A letter of intent (LOI) for a nursing job is written by a registered nurse to express their interest in working for a healthcare employer to whom the letter is addressed. The letter states why the nurse believes they are well suited to the employer’s organization and presents their qualifications for the position in which they’re interested. Although an LOI may not secure the nurse a position, the employer may keep the letter on file for when a job opening occurs.

How to Write an LOI for a Nursing Job

An LOI for a nursing job allows registered nurses to apply for work at an organization that suits their needs and objectives. To present a convincing and memorable case for their hiring, the following steps can be followed:

1. Compile education and work history

The nurse will need to present their relevant education, certifications, and work history. Any supporting documentation should be gathered in case it is requested by the employer.

2. Research the organization

Prior to writing an LOI, the nurse will need to research the organization (e.g., hospital, care facility, physician’s office) to learn about the services they provide, the types of specialists and teams they employ, and what kind of clientele or patients they have. The nurse may request a meeting and visit the premises for information gathering.

3. Write Letter of Intent

Once the nurse has researched their target employer, they can write the LOI:

• Salutation and intro – A formal letter always begins with a salutation (e.g., “Dear ____”) and an introductory paragraph that introduces the sender and their reason for writing the letter. In this case, the nurse should state that they are an experienced nurse and intend to work for the employer.
• Education and work experience – The nurse will need to describe their education, including any degrees and certifications, and relevant work experience. Furthermore, the letter should explain how skills the nurse learned on the job or in training make them an ideally suited candidate for the employer.
• Call to action– The letter can finish by affirming the nurse’s interest in working for the employer and offering to meet or contact to discuss their possible employment.

4. Deliver the Letter

The letter will need to be delivered to the employer by mail, email, or in person. It is recommended to send a physical document so that it may demand more attention and be kept on hand for reference.

5. Follow Up With Employer

If the employer doesn’t respond to the nurse within a reasonable period, the nurse can contact them to ensure they received the letter and reiterate their interest.

Sample

Download: PDF, Word (.docx), OpenDocument