Knowing how to write a compelling application letter is a basic skill every nurse trying to advance their career in various nursing roles—from hospital staff nurse to community health officer. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on crafting personalized letters based on your qualifications and the type of healthcare establishment, plus essential tips on attachments and submission guidelines to maximize your chances of success.
Understanding the Purpose of an Application Letter
According to the Nigerian Nursing Board Survey 2024, 85% of Nigerian healthcare recruiters prioritize well-structured application letters. Your application letter serves as your first professional introduction, demonstrating your communication skills, attention to detail, and genuine interest in the position. Application letters that clearly state the position and qualifications increase interview chances by 40%.
Your letter should accomplish three key objectives:
Prove you can do the job (demonstrate competence) Show you care about the role (express commitment) Demonstrate you’ll fit the team (establish cultural fit)
Essential Structure of a Nursing Application Letter
Header Information:
Your full name and contact details Date of application Hiring manager’s name and facility details Professional salutation
Opening Paragraph:
Specific position you’re applying for Where you learned about the opportunity Brief compelling hook that demonstrates your value
Body Paragraphs:
Relevant qualifications and experience Specific achievements with quantifiable results Connection between your skills and their needs Knowledge of the facility’s mission and values
Closing Paragraph:
Reiterate interest and enthusiasm Request for interview opportunity Professional sign-off with your credentials
Writing Application Letters Based on Your Nursing Qualification
With 70% of job advertisements specifying required qualifications, matching these explicitly in your letters improves application success. Including specific clinical skills relevant to your qualification boosts recruiter interest significantly.
Application Letter Tips for Registered Nurses (RNs)
As a Registered Nurse, emphasize your broad clinical competencies, patient assessment skills, and ability to work across multiple healthcare settings.
Key areas to highlight:
Clinical experience across various specialties Patient care planning and implementation Medication administration accuracy Team collaboration and leadership Continuing education and professional development
Sample opening: “During my final clinical rotation at your facility, I helped implement a new patient education checklist that reduced readmission queries by 25% within just two weeks. This experience reinforced my desire to begin my nursing career at Lagos University Teaching Hospital.”
How Midwives Should Highlight Their Unique Skills
Registered Midwives should focus on maternal and child health expertise, emphasizing your role in supporting women throughout their reproductive journey.
Core competencies to emphasize:
Antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care Family planning counseling Newborn care and assessment Health education for mothers and families Emergency obstetric procedures
Effective approach: Connect your compassionate care philosophy with their maternal health programs, demonstrating your understanding of cultural sensitivities in Nigerian communities.
Community Health Nurses: Emphasizing Public Health Experience
Public Health Nurses should highlight community engagement, health promotion, and population-level interventions.
Essential skills to showcase:
Community needs assessment Health education program development Disease surveillance and prevention Immunization campaign management Working with diverse community groups
Strategic positioning: Demonstrate your ability to bridge healthcare gaps in underserved communities while respecting traditional beliefs and practices.
Sample Application Letters for Different Nursing Positions
Sample 1: New Graduate Applying to Teaching Hospital
Subject: Application for Staff Nurse Position – Medical Ward
Dear Dr. Adebayo,
Last week, during my final clinical rotation at your facility, I helped implement a new patient education checklist that reduced readmission queries by 25% within just two weeks. This experience reinforced my desire to begin my nursing career at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, where innovation meets compassionate care.
Your commitment to training the next generation of healthcare professionals resonates deeply with me. During my BSN program, I consistently ranked in the top 10% of my class while completing 480 clinical hours across 6 specialties. My preceptors noted my ability to quickly establish rapport with patients—a skill that proved invaluable when I successfully de-escalated a tense family situation during my ICU rotation.
What particularly attracts me to LUTH is your recent expansion of the stroke care program. My clinical experience includes 120 hours in neurological settings, where I assisted with post-stroke rehabilitation protocols and earned recognition for my attention to detail in neurological assessments. I’m eager to contribute to your team’s mission of providing world-class neurological care while learning from your experienced staff.
I have enclosed my resume and academic transcripts for your review. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my fresh perspective, combined with solid clinical foundation, can support your unit’s continued excellence.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely, Blessing Okoro, RN +234 803 XXX XXXX [email protected]
Sample 2: Experienced ICU Nurse Applying to Private Hospital
Subject: Senior ICU Nurse Application – Immediate Availability
Dear Dr. Adewale,
When our 20-bed ICU at National Hospital was overwhelmed during the COVID surge, I developed a patient flow protocol that reduced average length of stay by 18 hours while maintaining our zero mortality rate for three consecutive months. This experience taught me that exceptional critical care requires both clinical expertise and operational efficiency—values I see reflected in Reddington Hospital’s approach to patient care.
Your recent COHSASA accreditation and investment in cutting-edge cardiac care technology align perfectly with my career goals. As a registered nurse with 7 years of ICU experience and additional certification in Critical Care Nursing from the West African College of Nursing, I’ve managed care for patients requiring complex interventions, including ventilator support and continuous cardiac monitoring. My experience with electronic medical records systems and training 12 new ICU nurses would allow me to contribute immediately to your expanding critical care team.
I’m particularly drawn to your hospital’s focus on patient satisfaction alongside clinical excellence. Last year, I achieved a 98% patient family satisfaction score while serving as charge nurse for evening shifts. My ability to communicate effectively in English, Yoruba, and Hausa has been invaluable in providing culturally sensitive care to our diverse patient population.
I’ve attached my resume, NMCN license, and additional certifications for your review. I’m available to start immediately and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my experience can contribute to Reddington’s continued success.
Best regards, Ibrahim Hassan, RN NMCN License: RN/12345/2016 +234 701 XXX XXXX [email protected]
Sample 3: Career Changer (Former Teacher) Applying to Pediatric Unit
Subject: Pediatric Nurse Position – Bringing Educational Expertise to Patient Care
Dear Dr. Okonkwo,
“Aunty Grace, you make taking medicine fun”—words from 8-year-old Kemi during my pediatric clinical rotation at UCH that reminded me why I transitioned from teaching to nursing. My unique background as a former primary school teacher, combined with my newly earned RN degree from University of Lagos, positions me to provide exceptional care to your young patients at Lagos Island Maternity Hospital.
My 5 years of classroom experience managing 25-30 children daily has equipped me with invaluable skills directly applicable to pediatric nursing: crisis de-escalation, clear communication with both children and parents, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. During my pediatric rotation, I successfully administered oral medications to anxious children using play therapy techniques I developed as a teacher, resulting in 100% compliance without distress.
What excites me about your facility is the family-centered care approach outlined in your mission statement. I understand that treating pediatric patients means caring for entire families. My educational background has taught me to communicate complex information in age-appropriate ways—a skill that proved valuable when I helped a 6-year-old understand his sickle cell management plan through storytelling and picture cards.
I hold my current NMCN license and have completed additional training in Pediatric Basic Life Support through the Nigerian Heart Foundation. My combination of educational expertise and clinical training offers a unique perspective that could enhance your team’s approach to patient and family education, particularly given our diverse Lagos community.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my unconventional path to nursing can benefit your patients and team.
Warm regards, Grace Nwosu, RN NMCN License: RN/67890/2023 +234 805 XXX XXXX [email protected]
Sample 4: Experienced Nurse Seeking Leadership Role
Subject: Nurse Manager Position Application – Proven Leadership Track Record
Dear Mrs. Adeleke,
Under my leadership as Acting Charge Nurse, our medical-surgical unit at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital achieved a 40% reduction in patient falls and maintained 95% medication accuracy over 8 months—results that demonstrate my ability to drive both safety improvements and team excellence. I’m excited to bring this leadership experience to the Nurse Manager position at Federal Medical Centre, Abuja.
Your facility’s reputation for clinical excellence and staff development aligns with my leadership philosophy. Over the past 10 years, I’ve progressed from staff nurse to mentor, training 25+ new graduates with a 98% retention rate. My approach combines high standards with supportive guidance—I believe in developing people while achieving results.
My experience managing quality improvement initiatives would be immediately valuable to your unit. I led the implementation of a new documentation system that reduced charting time by 30% while improving AHRQ compliance scores. Additionally, my trilingual abilities (English/Hausa/Fulfulde) have proven essential in our diverse North-Central patient population, and I’ve trained staff on culturally sensitive care approaches that respect traditional healing practices alongside modern medicine.
I hold my B.NSc from Ahmadu Bello University, am currently pursuing my M.Sc in Nursing Administration at University of Abuja, and maintain current NMCN registration plus additional certification in Basic Life Support from the Nigerian Heart Foundation. My combination of clinical expertise, leadership experience, and commitment to professional development positions me well to advance your unit’s mission.
I’ve enclosed my resume and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my vision for excellence in nursing leadership at FMC Abuja.
Respectfully, Fatima Mohammed, RN, B.NSc NMCN License: RN/54321/2014 +234 707 XXX XXXX [email protected]
Application Letter Templates for Nigerian Nurses
Template 1: New Graduate/Entry-Level Template
Subject: [Specific Position Title] Application – [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name/Title],
[HOOK: Specific achievement or experience from clinical rotations that demonstrates your potential]
[MIDDLE PARAGRAPH:
Connect your academic/clinical experience to their facility’s mission Mention specific clinical hours, specialties, and achievements Reference something specific about their facility you researched]
[FINAL PARAGRAPH:
Reiterate interest and value you bring Professional closing with next steps]
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely, [Your Name, RN] [Phone] [Email]
Key Elements to Customize:
Research the facility’s recent achievements or programs Quantify your clinical hours and rotation experiences Mention NMCN license number and graduation institution Reference Nigerian nursing education requirements (480 clinical hours minimum) Show enthusiasm for learning and contributing to Nigerian healthcare
Template 2: Experienced Nurse Template
Subject: [Position Title] – [Your Name] – [Years Experience] Years Nigerian Healthcare Experience
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
[HOOK: Specific quantified achievement that demonstrates your impact in current/previous role at a Nigerian facility]
[MIDDLE PARAGRAPH 1:
Connect your experience to their specific needs/challenges Mention NMCN license and any additional Nigerian certifications Reference knowledge of Nigerian healthcare challenges (NHIS, resource management, etc.) Show knowledge of their facility’s goals or recent developments]
[MIDDLE PARAGRAPH 2:
Highlight leadership experience or special projects Include patient satisfaction scores or quality metrics Mention language abilities relevant to their patient population Demonstrate cultural competency with diverse Nigerian communities]
[CLOSING:
Express immediate availability or timeline Request interview opportunity Professional sign-off with NMCN license number]
Best regards, [Your Name, RN, Degree] NMCN License: RN/XXXXX/YEAR [Phone] [Email]
Key Elements to Customize:
Research their recent expansions, technology upgrades, or Nigerian healthcare initiatives Quantify your achievements with specific metrics Include NMCN license details and Nigerian institution credentials Show understanding of local healthcare challenges (power supply, resource constraints, cultural sensitivity) Mention relevant Nigerian professional development or training
Crafting Your Nursing Resume (CV) for the Nigerian Context
Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) is the detailed professional document that supports your application letter. In the Nigerian healthcare context, a well-structured CV is equally important as your application letter, with 78% of recruiters spending less than 60 seconds on initial CV review according to the Nigerian Health Recruitment Report 2025.
Purpose of a CV/Resume in Nigeria
Unlike application letters that demonstrate personality and enthusiasm, your CV provides factual evidence of your qualifications, experience, and competencies. In Nigeria’s competitive healthcare market, your CV must immediately establish credibility while highlighting achievements that differentiate you from other candidates.
Your CV serves to:
- Provide detailed documentation of your professional journey
- Demonstrate progression and growth in your nursing career
- Showcase quantifiable achievements and contributions
- Verify credentials required for NMCN and facility compliance
- Support salary negotiations with concrete experience metrics
Key Sections of a Nursing CV
Contact Information
Your professional contact details should be prominently displayed at the top of your CV:
Essential Elements:
- Full name (as it appears on your NMCN license)
- Professional email address (firstname.lastname format preferred)
- Active phone number with country code (+234)
- City and state of residence
- LinkedIn profile (if professionally maintained)
Nigerian-Specific Considerations:
- Include NMCN license number and expiration date
- Consider listing languages spoken (especially local languages relevant to your target region)
- Avoid personal details like marital status, age, or religion unless specifically requested
Professional Summary/Objective
A 3-4 line summary that captures your nursing identity, experience level, and career aspirations specific to the Nigerian healthcare context.
For New Graduates: “Newly licensed Registered Nurse with comprehensive clinical training across 6 specialties and 480+ clinical hours in leading Nigerian teaching hospitals. Passionate about delivering culturally sensitive patient care while contributing to Nigeria’s evolving healthcare landscape. Seeking to begin career in acute care setting with opportunities for professional growth and specialization.”
For Experienced Nurses: “Results-driven Registered Nurse with 8 years of progressive experience in Nigerian public and private healthcare settings. Proven track record of improving patient outcomes, mentoring junior staff, and implementing quality improvement initiatives. Expertise in critical care, team leadership, and cross-cultural patient communication across Nigeria’s diverse populations.”
Education
List your educational background in reverse chronological order, emphasizing Nigerian institutions and requirements.
Format:
- Degree/Diploma | Institution | Location | Graduation Year | GPA (if 3.5 or higher)
Nigerian-Specific Elements to Include:
- O’Level results (if strong grades in relevant subjects)
- Nursing school clinical hours breakdown by specialty
- Academic honors or recognitions
- Relevant coursework for specialized positions
- Continuing education hours completed
Example: Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.NSc) | University of Lagos | Lagos, Nigeria | 2023 | GPA: 4.2/5.0
- Clinical Rotations: 480 hours across Medical-Surgical, ICU, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Psychiatry, Community Health
- Academic Recognition: Dean’s List (6 semesters), Clinical Excellence Award
- Capstone Project: “Improving Medication Adherence in Hypertensive Patients in Lagos Communities”
Professional Experience
Detail your work history with emphasis on achievements and quantifiable results rather than just job duties.
Structure for Each Position:
- Job Title | Facility Name | Location | Employment Dates
- 3-5 bullet points highlighting achievements using action verbs
- Quantify results wherever possible (percentages, numbers, timeframes)
Nigerian Healthcare Context Examples:
- “Managed care for 15-20 patients daily in busy medical ward at National Hospital, maintaining 98% medication accuracy rate”
- “Collaborated with multidisciplinary team of 12 healthcare professionals to reduce average length of stay by 2.5 days”
- “Trained 8 new graduate nurses in clinical procedures and documentation, achieving 100% retention rate”
- “Implemented patient education program that improved discharge planning compliance by 35%”
Skills Section
Organize skills into categories relevant to Nigerian nursing practice:
Clinical Skills:
- Patient assessment and care planning
- Medication administration and management
- Wound care and infection control
- Emergency response and resuscitation
- Medical equipment operation
Technical Skills:
- Electronic Health Records (specific systems if applicable)
- Medical devices and monitoring equipment
- Documentation and reporting systems
- Quality improvement methodologies
Interpersonal Skills:
- Cross-cultural communication
- Patient and family education
- Team collaboration and leadership
- Conflict resolution
- Mentoring and training
Language Skills:
- English (fluent)
- Local languages (specify level: basic, conversational, fluent)
Certifications and Licenses
List all current and relevant certifications with expiration dates:
Essential for All Nigerian Nurses:
- NMCN License: RN/XXXXX/YEAR (Expiry: Month/Year)
- Basic Life Support (BLS) – Nigerian Heart Foundation (Expiry: Month/Year)
Additional Relevant Certifications:
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Critical Care Nursing Certification
- Midwifery Registration (if applicable)
- Specialty certifications from recognized institutions
Professional Affiliations
Demonstrate your commitment to professional development and networking:
- Nigerian Association of Registered Nurses (NARN)
- West African College of Nursing (WACN)
- Specialty nursing associations (ICU, Pediatric, etc.)
- International nursing organizations (if applicable)
References
In the Nigerian context, references remain important for verification:
Format:
- Name | Title | Institution | Phone | Email | Relationship
Selection Criteria:
- Include 3-4 professional references
- Choose supervisors, managers, or respected colleagues
- Ensure references are aware and have agreed to provide recommendations
- Include at least one reference from a Nigerian healthcare institution
- Mix of clinical supervisors and administrative leaders preferred
Specific Tips for Nigerian Nurses
Academic Credentials
- Always include your O’Level subjects and grades if they’re strong (especially in sciences and English)
- Mention your nursing school’s accreditation status
- Include any academic scholarships or financial aid received
- Reference specific clinical rotation sites, especially prestigious teaching hospitals
NYSC Considerations
- Include NYSC certificate or exemption letter details
- If you served in a health facility, highlight relevant experience gained
- Mention any health-related community development projects you initiated
- Use NYSC experience to demonstrate adaptability and cultural awareness
NMCN License Details
- Always include your full NMCN license number
- Mention license status (active, good standing)
- Include continuing education hours completed for license renewal
- Reference any NMCN commendations or recognition received
Emphasis on Quantifiable Achievements and Action Verbs
Transform job descriptions into achievement statements using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result):
Instead of: “Responsible for patient care in ICU” Write: “Delivered comprehensive care to 8-12 critically ill patients per shift, achieving 97% family satisfaction scores and zero medication errors over 6 months”
Powerful Action Verbs for Nigerian Nursing CVs:
- Achieved, Improved, Reduced, Increased, Implemented
- Led, Mentored, Trained, Collaborated, Coordinated
- Developed, Initiated, Streamlined, Standardized, Optimized
- Assessed, Monitored, Evaluated, Documented, Reported
Tailoring the CV to the Job Description
Each CV submission should be customized for the specific position:
Keyword Optimization:
- Mirror important terms from the job posting
- Emphasize relevant clinical specialties
- Highlight specific skills mentioned in requirements
- Use similar language for experience descriptions
Priority Adjustments:
- Reorganize sections to emphasize most relevant qualifications
- Expand on experience most applicable to the target role
- Include additional certifications relevant to the position
- Adjust professional summary to match role requirements
Formatting and Length Considerations
Nigerian Healthcare Industry Standards:
- Length: 2-3 pages for experienced nurses, 1-2 pages for new graduates
- Format: Clean, professional layout with consistent fonts
- Font: Times New Roman or Arial, 11-12 point size
- Spacing: 1.15 or 1.5 line spacing for readability
- Margins: 1-inch margins on all sides
Professional Presentation:
- Use bullet points for easy scanning
- Maintain consistent formatting throughout
- Include white space for visual appeal
- Save as PDF to preserve formatting
- Use professional file naming: “CV_YourName_Date.pdf”
Common Formatting Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overuse of bold or italic text
- Inconsistent date formats
- Unprofessional email addresses
- Poor quality photocopies of documents
- Mixing different font styles or sizes
Tailoring Your Application to Different Healthcare Establishments
Different healthcare settings require specific approaches based on their unique cultures and patient populations.
Writing for Public Hospitals: Highlight Compliance and Teamwork
Characteristics: Large patient volumes, diverse cases, emphasis on protocols and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Key Points to Emphasize:
Experience with high-volume patient care Knowledge of government healthcare policies Team collaboration skills Ability to work with limited resources Commitment to serving diverse populations
Example Approach: “My experience at National Hospital has prepared me for the fast-paced, high-volume environment of federal medical centers, where adherence to protocols and seamless teamwork are essential for optimal patient outcomes.”
Private Clinics: Showcase Flexibility and Personalized Care
Characteristics: Focus on patient experience, efficiency, specialized services, premium care standards.
Key Points to Emphasize:
Patient satisfaction metrics Efficiency in care delivery Adaptability to different roles Experience with specialized procedures Customer service orientation
Example Approach: “My track record of achieving 98% patient satisfaction scores demonstrates my commitment to the personalized, high-quality care that distinguishes your facility in Lagos’s competitive healthcare market.”
NGOs and Community Health Projects: Stress Impact and Outreach Experience
Characteristics: Community-focused, resource-conscious, emphasis on health education and prevention.
Key Points to Emphasize:
Community engagement experience Health education and promotion skills Adaptability to challenging environments Cultural sensitivity Project implementation experience
Example Approach: “My passion for community health and experience implementing immunization campaigns in rural Kaduna align perfectly with your organization’s mission to improve health outcomes in underserved communities.”
Essential Attachments and Submission Guidelines
Proper documentation is crucial for a successful application. Missing or incorrect attachments cause 48% of application rejections according to the Nigerian Health Recruitment Report 2025.
What to Attach: CV, Certificates, and Reference Letters
Required Documents (Always verify specific requirements):
Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) Current NMCN practicing license (clear photocopy) Academic certificates (O’Level, nursing school credentials) Professional certifications (BLS, ACLS, specialty certificates) NYSC discharge/exemption certificate (if applicable) Letters of recommendation (if requested) Recent passport photographs (for hard copy submissions)
How to Format and Name Your Files Correctly
File Naming Convention:
Application Letter: “ApplicationLetter_YourName_Position” CV: “CV_YourName_Date” Certificates: “Certificate_Type_YourName” (e.g., “NMCNLicense_JohnDoe”)
Formatting Guidelines:
Use PDF format for email submissions unless specified otherwise Ensure all documents are clearly legible Maintain consistent professional formatting Keep individual file sizes under 2MB Use standard fonts (Times New Roman, Arial) size 11-12
Submission Tips: Email vs. Physical Delivery in Nigerian Healthcare Settings
Email Submissions:
Use professional subject line: “Application for [Position] – [Your Name]” Write brief, professional email body introducing attachments Double-check all attachments before sending Request read receipt if platform allows Follow up after one week if no acknowledgment
Physical Submissions:
Use clean, professional folder or envelope Arrange documents in logical order (application letter first) Include cover sheet listing all enclosed documents Address correctly to specified person/department Submit within business hours and keep receipt if provided
Online Portal Submissions:
Create account with professional username Complete all required fields thoroughly Upload documents in specified formats Review application before final submission Save confirmation number and screenshot
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Content Mistakes:
Generic, templated language without personalization Spelling and grammatical errors Negative comments about previous employers Overstating qualifications or experience Failing to address specific job requirements
Document Mistakes:
Missing NMCN license number or expiration date Outdated or expired certifications Poor quality photocopies Incorrect file formats Missing or incomplete contact information
Submission Mistakes:
Applying after deadline Using unprofessional email addresses Sending to wrong department or person Failing to follow specific application instructions Not keeping copies of submitted documents
Follow-Up Strategies
Timeline for Follow-Up:
Week 1: Confirm receipt (if no automatic confirmation) Week 2: Brief status inquiry Week 3: Final polite follow-up Month 1: Consider application unsuccessful if no response
Professional Follow-Up Approach: “Good morning Dr. [Name], I hope this message finds you well. I submitted my application for the [Position] on [Date] and wanted to respectfully inquire about the status of the recruitment process. I remain very interested in this opportunity and would be happy to provide any additional information needed. Thank you for your time and consideration.”
Preparing for Success After Application Submission
While waiting for responses, continue building your professional profile:
Professional Development:
Maintain current certifications Attend relevant workshops and conferences Network with healthcare professionals Stay updated on healthcare trends and policies Consider additional certifications relevant to your career goals
Interview Preparation:
Research common nursing interview questions Prepare specific examples using the STAR method Practice discussing your application letter content Prepare questions about the facility and role Plan professional interview attire
Your Path to Nursing Excellence in Nigeria
Success in nursing applications requires attention to detail, genuine enthusiasm, and strategic communication. Your application letter is often your first opportunity to demonstrate the professionalism and communication skills essential to nursing practice.
Remember that each application should be tailored to the specific role and institution. Generic applications are easily identified and typically unsuccessful. Take time to research each facility, understand their needs, and demonstrate how your unique qualifications make you the ideal candidate.
Nigerian healthcare needs dedicated, skilled professionals who can adapt to diverse settings while maintaining the highest standards of patient care. Your application letter is the first step in demonstrating that you are exactly what the healthcare system needs.
By following this guide and using the provided samples and templates as starting points, you’ll create compelling applications that open doors to meaningful nursing careers across Nigeria’s dynamic healthcare landscape.