How to write 1 cover letter for 2 different units

[pnewton27]

Hi everyone,

I am in desperate need of some advice on my cover letter. If I'm missing some important info and you have questions (which I'm sure I will leave something out) please let me know!

I am currently working as a nurse on a Clinical Decision Unit (at my hospital that means we accept ED admissions only, and they are typically patients that need further testing/evaluation/consults etc... before they're cleared to go home. Usually observation patients, and ideally they go home within 24 hours- though often that isn't the case).

I worked as a PCT in an ED before I graduated, and I've always known that my interests were in emergency nursing/critical care nursing. I would love to be in an ICU, ED, or surgical ICU.

My hospital currently has 3 openings I'm interested in:

1 in ICU, 1 in ED, and 1 ED/ICU float. I'd like to apply to all 3, or at least not count myself out for the others.

I'm trying to write my cover letter and I feel like it should really be focused on how the unit I'm applying to, but how do I talk about how much I'd love to be an ED nurse without writing myself off for the ICU position or vice versa? The units have different managers, but I'm guessing HR will read my applications first and I don't want to look like I'm just telling them what I think they want to hear. I'm truly interested in both and feel that either would be an extraordinary opportunity. Do I write 2 different cover letters and pretend like I'm not even interested in the other unit? Or do I write one cover letter that somehow appeals to both?

ANY help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

You write a different cover letter for each position.

[cjcsoon2bnp, MSN, RN, NP]

Here is my advice as a former ED nurse and now I work as an administrator/hiring manager (albeit its Psychiatric/Mental Health nursing)....

Write two different letters. Each unit deserves a customized letter addressing why you would be a great fit for each position. In both letters you should be emphasizing your interest in critical care as well as your assessment skills and ability to prioritize.

Keep in mind, the ED and ICU are two completely different settings but they share a mutual love of critical care. Not to operate on a stereotype but I have found that ED nurses usually have a constant need be challenged and have a "treat um' and street um'" mentality whereas ICU nurses tend to have a more systematic approach to care and head-to-toe knowledge of their patients. It is two different nursing styles but it doesn't mean that you couldn't flourish in either (or both) setting(s).

But the point is that you should take the time to make an individual letter for each setting and it sounds like you won't lose either way (think of it as a learning opportunity). Best of luck!

!Chris