IS THIS ACCEPTABLE

[Just and R.N]

Is it acceptable to include a short personal reason for interest in a position in a cover letter. (especially a position that wants you to demonstrate specific interst)

For example when applying for a position as an oncology nurse can one briefly state that as a cancer survivor you have a particular interest in the matter. Or is that too personal.

Or when applying for a position as a member of a transplant team can you include that you have a close relative who underwent a transplant or that you are a transplant donor?

Thanks

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I wouldn't as the focus should be on the patient versus the nurse

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I wouldn't either.

Maybe you can bring it up in the interview if the interview is going well and you're getting good vibes. But if you do, don't expect it to land you the job.

Best of luck whatever you decide!

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

You could- it may or may not be well received. I am a brain tumor survivor and I spent the first nearly 5 years of my career in Neuro-Onc. They knew before they hired me. Nowadays I don't tell a soul when I'm applying for jobs. I started in a new grad program with 2 nurses who had been bone marrow donors to their siblings- both were working in Onc.

[Just and R.N]

Thank you for your help. When in doubt leave out.

[tyvin, BSN, RN]

I've done it, keep it clear and succinct. Imagine the person whose looking through the resumes. Will they read each one, if they see a long drawn out letter will they read the whole thing.

Now the longer your career the longer you resume. What about the cover letter? Do they even read them or do they cut to the chase and read the resume first to see if they even want to bother. They want to know what you want. Will the piece you want to put in make a clear statement about who you are as an RN? I advise people to keep the cover letter short; three pp's. It's estimated that 1/3 of employers don't even read the cover letter.

First pp introduce, second pp tell them why you want the job. That's where I would put it and tie it in with why you want the job. Be creative. If it hits on you personality and why you're good at what you do, then put it in.

:)

[wooh, BSN, RN]

NEVER put in your own health issues. That's inviting a "Well she'll call out a lot if she's already got medical issues. Circular file!"

I think if you keep it short, you can mention family/friends that have given you a passion for a particular area of nursing though.