Healthcare·Mid level·3 min read

Registered Nurse cover letter

Write a Registered Nurse cover letter that highlights Patient assessment, Medication administration, Electronic health records. Get role-specific tips and examples.

A strong Registered Nurse cover letter goes beyond listing skills. Hiring managers want to see how you've applied Patient assessment and Medication administration to deliver results. This guide covers what to include, common mistakes to avoid, and how to stand out.

What to highlight

  • 1Your nursing specialty and years of experience
  • 2Specific patient populations you've worked with
  • 3Any leadership or charge nurse experience
  • 4How you handle high-pressure situations
  • 5Relevant certifications beyond basic RN

Key skills to mention

Patient assessmentMedication administrationElectronic health recordsCritical thinkingCommunicationTeamwork

Tools & software

EpicCernerMeditechIV pumpsPatient monitors

Mistakes to avoid

  • Being too general about your experience
  • Not mentioning EHR systems you know
  • Forgetting to highlight soft skills like empathy
  • Not addressing the specific unit or specialty

Relevant certifications

  • RN License
  • BLS
  • ACLS
  • PALS
  • Specialty certifications (CCRN, CEN)

Frequently asked questions

Should I mention my nursing license in the cover letter?

Yes. State your RN license, the state it's in, and any compact license status.

How do I address a gap in nursing employment?

Be honest and brief. Focus on how you've stayed current: CEUs, certifications, volunteer work.

Should I include patient outcomes in my cover letter?

If you can do so while respecting confidentiality. Mention unit-level metrics like patient satisfaction scores or reduced fall rates.

Example registered nurse cover letter

I'm writing to apply for the Registered Nurse position at [Company]. As an RN with 5 years of medical-surgical experience and a passion for patient-centered care, I'm excited about the opportunity to join your nursing team.

At City General Hospital, I care for 5-6 patients per shift on a 36-bed med-surg unit, managing complex conditions including post-surgical care, cardiac monitoring, and diabetes management. I'm ACLS and PALS certified and proficient with Epic charting. My unit achieved 95% patient satisfaction scores, and I've been recognized twice for preventing adverse events through vigilant assessment. I precept new nurses and contribute to our unit's falls prevention committee. I believe nursing combines clinical excellence with genuine human connection.

I'm drawn to [Company]'s reputation for nursing excellence and patient outcomes. I'd be honored to bring my skills and dedication to your team.

Replace [Company] with the actual company name. Customize the details to match your experience.

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