If you’re a nurse from India dreaming of working in Australia, creating a compelling CV and cover letter is your first big step. Australian hospitals have specific expectations when it comes to professional applications, and standing out requires attention to detail, structure, and relevance.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to craft a professional CV and cover letter tailored for the Australian healthcare sector.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Understand What Australian Employers Look For
Before you start writing, understand the key qualities Australian hospitals expect from international nurses:
- AHPRA registration or eligibility
- Clear communication skills
- Proven clinical experience
- Adaptability to multicultural environments
- Knowledge of Australian nursing standards (if applicable)
Step 2: Start With a Clean, Professional Format
Use a modern, clean design. Stick to professional fonts like Calibri or Arial, size 11 or 12. Avoid using colors or graphics unless you’re in a creative role (which nursing isn’t).
Creating a Professional Nursing CV
1. Personal Informational
Example:
Rithik Sharma
Registered Nurse
Phone: +91-98××××××××
Email: rithik××××@gmail.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rithik×××××
Location: Delhi, India
Tips:
- Don’t include date of birth, religion, or marital status.
- Keep it concise and relevant.
2. Career Summary
A short paragraph summarizing your experience, specialization, and goals.
Example:
“Compassionate and dedicated Registered Nurse with 5+ years of experience in intensive care and emergency services. Proven ability to handle high-pressure environments and deliver exceptional patient care. Seeking a full-time position in an Australian hospital to contribute my skills in a multicultural, fast-paced healthcare setting.”
3. Skills Summary
List 6–8 core skills in bullet points.
Example:
- Patient care and safety
- Wound management
- Emergency response
- Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems
- Medication administration
- Team collaboration
- Infection control
- Cultural sensitivity
4. Work Experience
List in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Use bullet points to describe duties and achievements.
Example:
Staff Nurse
Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi
June 2020 – Present
- Provided daily patient care to 25+ patients in the Emergency Department
- Administered medications and IV therapies according to physician instructions
- Maintained accurate patient records using EMR systems
- Assisted in emergency procedures and rapid response situations
5. Education
Example:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc Nursing)Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore2015 – 2019
6. Certifications & Licenses
Include any relevant international or local certifications.
Example:
- IELTS Academic: Overall Band 7.5
- AHPRA Application in Process
- BLS (Basic Life Support) – American Heart Association
- ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
7. Professional Development & Training
Include workshops, online courses, or training that enhances your skillset.
Example:
- Infection Prevention and Control in Healthcare – WHO Course
- Nursing in Australian Context – Online CPD Module
8. References
You can write: “Available upon request”, or list 1–2 professional references if asked.
Writing a Persuasive Cover Letter
Now that your CV is done, it’s time to write a cover letter that connects your experience with the job role.
1. Header (Same as CV)
Use the same personal information as in your CV.
2. Greeting
Try to find the hiring manager’s name. If not, use:
Example:
Dear Hiring Manager,
3. Introduction Paragraph
State the job you’re applying for and your key qualification.
Example:
I am writing to express my interest in the position of Registered Nurse at your hospital. With over five years of clinical experience in high-acuity settings and strong communication skills, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your healthcare team.
4. Body Paragraphs
Paragraph 1: Experience
In my current role at Apollo Hospitals, I provide emergency and critical care to over 25 patients daily. I have honed my skills in patient triage, wound care, and EMR documentation. My training in BLS and ACLS has prepared me to respond quickly in life-saving situations.
Paragraph 2: Why Australia?
I am particularly drawn to Australia’s high standards of patient care and multicultural work environments. I am in the process of obtaining AHPRA registration and have already cleared IELTS with a 7.5 overall band, meeting the English language requirement.
5. Closing Paragraph
Example:
I would welcome the opportunity to bring my passion for nursing and commitment to patient care to your hospital. I am available for virtual interviews at your convenience and can relocate upon job confirmation. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Rithik Sharma
Final Tips
- Tailor each application: Customize your cover letter and CV for each job.
- Use keywords from the job ad: Australian employers use ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems).
- Proofread: Check for grammar, spelling, and formatting consistency.
- Save as PDF: Unless the employer says otherwise.
Free Template Download Links (Optional)
- Professional CV Template – Nurse (Google Docs)
- Nurse Cover Letter Template – Editable PDF
With a polished CV and a personalized cover letter, you’re already one step closer to landing your dream nursing job in Australia.
If you’d like, I can also generate a downloadable template or help you edit your existing CV and cover letter.