Clinical Nurse Specialist Cover Letter and Writing Tips

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Written by Ayana Dunn, BSN, RN Content Writer, IntelyCare
A man shows his clinical nurse specialist cover letter to colleagues.

Working as a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) requires critical thinking and strong leadership skills, and prospective employers will be looking for specialized candidates for this role. While your CNS resume is like a sketch of who you are as an employee, your clinical nurse specialist cover letter fills it in with color. Check out our advice on how to write a strong cover letter and our sample to show you how it’s done.

Use Engaging Language

Your goal is to compel the hiring team to invite you to become one of their clinical leaders, so nuances in your writing style can be a key differentiator. This is your chance to let your personality shine through, so keep these tips in mind:

  • Write in an active voice.
  • Try to evoke emotion.
  • Use vivid verbs.
  • Share relevant anecdotes.

Research Your Employer

Imagine yourself at your own birthday celebration. Would you rather receive thoughtful or generic gifts? You probably want something that’s unique to you — and the same goes for your prospective employer. Add details indicating that you’ve taken time to get to know their facility. Here are some ways to convey that you’ve done your research:

  • Include the hiring manager’s name.
  • Mention the organization’s awards and accolades.
  • Describe how their values align with your own.
  • Use details from the job posting.

Be Concise

The reader will be sifting through a lot of job applications, so it’s best to be short and sweet when making your points. There are a few ways you can do this:

  • Use examples that encompass a range of positive traits.
  • Ensure your cover letter is no more than one page.
  • Keep paragraphs concise and easy to read.
  • Describe one experience per paragraph.

Clinical Nurse Specialist Cover Letter Example

Reading cover letter samples can help you generate ideas for how to write your own. Get inspired by our example, and if you want more, check out our cover letters for other nursing specialties.

Salim Ergashev, MSN, RN

756 Mango Circle
Guava, MO
555-555-5555 | email@email.com

[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
Otaheite Apple University Hospital
777 JackFruit Lane
Soursop, MO

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I’m a driven and empathetic clinical nurse specialist who is devoted to ensuring nursing professionals receive a quality education. I love how your institution implements findings from its ample research to provide compassionate patient care. I would love to join your continuing education team as a diabetes nurse educator and researcher. I’m confident my expertise will augment your dynamic work culture.

At Durian University School of Nursing, I taught both med-surg I and II. I adapted my teaching methods to different learning styles, and I was happy to address the needs of specific students during one-on-one tutoring sessions. I collaborated with coworkers to create engaging curriculums, and incorporated the feedback I received into subsequent classes. I felt a deep sense of pride in cultivating the next generations of nurses.

At Coconut Community Care, I was tasked with educating diabetic patients. I identified patterns in patient knowledge gaps, thus enabling me to provide more comprehensive education to newly diagnosed diabetics. I learned about the obstacles preventing people from accessing what they need to stay healthy, and I worked closely with individuals and families to find unique ways for them to meet their care plan goals. I’m grateful for how this experience helped me become more adaptable and understanding.

I’d be happy to answer any questions you have in an interview. Thank you for your time, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

Salim Ergashev, MSN, RN

Clinical Nurse Specialist Salary

How much does a clinical nurse specialist earn? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median advanced practice registered nurse salary is around $129,480 per year.

The job outlook for these nurses is optimistic. Employment of advanced practice nurses is projected to grow by 38%, which is much higher than the projections for all other occupations.

Write a Great Clinical Nurse Specialist Cover Letter

Use our advice to create a winning cover letter. Remember everything you bring to the table when you search for nursing jobs on IntelyCare today.