for the role, recent graduates should emphasize their pertinent clinical experience.

Upon completing my BSN program, I remember feeling unqualified to apply for a “real” nursing position. Despite having outstanding preceptors and clinical experiences, I was aware that I might face competition from more experienced nurses for the same pediatric nurse position. I was certain that in order to persuade the reader to take a chance and schedule an interview with me, I had to write a passionate cover letter to accompany my resume. I decided to highlight my exceptional clinical experience in pediatrics as well as my experience working with children. This deliberate strategy must have paid off because shortly after graduation I received an interview and a job offer.

4 Reasons Why An Excellent Cover Letter Makes a Difference To New Grad Nurses

A top-notch cover letter is customary in the nursing industry. Here are a few reasons why.

1. Nurses are professional-

As a BSN student, one of the primary themes I learned was the importance of always representing oneself professionally. Our instructors instilled in us the importance of always maintaining our vigilance and delivering our best work when on the job. We were to be nurses and BSN students who were proud to be leaders. Our prospective employers will hold us to a higher standard than they would a non-professional nurse. For educated people, a well-written cover letter for a new graduate nurse position is standard.

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2. Leads to an interview-

The main reason to develop an excellent new grad RN cover letter is to lead to an interview as the end result. By capturing the attention of a potential employer through an impressive and appealing cover letter, you will hopefully sway the reader to want to meet you for a formal interview.

3. Expands on resume-

You should probably include some important details in your new graduate nurse cover letter that aren’t on your resume. Your cover letter is an excellent opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and to provide information relevant to the job or hospital that will emphasize your qualifications even more.

As a new grad, I was recently married, and we were moving to a small town so that my husband could return as a student at the local university. Unfortunately, this locale had only one hospital in the area. There was no shortage of nurses at that time, so my choices as an RN were limited. Physician office and home health jobs were generally reserved for nurses with experience, so I was worried that I might not find employment. My new grad nurse cover letter to the hospital administrator had to impress, as it was my only shot for work in the area. I painted a picture of my professional standards, desire to live in the region, and the fresh and current nursing trends that I could bring to the position. To my relief, they hired me.

4. You may be up against experienced nurses-

When nurses with more experience than you are among the pool of applicants, you will need to find a way to improve your chances of getting hired. There’s a good chance that, as a recent graduate, you will face experienced nurse candidates. With a new graduate registered nurse cover letter that highlights your transferable skills and eagerness to learn, you might be able to persuade an employer that you are worth the chance.

WHAT ARE SOME EXCELLENT EXAMPLES OF NEW GRAD NURSE COVER LETTERS?

(Below are 6 excellent new graduate nurse cover letter examples that will work for you in 2023.)

HOW TO WRITE AN EXCELLENT NEW GRAD RN COVER LETTER?

Adhering to a template and the 12 steps listed below will simplify the writing of your new graduate nurse cover letter. It is recommended to approach resume writing in divided steps to make the task less daunting. First, write a rough draft, letting your ideas flow. Then follow these 12 tips step-by-step to perfect your polished resume that will stand out in 2023.

1. Heading-

Follow a professional business letter format for your new grad nurse cover letter. That includes utilizing basic fonts such as Calibri or Arial in 10–12-point font size. The most common size is 12 point, but depending on the length of your letter, you can choose 10 or 11 size to make the content fit the page.

With that in mind, begin your letter with the heading portion. At the top of your cover letter, list the following heading information:

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

Then start the content of your letter with a standard formal greeting utilizing a professional title such as Mr. or Ms. There is no need to write the first name. Simply add the last name, such as Mr. Green or Dr. Jones. You must find out the person’s name who will be reading the letter and address that individual specifically. “Dear Sir”, will not bode well in a professional cover letter. For example, Dear Mr. Brown is the proper greeting.

2. Opening Paragraph-

The opening paragraph is a brief synopsis of who you are professionally and your intentions for a particular job. This portion of a new grad RN cover letter should consist of approximately 3-4 sentences. Keep it concise, but try incorporating some personality and enthusiasm into your opening paragraph. The point is to grab the attention of the reader.

Items to include in the first paragraph are:

• 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-

Here is where you pick and choose which of your clinical and other related experiences will best fit your desired job. For example, if applying for a psych position, highlight your training in mental health and any personality traits that you possess that will augment your psychiatric nurse persona. Words like empathy, excellent listening and communication skills, and a non-judgmental attitude denote that you have some essential traits of a good mental health nurse.

For this section, don’t forget to look beyond the obvious and see if you have any transferable experience in addition to the background that you gained in nursing school. Besides your psychiatric clinical rotation, where else did you pick up some techniques and skills that could cross over into the psych nursing realm? Consider volunteer experience where you may have worked with an underserved or senior population where you can point out that many suffered from depression or other psychiatric disorders. Then continue this stream of thought to demonstrate further how you communicated effectively with this particular sub-group.

4. Qualifications-

The 3rd paragraph of your new graduate nurse cover letter needs to sell why you are qualified for the position. Achieve this by shaping your content for the job. By highlighting new and fresh techniques in the field, you can jump ahead of seasoned nurses who may not bring this essential element to the table. Specifically, include computer skills, the most current theories, and technology and innovation that you are adept at to excite the reader that your contributions can modernize nursing practice.

Other qualifications in this essential paragraph can be:

• 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-

Now that you have hopefully sold yourself as the most promising candidate for the job, it is time to finish your new grad registered nurse cover letter with a strong closing. This last paragraph wraps up why you can confidently say that you are the best applicant. Then thank the reader for their time and express eagerness to talk soon, discuss the position further, and expand on qualifications. Once again, provide a phone number to contact you for an interview.

This section is typically 3-4 sentences. You can break it into more than one paragraph for emphasis if you desire.

End the letter with your sign-off. Your closing salutation is simply the word “sincerely” or “regards” with your full name below it. If it is a hand-written letter, leave a line for your signature, with your name typewritten below it. The recommendation is not to include your credentials after your signature in this section.

6. Don’t Just Reiterate Your Resume-

A cover letter is not the same as a resume. So don’t bore your reader with a rendition of your resume posing as a cover letter. Typically, an employer spends less than a minute on both your cover letter and resume, so use their time wisely by utilizing your letter to provide new and compelling facts to impress. You can use some of the same highlights from your resume but with a different, more personal slant that is an expansion of information.

For example, a new grad RN applying for a job in the ER can expand on her critical care experience as a student. Phrases like “good under pressure” and “thrive in a busy environment” will augment the straight facts presented in her resume. The goal is to make your best nursing qualities come to life on paper.

7. Outshine with Your Willingness to Learn-

What you don’t have in actual nursing experience can be counteracted with enthusiasm and the ability and willingness to learn new skills. Emphasizing that you are a quick learner and enjoy acquiring new knowledge and skills will outshine some experienced nurses who may be less agreeable to venturing outside their comfort zone.

I have seen this exact same scenario over the years when a new grad nurse was awarded a position over a well-qualified and seasoned nurse. What seemed to be an unwise move on the surface (hiring a new grad RN), turned out to be a perfect choice in the long run. The young nurse proved that she could catch on quickly to concepts and job duties. Her current knowledge of computers and technology was highly skilled and appreciated by the older staff. In addition, a young nurse can bring enthusiasm and passion to a job which is a breath of fresh air that is needed many times in nursing.

8. Detail Why You Want the Job-

If you are excited about the prospect of working as a nurse, put it into words in your new grad nurse cover letter. Someone who is lackluster on paper about the position will not excite the employer compared to an enthusiastic nurse who exudes eagerness about the hospital, area, job, profession, and specialty in the cover letter.

You can use words like thrilled, excited, and passionate to augment your appeal that you are an excellent choice for the job. Then make your case as to why you are so eager to work in this particular position.

9. Showcase Your Exceptional Side-

You are a unique person with many interesting facets and abilities. You possess nursing skills and positive attributes bubbling just below the surface that will form you into a quality nurse. Help your future employer see all you have to offer by highlighting the exceptional characteristics that will make you stand out in the profession.

You don’t have to be a star student to be an outstanding nurse, but if you are, it might behoove you to utilize words such as intelligent, top performer, and exceptional achiever. However, many nurses may not fit this category and are just as likely to achieve nursing success. Employers are aware of this and look for other non-academic characteristics in future nurses. Traits such as compassion, organization, and leadership qualities are also highly commendable attributes in a nurse. Search your soul to discover qualities and strengths that you can showcase in your resume.

10. Fashion the Letter to the Exact Position-

The beauty of a new grad RN cover letter is that you can specifically detail your content to one particular job. Don’t make the mistake of being too broad or general in your correspondence. Each cover letter you write for a job application must be original and tailored to fit the exact position and institution where you are applying.

If you are applying for a home health job, you need to discuss why you would make a great home health nurse. Provide an example or 2 to convince your employer that you are suitable for this position. When I worked in home health, organizational and independent work skills were essential. Additionally, since many patients were older seniors, my experience working in a nursing home in college benefited my practice as an RN. Pull from all aspects of your background and expertise to convince the reader that you are a perfect fit for the job.

11. Show Your Passion-

A new nurse’s energy and enthusiasm can be contagious and a great addition to the unit. If you can convince your future employer that you possess these qualities, you may be successful at landing the job. Most employers are wise enough to know that a mix of seasoned nurses and new enthusiastic grads with new ideas will strike a positive and productive balance in nursing. But don’t assume that this theory holds true for all hiring administrators.
Some points to highlight in your new grad nurse cover letter to show your passion for the job are:

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

12. Proof Read-

Once you have completed your new grad RN cover letter draft, it is time to edit it. Look it over with a critical eye for how it sounds. Is it positive and enthusiastic? Do you hit all of the points outlined in this article on how to write an excellent new grad nurse cover letter? Then check for spelling and grammar mistakes. Utilize Grammarly or Microsoft editor to double-check your work.

Be sure to follow a business format for the set-up for your letter. That translates to one-inch margins and single-spaced sentences with a space between paragraphs and before and after your closing.

Once you are satisfied with your letter, pass it on to a second pair of eyes to proofread and give input. Choose wisely and pick someone who knows something about punction and writing. College professors are usually willing to assist their students in some of the paperwork necessary to find a job, so they would be one great candidate for this request. Most universities also have a department that aids students with resume and cover letter prep, such as the career services department at the University of Notre Dame.

7 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Writing Your New Grad Nurse Cover Letter

Don’t disqualify yourself from a potential nursing job due to a new grad RN cover letter that is less than optimum. Take to heart the following common mistakes to avoid when writing your letter to formulate a professional and enticing document to go with your resume.

1. Too general-

Using general terms or the same cover letter for multiple jobs will sink your application to the bottom of the pile.

2. Improper format-

Pay attention to the guidelines for a professional business letter and adhere to the format precisely as recommended.

3. Too wordy-

There is no good reason to pad your new grad nurse cover letter by filling it in with wordy explanations. Be concise and choose your words judiciously so that each one has an impact.

4. Duplicate resume-

Your resume will speak for itself. The cover letter should only pick out a few key examples, which you then expand on to illustrate your point.

5. Not selling yourself to the job-

Each new grad nursing cover letter should interlink your qualifications and attributes to the specific job where you have applied. Don’t be modest. Emphasize why you are the best candidate for this particular position.

6. Too informal-

A professional business letter is a formal letter that follows a dignified tone and format. Writing to the reader casually or too personally as you would a friend is not acceptable.

7. Spelling and grammar errors-

A well-prepared new grad nurse cover letter is a great start. But to transform it into a polished and professional document, thorough editing is a must!

3 Consequences Of A Poorly Written New Grad RN Cover Letter

An ill-prepared new grad nurse cover letter can lead to unfortunate consequences such as:

1. You may not be granted an interview-

Getting to the interview stage in your job search is obviously an essential step. Your new grad nurse cover letter and resume are the tools to initially get your foot in the door.

2. You may misrepresent yourself-

With your cover letter, you can paint an alluring picture of a well-qualified nurse, or if ill-prepared, the image can be fuzzy or, worse, not appealing. Put your best foot forward in your cover letter to illustrate all of the best qualities to entice the reader to want to know you better.

3. Compensation and opportunities may be compromised-

If you do not present the best representation of yourself in your new grad RN cover letter, you may still be granted an interview if the pool of applicants is small. However, you may be offered a more undesirable job with lower compensation.

I recall a nursing student in my BSN program who had a nursing goal that we fellow students felt was unrealistic for a new nurse. Her dream upon graduation was to be an administrator in the health industry. She had no interest in caring for patients, and her attitude and grades reflected her somewhat unconventional perspective.

I would think that her cover letter would have to have a unique and persuasive slant to help her land an administrative job right out of school. Perhaps a highly professional cover letter detailing her leadership and managerial qualities would help to propel her towards her dream career in administration. Possibly, her cover letter was her most important tool to land her an interview where she had the opportunity to further elaborate on her positive attributes for the role.

My Final Thoughts

I trust that this informative article has answered your question of what are some excellent examples of new grad nurse cover letters? By following the simple steps outlined in “6 best new grad nurse cover letter examples + how to write”, you should be on your way towards preparing your original, professional and compelling letter. Hopefully, you are now confident and motivated to finalize the written process that is first necessary to land an interview for your ultimate job. Good luck in writing your cover letter and the interview, which you surely will be granted once you submit your superb new grad nurse cover letter.

1. What Is The Difference Between New Grad Nurse Cover Letter And New Grad Nurse CV?

A new grad RN cover letter is a persuasive document highlighting why you are a good candidate for the position that you are applying for. The cover letter is to accompany your resume. A new grad nurse CV is not a cover letter. The CV is similar to a resume and is used instead of a resume in some instances. A CV (or curriculum vitae) is much longer than a resume and is not typically used in the US by nursing applicants.

2. Is A Cover Letter Necessary For A New Grad Nurse?

A new grad nurse cover letter is highly recommended in all instances. To increase the likelihood of hire, it would behoove you to include a professional cover letter.

3. Can I Use The Same Cover Letter For All New Grad Nurse Positions I’m Applying For?

An original cover letter is always the recommendation so that you can individualize it to the specific job. Include the hospital, the name of the position you are applying for, and details that explicitly define why you are qualified for that job alone.

4. How Many Cover Letters Do I Need When Applying For New Grad Nurse Job Positions?

You will need an original new grad RN cover letter for each position that you apply. Don’t worry; once you have formulated your first letter, the process will go much easier and more quickly for subsequent letters. Just follow your template and first letter as an example and guide.

5. Can My New Grad Nurse Cover Letter Expire?

Once you have job experience as a nurse, you will no longer use the same new grad RN cover letter format. Experienced nurse cover letters will draw more on actual job experience vs. that of a recent grad which details more information about education and clinical experience. Although a new grad cover letter may not officially expire, you will need to update your cover letter (as well as your resume) as you gain more experience.

6. My New Grad Nurse Job Applications Says A Cover Letter Is Optional, Should I Still Submit One?

Oh yes, include the cover letter! It is worth the extra time and effort to construct a proper cover letter every time you submit your resume and application. Including a cover letter is a very important step in the application process and employers look favorably on those who do so.

7. Do Cover Letters For New Grad Nurses Have To Be Long?

Cover letters for RNs without nursing experience should be no more than one full page. That includes the headings and signature lines.

8. As A New Grad Nurse, When Should I Write My Cover Letter?

The cover letter should be prepared at the time that you submit your application and resume. There is no way that you can prepare an individualized and quality new grad nurse cover letter ahead of time as it is designed to fit the specific job that you are applying to.

9. What Should Be Included In A New Grad Nursing Cover Letter?

As specified above in the “how to write a cover letter” section, the document should include the following sections:

• 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

Please refer to the detailed instructions on these sections listed previously for an expanded explanation of what to include in a new grad registered nurse cover letter.

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

You should not duplicate the content of your resume in a cover letter. However, you can pull out a few highlights to expand on. Keep your cover letter positive, leaving out any complaints or negativity. Of course, spelling errors should not be included in a new grad nursing cover letter. Try to be specific and not vague in your descriptions, and keep all content professional.

11. How Much Time Does It Take To Write A Cover Letter For A New Grad Nurse?

Part of the time spent on a new grad nurse cover letter may be due to research to figure out how to construct a proper letter. This article should cut the prep time down to a minimum. Now that you have the tools and examples to get you started, the actual letter should not take more than an hour to prep. Remember to have someone else proof your letter before you send it out.

12. Can I Ask Someone Else To Write My New Grad Nurse Cover Letter?

If you do not have the time or are not comfortable writing your own new grad nursing cover letter, it is feasible to ask someone else to write it for you. Just be sure that you give plenty of input (ideas outlined in this article) about why you are a qualified candidate for the position. Professional cover letter writers do not know all of your outstanding traits and reasons that you should be chosen for a job. There is a chance they may produce a more generic, substandard letter. You will need to provide and outline all of your best points to guide them to formulate a top-notch and persuasive document. For this reason, it may be easier for you to compose the letter yourself and then pass it on to someone more experienced or eloquent to polish it up for the final product.

13. Is It A Good Idea To Use Ready Templates To Write My New Grad Nurse Cover Letter?

Sure, templates are a great place to begin when preparing a new grad RN cover letter. Just make sure that you include all of your original and individual attributes and reasons why you are an outstanding prospect for each position where you apply.

14. Are There Any Online Apps Or Tools That Make Writing A Good Cover Letter For A New Grad Nurse Easy?

Just google cover letter template or tools, and you will find a lengthy list of online sources to aid you in your cover letter prep. Many are from professionals who require payment but keep looking as there are free apps available. My Perfect Cover Letter offers a wide choice of templates for nursing cover letters. Resume Genuis also offers free nurse cover letter options.