Sample Cover Letter for a New Grad RN
A sample cover letter for a new grad RN
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Sample Cover Letter for a New Grad RN
Note that this candidate has not graduated yet. It’s important to start applying before you take the NCLEX. Waiting can delay your entry into a residency by up to six months.
This sample cover letter is one page long, using a basic 12 point font, formatted for easy reading. Keywords are in blue for you to see how the candidate bridges her/his strengths to the organization’s needs through the use of selected keywords.
Editorial notes are in red.
The creative use of a top centered headline at the beginning and a P.S. at the end help to make this sample cover letter stand out.
A cover letter for a new grad RN should have three to four paragraphs. The first paragraph is introductory, and states purpose of the letter.The next two paragraphs highlight your strengths by using examples. Avoid using clichés, as everyone uses them, and you want to stand out. Stories and examples are remembered and are more meaningful.
The last paragraph in this sample includes a “call to action”, meaning a request for the next step.
Nicole Nurse
3000 Winning Way, Anytown, CO 95678
Home: (555) 123-9876 Cell: (555) 777-1212 nicolenurse@gmail.com
February 22, 2015 use business letter format
Diane Woods
Hiring Manager
2430 Prosperity Way
Anytown, Co 95678
Let me show you why I’m a perfect fit for your position!
Dear Ms. Woods, (avoid “to whom it may concern”)
I’m highly interested in the New Grad RN opening in Oncology now available at Happy Hospital. I will be graduating in May 2015, and taking the NCLEX June 2nd, 2015. The values of compassion and dignity in your mission statement and dedication to community outreach resonate with me. individualize to targeted employer
I am especially interested in Happy Hospital because of your expanding Oncology Program. My grandmother had cancer, and helping my mother care for her as a teenager made me decide to become a nurse. My grandma died with dignity. I have compassion for patients and families who are dealing with illness and understand how difficult it is. personalize by example Stories are remembered
My recent clinical rotations on 3 South at Happy Hospital gave me experience with a diverse patient population, and a respect for cultural differences. The emphasis on patient satisfaction impressed me. I was pleased that my preceptor, June S., RN, and my Clinical Instructor Sandra H., RN, both gave me high evaluations on my communication skills with patients and co workers. It’s due to practicing the skills I learned while taking the module “How to Deal with Patient Complaints”. highlight your strengths Patient satisfaction is of high concern to all hospitals
In addition to my nursing skills, I’ve developed strong leadership skills. As president of the Denver Chapter of the National Student Nurses’ Association, I led a team that initiated a very successful Adopt a Family community program at Christmas time. The program was featured in the Denver Times, and will be carried on by future nursing classes. give concrete example of skill rather than saying “I’m a strong leader”
A letter and resume can only tell you so much, and I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you in person. I will contact you within a few days to discuss the next step. I look forward to meeting you, and please do not hesitate to contact me at 444-777-1212. call to action in final paragraph (discuss next step) rather than passive ending such as “I hope to hear from you”
Sincerely,
leave 4 spaces here for signature
Nicole Nurse
Enclosure (1) Resume (or attachment)
P.S. If you would like to meet with me sooner, you may reach me immediately on my cell at 444-777-1212. Thank you kindly for your time and consideration, Ms.Woods.
P.S. adds another unique touch. People’s eyes are drawn to a P.S. Sometimes it’s read before the body of the letter! This one contains contact information
No need to add “References on request”. The employer will ask for them at a later date
CLICK TO SEE A SAMPLE NEW GRAD RESUME
Until next time friend,
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I hope this helps you to compose your new grad RN cover letter. You have more skills than you realize. Let them shine through!
Until next time friend,
Nurse Beth
Come visit me at Ask Nurse Beth career column at allnurses.com for all kinds of entertaining and informative career questions and answers, and to submit your own question 🙂
I hope now i can write worthful cover letter.
I’ve read here that you need to use keywords for a cover letter because they help employers to find employees. You used keywords as well. Can you please tell what keywords better to use in a cover letter and are they really that important? Thank you!
Some employers use keyword scanning software, so it is important to be cognizant of keywords. Read the job description as often it will provide you with some important keywords that you can use in your resume and cover letter. Good luck!