Help with application letter please!! (longish)

Hi everyone,

I'm in the process of sending in application letters to prospective employers who haven't actually advertised positions. I've only just completed my nursing course and as such have no actual nursing experience other than being a care assistant in a a nursing home for 5 years.

Any hints about what I should include in my letter to try and make me stand out from the crowd?

This is basically what I've got so far - (I'm Australian, so some of it might sound a little strange to you) :

My clinical placements were completed at Ashford Hospital in the coronary care and surgical wards. I have also undertaken a mental health clinical placement at Woodleigh House (Modbury Hospital). During these placements I was able to learn a range of nursing skills which I am able to relate to the ANMC competencies and my scope of practice. My peers gave me very positive feedback for my performance and skills.

I have completed a venepuncture training course held by The Pathology Foundation and am eager to be able to use these skills.

Since 2005 I have been employed in the nursing industry, as a personal care attendant within an aged care setting and disability support worker. All of my recent roles have required me to work within the policies and procedures set by the organisations and have required me to work varied shifts.

My experience as a carer has had a positive impact on my nursing practice as it has enhanced my communication and time management skills, whilst also developing my problem solving skills, basic clinical skills and my ability to work with a wide range of patients and co-workers.

Thanks in advance for any hints/tips/pointers you may be able to give me

Cheers
Chris
Bulletize your selling points.

Chris email me here and I will send you a letter I have used to get interviews.I'm Australian so it might help.I tried emailing you but it revealed my personal email address and I don't want to give that out.

Chris I sent you a private message. It said my email address would be displayed. I don't know how to delete that on here as I'm still learning to use everything on allnurses, so don't give out the email address to anyone please.thanks, Carol

No problems Carol. I would not give it to anyone - can't imagine why I would want to but I can understand your concern!Thanks for your letter. I'm currently studying it and editing to fit me in there instead of you. Will let you know how I get on.

Quote from chrisj74No problems Carol. I would not give it to anyone - can't imagine why I would want to but I can understand your concern!Thanks for your letter. I'm currently studying it and editing to fit me in there instead of you. Will let you know how I get on.

chrisj74how have you gone with your job applications? have you applied to any nursing agencies yet?

Hey CarolHave submitted many apps, but no joy yet.I tried the agencies but they said not yet cos I am still waiting for my registration to be processed so will be heading back to them as soon as I have my registration in my hands!Fingers crossed!!Chris

Don know what state you are in, but mine didn't take too long. Keep ringing to remind them hey.Also don't 4get re asking about Graduate Nurse Programs with agencies and apply everywhere. Just do a standard application and send it to every hospital, nursing home, etc where you think they would hire nurses.I even applied for a job yesterday - I didn't know it had closed, but I asked the manager if she would keep my CV on file and she said yes, and I have got calls re jobs later on like that. Keep cold canvassing and do any job you can to keep yourself employed and in the job market (might not necessarily be nursing but hey, a job is a job). If you sit around and get depressed that won't help you.Apply for anything and everything, and I always say I am willing to be trained up in a job - just sound enthusiastic.I have an interview for a possible Practice Nurse job next Tuesday, and the GP said he is willing to train me - they want someone they can train to their practice standards, so I'm really excited but I got that interview much later after cold canvassing GP surgeries.Have you done a GNP yet?You will be OK - just keep plugging away and apply for jobs you don't even think you may not get. Let us know when you are successful - as you will be

Hey CarolI finally got a full time job using a version of your application letter!I start work at Woodleigh House (mental health unit) on 4th Dec. I'm over the moon! Thanks for your help, Chris