Resume & Cover Letter for Nurses

This page outlines the information internationally educated nurses applying for a nursing position in Alberta must include in their resume and cover Letter.

Resume

For nursing positions, it’s important to include the following information on your resume:

SECTION	DESCRIPTION
Contact Information	Include your full name, address, phone number, and professional email address at the top of the resume.
Professional Summary or Objective Statement	Write concisely, and highlight your nursing experience, key skills, and goals. Tailor this section to match the specific nursing position you are applying for.
Licensure and Certifications	Clearly state your nursing licensure, including any registration or licensing bodies you are affiliated with (such as CARNA for Alberta). Include the date of licensure and the type of license or registration you hold. Also, mention any relevant certifications, such as Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), or specialized nursing certifications.
Education	Provide details of your nursing education, including the name of the institution, location, degree obtained, and graduation date. Mention any honours, awards, or scholarships received during your education.
Clinical Experience	Highlight your nursing experience, both internationally and in Canada if applicable. Include the name of the healthcare facility, location, job title, dates of employment, and a bulleted list of your responsibilities and achievements. Emphasize your clinical skills, patient care experience, and any specialized practice areas.
Skills	List your technical and clinical skills relevant to the nursing position. Include proficiency in specific medical procedures, use of medical equipment, electronic health records (EHR) systems, and any other relevant skills such as wound care, medication administration, or patient assessment.
Language Skills	Specify your proficiency in English and any other languages relevant to your nursing practice. Indicate if you have completed language proficiency tests, such as IELTS or CELBAN, and mention your scores if they are exceptional.
Professional Memberships	Include memberships in professional nursing associations such as CARNA or other relevant nursing organizations. This demonstrates your commitment to professional development and staying connected with the nursing community.
Continuing Education	Highlight any additional training, workshops, or courses you have completed to enhance your nursing knowledge and skills. This shows your dedication to ongoing learning and professional growth.
References	Optionally, include references or indicate that references are available upon request. Ensure you have obtained permission from the individuals you list as references.

Cover Letter

When writing a cover letter as an internationally educated nurse applying for a position in Canada, it's essential to highlight your relevant skills, experience, and qualifications as well as address recruiters' specific requirements or potential concerns or questions.

Here is an example of a cover letter for an internationally educated nurse applying in Canada:

[Your Name]
[Your Address][City, Province, Postal Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]

[Employer's Name]
[Company/Organization Name]
[Address]
[City, Province, Postal Code]

[Date]

Dear [Employer's Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the [Position] at [Company/Organization Name], as advertised on [Source of Job Posting]. As an internationally educated nurse with a strong passion for delivering high-quality patient care, I am excited to contribute my skills and experience to the healthcare field in Canada.
With a [number of years] of nursing experience in [your home country], I have gained comprehensive knowledge and expertise in various clinical settings. My skills and qualifications align closely with the requirements of the position, and I am eager to impact the health and well-being of patients in Canada positively.

I have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in nursing practice, patient advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration throughout my career. I am skilled in conducting comprehensive assessments, developing individualized care plans, and implementing evidence-based interventions to achieve optimal patient outcomes. I am well-versed in utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) and proficient in various healthcare software applications, enabling me to contribute effectively to the digital healthcare landscape in Canada.
Having completed my nursing education in [your home country], I know the importance of cultural sensitivity and diversity in healthcare. I am committed to providing patient-centred care that respects and embraces individuals’ cultural backgrounds and unique needs. I am confident in my ability to adapt quickly to the Canadian healthcare system and its best practices while leveraging my international experience to contribute fresh perspectives and ideas.

I am currently in the process of obtaining my nursing registration with the [relevant nursing regulatory body in Canada], and I am committed to meeting all the necessary requirements to practice as a registered nurse in Canada. I have also successfully completed the [relevant Canadian nursing certifications or courses] to enhance my knowledge and ensure my compliance with Canadian nursing standards.
I am impressed by [Company/Organization Name]'s commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery and its dedication to patient-centred care. I believe that my skills, international experience, and cultural competency make me a strong fit for your organization. I welcome the opportunity to contribute to your team and make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.

Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review. During an interview, I would like to discuss further my qualifications and how I can contribute to [Company/Organization Name]’s mission. I am available at your convenience and can be reached by phone at [phone number] or by email at [email address].

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Here is an example of a cover letter for an internationally educated nurse from the Philippines:

Maria Santos
111 Main Street
Edmonton, AB, T3P 0L2
email: mariasantos@xyz.com
phone: 555-123-4567

John Smith Parkhill
Medical Centre
123 West Avenue
Edmonton, AB, T6X 9Z6

June 7, 2023

Dear John Smith,

I am writing to express my interest in the registered nurse position at Parkhill Medical Centre in Edmonton, AB. As an internationally educated nurse from the Philippines with five years of diverse nursing experience, I am excited to bring my skills, expertise, and commitment to providing quality patient care to your healthcare facility.

I completed my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of the Philippines, receiving comprehensive education and hands-on training in various clinical settings. My education has equipped me with a strong foundation in nursing theory, evidence-based practice, and patient-centered care.
During my five years of nursing practice, I have gained valuable experience across multiple departments, including medical-surgical, critical care, and emergency nursing. I have worked in busy healthcare environments, managing complex patient cases and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to deliver optimal care.

My experience has honed my skills in assessing patient needs, planning and implementing appropriate interventions, and evaluating patient responses to treatment. I am proficient in administering medications, performing various procedures, and maintaining accurate documentation. Additionally, I am well-versed in utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) and other healthcare technologies to enhance efficiency and quality of care.

Having relocated to Edmonton, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my nursing expertise to the local healthcare community. I know the high standards of nursing practice in Canada and the importance of evidence-based care, patient safety, and effective communication. I have completed my nursing registration with the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA) and have met all the requirements to practice as a registered nurse in Alberta.

My dedication to compassionate patient care, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to adapt to new environments sets me apart. Coming from the Philippines, I have experienced diverse patient populations and have developed a deep respect for different cultures, beliefs, and practices. I am committed to patient-centered care that respects individuals’ unique needs and backgrounds.

I am particularly interested in joining Parkhill Medical Centre due to its reputation for delivering excellent patient care, commitment to professional development, and collaborative work environment. My nursing skills, international experience, and dedication to delivering exceptional care align with the values and goals of your organization.

Enclosed is my resume, which details my education, nursing experience, and qualifications. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my suitability for the nursing position at Parkhill Medical Centre in person. I am available at your convenience and can be reached by phone at 555-123-4567 or via email at mariasantos@xyz.com.

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited to contribute my nursing skills and passion for patient care to your team in Edmonton. I look forward to speaking with you and further discussing how my experience aligns with your organization’s needs.

Sincerely,
Maria Santos

See The Seeker’s general guide on resume and cover letter writing for more information.