Tips on writing a nursing cover letter: how to make a strong impression

According to SEEK, research shows that 83 per cent of hirers find cover letters useful for learning more about applicants. While not always required, a well-written cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and bring you one step closer to landing your dream nursing role.

If you’re unsure of where to begin or how to make your nursing cover letter shine, this guide provides practical tips, examples and insights from experienced nurses Michelle Deroubaix and Madeline Kessler.

What makes a great nursing cover letter?

A great nursing cover letter goes beyond simply highlighting your skills and experience. It’s an opportunity to showcase who you are, what makes you valuable and why you’re the right candidate for the role.

Madeline Kessler shares that a cover letter is “almost like a handshake. It provides a brief snapshot of your experience that connects to the job description and shows how you might be a good match for the role. It’s meant to complement your resume by highlighting your roles and achievements while also conveying your work ethic and showcasing who you are as a person.”

Michelle Deroubaix shares a similar view, stating, “It [a cover letter] is about helping them [the recruiters] see the unique qualities you have to offer and what makes you a good fit for the role.”

Why have a nursing cover letter?

When paired with your nursing resume, a well-written cover letter can significantly strengthen your application. While not every job application asks for one, including a cover letter allows you to share more about why you’re well-suited to the role. It’s also an opportunity for you to showcase your personality, demonstrate your passion for the role and stand out from other candidates.

As Michelle Deroubaix explains below.

“The cover letter says more about why you want the job and gives more insight into what you have to offer. The CV tends to follow a set structure, but the detail is really in the cover letter.”

Tips for making your nursing cover letter stand out

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Even though your cover letter should be brief and succinct, it’s an opportunity to make a memorable impression. Here’s how to ensure your cover letter captures the recruiter’s attention:

Inject some personality

Recruiters read countless cover letters and it’s up to you to make yours stand out. One effective way to do that is to “add some personality into your cover letter,” Michelle shares. “You want a bit of who you are to shine through so it doesn’t feel cookie-cutter or boring.”

What does that look like? It’s not just about listing achievements, it’s about writing in a way that feels genuine and human. This means avoiding generic language and using specific details that give recruiters a sense of how you think and what drives you.

📝 For example, instead of writing, “I’m applying for the aged care nursing role.” You might say, “I’m excited to apply for the aged care nursing role at Rosevale Lodge as it’s an opportunity to bring my experience with dementia care and my enthusiasm for building long-term relationships to an organisation that shares my commitment to personalised, compassionate care.”

Customise your cover letter for each role

While it might be tempting to reuse the same cover letter for multiple applications, it’s not recommended. Tailoring your cover letter to each role shows that you’ve done your research. You’ll also have a better understanding of what the organisation is looking for and can further illustrate how your skills and experience align with their needs.

📝Many organisations use applicant tracking systems to screen applications. Tailoring your cover letter with relevant keywords from the job advertisement can improve your chances of making it through to the next stage.

Spotlight some of your achievements

While your resume lists your achievements, your cover letter is an opportunity to highlight a few that are most relevant to the role. It’s your chance to connect the dots between what you’ve done and what the job needs.

Madeline notes that many nurses find it difficult to talk about their accomplishments. She encourages taking the time to reflect on your journey and identify the moments you’re proud of. “You have to be willing to reflect on who you are, what you’ve achieved and showcase it – even if it makes you feel vulnerable.”

For example, if you’ve done a Graduate Certificate of Nursing Majoring in Advanced Practice from James Cook University, highlight the specialised skills you gained in delivering advanced patient care.

📝 Don’t overlook the small wins either. As Madeline states, “Small achievements matter. Even if it’s just getting through your degree and placements, that’s a massive achievement within itself.”

Have tangible examples

It’s easy to say what you bring to the table, but it’s the tangible examples that make an impression. “I could say I’ve got a good work ethic, I’m always on time and I always help people out,” Michelle says. “But if you can point to something you’ve done that actually shows that, you’re going to sell yourself more effectively.”

For instance, when a nurse writes that they’re a good communicator, Michelle points out that, “it’s a blanket statement that doesn’t show how you’re actually communicating. Of course, in healthcare you need to have communication skills to some degree, but what shows that you excel at it? That’s where a short example can really help.”

📝 An example for the above could be something like, “Working across diverse healthcare settings including metropolitan hospitals, aged care facilities and general practice settings has taught me how to adapt my communication style to effectively communicate with patients, families and multidisciplinary teams.”

Showcase your enthusiasm

Your cover letter should catch the recruiter’s attention and make them think, “This person really wants the role.” As Michelle puts it, “The thing that gets you the job is your enthusiasm for the role and being a good fit for the company. So, you need to put that enthusiasm in the cover letter as well.” If you make it to the interview stage, carry that same enthusiasm through by showing interest, asking questions and showing how your skills and experience would make you a great addition to the team.

📝 One effective way to show your enthusiasm is by demonstrating that you’ve done your research. Take some time to look into areas such as the organisation’s missions and values and mention something specific that resonates with you.

Keep the layout clean and concise

Just like your nursing resume, your cover letter should have a clean and professional layout. Ideally, you should be using the same fonts, colours and overall style as your resume to ensure visual cohesion across your application.

To improve readability, make sure that the nursing cover letter has sufficient white space and is broken into clear and concise paragraphs. If need be, incorporate bullet points where appropriate to highlight key achievements or skills.

📝 For easy readability, try to keep each paragraph to no more than four sentences. Short, well-structured paragraphs are easier for recruiters to scan and read.

Additional tips for graduate nurse cover letters 

Showcase your clinical placement experience

As a graduate nurse, you would have completed a substantial number of clinical placement hours across a range of healthcare settings. This hands-on exposure is valuable and should be reflected in your cover letter. While you may not have performed every task independently, you’ve spent time closely observing experienced nurses, engaging with patients and gaining insight into real-world clinical practice.

Michelle emphasises the value of observational learning, stating, “Even if you haven’t done something yourself, you’ve seen how others handle it. That’s still experience. You can say, ‘I may not have done this yet, but I’ve seen my mentor or educator respond in this way and that’s how I would approach it too.’”

Don’t overlook your previous experience

Even if your past roles weren’t healthcare-related, they could still offer transferable skills. Madeline notes that even roles like being a team leader or working front of house in hospitality are worth including in your cover letter as they could highlight skills like teamwork and communication.

Michelle echoes this and shares, “Someone might think that working at McDonald’s doesn’t count, but it does as they could say, ‘I really learned what customer service was all about when I worked there.’ Employers like seeing that someone has worked at McDonald’s because they know you’ve been taught a lot of valuable skills.”

Include personal achievements and interests

If you don’t have a lot of work experience, you can also reflect on personal achievements that show initiative, character and leadership. These experiences can help add depth to your cover letter and paint a clearer picture of who you are beyond your qualifications.

Madeline shares that, “Achievements such as winning sporting events, mentoring young kids or being part of camp programs or volunteer work can help with illustrating your personality.”

📝 Applying for a graduate nurse program? Learn more about eligibility criteria and how to apply in our guide.

Common nursing cover letter mistakes to avoid

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Lack of authenticity

While your cover letter should convey your personality, it must also present an honest and accurate reflection of yourself. As Madeline shares, “If you’re not being authentic within your cover letter or resume, it’s going to be unravelled in an interview anyway because people are going to pick up that you’re not being authentic, so you’re better off being factual.”

Michelle agrees, emphasising that when it comes to your letter, “Just be yourself. Be clear and don’t be afraid to just be you because that’s who they want. They want to know they’ve got the right person.”

Madeline also notes that authenticity includes being honest about your experience. She explains, “The big mistakes are lying on your cover letter or your resume. Overexaggerating as well – so people who said that they’ve got experience in the industry when they don’t.”

Repeating what is already in the resume

One of the most common cover letter mistakes is simply repeating what’s already listed in your resume. While it’s important to highlight relevant experience, your cover letter should go beyond just summarising your career history.

Use it to explain why your experience matters, delve into how it has shaped your approach to nursing or how it aligns with the role you’re applying for. This is your chance to provide context, show your personality and connect your experience to the values of the organisation.

Exclusively using AI

With the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, an increasing number of applicants are relying on AI-generated content in their resumes and cover letters. Instead of using it as a tool, applicants are copying and pasting content verbatim without making any edits.

Madeline points out that this approach isn’t ideal. “I’ve had colleagues who are in that recruitment space saying, ‘Recruitment’s become even more challenging because all I’m getting are these resumes and cover letters that are clearly being AI-generated.’ Off the back of Covid-19, people are swinging back to a space where they are craving authenticity.”

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use AI at all, it just means using it purposefully. As Madeline suggests, “I would recommend it as a platform that can provide you with some perspective. So if you put some text in and liked some of it, or you felt it improved and enhanced, then it would be a useful tool. But I wouldn’t rely on it because it’s going to take the soul out of your work and put you in a cookie-cutter position.”

Making generic statements

If you’re listing things that are expected of any registered nurse or enrolled nurse, it doesn’t add value and won’t help you stand out. As Michelle explains, “A lot of people include the same kinds of statements, things that are just part of being a registered nurse. Recruiters already know you can do those things, so it’s about cutting out what’s unnecessary.”

📝 It’s important to avoid generic statements and unnecessary fluff in your cover letter. Just like your resume, before writing something, ask yourself whether it sets you apart from the other applicants and whether it is specific or unique to your experience. If not, consider rephrasing or leaving it out.

Overly long content

Both Michelle and Madeline agree that your cover letter should be no longer than one page. A common mistake Michelle sees is cover letters that are overly wordy and difficult to scan. “Some of them have packed content and long paragraphs with too much in there,” she says. “You want to make it easy to read and it has to flow because people don’t have time. They just want to read it and be like, ‘Okay, yes, this sounds good.’”

Michelle also notes that overly long cover letters often come from overthinking. “They think they have to say everything that they do. For example, if someone has had lots of roles as a registered nurse, they’ll repeat the same duties over and over. But they don’t have to. It just takes up space.”

How to write a nursing cover letter (step-by-step)

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1. Reflect on your strengths

Similar to a nursing resume, before crafting a nursing cover letter, Michelle says that individuals need to be “very clear on their strengths. They also need to know their weaknesses. I think it’s about being prepared and really getting to know themselves.”

Madeline adds that many people hold back from expressing their strengths because “We’re a little afraid of being judged. We don’t want to seem like we have a big head, that whole tall poppy syndrome. We have to acknowledge that discomfort. Sometimes putting together a cover letter or resume can feel like, ‘This is too much. I don’t want to sound full of myself.’ But it’s about being honest with yourself, even if it’s a little uncomfortable.”

Ways to reflect on your strengths include taking the CliftonStrengths assessment, seeking feedback from your manager or colleagues and considering the qualities that make you a great nurse.

2. Do your research

Before writing your cover letter, take some time to research the role and the organisation you’re applying to. Gaining a deeper understanding of what the organisation does and what they’re looking for not only helps you tailor your cover letter more effectively, but also gives you a clearer sense of whether the role aligns with your values and goals.

Start by exploring the organisation’s website and take a look at areas such as:

• The “about us” section
• Recent projects, achievements or company news
• The services they offer and how they operate
• The organisation’s missions, values and culture

3. Create a professional header

Similar to a formal business letter, your cover letter should begin with a professional header. Start with your contact details at the top and include your full name, address, phone number and email. Beneath that, include the employer’s contact information, followed by the date.

If possible, address the letter to a specific person rather than just having it as “hiring manager.” This shows effort in researching the specific contact and helps your cover letter feel more personalised.

Example:

Jane Doe

123 Rose Lane Sydney, NSW, 2000

jane.doe@gmail.com

0412 345 678

Emily Watson

Nurse unit manager

Rosewood Aged Care

123 Wood Avenue Parramatta, NSW, 2150

7th August 2025

4. Start with an engaging introduction

Once you’ve crafted your professional header, the next step is to open with a compelling introduction to capture the reader’s attention. Here, you’ll want to introduce yourself, mention the job you’re applying for and why you’re interested in working for the organisation.

Example:

Dear Emily,

I’m excited to apply for the registered nurse position at Rosewood Aged Care. With over two years of nursing experience across both residential and acute care settings, I’ve built a strong foundation in patient-centred care, clinical decision-making and care coordination. What draws me to this role is the opportunity to contribute to an organisation that values person-centred care and continuous learning, principles that reflect my own professional values.

5. Highlight relevant skills, experiences and qualifications

After crafting your introduction, the body section of your cover letter should highlight two or three key reasons that show why you’re a good match for the role. Rather than listing tasks, focus on showcasing aspects that you’re proud of. This could include:

Your education

If you’re studying or have recently completed a degree that’s relevant to the role that you’re applying for, mention it and show how it’s added depth to your practice.

Example:

Alongside my work, I’m completing a Master of Nursing (Chronic Disease and Ageing) at Victoria University. The course has enhanced my expertise in managing comorbidities and developing tailored strategies that support the health and wellbeing of older individuals.

A key highlight of your career

Think about a moment in your career that stands out and use the STAR (situation, task, action, result) method to structure your answer.

Where possible, incorporate keywords from the job description. This not only helps demonstrate why you’re a good candidate for the role, but also improves the likelihood that your cover letter will be picked up by applicant tracking systems.

For example, if you’re applying for a registered nurse position in aged care, the job advertisement might include responsibilities such as:

• Providing resident-centred care aligned with care plans
• Conducting comprehensive assessments
• Supervising and mentoring personal care staff
• Managing clinical procedures and ensuring compliance with clinical standards

An example of incorporating the keywords while using the STAR method might look like:

A key highlight of my career has been my involvement in refining our approach to resident-centred care at Elmwood Aged Care. I noticed that there were errors in resident care plans which sometimes led to inconsistent care (situation). As part of my responsibilities included conducting assessments and ensuring that care plans were up-to-date (task), I initiated a review of our documentation process and worked with the team to introduce a new template (action). This resulted in an improvement in continuity of care across shifts (result).

Your strengths

Even though it can be tricky for nurses to talk about what they’re good at, highlighting your strengths in a cover letter is key. If you’re unsure of where to start, consider asking colleagues or managers for their thoughts.

As Madeline shares, “I had someone from TAFE help me put together a cover letter and I think there’s something to gain from getting someone outside of yourself to help you sell yourself. There are things that she’s written that I possibly wouldn’t have said about myself but they’re all accurate. She wasn’t making anything up, it was just that she saw qualities in me that I hadn’t recognised.”

If you’re currently on clinical placement, you could also ask your clinical supervisor for feedback. Madeline recommends asking questions such as:

• What are some of my strengths?
• What are some areas that I need to work on?

Once you’ve gathered those insights, you can proceed to weave it into your application.

Example:

My colleagues often describe me as approachable, organised and solution-focused, qualities I believe are essential in ensuring safe, effective and compassionate care in an aged care setting.

Experiences that show your initiative

If relevant, you can consider adding some examples in your cover letter that show you going above and beyond in your role.

“It’s those additional things that show your initiative,” Madeline shares. “Whether you’ve become an OH&S rep, taken on a preceptor role or supported your team in a time of need. It’s about briefly summarising those moments and adding a bit of detail to your cover letter that you wouldn’t normally include on your resume.”

Even a short sentence like the example below could make a difference:

As someone who enjoys mentoring and supporting newer team members, I took on a preceptor role at Greenfield Aged Care. There, I guided graduate nurses, helping them transition into their roles with greater confidence.

Showcasing transferable skills

If you’re new to nursing, remember that relevant experience doesn’t have to come from healthcare alone. Previous jobs, volunteer work or extracurricular activities are also worth mentioning as they would’ve helped you build transferable skills like communication, empathy, teamwork or adaptability.

Example:

While working as a team leader at McDonald’s, I was responsible for coordinating shifts and ensuring smooth service during busy periods. I learned how to manage a diverse team, resolve customer concerns and thrive in high-pressure situations. This experience helped to sharpen my adaptability, communication and leadership skills – qualities that are all integral in nursing.

📝 When highlighting these points in your cover letter, aim for a natural flow. Write it almost like you’re telling a story.

6. Conclude

Wrap up your cover letter by ending on a positive note. Reinforce your enthusiasm for the role and briefly summarise why you’d be a strong addition to the team.

Example:

With a strong foundation in resident-centred care, clinical decision-making and effective communication, I believe I would be a valuable addition to the team. I look forward to the opportunity of discussing my application with you and welcome the chance to further discuss how my skills align with your needs.

7. Ask for input from others

Once you’ve drafted your cover letter, it’s worth getting a second opinion before hitting submit. Having someone review your work can help you refine your tone, structure and examples, while also ensuring you’re showcasing your strengths clearly and confidently.

While you can ask for help, it’s important to make sure that the examples in your cover letter reflect your own experiences.

When Michelle helps clients with their cover letter, she always ensures that they’re using their own experiences. “I tell them, ‘I could give you examples, but you won’t remember them because you haven’t experienced them.’ So we work with their stories and refine them together.”

📝 Final tips before you submit:

• Keep it to one page
• Double-check spelling and grammar
• Save as a PDF (unless instructed otherwise)

Nursing cover letter templates

These nursing cover letter templates incorporate some of the key elements discussed above and can serve as a good starting point. Feel free to use this template as a framework and adapt it for each role.

Registered nurse cover letter template

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Enrolled nurse cover letter template

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Graduate nurse cover letter template

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Begin crafting your nursing cover letter

Having a nursing cover letter that complements your nursing resume could make a significant difference in helping you secure your desired position.

If you’re looking to enhance your nursing skills and expand your career opportunities, explore the range of postgraduate nursing courses available on GlobalHealth Education. Postgraduate courses are also offered in psychology, counselling, mental health, nursing, public health and social work. To apply, simply select a course and enquire to speak with a Student Enrolment Advisor.