SARAH W.

HANKINS
340 Osona Lane, Mars, PA 16046
412.401.9505
shankins11@su.edu

April 18, 2016

Nurse Recruiter,
I am writing in reference to the Saint Thomas Wests Nurse Residency Program that I discovered on your company
website and through an employee, Brittney Singer. In May 2016, I will be graduating from Shenandoah University
Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing in Winchester, Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Its difficult to believe that Ill soon be graduating. During the past four years, Ive gained a foundation of skills and
knowledge so that I may provide holistic patient care. Included is my unbelievable opportunity to experience and
provide healthcare in both Africa and Haiti. My nursing instructors at Shenandoah have been wonderful in guiding,
encouraging and instructing me. I see what they give of themselves everyday which has helped me to take
responsibility, put patients first and provide compassionate patient care. As a result, I have seen my confidence
level increase with each passing day while still knowing I have much to learn.
My experience as a student nurse intern at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) has afforded me
additional experience and skills than a typical nurse graduate. My work in the Center for Overcoming Problem
Eating Unit (COPE) and Child & Adolescent Unit has given me additional confidence in my nursing skills and
abilities. I learned how to plan and organize care, work with many diverse people and most importantly handle
crises. I experienced the highs and lows of caring for patients who suffer both mentally and physically. This has
only strengthened my resolve to provide critical patient care, continue a lifetime of learning and to provide hope to
others during their time of need. I believe I can build upon these experiences with the training earned in your
program.
I chose to apply to Saint Thomas West because I strongly support the hospitals vision of serving all persons with
special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable. My personal values and commitment to the field of nursing
align with Saint Thomas Healths mission for holistic care to improve the health of individuals and communities. I
am very eager to enhance my skills in a variety of specialty units within a regionally recognized health system.
Similar to UPMC, Saint Thomas Health has an outstanding reputation in Nashville and the surrounding region as a
premier hospital system providing exceptional medical and nursing care. Ive visited the Nashville area a few times
and Id love the prospect to make Tennessee my new home!
It would be an honor and privilege to join the Saint Thomas Health medical team. I look forward to speaking with
you further about this wonderful opportunity. I can be reached at 412.401.9505 or shankins11@su.edu. Thank you
for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Sarah W. Hankins