A letter of intent (LOI) for a nursing job is written by a registered nurse to express their interest in working for the employer to whom the letter is addressed. Nurses generally use LOIs to apply for job positions that aren’t advertised and therefore, aren’t necessarily available. For this reason an LOI requires that the applicant researches the employer’s organization to present a compelling case to be hired. Although an LOI may not often secure the nurse a position right away, the employer may keep them as a first option 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 increase their employment prospects by formally informing organizations of their interest in working for them. 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 salutation and introduction – 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.
4. Provide eduction 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 for the employer.
5. Attach supporting documents – Copies of the nurse’s certifications, degrees, and awards can be attached to the letter as proof of their qualifications.
6. 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.
7. 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

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