NICU Nurse Cover Letter and Writing Tips
As a NICU nurse, you’re an essential member of the healthcare team. You provide life-saving interventions, educate and advocate for parents and families, and act as a liaison between parents and physicians. When you’re looking to find new job opportunities, your NICU nurse cover letter can be crucial to your success.
A nursing cover letter complements your resume and gets sent to the hiring manager when you are applying for jobs. It gives you a chance to elaborate on your key qualifications and make an awesome first impression. Basically, it tells the hiring manager why they should invite you to an interview.
When writing your NICU nurse cover letter, be sure to consider these tips:
- Tell your story: Share your why. Why do you want to work in the NICU? What drew you to this particular facility?
- Mirror the job posting: Use similar words in your cover letter as those used in the job posting. Are they looking for a nurse who has excellent bedside manner? Describe yours.
- Share relevant experience: Your cover letter can only contain so many words. Identify your most relevant experiences and attributes and emphasize them.
Sample Cover Letter for NICU Nurse
Tim Brown, RN
444 Elmo Lane
Houston, TX 77001
555-555-5555
firstlast@email.com | linkedin.com/timbrown
[date]
Michaela Evans
740 Preemie St.
Houston, TX 77001
Dear Ms. Evans,
When my sister delivered her first child at 29 weeks and our family spent 8 weeks in the NICU, I knew that I was meant to be a neonatal intensive care nurse. This calling was affirmed during my NICU nursing rotations at St. Johnsons Hospital, nursing internship in Solwezi’s community maternity ward, and previous RN positions. I thrived in the fast-paced environment, felt fulfilled educating and advocating for parents, and was fascinated by such tiny humans’ resilience.
I was elated to see the job posting for a full-time neonatal intensive care nurse at Houston Regional Hospital. My experiences in Houston Medical Center — where I worked as the charge nurse and oriented nine nurses — strengthened my leadership and teamwork skills. I managed a caseload of two critically ill neonatal infants per shift, created comprehensive care plans, and developed an expertise in EPIC charting systems.
I received the Good Samaritan Foundation Excellence in nursing award in 20XX for my outstanding bedside manner, compassionate demeanor, and advocacy skills. In 20XX I obtained my neonatal nurse certification and have been NRP certified since 20XX. I am confident that these skills and qualities will continue to grow throughout my nursing career.
I look forward to connecting with you and discussing how I can be an asset to your team. You may contact me at 555-555-5555 any weekday after 08:00 a.m. I greatly appreciate your time and am eager to hear from you.
All the best,
Tim Brown
Need more inspiration? Check out this labor and delivery nurse cover letter example.
Cover Letter for NICU Nurse: Q&A
How do I write a cover letter for a NICU nurse with no experience?
Share your relevant experience. Have you worked as a nurse in other areas? Have you worked with similar populations, such as nurseries? Think of the necessary skills involved in NICU nursing, and share yours.
What skills should a NICU nurse have?
NICU nurses need a mix of hard and soft skills. Since they are advocating for parents and babies in time-sensitive situations, they must have excellent communication, empathy, and critical thinking skills. They must also be familiar with neonatal resuscitation, newborn assessment, and newborn care.
What salary can a NICU nurse expect?
The average NICU nurse salary is about $74,500 per year. Depending on your degree, experience, location, and facility, your exact salary may differ.
Where do NICU nurses work?
NICU nurses typically work in hospitals, but there are four different levels of care within the neonatal population based on acuity.
Make Your Cover Letter Work For You
When the competition is tight, your NICU nurse cover letter can make or break your job application, so spend time and effort crafting yours. Need help taking the next step? Search for NICU nurse jobs on IntelyCare to find the opportunities that fit your needs.