How important is a cover letter on your application?

Is it essential to attach a cover letter to these online applications? I just feel like I would say more or less the same thing in the cover letter that I do in my summary statement..
Anybody with input??

It might not get read but if the HR person looks for a cover letter and doesn't find one it looks pretty bad on you to have not bothered with one.

If you are a new grad, then yes, I 100% think you should. I'm not sure what a summary statement is- I'm guessing it's that thing I see at the top of some resumes that says something like- motivated, enthusiastic RN looking for.... I never put that in my resume; to me that's the type of language that belongs in a cover letter, not on a resume that should be more objective and factual. I'm not a fan of cover letters in general, unless you're brand new or your changing your area of work. When I applied for new med/ surg jobs, I didn't use one- my information and experience is in my resume (yes, I still got called and still got the job). However, I do wish to work in public health, in the future, so I would definitely use a cover letter to explain my interest in public health and motivation to change areas of nursing, as well as how I would/ could use the experience I do have. I didn't see the point in writing a letter to say- here's how I can use my m/s experience on your m/s floor because I already listed what skills were utilized in my resume.

I suppose you're right. How would you begin the cover letter if it is for an out of state position and I do not know the name of the hiring manager? To whom it may concern?