Nurse cover letter: complete example 2026
An example cover letter for nurses applying to hospitals, private clinics and care homes. It shows how to present wards, clinical skills and motivation in concrete terms, without repeating your CV.
Example letter
Application for the Registered Nurse position – Intensive Care
Dear Director of Nursing,
I am applying for the intensive care nurse position at [Facility Name]. I graduated in Nursing in 2019, I am registered with the nursing board of [Province/Region], and for four years I have worked in a 12-bed general intensive care unit.
My work includes caring for ventilated patients, invasive haemodynamic monitoring, infusion pumps and central venous access, and I work daily with doctors and physiotherapists on post-operative patient care. I have completed the ALS course and I am part of the unit's infection prevention group.
Your hospital interests me for its commitment to continuing education and its critical care pathways: I want to grow in a setting with a high level of clinical complexity.
I am available for an interview and, if useful, a period of supervised practice. Thank you for your consideration.
Yours sincerely
Short version for email or job portals
Hello, I am applying as an intensive care nurse. Qualified since 2019 and registered with the nursing board, I have worked for four years in a 12-bed ICU (ventilation, invasive monitoring, central lines). I hold the ALS certificate. Please find my CV attached; I am available for an interview.
Why this letter works
- It states degree, registration and ward straight away.
- It names specific clinical skills instead of generic adjectives.
- It adds training and an extra role (infection group) that show commitment.
- It explains the choice of facility with a concrete reason.
How to adapt it
- For a private clinic: highlight the patient relationship and ward organization.
- For a care home: talk about medication management, wound care and working with care assistants and families.
- For a new graduate: describe your most significant placements and your thesis, if relevant.
Mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting your professional registration.
- Repeating your whole education already listed in the CV.
- An overly emotional tone: facts and skills work better.
Frequently asked questions
Is a cover letter needed for public sector nursing competitions?
Usually not: the formal application is what counts. It is, however, very useful for private clinics, care homes and agencies.
Should I mention CPD courses?
Mention only those most relevant to the role (for example ALS or BLS for critical care). The full list belongs in your CV.
Need the CV too? See the CV example for this profession
