HELP-Cover letter :)

[angpoulos]

Hey everyone! I am new at this, but I am looking for advice. I am currently a Labor and delivery nurse but my dream since I was younger was to be a peds nurse. I am applying to a very competitive hospital so I spent some time on a cover letter, essentially trying to sell myself. I am welcoming constructive criticism, anything to help me get one step closer to becoming a peds nurse!

Dear XXXXXXXXXXX

I am writing today regarding my application for a nursing position I have reviewed on the XXXXX Children's Hospital website. I believe with further reading, you will find that I am a favorable candidate for a position at this organization.

I have a bachelor's degree in nursing with 1+ years of experience as a labor and delivery nurse. Over the past year I have proved to be an efficient, hardworking, and passionate employee that comes to work ready to tackle the day, rain or shine. My co-workers and managers have described me as energetic, accountable, reliable, and a leader. I have loved every step of becoming the nurse that I am, however something has been missing. Since I can remember, my dream has been to pursue pediatric nursing. Although I have learned and grown more than I ever thought I would, I know my heart is in another place.

Unfortunately, being passionate is not enough to land a dream job, in any profession. I am certain however, that I do possess other admirable qualities. I am confident in my abilities to prioritize care, learn new skills, and uphold the dignity of this reputable institution. I adapt to my surroundings easily, absorb new information very quickly, and perform the duties expected of me without excuses or hesitation. Also, I take full accountability for every action I take and truly believe in being a patient and family advocate.

Lastly, I take pride in my ability to connect with and care for the pediatric population. An individual can be taught hands on skills, or even how to critically think, but to naturally connect with children and have a passion to do so is something that comes from within. I understand that this will be a challenge, but I will persist and I am eager to learn.

I look forward to any opportunities and am available by telephone or e-mail for future contact. Thank you for your time in reviewing my qualifications.

Sincerely, AXXXXXXXXX

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Your cover letter should be more concise. Also, try to connect the mission statement and one or two values of the organization that you are applying to with your nursing practice.

Ask yourself: what do I have to offer them as a leader? Telling the employer you are passionate and hard working is not selling yourself adequately. They hear this repeatedly.

Do you have certifications or plans to enroll?

Check out the nursing career section for more tips on cover letters and resumes.

[angpoulos]

I plan on attaining certifications. Currently i am ACLS and NRP certified. Would like to do PALS and additional peds certifications. The only hard part, its expensive. My institution pays for education and certifications however I find it slightly shady if I use my current hospital to aid me for my future job haha. But ill work on it! THank you so much for your advice

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Then indicate this somewhere in your cover letter. You need to sell yourself. Google nursing cover letters and review some examples.

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

It's too wordy and not concise enough, You want to immediately grab the attention of the reader so they then want to look at your resume, Get the certifications,it does no matter where you acquire them from, There is nothing wrong with getting them from your educational department.