Introduce Yourself

Get right to the point in your letter. If you’re applying for a position as a unit manager for
the emergency department, for example, open with a strong statement such as “With 10
years of experience in emergency medicine, the last three of those as a charge nurse, I’ve
treated some of the most complicated and traumatic cases brought into the hospital. I’ve
also learned how to motivate and manage the rest of the health care team. I’m exited to
learn how I can use these strengths to maintain the superior patient care for which your
facility is known.”

Describe Your Qualifications

Your letter should introduce your application or resume, not repeat it. Select a few key
qualifications from the job description and describe how you meet these requirements. For
example, if the employer stressed the importance of leadership skills in the ad, mention
your experience as vice president of your state’s nursing association. If the position requires
experience working with a diverse patient population, point out that at your last job, over
half of the hospital’s patients were immigrants who spoke little English.

Show Interest in the Organization

Emphasize that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’re interested in the position
and the facility because you consider them a perfect match for your skills, interests and
career goals. If you’re applying for a nursing job at a heart hospital, mention your longtime
interest in cardiology and your desire to work at a facility that uses the latest treatments to
increase quality of life and patient survival time. Point out that you were impressed by the
hospital’s recent award for innovation, and that you look forward to the opportunity to learn
from the organization’s top-notch medical staff.

Address the Employer’s Needs

For every skill or qualification you mention, link it to the position for which you’re applying.
Instead of saying “I’m a team player,” say “I work well with others, which will benefit me in
the role of RN first assistant because during an operation it’s crucial that all members of the
surgical team work together and make the patient their first priority.” If you mention your
management experience, point out that you increased nurse retention at your last job and
you’re confident you can do the same for the employer’s organization.
Example: This nursing application letter sample is written by a nurse who has a considerable amount of
experience working in the emergency room in a large city hospital. She provides a reference of
recommendation in the letter. She lists her credentials and the interpersonal traits she believes are the
most important for the position she is seeking.

September 3, 2013
Ms. Holly Brown
89 Main
Plano, Texas 58245
To:

Ms. Jeannie Gilman

Nursing Administrator
City Hospital
78 Park Lane
Plano, Texas 75056

Dear Ms. Gilman,

I am submitting my resume for the positionof emergency room R.N. at City Hospital. Dr. Jim Markowitz, a
physician in your emergency room department, referred me to you. I believe I have the skills, experience
and training necessary to benefit your patients and to be an asset to your nursing staff. Further, my
qualifications are in line with those required in the job posting.

My nursing career spans more than a decade working in the emergency room at Junelake Hospital, a
level one trauma center located in Dallas, Texas. I graduated from the University of Texas in 1995 with a
Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. In 1997, I received my Certification in Emergency Nursing. I
received my certification in Critical Care Nursing in 2002. I have experience caring for patients with life-
threatening physical injuries and infectious diseases. I am trained as a triage coordinator and a student
nurse supervisor in the ER.

I have proven myself to be a highly capable nurse who can handle extreme pressure in life and death
situations while maintaining focus on the needs of the patient and physician instructions. I work very well
as part of an emergency room trauma team. I am highly a motivated, extremely focused professional who
is used to a fast-paced environment. I work equally well with patients of all ages. I am dedicated to giving
my patients the best care possible, including providing emotional support and encouragement when
needed.

I would welcome the opportunity to interview for the position of emergency room R.N. and to discuss how
I can benefit your hospital as a member of your nursing staff. I believe City Hospital is one of the finest
health care facilities in the region and would provide me with the opportunity to utilize my experience and
skills for the benefit of all concerned. You may contact me by phone at 323-345-9898 or by email at
[email] Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Holly Brown

Ms. Holly Brown, RN