How to Create a Nursing Application Letter

A nursing application letter gives the admission staff a better idea of why an applicant wishes to become a nurse. This letter provides insight into the goals and aspirations of a potential nursing student and highlights the strengths and skills of the applicant. A strong nursing application letter will enable an applicant to stand out from other applicants. Answering questions on internal motivation and personal experiences provides helpful insight for the admissions staff so they can select applicants who are most likely to succeed in their program, according to Judith Sadler, Ph.D., R.N., in her article in “Nurse Education Today.”

Step 1

State why you want to become a nurse. Be sure to describe what made you decide to become a nurse such as following in the footsteps of a family member or remembering a nurse who took good care of you. Research indicates that nursing students who feel a personal, internalized connection to nursing do better in nursing programs than those who feel that nursing is external to them, according to Sadler.

Step 2

Inform the admissions board of your long-term nursing goals. State what specialty you wish to attain such as a pediatric nurse, operating room nurse or acute care nurse. If you don’t know the specialty you want, state that. Inform the admissions board of any further education you plan to pursue. If you wish to pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing, become a nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist, include this information in your nursing application letter.

Step 3

List prior experiences. If you volunteered in a hospital or worked in a physician's office, nursing home or any other type of medical setting, include this information in your letter. Admissions boards want to know that their applicants are serious about their career goals.

Step 4

Organize your thoughts and make sure your letter is well organized. If you are talking about previous work experience, stick with that topic. Once you have finished one topic, move on to a new paragraph containing new information.