Updated on March 14th, 2023
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.
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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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Attach supporting documents – Copies of the nurse’s certifications, degrees, and awards can be attached to the letter as proof of their qualifications.
- 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.
- 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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LETTER OF INTENT
FOR NURSING JOB
[MM/DD/YYYY]
[SENDER NAME]
[SENDER STREET ADDRESS]
[SENDER CITY, STATE, ZIP]
[RECIPIENT NAME]
[SCHOOL NAME]
[SCHOOL STREET ADDRESS]
[SCHOOL CITY, STATE, ZIP]
Dear [RECIPIENT NAME],
I am writing to express my interest in working as a [NURSING POSITION] at [ORGANIZATION NAME]. As a dedicated registered nurse with [#] years of work experience, I am confident that I have the skills and qualifications necessary to provide value to your organization in this role.
Throughout my nursing career, I have gained a wealth of experience providing patient care in various healthcare settings, performing patient assessments, and administering medications to patients. My passion for nursing has led me to pursue additional training and certifications, including [RELEVANT CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAINING]. In my current position of [CURRENT POSITION] at [CURRENT EMPLOYER], I have worked with diverse patient populations and interdisciplinary healthcare teams to successfully ensure ideal patient outcomes.
I am seriously interested in a position at [ORGANIZATION NAME] because of its reputation for providing exceptional patient care and fostering a supportive work environment. I believe that my proven ability to provide compassionate patient care, strong clinical skills, and dedication to teamwork make me a perfect fit for your organization.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.
Sincerely,
[NAME]
Signature: ___________________