ER Nurse Cover Letter Writing Tips and Sample
As an ER nurse, you’re on the frontlines of healthcare, handling urgent cases with grit and compassion. There are over 40 million injury-related ER visits in the U.S. each year, creating a high demand for ER nurses, so your expertise is essential for meeting rising healthcare needs. If you’re ready to answer the call and become a part of this purpose-driven profession, you’ll need a top-notch ER cover letter and a strong resume to stand out.
Read on to explore our expert tips on how to create a powerful nurse cover letter — that helps you land that sought-after ER job interview. And don’t forget to take a look at our sample to see our tips in action.
3 Tips to Write a Standout ER Nurse Cover Letter
1. Highlight Your Competitive Advantage
Start by pointing out the skills, experiences, and qualities that set you apart. For example, if you’ve worked in customer service before becoming an ER nurse, your exceptional customer care skills give you an edge. Similarly, if you have military experience prior to your ER nursing career, that’s another distinguishing factor. These skill combinations are your competitive advantage. Clearly communicate them to your employer.
2. Emphasize Your Soft Skills
Your resume lists the essentials, like experience, education, and certifications. But in your cover letter, show not just what you do, but how you do it — with respect, attention to details, and genuine care for the patient’s well-being. Mentioning soft skills in your cover letter is like adding spice to a great dish, but make sure to balance them with your technical skills.
Here are some soft skills to include in your ER nurse cover letter:
- Compassion and caring
- Critical thinking
- Cultural competence
- Teamwork and adaptability
- Therapeutic communication
- Professionalism
3. Personalize Your Application
Many candidates approach cover letters like prepackaged meals — they create one and send it to all potential employers. It’s convenient but lacks a personal touch. Instead, invest time in getting to know the company. Carefully read the job description, explore their website, and closely examine their values and mission statements. Then, customize your cover letter to align with their needs.
ER Nurse Cover Letter Sample
Dan Morgan, RN, CEN
4444 Broad Avenue
Fort Wayne, IN 46804
444-444-4444
firstlast@email.com
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
Fort Wayne Hospital
444 Long Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46774
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the emergency room nurse position at Fort Wayne Hospital. With three years of experience in emergency nursing and over 10 years in the medical field, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.
I started my career as an emergency technician, where I witnessed firsthand the critical role that effective emergency care plays in saving people’s lives. With hands-on experience and a strong foundation in emergency protocols, complemented by further medical-surgical experience, I excel in handling complex cases under pressure, critical thinking, triage, and crisis management.
Now, after working three years in a busy 90-bed emergency unit and earning my CEN certification, I have mastered handling diverse medical emergencies with precision and professionalism. Alongside my nursing duties, I currently serve as a preceptor to nursing students.
I am particularly drawn to this position because of your hospital’s commitment to advancing healthcare delivery for the community. Recognized as a leader in healthcare innovation, your facility is revolutionizing patient care. I deeply align with the vision and mission of your hospital and would love the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients as a part of your team.
Last but not least, before starting my medical career, I worked in the hospitality industry. Alongside my medical expertise, I bring strong customer service skills — empathy, respect, and attention to detail. I am a team player and skilled negotiator, as evidenced by winning six Nurse of the Month awards in my last role.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my unique skills and experiences can contribute to the success of your team.
Sincerely,
Dan Morgan, RN, CEN
Need help writing a cover letter with no experience? Refer to our emergency room job description for valuable insights into what employers are looking for when hiring nurses.
ER Nurse Salary
The average emergency room nurse salary in the U.S. is $77,627 per year. Your salary can vary a lot, depending on several factors, such as education, certifications, years of experience, and location.
If you’re open to relocation, consider sending out your cover letter to one of these top-paying states for nurses:
Ready to Send out Your ER Nurse Cover Letter?
Ready to make a difference in the emergency room? Explore emergency room nurse job openings on IntelyCare across the nation and take the next step by applying today.