Oncology Cover Letter Writing Tips and Sample
Oncology nurses are in high demand, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. Despite the need for professionals in this nursing specialty, you still need to create a competitive oncology nurse cover letter and resume to stand out from the crowd. Keep reading to see our advice on ways to make your cover letter memorable, and a sample to inspire you.
Prove Your Passion for Cancer Care
Oncology is a unique specialty — not everyone can handle what it entails. It requires a specific knowledge base and skill set. What makes you fit for the job? Here are some ways to show how serious you are about a career as an oncology nurse:
- Describe a personal experience with cancer.
- Share your interest in the disease process.
- Discuss your thoughts on palliative care and chronic illness.
Research Your Employer
Learning about your employer shows your potential for being a loyal and dedicated team member. You know this about yourself, so make sure your prospective employer knows this too. Below are some ideas on how to do this:
- Explain why their work piques your interest.
- Share any positive reviews you’ve read from patients or employees.
- Ask to shadow a current employee, and describe your experience.
Show Off Your Soft Skills
Soft skills are especially important for oncology. Cancer can be a long and challenging process, and you may develop a deep bond with patients and their families. The way you interact with them can have a meaningful impact during sorrowful times. Consider emphasizing these important soft skills in nursing:
- Emotional intelligence
- Empathy
- Therapeutic communication
- Assertiveness
- Compassion
Oncology Nurse Cover Letter Sample
Looking at cover letter samples can help you gauge the type of content your prospective employer expects. The more samples you read, the more well-rounded your inspiration will be. Check out our example below.
Kotori Mononoke, RN
317 Miyazaki Ave
Chihiro, MN 55106
555-555-5555
firstlast@email.com / linkedin.com / kotorimononoke
[date]
Sophie Pendragon
811 Turnip Lane
Nausicaa, MN 55106
Dear Ms. Pendragon,
I’m one of many people who’ve been impacted by cancer. My grandmother, one of the most important people in my life, was diagnosed with breast cancer before I was born. I’ve watched its impact on her and my family throughout my entire life. She was the spark that ignited the flame of passion I feel about people living with cancer.
The moment I decided to become a nurse, I knew my goal was to work in oncology. I know what it’s like to be affected by this disease, which deepens my understanding of what my patients and their families are experiencing. On top of that, I’m fascinated by the disease process. I’m more than happy to provide thorough patient education when necessary.
During my time at Jiji Memorial Hospital, I worked with patients who had a variety of illnesses, including cancer. I saw how cancer diagnoses impacted prior chronic illnesses, as well as the way it affected acute illnesses. I learned how to remain present in the moment while juggling time management, when to delegate tasks, and how to use assertive communication on behalf of my patients.
Fortunately, my manager was invested in staff fulfillment, so she happily obliged when I asked her to be assigned to work with more cancer patients. Of course, other factors impacted who I took care of, but I was assigned patients with cancer on a regular basis. This helped me learn about many of the realities of working with this population.
I would be honored to work with your team. Laputa Hospital is on the cutting edge of cancer research, and I’m constantly fascinated by your findings. The idea of working for a hospital that’s just as dedicated to cancer as I am fills me with joy.
I greatly appreciate your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Kotori Mononoke, RN
Oncology Nurse Salary
On average, oncology nurses earn $84,700 per year. Your salary may vary based on your location, facility, and years of experience. These are the states that pay the highest nurse salaries:
What Will You Include in Your Oncology Nurse Cover Letter?
Start writing a winning cover letter to bring your nursing career to the next level. Then, take your next step towards making a meaningful difference in your patients’ lives by exploring the the latest nurse jobs today.