Operating Room Nurse Cover Letter Writing Tips and Sample

The operating room (OR) is a very special place in the hospital, where doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals work together to perform surgeries, some of which are life-saving. Success in this field demands both precision and resilience. If you want to join this dynamic and highly rewarding field, you’ll need a strong operating room nurse cover letter and a solid resume to stand out.

Read ahead to explore our expert tips, designed to assist you in creating a powerful cover letter for operating room nurse positions and increase your chances of securing a job interview. As a bonus, check out our operating nurse cover letter example for inspiration.

Tips for Writing an Operating Room Nurse Cover Letter

1. Do your research. A common mistake in cover letters is treating it like a holiday card — creating one and sending it en masse to all potential employers. Instead, get to know the company inside and out. Carefully read the job description, study the About Us section on their website, and scrutinize their values and mission statements. Then, craft an OR nurse cover letter that, like a tailor-made suit, perfectly fits the company’s needs.

2. Highlight key qualities. Consider what distinguishes you as an operating room nurse. Is your experience as a scrub nurse or surgical tech? Or is your past career as an Army nurse? Identify two or three strengths, and make sure to showcase them in your cover letter. Operating room nurse positions require specific qualities — make sure you highlight them.

Some qualities to include in your cover letter:

• Critical thinking
• Empathy
• Professionalism
• Cultural competence
• Attention to details
• Teamwork and adaptability

3. Get personal. Your cover letter is more than just a data sheet; it’s an opportunity to unveil the authentic you. Share your story — why you chose to become an operating room nurse, the experiences that inspired your career path, and the life events that shaped you professionally. Highlight what makes you an excellent candidate for their team.

4. Keep it concise. You might have plenty to share about yourself, but your job application isn’t the space for a novella. Stick to one page for your cover letter. That way, you can effectively showcase your qualities without overwhelming the hiring manager.

Operating Nurse Cover Letter Example

Norah Robertson

4444 Alligator Avenue
Miami, FL 33101
444-444-4444
firstlast@email.com

[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
Sunny Hospital
444 Gator Road
Miami, FL 33101

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my strong interest in the operating room nurse role at Sunny Hospital. With five years of hands-on experience as an operating room nurse, background as a surgical tech, and unwavering dedication to compassionate care, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.

My journey into operating room nursing is deeply personal. Growing up, my brother faced congenital heart disease, undergoing multiple surgeries. Spending significant time with operating room nurses during his treatments left an indelible mark on me. Witnessing the impact they had on my brother’s life motivated my decision to pursue a career in the same field.

During my five-year operating room nursing career, I have honed my skills in diverse surgical settings, including neurosurgery, open-heart surgery, and robotic surgery. I am CNOR certified and proud to have been recognized as Nurse of the Year twice in my previous workplace, as a testament to my dedication and commitment to patient care.

Your job posting emphasizes attention to detail, technical competence, and teamwork. I believe I possess all the qualities you are looking for in a potential candidate, as evidenced by two Daisy Award nominations and eight years of combined operating room experience.

Your hospital’s values of innovation, compassion, and professionalism resonate with me deeply. I believe that my skills, genuine passion for patient well-being, and ongoing commitment to professional growth would make me a valuable addition to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager for the opportunity to delve deeper into a discussion about my professional skills and share how I can contribute to the exceptional care provided by Sunny Hospital.

Sincerely,

Norah Robertson

If you are wondering how to write an operating room nurse cover letter without any experience, refer to our operating room job description. It offers valuable insights into what employers are looking for when hiring nurses, enabling you to create a standout application.

Operating Room Nurse Salary

The average operating room nurse salary in the U.S. is $86,670 per year. Your salary can range widely, depending on several factors, such as education, certifications, years of experience, and location.

If you are open to relocation, consider sending out your OR nurse cover letter to one of these top-paying states for nurses:

• California
• Hawaii
• Washington
• Oregon
• Alaska

Ready to Use Your Operating Room Nurse Cover Letter?

Ready to make a difference in the operating room? Explore the latest OR nurse jobs on IntelyCare and take the next step by applying today.