Applying for nursing and midwifery jobs
Whether you are applying to the NHS or private practice, it will be vital for you to demonstrate your capability to succeed in the role through well-written and carefully tailored applications.
Recruitment methods will vary, however NHS roles require online application forms that don’t usually include a CV or covering letter.
For other recruiters, such as private organisations, a CV and covering letter might be the preferred method of application.
Research the employer and role
Your starting point is to carry out research into the organisation or Trust and clinical area you want to work in. Use the organisation's website, nursing and healthcare journals as well as local and national news services.
During the recruitment process, you need to get across to the employer why it is you want to work for their particular organisation and in that specific role. Try and get your enthusiasm, personality and commitment across in your application.
NHS Trust applications
If you are applying to the NHS, incorporate the Trust’s values and behaviours into your application. They will be listed on Trust's website.
Current issues facing the profession
When researching the organisation and the role, also investigate wider issues facing the nursing/midwifery sector. You should have an understanding of current reviews or future plans that may affect the role you are applying for. You can use this research in your applications to demonstrate your commitment to the future of the role and understanding of the challenges you may face.
Application forms and supporting statements
You will be asked to complete a number of sections providing your contact details, educational and work history as well as a section called supporting information.
When entering details about your work history include information about work placements, volunteering and paid employment. Tailor the information to the job you are applying for as this will help your application stand out.
Supporting information section
The purpose of the supporting information section is to clearly illustrate to your potential employer:
- why you want to work for them
- why you are interested in the specific department and role
- you have the skills, attributes and experience necessary
Structure your supporting information
- Your supporting statement needs to demonstrate how you meet all the criteria on the person specification using examples from your own experience. There are different ways you can choose to structure this, but ultimately you want it to be easy for the recruiter to see how you have demonstrated the required criteria.
- One option to structure your statement is to include a heading for each of the attributes listed in the person specification, however you may find that with a limited word count each example you share needs to demonstrate multiple criteria. Planning your statement, as you might do an essay, will be important to ensure you meet all the essential criteria, and as many of the desirable criteria, as possible in a concise and coherent manner
- Consider how your values and behaviours align to those of the employer and if you are applying to the NHS, incorporate how you demonstrate the principles and values of the NHS Constitution and the specific NHS Trust values.
- You may also want to include information about how you will continue to develop as a professional nurse.
Don't forget to:
- Complete the form as fully as possible
- Use the NHS guidance for completing application forms
- Include your Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration number received around six weeks after you complete your course
- If you apply before finishing your course, ask the employer what to enter - often this will be 000
- Utilise the full word count for your supporting statement without going over it
- Check your spelling carefully
Example 1
My ability to effectively communicate and work within a multi-disciplinary team was developed when I worked on a stroke rehabilitation ward.
It was imperative to provide quality patient care by working effectively with physiotherapists, speech and language therapists and consultants. I learned to adapt my language and communication style to suit different people and settings.
On one occasion, I was working with a stroke patient who had lost his power of speech. To address his needs, I coordinated with the consultant, speech therapist, and his care worker. I adapted my communication style to suit each professional's approach and the patient's condition. This involved using non-verbal cues, simplified language, and visual aids to facilitate understanding and communication. As a result of our collaborative efforts, the patient was able to communicate his needs more effectively and understand his medication programme. This improved his overall care and contributed to his progress in rehabilitation.
This experience emphasises the importance of adapting communication styles to suit different individuals and settings. It reinforced my belief in the value of teamwork and effective communication in providing high-quality patient care. I learned that patience and creativity are essential in overcoming communication barriers, and I am committed to applying these skills in my future nursing practice.
Example 2:
As a volunteer counsellor, I frequently worked with clients who had dual diagnoses, requiring collaboration with my supervisor, GPs, and the Mental Health Team.
In one particular case, a patient had depression and alcohol use disorder, my task was to formulate an effective action plan while maintaining client confidentiality and upholding the 6Cs of nursing.
I liaised with my supervisor, the patient’s GP to ensure all aspects of the patient’s health were considered, and the Mental Health Team to ensure psychological support was integrated into the care plan.
This collaborative approach led to a well-coordinated care plan that significantly improved client outcomes. The patient described feeling supported and understood, which I believe enhanced their engagement in the treatment process.
This experience highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and effective communication in healthcare. As a Band 5 nurse in the NHS, I will apply these skills to ensure holistic and patient-centred care.
CV and covering letter including examples
CV
When writing your CV, ensure you tailor your information to the role and organisation you are applying to. Think about adding a ‘Profile’ section that outlines your stand-out strengths, attributes and experiences as well as your specific interest in the role.
In the example CV in this section you can see that a ‘Clinical Placements’ section can be a great way to highlight your relevant placement experience to prospective employers.
Download an example CV 
Covering letter
When applying with a CV, you will usually need to send a covering letter to accompany it. This letter should explain:
- Why you are writing (that is, to apply to an advertised role, or to enquire about future opportunities)
- Why you are interested in the role and why you want to work for that specific organisation
- What skills and experiences do you have that demonstrate you would be a good candidate for the role. These experiences should also be on your CV, but the covering letter allows you to explain two or three points in more detail and specifically relating them to the role you are applying for.
Download an example covering letter
For more information on writing CVs and covering letters visit our:
Making Applications webpage