How to Write a Motivational Letter for Nursing
Unlike a nursing resume or cover letter, a motivational letter for nursing lets you dive deeper into why you’re drawn to the nursing profession, how you envision your future in this career, and what makes you an outstanding candidate who can make a real difference for your future patients, employer, and the medical field as a whole.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to write a motivational letter — one that captures your drive and commitment to the job or program you’re aiming for. Additionally, we’ve included a free motivational letter for nursing to spark your creativity.
What Is a Motivational Letter for a Nurse?
A motivational letter for nursing is a personalized document typically submitted as part of your application for nursing school, a scholarship, an internship, or a job. (Later in your career, you may be asked to provide a letter that details your personal philosophy of nursing.) The letter serves two key purposes:
- It highlights your love and dedication for nursing.
- It convinces the reader that you’re the ideal candidate.
You’ll typically write one of three types of motivational letters:
- A motivation letter for nursing students may be required when applying to academic institutions. Focus on showing your passion for the field, relevant volunteer experiences, and why you’re a good fit for your chosen nursing school.
- A motivation letter for a nursing job is used for applying to nursing positions. It should highlight your skills and past work experiences, and explain why you’re the best candidate for the job.
- A motivation letter for a nursing scholarship is used for seeking financial support for your nursing education or research project. It should emphasize your academic achievements (such as good grades in prerequisite classes), career goals, and why you deserve the scholarship or grant.
4 Tips to Write a Great Nurse Motivation Letter
1. Start With a Catchy Introduction
Start with a sharp, attention-grabbing introduction. What sets you apart? Share a compelling story or an interesting fact about why you’re drawn to nursing. You can also briefly outline your key qualifications, which can include:
- Awards and recognitions
- Certifications, such as BLS
- Relevant work experience
- Higher education
- Preceptorship experience
- Leadership roles
- Previous career in another related field
2. Share Your Passion
There are so many career paths out there, so why did you choose nursing? Describe specific experiences that inspired you to choose this path. For example, in an application letter for a nursing student, you could share a personal story about when you realized nursing was your calling, such as caring about a sick relative. Let your passion for helping others shine through.
3. Back It Up With Relevant Experiences
Passion is great, but action is even better. If you’re truly passionate about something, it’ll translate to real-world experiences, such as volunteer work, internships in your chosen specialty (like oncology nursing or pediatric care), or hands-on projects in your field. Employers and admissions committees want to see that your enthusiasm has led to tangible results.
Wondering how to write a motivational letter for nursing with no experience? Check out our article about what makes a good nurse to get an idea of some skills to highlight in your letter.
4. Explain How You’re a Great Match for the Opportunity
Explore the mission and values of the company or program and think about what they want in a candidate. Who would be an ideal fit for the role? Next, explain why you’re the perfect fit.
Highlight your relevant experiences and specialized knowledge, and show how your goals and values align with what they’re looking for. You can also mention relevant soft skills to show that you’re not just an excellent nurse, but also a great teammate.
Sample Motivational Letter for Nursing
Elena Odina
5555 Wilson Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90004
555-555-5555
firstlast@email.com
[Date]
Admissions Committee
St. Francis University
111 Harper Road
Los Angeles, CA 90001
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
As someone deeply committed to the art and science of compassionate care, I’m excited to apply for the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program at St. Francis University. My journey into healthcare started with a rewarding three-year volunteer role at a hospice care facility, where I’ve witnessed the transformational power of caring. It was during this time that I knew for certain that nursing was my calling — a career I’m committed to dedicating my life to.
Fueled by a passion for making an impact in people’s lives, I took the next step in my career as a medical assistant at an end-of-life care facility. I was deeply moved by the moments of relief and comfort I could provide to patients and their families. The final moments of life are incredibly precious, and I felt honored to help people make the most of them. However, in my current role, I’ve realized that I want to expand my scope of practice and do more for my patients, which is why I’ve decided to pursue a nursing degree.
The nursing program at St. Francis University inspires me with its focus on both evidence-based and compassionate care. The Christian perspective of your program adds a spiritual dimension to patient care, which is essential for the palliative care I want to focus on.
Lastly, I completed a three-month preceptorship in a palliative care clinic for cancer patients. I saw how the blend of medicine and spirituality can create profound changes in people’s lives. My preceptor, who studied at your university, inspired me to follow in her footsteps and apply.
In summary, I look forward to the opportunity to bring my passion and dedication to St. Francis University. I believe that this program is exactly what I need to build a successful nursing career and contribute meaningfully to the lives of patients in their final stages of life.
Sincerely,
Elena Odina
Ready to Use Your Motivational Letter for Nursing?
Let us match you with jobs tailored to your preferences. Sign up today, and we’ll create a personalized list of nursing jobs that match your skills and career goals.