The idea of the cover letter is to get the employer to look at your resume. Therefore, the cover letter serves as the prelude to your CV. If it is written correctly and presents a polished look, it can open up many doors to nursing opportunities. Therefore, you don’t want your cover letter to look like all the other cover letters out there. It should pique an employer’s interest if written correctly. 
#1 – Make Sure the Letter is Grammatically Correct and Use the Spell-check
First, you want to make sure you cover the basics. That means making sure you use the proper grammar and employ the correct spelling. The best way to ensure that your letter sounds well-crafted is to read it out loud. When composing the letter, make sure the employer information is also correct. That means using the right employer name and address, and adding the contact person’s name and title.
Use formality and professionalism when writing the salutation. Dear. Mrs. _______________: should be used. If you don’t have the contact name, use Dear Human Resources Department:
#2 Make Sure the Date is Correct
Also include the current date. Sometimes, candidates use last year’s date because they are using a template from a previous job search.
#3 – Make Sure the Information Corresponds with the Job Source
The information in the cover letter should also correspond with the job reference information. For example, if you are replying to a job ad, the cover letter should reference the ad, the job ID, if applicable, and the title of the job. If you are applying for a job that was obtained through a professional contact, the cover letter should feature the name of the contact, their title, and your association with the referenced person. If you are simply expressing a general interest in the job, then be clear about the roles that are of particular interest.
#4 – The First Paragraph is Where You Introduce Yourself
The first paragraph of the cover letter should be an introductory paragraph. Here is where you briefly introduce yourself and give the reason why you are writing. In the paragraph, you might also praise the employer on a recent milestone or accomplishment they achieved.
#5 – Demonstrate Your Strengths in the Second and Third Paragraphs
In the next two paragraphs, describe your nursing strengths, showing why you are a good fit for the referenced position. Then, follow up, by describing how your experience and skills fit the job criteria. To add emphasis, describe some past related experiences and maybe even include some stats.
#6 – Use the Final Paragraph to Recap Your Interest and as a Call to Action
Finally, end the letter with a recap of your interest in the nursing position. Once more, summarize why you feel you are a good fit for the job. You might also offer some well wishes and pleasant sentiments in parting. Let the employer know you will try to contact them, or they can contact you, when convenient, for an interview.
# 7 – Research the Employer
The above approach, while assistive, in helping your write your letter, still does not permit you to stand out. In order to stand out from the crowd, you need to research the employer. Visit the employer’s website and look at its blog, news room, or “About” page. Next, review the employer’s social media page and the related channels. Look for information that you can use to show how your skills can be used to take care of a current problem or a potential issue, or how you can help the employer maintain certain milestones they have achieved.
#8 – Show an Employer How You are a Solution to a Problem or Challenge
Therefore, you cannot merely define a problem and challenge, you have to show how your experience and skillset can be used to the employer’s benefit. This problem/solution approach can be easily integrated into a conventional cover letter format. It is also much more inventive than regurgitating major points from your CV.
A Quick Overview of the Above Tips
In order to incorporate this technique, consider the angle you are after when you frame your letter. Write the introductory paragraph to let the employer know why you are writing. Define an employer’s problems or challenges, and how your experiences and skills can provide the solutions. Close the letter by letting the employer know you would like to discuss the aforementioned solutions in greater detail. Offer your contact information and let them know you will be calling or e-mailing them.
References:
http://blog.bluepipes.com/writing-the-best-nursing-cover-letter/
http://donnacardillo.com/articles/coverletters/
http://www.sample-resignation-letters.com/how-to-write-a-nurse-cover-letter-with-examples.html
Image Reference:
Flickr: Creative Commons –
Photographer: Eddie Rios