Travel Nurse Cover Letter Writing Tips and Sample

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Written by Morganne Skinner, BSN, RN Content Writer, IntelyCare
Travel nurse in blue scrubs standing outside of a hospital and smiling.

Ready to start a career in travel nursing? You’re on the right track. As you begin your job search, you’ll need an awesome cover letter and nursing resume in your toolbox.

A cover letter is a document that you send to a hiring manager, along with your travel nurse resume. It complements your resume by highlighting your experiences, outlines your passion for the job, and states why you are the best fit for the job.

Your travel nurse cover letter is also important because it’s your very first chance to make a great impression. Secondly, it gives you an opportunity to share your story and make a personal connection with the hiring manager.

Consider these tips when writing your travel nursing cover letter:

  • Be distinct: Share what makes you unique. How are you different from other travel nurses?
  • Mirror the job posting: Use similar words in your cover letter that you see used in the job posting. Does the employer mention that they are looking for a travel nurse who is adaptable and flexible? Emphasize those qualities in your letter.
  • Tell your story: Why are you drawn to travel nursing? What makes you passionate about this particular specialty?

Below is an example of what a travel nurse cover letter looks like in action. Check out more nursing cover letter examples for inspiration.

Travel Nurse Cover Letter Sample

Amy Scott

LMNO Travelers Lane
Lincoln, NE 68501
555-555-5555
firstlast@email.com/linkedin.com/amyscott

[date]

Michelle Brown
ABC Hospital Drive
Santa Fe, NM 87501

Dear Ms. Brown,

Ever since I stepped foot in the fast-paced, constantly changing environment of the surgical trauma ICU, I knew that intensive care nursing was meant for me. That was affirmed to me during my three travel assignments in 20XX to medical ICU, surgical ICU, and cardiac ICU. I loved the camaraderie, the critical thinking required, and the quality of care patients received.

I was thrilled to learn about the travel nursing opportunity in the intensive care unit at Santa Fe Medical Hospital. My experiences in surgical ICU, where I worked with a multidisciplinary care team of nine professionals, strengthened my communication skills. During my assignment in the medical ICU, my nursing knowledge expanded as I cared for patients with congestive heart failure, liver failure, ARDS, and septic shock.

I am confident that these experiences will make me an immediate asset to your team. During my previous travel assignments, I have gained competence in three different electronic medical record systems as well as gathered experience with various medical devices. I received the Daisy Award in 20XX for my excellent bedside manner and patient advocacy skills.

I believe these qualities will continue to develop in my career and would complement your nursing team well. I look forward to connecting with you and discussing how my knowledge and skills can add to Santa Fe Medical Hospital. You can contact me at 555-555-5555 any weekday after 11:00 a.m. Thank you for your time and consideration.

All the best,

Amy Scott

What Salary Can a Travel Nurse Expect?

The average travel nurse salary is about $116,200 per year. This breaks down to around $2,250 each week. Depending on how many assignments you plan to take per year and where you choose to work, your salary could vary. The top five highest-paying locations are:

  1. San Jose, CA
  2. Santa Clara, CA
  3. Fremont, CA
  4. San Francisco, CA
  5. Daly City, CA

Ready to Start Traveling?

Now that you’ve learned how to write an awesome travel nurse cover letter, you’re ready to put it to use. IntelyCare can help take you where you want to go. Take a look at the travel nurse jobs available across the country and apply today.