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Staff Nurse Resume Examples

Being a staff nurse is a rewarding career path, but it can also be difficult to stand out in a highly competitive job market. Your resume is the first thing potential employers will see, so it’s important to make sure it is well-crafted and polished. To help you create a strong impression, this guide provides an overview of the essential elements of a successful staff nurse resume, along with helpful tips and examples. Through following these steps, you can ensure that your resume is up-to-date, concise, and professional.

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Staff Nurse

123 Main Street | Anytown, USA 99999 | Phone: (123) 456-7890 | Email: [email protected]

A highly motivated Staff Nurse with 8 years of professional experience in a variety of healthcare settings. Possesses excellent patient assessment, care planning, and communication skills. A team- player who is dedicated to providing quality care through a commitment to patient education and use of evidence- based practice.

Core Skills :

• Advanced Clinical Nursing
• Patient Assessment
• Care Planning & Coordination
• Medication Administration
• Patient Education & Support
• IV Therapy & Catheter Insertion
• Teamwork & Leadership
• Charting & Documentation

Professional Experience :

• St. Mary’s Hospital, Florida (2013- present)
• Provided direct patient care to a variety of patient populations in a high- volume acute care hospital setting.
• Assisted in the implementation of evidence- based practice through patient education and the development of care plans.
• Conducted patient assessments and provided treatment based on the assessment findings.
• Administered medication and intravenous therapies.
• Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care.
• Valley View Regional Medical Center, Florida (2009- 2013)
• Assisted in the development and implementation of patient care plans.
• Assisted physicians in various procedures.
• Monitored patient vital signs and provided patient education.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure patient safety and quality of care.

Education :

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Florida, 2009
• Associate of Science in Nursing, Florida Community College, 2006

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Staff Nurse Resume with No Experience

Recent college graduate with an Associate Degree in Nursing eager to contribute comprehensive knowledge of healthcare and clinical procedures to a staff nurse role at a leading hospital. Offers excellent communication and problem- solving skills and a strong passion for providing high quality patient care.

• Knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare regulations
• Ability to multitask in a fast- paced environment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent bedside manner and patient- oriented focus
• Proficient in electronic medical records systems
• Ability to work with diverse populations
• Knowledge of medical administering and documentations

Responsibilities

• Provide direct bedside patient care and medical treatments based on physician instructions
• Monitor patient vital signs and administer medications as prescribed
• Evaluate patient progress and document findings accurately
• Assess patient health condition and document changes
• Educate and support patients and their families on care plans
• Work collaboratively with physicians and other healthcare providers
• Maintain patient privacy and adhere to HIPAA regulations
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and other medical providers

Experience 0 Years

Level Junior

Education Bachelor’s

Staff Nurse Resume with 2 Years of Experience

An experienced, licensed Staff Nurse with two years of experience providing patient- centered nursing care in a variety of clinical settings. Proven ability to establish rapport with patients and build trust quickly in order to ensure the highest quality of care through accurate assessment, implementation of evidence- based nursing interventions and patient education. Demonstrated commitment to patient safety and satisfaction by providing compassionate care.

• Assessing and evaluating patient condition
• Administering medication and treatments as prescribed by a physician
• Utilizing critical thinking skills to diagnose and assess treatment plans
• Educating and informing patients and their families
• Collaborating with physicians and other healthcare providers
• Adhering to established healthcare protocols
• Utilizing electronic health record systems

Responsibilities :

• Conducting patient assessments, collecting data and developing a plan of care
• Developing and implementing interventions to promote health and prevent disease
• Monitoring vital signs and recognizing changes in patient status
• Interpreting lab results and other diagnostic tests
• Instructing patients and families on medication and treatment plans
• Documenting patient care and progress
• Participating in multidisciplinary team meetings to coordinate patient care
• Developing and implementing patient education plans
• Developing patient care protocols for specific diagnosis or conditions

Experience 2+ Years

Staff Nurse Resume with 5 Years of Experience

Highly experienced Staff Nurse with more than 5 years of experience in providing high- quality patient care in medical settings. Skilled in performing a wide range of nursing tasks, such as administering medications, monitoring vital signs, educating patients, and maintaining medical records. Demonstrated ability to stay current on the latest nursing trends, regulations, and best practices. Committed to providing excellent and compassionate patient care.

• Health Education
• Documentation & Record Keeping
• Emergency Care
• Clinical Skills
• Infection Control
• Vital Signs Monitoring
• Laboratory Procedures
• Provided direct patient care, including administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and assisting with activities of daily living
• Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop patient care plans and ensure patients’ health and wellbeing
• Evaluated patient progress and reported changes to healthcare team
• Educated patients and families on disease management and prevention
• Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings and activities
• Maintained accurate patient records and reported to healthcare team
• Provided assistance with laboratory services, including obtaining specimens and ordering tests
• Assisted with wound care management and dressing changes

Experience 5+ Years

Level Senior

Staff Nurse Resume with 7 Years of Experience

A professional and experienced Staff Nurse with 7+ years of experience across various healthcare settings. I have a proven ability to provide consistent and diligent patient care, with a focus on holistic health and wellness. I am an efficient and organized healthcare professional, with a passion for helping patients and providing high- quality medical care. I possess excellent communication, organization, and problem- solving skills, and am able to work effectively under pressure in a fast- paced environment.

• Patient Care
• Healthcare Administration
• Nursing Procedures
• Documentation & Charting
• Pharmacology
• Emergency Medicine
• In- Home Care
• Administering medications, performing assessments, and providing treatments in accordance with established nursing protocols
• Performing physical assessments and obtaining patient histories
• Monitoring vital signs, noting changes in patient’s condition, and taking appropriate action
• Assisting with activities of daily living, including feeding and bathing
• Educating patients and families on health matters, providing emotional support, and promoting a healthy lifestyle
• Developing and implementing individualized care plans based on patient needs
• Consulting with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal care
• Documenting patient data, charting progress, and maintaining accurate patient records
• Assisting with infection control procedures, housekeeping, and other general duties

Experience 7+ Years

Staff Nurse Resume with 10 Years of Experience

An experienced and talented staff nurse with 10 years of experience in nursing and medical services. Possess excellent bedside manner as well as compassionate and caring attitude for patients. Highly skilled in assessment and diagnostic procedures, administering medications and treatments, and providing patient education. Well- versed in developing and implementing nursing care plans and administering medical care in accordance with physician instructions.

• Comprehensive knowledge of medical terminology
• Proven ability to provide quality and compassionate care to patients
• Expertise in assessing and monitoring patient conditions
• Adept at providing accurate and timely medical treatments
• Solid understanding of health and safety regulations
• Proficiency in monitoring vital signs including temperature, pulse and blood pressure
• Assessing and evaluating patient’s condition on a regular basis
• Providing patient- centered care and administering medications
• Performing diagnostic tests and interpreting results
• Delivering high- quality nursing services to all patients
• Providing patient and family education regarding their care
• Documenting patient’s medical history and treatments
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to create care plans

Experience 10+ Years

Level Senior Manager

Education Master’s

Staff Nurse Resume with 15 Years of Experience

Highly motivated and experienced Staff Nurse with 15 years of clinical experience in providing excellent patient care. Skilled in both critical and non- critical care, I have a proven record of consistently providing quality nursing services and successfully delivering patient care plans. I have a deep level of knowledge when it comes to administering medication, managing medical equipment and providing emotional support to both patients and their families.

• Compassionate patient care
• Excellent clinical skills
• Fully certified and licensed
• In- depth knowledge of current procedures and protocols
• Ability to stay calm and take charge in emergency situations
• Proficiency in a variety of medical administrative software
• Providing top- notch patient care, ensuring the physical and emotional comfort of patients
• Administering medication according to doctor’s orders
• Developing patient care plans and managing medical equipment
• Performing diagnostic tests to assess patient status
• Observing patients and taking vital signs
• Assisting in the development and implementation of nursing care plans
• Providing emotional support to patients, their families and other healthcare staff
• Maintaining medical records and updating patient information
• Assisting doctors and other medical staff with various medical procedures

Experience 15+ Years

Level Director

In addition to this, be sure to check out our resume templates , resume formats ,  cover letter examples ,  job description , and  career advice  pages for more helpful tips and advice.

What should be included in a Staff Nurse resume?

The resume of a Staff Nurse is an essential tool in the job search process. In order to stand out from the competition, it is important that your resume reflects the skills and experience you offer to the role. Here are some important elements to include when crafting your resume. – Professional Summary: Write a short, yet powerful summary of your qualifications. Be sure to include your years of experience as a Nurse, any certifications you have, and any specialties you may have.

• Education: Include your relevant educational background. List your degree, any relevant certifications, and any continuing education courses you may have taken.
• Professional Experience: List any previous positions held that are relevant to the Staff Nurse role. This could include any clinical positions you have held, any managerial roles, or any volunteer positions. Describe your responsibilities in each role, and any achievements or successes.
• Skills: Showcase any important skills that would be beneficial to the role. This could include any specific medical or technical skills, any specialties you may have, or any areas of expertise.
• Reference: Include a list of references with contact information.

By including these elements in your Staff Nurse resume, you will be sure to make a lasting impression on potential employers.

What is a good summary for a Staff Nurse resume?

A good summary for a Staff Nurse resume should clearly highlight the job seeker’s experience and qualifications in nursing. It should also emphasize their dedication to providing high-level patient care, their ability to work in a fast-paced medical environment, and any specialties or certifications they possess. The summary should also demonstrate the job seeker’s skills and knowledge of medical terminology, equipment and procedures. Additionally, any relevant education and training should be included in the summary. Finally, the summary should include any awards or recognition the job seeker has received in their nursing career.

What is a good objective for a Staff Nurse resume?

A staff nurse resume should include an objective that provides employers with a clear understanding of the candidate’s professional goals and objectives. A good objective should be concise, yet provide enough detail to give employers a sense of the nurse’s qualifications and experience. Here are some examples of a good objective for a staff nurse resume:

• To secure a position in a professional healthcare environment where I can utilize my nursing skills to provide quality care to patients
• To utilize my clinical experience and interpersonal skills to provide exceptional patient care in a dynamic healthcare setting
• To contribute to the nursing team in a busy hospital setting by utilizing my extensive clinical knowledge and medical expertise
• To use my specialized nursing skills to provide quality patient care and promote optimal outcomes
• To provide compassionate care to patients while utilizing my nursing skills to promote positive health outcomes

By including an objective on their resume, staff nurses can help employers quickly identify their qualifications and make the process of selecting the best candidate easier.

How do you list Staff Nurse skills on a resume?

When creating a resume for a Staff Nurse position, it is important to highlight the skills you possess that make you the ideal candidate for the job. A well-crafted list of skills can help you stand out and prove your suitability for the position. Here are some common skills for a Staff Nurse to list on a resume:

• Patient Care: Staff Nurses are responsible for providing quality care to patients. This includes assessing their condition, recognizing and addressing any medical needs, and administering medications or treatments.
• Clinical Skills: You will need to have excellent clinical skills, such as the ability to accurately assess a patient’s condition and develop treatment plans. Additionally, you should be familiar with common medical procedures and instruments, as well as medical terminology.
• Communication: Communication skills are essential for any healthcare provider. You should be able to effectively interact with patients, colleagues, and other medical professionals. This includes being able to explain medical procedures and treatments to patients in an understandable way.
• Documentation and Record Keeping: As a Staff Nurse, you will need to be proficient in the use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems. This includes entering patient data into the system and ensuring all records are accurate and up to date.
• Time Management: You will need to be able to manage your time effectively, as you will be responsible for multiple tasks and may be required to work under tight deadlines.
• Leadership: You will need to have strong leadership skills, as you may be responsible for managing and supervising other nurses or lower-level medical personnel.

These are just a few of the skills you should consider including when creating a resume for a Staff Nurse position. Highlight the skills you possess that make you the ideal candidate for the job and you will be well on your way to getting the job you want.

What skills should I put on my resume for Staff Nurse?

As a staff nurse, you need to demonstrate a wide range of skills on your resume. These skills are important to highlight in order to show potential employers that you are the right person for the job. Here are some essential skills to include on your resume for a staff nurse position.

• Patient Care: In order to be an effective staff nurse, you must possess excellent patient care skills. You should be able to provide compassionate care to patients and ensure that all their needs are being met.
• Communication: As a staff nurse, you must be able to effectively communicate with your patients as well as other healthcare professionals. You must also have excellent written and verbal communication skills in order to document patient information and communicate effectively with other team members.
• Leadership: In a staff nurse role, it is important to be able to lead and supervise other nurses. You need to be able to delegate tasks and coordinate patient care effectively.
• Clinical Skills: You must have a comprehensive knowledge of medical terminology and treatments in order to provide quality care to your patients. You should also be able to assess patient conditions and administer medications correctly.
• Time Management: You must be able to manage your time effectively in order to provide timely care to your patients. You will also need to be able to prioritize tasks and work efficiently to ensure that all patient needs are met.

By highlighting these skills on your resume, you will be able to showcase your qualifications and demonstrate your ability to be a successful staff nurse.

Key takeaways for an Staff Nurse resume

Writing a resume for a nursing position can be tricky. As a staff nurse, you are expected to have a wide range of skills and abilities that set you apart from other potential candidates. In this blog, we will discuss key takeaways for an effective staff nurse resume.

First and foremost, highlight any certifications or qualifications you may have. This could include any specialized training or certifications related to nursing that you have obtained. This information is important to include as it shows potential employers that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to be a successful staff nurse.

Second, emphasize your experience in the field. This includes any relevant work experience, internships, or volunteer positions that you have held in the nursing field. Be sure to include any positions that you have held in the past that have helped to prepare you for the staff nurse role.

Third, make sure to include a list of your top skills. This should include anything related to patient care, leadership, communication, problem-solving, and any other skills that you feel you possess that make you stand out. Be sure to include any awards or recognitions that you have received in the past that demonstrate your excellence.

Finally, include any additional information that would be relevant to the role. This includes any leadership positions that you have held, professional development courses that you have completed, or any other unique experiences that you may have.

These are just a few of the key takeaways that you should include in an effective staff nurse resume. By following these tips, you can ensure that your resume stands out among other applicants and positions you as the ideal candidate for the job.

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The Ultimate Guide to Nursing Resumes in 2024

How to write a nurse resume, nurse resume research, nursing resume readers & robots, choose a nurse resume format, nurse resume format & design, writing your nursing resume, common resume mistakes, nursing resume templates, nurse resume faqs.

Expert Reviewed by: Amanda Guarniere, NP, Founder of the Resume RX

In 2024, a vague, uninspiring nursing resume just won't cut it. Recent years have fostered growing competition for the best nursing jobs , creating a greater need for nurses to learn how to write exceptional nursing resumes. With vast opportunities and diverse requirements from various employers, every nurse must put their best foot forward to market themselves for the best positions. 

However, this ever-changing world of online applications and robotic resume readers makes it more complex for nurses to get to the first rounds of interviews. This article will help you tackle the daunting task of writing a nursing resume that stands out. We'll help you build a better nursing resume by giving you an inside look at how robotic resume readers work and providing tips on how to make your resume, things you should and shouldn't include, and provide examples and templates.

Think of your job search as your own personal marketing campaign. And the product is you! Your resume is an advertisement for your professional nursing brand. A brand is more than a logo - it’s the overall impression you give your audience. In this case, your audience is a potential employer. 

As with any advertisement, the goal of your nursing resume is to pique your audience’s interest in a limited amount of time. It’s commonly said that hiring managers will spend less than ten seconds reading your resume. And in many cases, it has to first be screened by a resume-reading robot before it reaches human hands.

So, you must carefully curate your brand for these employers. Captivate them with your professionalism, unique skillset, experience, and personality using your nursing resume. These tactics may help get your foot in the door for an interview, where you can close the deal by impressing them in person.

The first and most important step in any marketing campaign is the research phase. The more you learn about potential employers, the better you can tailor your registered nurse resume to their requirements.

Initial Employer Research for Nursing Resumes

Before you begin tailoring your resume for specific jobs, take some time to answer the following questions about each company:

• Who are they?
• What is their company culture?
• What do they struggle with as an organization?
• What qualities are they looking for in a potential candidate?
• Which of their desired qualities do you possess?

Researching Company Culture and Values

The internet has made it fairly easy to hop online and start your research right now from your mobile device. Employers' websites and social platforms will give you an inside glimpse at their culture and values.

Instead of simply reading a job posting, take a few extra steps to investigate the employer's online presence:

• Check out the company website - what does their mission statement say?
• See what they tweet about
• Investigate what photos they post on Instagram
• Learn about the articles they share on Facebook
• Check their LinkedIn - do you have any connections at the company?
• Look at their Google ratings

Examine Required vs Preferred Nursing Qualifications

The research phase isn't just about investigating the company - you also need to understand the job description. Specifically, understanding the difference between "required" and "preferred" qualifications will help you build a tailored resume for each job:

Required Qualifications

These are just what they say - requirements. Those who do not possess these qualifications will not be considered. 

Preferred Qualifications

Skills that are desired but are not deal-breakers for the employer. You may still be considered even if you do not possess these. 

As you personalize your nursing resume to different opportunities, these qualifications will, in part, guide what you do and do not include. You should include any and all required qualifications if you want an employer to consider your candidacy. 

If you do not possess some or all of the preferred qualifications, you can apply anyway and still be in the running. However, including the ones you do possess on your tailored nursing resume is always the best practice.

Build a Master Resume

You may want a solid starting point from which you can use your research to build a dedicated resume for each position you apply for. Queue the "master resume," a comprehensive working document that highlights everything you've accomplished and every skill you've fostered as a nurse thus far. 

We recommend starting with a foundational nurse resume so that you can alter it for each role you apply to. This way, you won't be rewriting a new resume for every single position. But you'll also avoid submitting "cookie-cutter" resumes that employers won't bother looking at twice.

Use Research to Personalize Your Nursing Resume

Dale Carnegie once said that “A person’s name is, to that person, the sweetest and most important sound in any language.” Personalizing your RN resume matters, with both how you mention and address the future employer and how to include your specific qualifications that match what they are looking for.

Using your research and leveraging your professional brand and personality to target your nurse resume could lead to the interview of your dreams. Not targeting it, however, could lead you on the fast track to nowhere.

The internet revolution transformed the hiring process, impacting the entire labor market in a very short time. 15 years ago, printing your resume on off-white linen paper and hand-delivering it to employers was the status quo. But as little as five years later, doing so might only get you some perplexed looks and urges to apply online.

Technological advances will continue shaping the job market in 2024.  USC Annenberg reports that up to 55% of companies are making investments in AI recruiting measures. But even now, many employers screen online applicants using resume-reading robots. 

This section explores how these bots impact the hiring process and how to get your nursing resume past them and into a real person's hands.

What Is a Resume Reading Robot?

ATS systems are highly technical but can only do what their program says, unable to come close to human discretion. So, knowing how ATS systems work can help you write a resume that passes their screening.

Here's a brief overview of how employers use ATS software to screen nursing applicants:

1. Knockout Questions

Recruiters can use an ATS to scan for keywords or "knockout questions" like "Do you have an active Washington State Nursing License?" These functions help them swiftly eliminate unqualified candidates.

2. Disqualifying Statements

They may also configure the ATS to include “disqualifying statements.” An ATS searching for these statements will automatically reject nursing resumes with certain keywords or phrases. 

For example, an ATS screening for bachelor's-trained nurses might reject resumes that mention an associate's degree. If you have both, consider listing only your BSN.

3. Keyword Screening

Finally, recruiters may use the ATS to find resumes with exact keywords or phrases. These may include qualifications listed in the job description, degrees, or skills. They can program the ATS to reject any application that does not include their specified keywords.

How Does ATS Work?

Not all ATS systems are created equally. They vary greatly in their functionality and behavior. Most ATS systems are programmed to score resumes according to keywords. However, they can be configured to search and score resumes based on various other criteria.

The results are imperfect. Some ATS systems can't differentiate between titles, such as Clinical Nurse II and Registered Nurse, or distinguish between the terms BLS and Basic Life Support. So how do you navigate these intricacies in your nursing resume?

Best Practice:   R ead the job description and use the exact wording for the qualifications listed that you possess.

If you use acronyms and abbreviations, make sure to spell out the entire word, followed by the shortened version. It would be disappointing to have all the requested qualifications but be filtered out by the ATS because you used only the acronyms when the robot was programmed for the full phrases spelled out.

What Are the Shortcomings of ATS?

The problem is that ATS does not ‘read’ a resume as a human would - it simply collects data. It doesn’t care about aesthetics, either. It is programmed by an employer to search for the right keywords, in the right order, on the right part of the resume.  

Also, the system can get confused pretty easily. For example, if the font is too fancy or if it encounters unrecognizable symbols, it may score the resume as ‘unqualified’ and move on to the next resume. It does what it is configured to do, nothing more and nothing less.

While ATS has streamlined the hiring process for employers, it’s also made job search extremely challenging for the job seeker. In fact, 94% of hiring professionals say that ATS has positively influenced their hiring goals, while 80% of job seekers say that their online job search is stressful.

What Other Hiring Technology Might I Encounter?

Recently, some employers have started to use artificial intelligence in a different way - during the interview process. Rather than having strict ATS filters, they offer more candidates the opportunity to interview, but there is a catch.

You don't interview with the employer but with a computer. In these one-way or “on-demand” interviews, you essentially get the opportunity to record your video response to interview questions. After you submit it, hiring managers or recruiters review the video responses before choosing the candidates for formal interviews.

Does Every Employer Use ATS?

While many employers use ATS, there are definitely employers who still rely on human resource professionals to screen resumes. In those instances, a human resources professional usually skims the resumes and invites the most qualified candidates in for an interview.

The problem here is that most employers will receive hundreds of resumes for a single opening. To get through the resumes quickly, the HR professional may resort to a simple scan of the resumes knowing that even qualified applicants may not make it. It’s simply a way to reduce the number of applicants.

In either case, the goal of the modern resume is to ‘sell’ yourself in an organized, targeted manner for a specific role. The best way to design an effective, attention-grabbing resume is by making strong assertions in the beginning followed by supporting evidence.

How to Get Past the ATS

• Target your resume to the specific position. Do this by reading job descriptions and selecting keywords noted in the descriptions - competencies, skills sets, education, and experience.
• Match individual experiences to keywords/key skill sets found within the job posting.  
• Research the employer and target the resume based on the facility's values and culture. 
• Make strong assertions within the top ⅓ of the resume.
• Follow those assertions with supporting evidence.
• Include a “ Professional Summary ” if you are an experienced Nurse.
• Only apply to roles that you match 100% of the “Required Qualifications.” 
• Use simple fonts such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri.
• Never use smaller than 10-point font. See Part 5 for more styling suggestions. 
• Use simple black bullet (dots) points, not special bullet symbols.
• Save your resume as a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format.
• If using an abbreviation, always spell out the words followed by the abbreviation or acronym. You never know how the abbreviation was entered into the ATS. 
• Use standard, simple section headers such as “Work History” or “Education.”
• Settings you’ve worked in 
• Patient demographics
• Policies/procedures
• EMR/EHR used
• Medications administered
• Equipment used
• Don’t use the same title as at your current employer if it is different from the title in the job description. Use the title in the job description. 
• Don’t overload your resume with keywords. Use them appropriately. Overusing keywords will flag a resume and could cause the ATS to lower your score.
• Don't forget to support the keywords you use with evidence throughout your resume.
• Do not put your contact information in the header section because ATS will not see it.
• Do not include tables because most ATS can’t read them. Other ATS can only read them if their operator programmed them to do so. 
• Do not use creative section headers such as “Where I’ve Worked” because the ATS likely doesn’t understand what that means.
• Don’t include a headshot, graphics, special fonts, photos, colored fonts, or unique bullets. 
• Do not state, “References available upon request.” It takes up too much space and is unnecessary. If employers want references, they’ll ask. 
• Don’t place skills at the bottom of the resume. Many ATS systems only scan the top ⅓ of the resume for keywords. If you have important keywords at the bottom, the ATS may not see them and could disqualify your resume. 
• Don’t use “I” statements; resumes should be written in the third person. 
• Do not rely on resume builder software. Stay in control of your registered nurse resume.

How to Spot an ATS

If you’ve ever visited a job posting and seen an “APPLY NOW” button, you’ve encountered the elusive resume-reading bot. ATS requires candidates to enter data on the front end. 

Maybe you’ve gone through the steps to create a login, complete the application and upload your resume. Perhaps you didn’t realize at the time that you were entering your information into an applicant tracking system.  

Raise your hand if you never heard back from an employer after applying online. Raise your other hand if you received an automated response “thanking” you for your interest and never heard back!

Now, keep in mind that it can be difficult to stand out when you are applying for a job online, especially when there is an ATS involved. As you consider your overall job search strategy, try to think of other ways that can increase your chances of getting a job. Don’t be afraid to ask your network connections for referrals and recommendations, or let friends and family know what type of position you are looking for and where. While your resume is absolutely important, it isn’t the only tool that can lead to you getting a job.

Prior to ever typing words onto your resume, it’s important to first decide on a resume format. There are three types of resume layouts. While we highly recommend the reverse-chronological layout for most nursing professionals, we’d encourage you to make the best choice for yourself.

Here’s a breakdown of the three most popular types of resume layouts: 

1. Reverse Chronological Nursing Resume

This layout focuses on career history and lists jobs in reverse chronological order. We recommend this type of registered nurse resume for the majority of healthcare professionals and will focus the details of this article on the format. It is best suited for:

• New nursing graduates
• Nurses with fewer than 5 roles within the past 5-7 years. 
• Travel Nurses with <10 completed assignments
• Nurses with experience in only 1-2 specialties
• Nurses applying for a similar role
• Nurses wanting to show vertical career progression 

2. Functional Nursing Resume

This nurse resume layout places emphasis on skills and deemphasizes work history. However, it does not pass the ATS test well, and hiring managers overall do not prefer it. We recommend against this layout for the majority of nursing professionals. Typically, people who use this format are: 

• Changing careers
• Have large gaps in employment
• Do have years of experience in the role in which they are applying

3. Combination Nursing Resume

This layout is a mixture of the reverse chronological and the functional resume. While it places emphasis on skill sets, abilities, and accomplishments, it also highlights applicable work history. We recommend combination resumes for nursing professionals with the following background, goals, and barriers: 

• Nurses with experience in multiple specialties and/or medical professions
• Seasoned travel nurses with >10 completed assignments
• Nurses with multiple small gaps in employment
• Nurses looking to change specialties
• Nurses interested in changing careers

Writing a nursing resume can feel overwhelming. It’s no easy task! Nowadays, nursing resumes must be able to pass through resume reading software before it even reaches a recruiter. That’s why we’ve put together THREE nurse resume templates to cater to your unique professional needs and employment situation.

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The first formatting and design consideration you should make when creating your nursing resume is how well an  ATS will read them. We recommend the following comprehensive design and formatting guidelines to appease common ATS systems:

Many experts believe you can achieve the perfect balance of text to white space in your nursing resume using the following margin settings:

• Top Margin: 1"
• Side Margins: .63"

Left alignment is standard since that’s how most people (and robots) read. You may think a justified alignment looks tidier, but it can leave uneven gaps between words and ultimately make text harder to read. 

In the nursing profession, length should not be the focus of the resume. While we recommend 1-2 pages, some nurses may have resumes with 3 (or more) pages.

Don’t stress over length too much. If the resume is slightly over the page amount by a few lines try changing the margin, font style, font size, or shortening statements. The bottom line is it should look visually appealing and should include keywords.

We recommend  Times New Roman or Arial to best utilize the functionality of the ATS. However, this is your personal preference. Take note that Times New Roman can be difficult to read if it is smaller than 11pt.

If you are striving for a resume that looks visually appealing when printed, there are great ways to achieve that without going overboard with design. For example, you could use the “small caps” feature for headings, which keeps the font the same but adds a bit more character and differentiation. Or, you could try a font pairing, using serif fonts for headers and sans serif for body text.

Important Note: Different font styles will take up different amounts of space. See how these identical statements look vastly different despite both being in 11 pt font:

Experienced Travel Nurse with 8 years experience in critical care nursing.

Throughout the resume, there should be different-sized fonts. We recommend the following for each section: 

It’s important to note that 10-point font should be the smallest size on the resume. 

While some ATS systems claim to read colors, we encourage you to simply use black. 

Special Characters

We recommend keeping the resume very simple. Basic bullet points (black dots) may be used when desired. Simple lines are acceptable as well. 

Design Features to Avoid

The following design features are best left off the resume: 

• Multiple font styles
• Special characters

As you’ve learned, ATS systems skim resumes and locate specific information in the correct order. We’d suggest using the following categories and section headers to optimize your nursing resume for ATS scoring.

Contact Information

This is the first section of the resume and does not require a title. Your name should be front and center. Don’t make the recruiter search for it. Make sure it’s the largest font on the page. While there are varying opinions on the exact placement of the name, we recommend a simple classic version in the following format:

Your name should be the first thing a recruiter, hiring manager, or ATS system sees on your nurse resume. It should share a line with your nursing credentials and be in a bold, readable, 18-22 pt font. If you go by a different name, make sure to list both in this section.

Nursing Credentials

Your nursing credentials should directly follow your first and last name on a nursing resume. The preferred order to list these in is Highest degree earned, Licensure, then National Certifications.

We've included a  credential quick reference guide below to help you fill out your resume perfectly.

The days of listing your home address on a resume are over - most employers don't need this information, and we advise against including it on your resume as a security precaution. However, this is a personal decision you can make at your own discretion.

You should never leave your location off completely because many employers have location parameters set in their ATS systems. Ensure you include your city and state in the contact information portion of your nursing resume.

Phone/Texting Number

Oh, technology! Yes, some employers will actually text their candidates. Make sure to indicate if you receive texts and whether the phone number is a cell phone or a home phone. This is a great time to make sure your voicemail message states your full name and is professional.

Email Address

It is in your best interest to ensure that you have a professional email address that does not reveal your age. Age discrimination is real, and listing your birth year or using an antiquated email service like AOL can definitely trigger it.

Your email address should include a variation of your name and some numbers if necessary. You can even make a totally separate email account and use it only for your job search.

LinkedIn Profile

If you have a LinkedIn profile definitely include it. If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, you could be missing out on opportunities. Now is the time to create one!

In your settings, you can easily create a shortened LinkedIn URL that doesn’t have a bunch of random numbers and letters.

How Your Digital Footprint Impacts Your Nursing Job Search

Though you may not list it, you should consider your social media and online presence when you complete the contact information portion of your resume. Potential employers will likely look you up online. Many Recruiters tell us that looking a candidate up on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter is one of the first things they do. So, make sure everything you post online is what you would want an employer to see. 

Additionally, online behavior can benefit you. Do you have a nursing-related website or blog? Are you an Instagram celebrity? Maybe you created a successful YouTube channel when you were a newbie nurse. Include all this on your resume if it relates to nursing. This is all part of your unique brand!

Nursing Resume Credential Quick Reference Guide

According to the American Nurses Credentialing Center (AACN), the preferred order is Highest degree earned, Licensure, and National Certification.

Educational degrees include doctoral degrees (Ph.D., DrPH, DNS, EdD, DNP), master’s degrees (MSN, MS, MA), bachelor’s degrees (BS, BSN, BA), and associate degrees (AD, ADN).

Licensure credentials include RN, LPN, CNA, and APRN.

National certification , which is occasionally voluntary for nurses and obligatory for advanced practice nurses, is awarded through accredited certifying bodies such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), includes RNBC (Registered Nurse-Board Certified) and FNP-BC (Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified).

You may also choose to include awards and honors:

Outstanding achievements in nursing, such as FAAN (Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing).

Other certifications that recognize additional skills, such as the EMT-Basic/EMT, awarded by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

Here is an example of contact information on a nursing resume that puts it all together:

Penny Lite, BSN, RN   Los Angeles, CA | Text/Call: (987) 654 - 3210 | [email protected] | www.linkedin.com/pennylitern

Professional Summary

Don’t make an employer (or ATS) search your entire resume for reasons to invite you to an interview. Tell them right off the top exactly why you are the best candidate for the role.

Every position is unique, and this is your first opportunity to optimize the resume for ATS and to also catch the employer’s eye. Spend a little time to target it and let your qualifications and accomplishments shine. 

While there is some debate about how to introduce your resume, we suggest using a professional summary as opposed to a career objective. The professional summary can be formatted in either a short paragraph or a bulleted list asserting qualifications and providing a concise career snapshot.

How to Write a Professional Summary for a Nursing Resume

Think of your resume summary as an “elevator pitch” - a quick, attention-grabbing, loaded statement that entices the reader to want to continue on. Your professional summary is unique to you and should be targeted to a specific role, just like the cover letters career counselors used to tell us about.

However, it could definitely include the following information: 

• Number of years of experience in a specialty 
• Common keywords found in nursing job descriptions e.g., excellent patient care, acute care, family education, compassionate
• Facility designations or info about facilities 
• Supervisory experience and number of subordinates
• Special certifications or awards
• Language abilities
• Soft skills such as patience, compassion, and a cooperative spirit

Nursing professional summary example: 

4+ years nursing experience with strong clinical background in critical care (CCU) and intermediate care nursing (IMCU). Proactively streamlines operations, initiates tasks, and supports the healthcare team while prioritizing excellent patient care. Champions patient and family education by providing compassionate, inclusive care that encourages self-sufficiency. Recipient of the Daisy Award. Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Nursing Skills and Areas of Expertise

List your nursing skills within the top ⅓ of the resume - Don't make the common mistake of adding them last. With the popularity of ATS, this mistake could cost you an interview. This is especially true in nursing, as the profession requires very specific skills. 

Additionally, your hard skills should be directly targeted to the role as expressed in the job description. Is the employer asking for a specific EMR that you are experienced with? List it! Are you an expert at starting IVs because of your five years of experience in the emergency room? List it!

This should not be a generic list of skills but a specific list that is as quantified as possible. It’s possible that if you are a newer nurse or are making a specialty pivot you may not have hard skills to include. In that case, it’s okay to omit this section and highlight your transferable  soft nursing skills within your job history.

While most nurses list their license titles on their resumes, it’s been our experience that they leave off a few very important details - most notably, whether the license is active and the expiration date. 

Why is this important? Including this information lets potential employers know that you are ready to start work ASAP. They don’t have to wait for the licensing process. Including your license number is optional, and you can make this decision based on your privacy comfort. The employer will likely be verifying your license online anyway (this is all public information).

If you are an advanced practice nurse, you may decide to leave off license numbers for privacy purposes, especially your DEA number or controlled substance registration number.

Here’s an example of how to list your licensure:

Registered Nurse - California, #RN00101, expires 4/17/2024.

Certifications and Credentials

This is another key section where some important details are typically missing on the nursing resumes we’ve seen. While most nurses list their credentials, it’s important to list them in a specific manner.

Don’t simply list acronyms, as some ATS systems may not be programmed to read shortened versions. Make sure to list the accrediting body, credential/certification number (where applicable), and expiration date. 

Here’s an example of how to list your certifications and credentials: 

Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association, expires: 12/1/2021

Work History

Employers want to know what you can do for them, period.  Nurse recruiters we’ve talked to will zero in on this section. What are they looking for? Evidence, facts, quantifiable points - proof to support the assertions made in your resume summary.

Vague work histories are particularly frustrating to employers - especially when applicants copy and paste job descriptions. To avoid falling into those pitfalls, try incorporating these tips: 

Use simple section headers such as “Work History” or “Relevant Experience,” these are ATS friendly. “What I’ve Done” is not. 

List your experience in reverse chronological order.  If you have a lengthy employment history, you may consider only including the most recent 10-15 years of experience. This will shorten your resume and also limit the chances that you’ll encounter age discrimination. Looking at the big-picture experience from 25 years ago doesn’t necessarily speak to your recent nursing experience because employers care about what you can do for them now.

Work History Format

Adding your work history in a logical format can help your nursing resume beat the ATS and impress recruiters. We recommend using the following format for each work history segment:

1. Job Title and Specialty

This is a controversial subject, but we believe employers care more about what you’ve done than who you’ve worked for. Use the job title as it is listed in the job posting, or use a more industry-wide job title. Registered Nurse as opposed to Clinical Nurse II. 

2. Facility Name

Add the name of the facility or company you worked for after your job title. You can add this on the same line or a different line, but using the same line will optimize space.

3. Employment Dates  

These are important and can be listed in a number of ways. However, it’s been our experience that specific dates are not necessary for a resume. On an application, yes, on a resume, not so much. You can simply list the months and years (mm/yy - present).

4. Facility-Specific and Unit-Specific Information

This information is helpful and important to employers but is left off the majority of resumes we’ve seen, it includes: 

• Trauma level: level I, II, III
• Facility Designations 
• Total Hospital beds
• Total unit beds

Primary Duties and Accomplishments

This section looks best in a bulleted list of no more than six points and should include duties, noteworthy accomplishments, and achievements. It’s important to emphasize specific duties and not be too vague.

Also, try your best not to simply regurgitate basic nursing duties that would be assumed of your role. This will take up valuable space on your resume and not really tell the reader much about you !

Wondering what specifics to include? Here are a few questions to get those wheels turning:

• What illnesses, injuries, or traumas do you care for? 
• What cases do you work on? 
• What type of medications do you administer and how? 
• What therapies do you perform? 
• What equipment do you use? 
• How have you improved processes? 
• When have I been first or best?
• No. 1 achievement in each position?
• Which achievements have the most impressive numbers?
• When have I been publicly recognized?

Write Strong Nursing Resume Bullets

Wondering how to order your bullets and what to include? Try this: start with a verb leading to quantifiable data or a specific point and include a relevant duty.

Use our comprehensive tables to build compelling nursing resume bullets that make your achievements shine:

Here is a brief work history resume example for nurses that puts it all together:

Registered Nurse, Acute Care - Example Medical Center 09-19 - Present

• Supervised staff of 15 registered nurses, 8 certified nursing assistants, and 7 paramedics while multitasking excellent patient care. 
• Cared for up to 4 patients per shift with acute neurological disorders, including strokes, spinal cord injuries, and head trauma.

Education and Training

In the nursing profession, education and training are of utmost importance. If you have work experience, this section can be fairly brief.  You should list your relevant degrees in chronological order. 

There are varying opinions regarding the specific ordering of education. However, we believe that the degree or certification title should be listed first. Employers care firstly that you have the education requirement they need and secondarily where you obtained the requirement. 

We suggest the following format:  Degree or Certification Title (acronym), Institution Name 

Here’s an example: 

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN), University of Washington 

Should I Include Graduation Dates on a Nursing Resume?

You are not required to include your college or high school graduation dates on your nursing resume , as it could reveal your age. Age discrimination is the top form of employment discrimination and affects all age groups. If you graduated more than 10-15 years ago, it may be a good idea to omit the date.  But this is a personal decision you should make at your own discretion.

Should I Include My GPA on a Nursing Resume?

Including your GPA in your nursing resume is optional. If you are particularly proud of your GPA, by all means, add it! However, it is not required. If you graduated with honors that you are proud of, you can definitely include that as well. Again the resume is a unique snapshot of you!

Should I Include my Non-Nursing Degrees and Credentials?

If you possess other degrees not related to nursing, it is not necessary to include those on your nursing resume. Some second-career nurses like to list this information, especially if there has been an interesting career pivot or one that brings a lot of value to your role as a nurse. Remember, you are telling your personal, unique story, and you get to decide what to include.

How Do I Add In-Progress Advanced Education Programs?

If you are currently enrolled in higher education to advance your studies within the nursing field, that should be listed on your resume and state that the degree is pending or in progress. However, if you started a graduate degree program, never finished, and do not plan on finishing, it is unnecessary to include it on the resume. 

Should I Include my High School Education?

Nurses do not need to include their high school diplomas on their resumes. The nursing profession requires completion of higher education, and therefore, your higher degree trumps your diploma. 

Awards, Accomplishments, and Affiliations

Though this section is not required, we encourage including awards and accomplishments that are relevant to the nursing profession. These details will provide the potential employer with more proof and evidence of who you are as a nurse. 

In this section, you can include: 

• Awards and recognitions that are specific to the hospital or facility where you work, e.g. the Daisy Award, Employee of the Month, and Nursing Excellence Award
• Professional memberships and affiliations relating to nursing and/or healthcare
• Volunteer work, if it relates to nursing

We suggest the following format: Title, organization, year

Here are a couple of examples:

• Recipient, Nursing Excellence Award, Washington Medical Center
• Volunteer, American Red Cross - Haiti - 2012

Naming Your Nurse Resume Save File

One last thing, saving! Don’t just give your resume any old name! Hiring professionals sometimes receive multiple documents from candidates, and they don’t want to waste time sorting through every document to find the resume. Some prefer to organize resumes by specialty. Tell them exactly which document is your resume. 

We suggest the following format: firstlast_specialty_resume.doc

Here’s an example:

PennyLite_ICU_resume.doc

We’ve seen a lot of resumes over the years, and you might be surprised by the amount of strange information people have included on them. So, here are the top mistakes we’ve seen:

Woot! If you’ve made it this far you should have an excellent understanding of how to write a great nursing resume. We know it’s a lot of information right now, and we hope that you’ll use the information to advance your career.

For a little more help, try using our free resume templates. And when you’ve landed your next interview, check out the next part in this series, The Complete Guide to Nursing Job Interviews .

>> Download free nurse resume templates!

What should be included in a nursing resume?

• A nursing resume should include your education, experience, including clinical, work, and volunteer, any certifications you have, and skills. 

How do I write a nurse resume?

• You can use a template to fill out your nursing resume or fill out your own. 

How do I list my nursing skills on my resume?

• List skills that are in the job description or outline on the facility’s website. For instance, common nursing skills include critical thinking, teamwork, communication, team management, and high ethical standards. 

Do you put RN after your name on a resume?

• You can include "RN" or "RN, BSN"  if you have other credentials. If you haven’t passed your NCLEX yet, you can put G.N. for Graduate Nurse.

How long should a nurse's resume be?

• A nursing resume should be no longer than 1-2 pages. 

What is your greatest skill as a nurse?

• The most valuable skill you have as a nurse may depend on your exact role and specialty, but in general, communication, kindness, empathy, and critical thinking are highly valued traits as a nurse. 

How far back should a resume go?

• If you’re a recent graduate, you don’t need to go to high school, just include your college experience and degree. For experienced nurses, include all relevant experience. 

Amanda is an Ivy-league-educated nurse practitioner and career mentor who helps nurses find and land their dream jobs. She founded The Résumé Rx  in 2018 to help nurses with career and résumé strategy  Learn more about Amanda and her products at  www.theresumerx.com  and follow her on Instagram  @theresumerx.

Angelina has her finger on the pulse of everything nursing. Whether it's a trending news topic, valuable resource or, heartfelt story, Angelina is an expert at producing content that nurses love to read. She specializes in warmly engaging with the nursing community and exponentially growing our social presence.

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30+ Free Sample Nursing Resume Templates – MS Word, PDF

A nursing resume is a document that provides a summary of a nurse’s education, professional qualifications, skills, and work experience. It is typically used by nurses when applying for jobs, whether in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, home healthcare, or other healthcare settings. The primary purpose of a nursing resume is to showcase the nurse’s qualifications and experience in a clearly organized format, making it easier for potential employers to assess their suitability for a specific nursing position. In this article, you’ll find a collection of free Simple Nursing Resume Templates and samples in PDF, Word, and Excel format to help you make your CV effective.

Table of Contents

Download Free Sample Nursing Resume Templates

Key Element of Nursing Resume Template

A nursing resume template should effectively highlight your qualifications, skills, and experience in the field of nursing. Here are some key elements of the nursing resume template;

• Objective or summary: A brief statement that summarizes the nurse’s career goals and highlights their key qualifications and what they bring to the position.
• Education: Information about the nurse’s educational background including the name of the nursing school, degree earned, graduation date, and any relevant certificate or licenses.
• Certifications: Details about the nurse’s current state nursing license and any additional certifications, such as advanced cardiac life support, or certificated pediatric nurse.
• Clinic experience: A list of the nurse’s previous nursing positions, including the name of the employer, location, dates of employment, and a summary of their responsibilities and accomplishments in each role.
• Skills: A section that highlights the nurse’s technical and soft skills, such as proficiency in electronic health record systems, strong communication skills, teamwork, and any specialized skills relevant to the nursing field.
• Awards and honors: Any recognition or award received for outstanding nursing performance or contributions to the healthcare field.
• Continued education: Information about any additional courses or workshops attended to maintain and improve nursing skills and knowledge.
• References: While it’s not common to include references directly or a resume, you can mention that references are available upon request.

Why Important To Use Nursing Resume Templates

Templates are designed by professionals to ensure your resume looks polished and follows industry standards. This can help you make a positive first impression on potential employers. Templates provide a structured format with consistent headings and sections. It helps to organize your information in a logical manner, making it easier for recruiters to review your qualifications.

Creating a resume from scratch can be time-consuming. Templates save your time by providing a pre-designed layout that you can fill in with your specific details, allowing you to focus on the content. Templates include consistent formatting for fonts, spacing, and bullet points. It ensures that your resume is easy to read and aesthetically pleasing.

Many templates come with placeholder text and tips on what information to include in each section. It can be helpful, especially if you’re unsure about what to include on your resume. While provide a structured format, they are also customizable. You can tailor the template to your specific qualifications, skills, and experiences, making your resume unique.

Nursing resumes often have specific requirements and expectations. Using a nursing resume template can help ensure that your resume aligns with industry standards and shows your nursing skills effectively. Templates can help reduce the risk of formatting errors or inconsistencies in your resume, which can be off-putting to employers.

A well-designed resume template conveys a sense of professionalism and attention to detail, which are essential qualities in the nursing profession.  Nursing trends and resume best practices may evolve over time. Using a template that reflects current standards can help you create a resume that stands out in today’s job market.

How To Use A Nursing Resume Templates

Using a nursing resume template can help streamline documents and improve consistency in the healthcare setting. These templates are designed to assist nurses in documenting patient information, care plans, assessments, and more.

• Choose a nursing resume template that matches the specific task or documentation requirement. There are various types of nursing templates available, such as nursing care plans, nursing assessment forms, shift report sheets, and more.
• Familiarize yourself with the template’s structures and content. Understand the sections and fields with the template and how they should be filled out.
• Begin by entering the patient’s demographics and identifying information in the designated spaces. This typically includes the patient’s name, medical report number, date of birth, and contact information.
• If the template is for a nursing assessment, document the patient’s vital signs, symptoms, medical history, and relevant observation. Use the template’s predefined fields to record this information.
• If you’re using a nursing care plan template, outline the patient’s care goals and the interventions required. Include details about medications, treatments, and any special considerations.
• For nursing progress notes or shift report templates, record the information relevant to the patient’s condition, any changes observed, and actions taken during your shift. Be concise and specific.
• Ensure that your documentation complies with your healthcare facility’s policies. As well as legal and ethical standards. Use clear and professional language. 
• Sign and date your documentation according to your facility’s protocols. This verifies that you provided the care and documented it accurately.
• Store completed templates securely in accordance with your facility’s guidelines. Ensure that they are easily accessible to authorized personnel when needed.

How To Download A Free Nursing Resume Template As PDF

Follow some steps to download a free nursing resume template as a PDF:

Here is a button to download the template. It is labeled as “Download PDF,” Or “Download Template”. If you accept any terms or provide the necessary information, the website should allow you to download the nursing templates as a PDF. Click the download link or button again to initiate the download. Choose a location on your computer or device where you want to save the PDF template and click” save” or “ Download”. Once the PDF is downloaded, you can open it with a PDF reader like Adobe Acrobat Reader. You may also be able to edit the template if it’s a fillable PDF form. If not, you can print it and fill it out manually.

How To Download A Free Nursing Resume Template As A Word File

Once you find a nursing resume template in Word format. Click on the download link or button. The template will typically download as a Word (.docx) file. Save it to your computer. Open the downloaded Word documents and fill in the necessary details. Distribution agreements can vary widely depending on the specific business arrangements, so be sure to customize the template to meet your needs. Replace placeholders with relevant information such as company names, product details, terms, and conditions.

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Nursing Resume Templates | Free Resume Templates for Nurses | How to Create a Resume for RN

Looking for  free nursing resume templates ? Before  nurses can secure their nursing jobs , they must go through the application period. This includes creating a resume , submitting a nursing portfolio, and going through the interview process . Nursing jobs are highly competitive, especially certain specialty areas such as OB GYN and Pediatrics fields. So it is very important that when creating a resume that the nurse creates a resume that will stand out and grab the employers attention.

How to Create a Resume for Nursing Students and Nurses

Think of the resume as an advertisement to the customer (which is the employer) that will lure them in to set-up an interview with you. The resume is a short one piece of piece (no more than two) that gives the employer a short summary of your education, certifications, skills, and achievements.

Try not to confuse the resume with a nurse portfolio. A nurse portfolio is a collection of the supporting documents that supports your resume. For more information on nurse portfolio check out our article on it.

Free Resume Templates for Nurses

These rn resume templates are free for you to use. They were developed by us and you can use them as you please. They are in Microsoft Word .doc format. If you do not have Microsoft Word you can use the FREE open source software known as OpenOffice via openoffice.org. It is completely free!

Once you have downloaded the templates you can edit them and add your own content. Be sure to let you friends on facebook know about these free resume templates!

To download the resume template simply click the picture of the template you like and click open:

Get 16 Premium Nursing Resume Templates & Cover Letters

Check out our job guide called “ Nursing Resume Templates and Job Guide by Nurse Sarah “. Nurse Sarah’s updated eBook guide & template bundle will walk you step-by-step through the entire job process. You’ll learn how to….

• Create a stunning resume and matching cover letter (16 professionally designed templates included with download)
• Ace your nursing job interview with the most common job interview questions (includes sample answers)
• Getting letters of recommendation & putting together your nurse portfolio
• Tips for finding your first nursing job and getting hired fast
• Tips to transition from nursing student to new nurse (talking to doctors, common struggles, etc.)
• Advancing in your career
• And more (see table of contents below)

Resume Templates and Matching Cover Letters Included

You can get an eBook version here or physical copy ( affiliate ad ) here.

Categories to Included in Your Resume

When creating a resume you can include many different categories. Remember that everyone’s resume will be a little different because people have had different experiences. For example, some people have had more educational experience than others and in their resume they should elaborate more on that area.

If you are not in any professional clubs substitute another category to replace it. For example, if you have great references, list them in that place or any volunteer work you have done.

Here are some categories you can include in your resume:

• Educational Experience
• Job History
• Professional Memberships
• Volunteer Work
• Academic Achievements
• Certifications
• Personal Goals
• Publications

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The job market for healthcare professionals has changed. Decades ago, it was seen as an exclusive field with limited "space under the sun." But today's unprecedented pressures on the healthcare workforce are creating new opportunities and challenges alike for members of the nursing profession. The need for an exceptional nurse resume, customized to your background and goals, has never been more critical. There is no turning back from milestones like this one reached in 2018: healthcare positions in the U.S. surpassed manufacturing and retail, becoming the largest source of jobs in America . 

Simply put, nurses are in high demand. But this doesn't mean you should settle for the first nurse job listing you see, regardless of its quality. More than ever, it means you can aim for a dream job. And Resume.io is here to help.

We're here to provide our HR research-based guidance, our resume samples , and builder tool so you can get a nursing job opportunity that changes your life for the better. We hope it jumpstarts a career that is stable and fulfilling.

This nurse resume example and writing guide will cover:

• The role and job outlook for nurses
• How to write a nurse resume that shines through hundreds of applicants, first passing through the Applicant Tracking software filter
• Choosing the best format to structure your nurse resume
• How to showcase your most important skills
• Ways to impress by custom-tailoring the content and tone of your nurse resume
• Optimizing each section of your nurse resume
• Professional resume layout and design hints.

How to write a nurse resume

First, you need to know what sections comprise your nurse resume. Your resume should contain the following elements:

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The resume skills section
• The education section

Next, you need to know the technology you are up against.

The job market has become so saturated with candidates that instead of hiring more recruiters, employers rely on electronic screening solutions. Hospital Applicant Tracking System (ATS)  software analyzes your nurse resume for keywords and ranks it against other resumes on the same basis. Only the highest-ranking nurse resumes will get passed on to a human recruiter. 

Keyword matches are the most basic aspect of ATS .  In specific sections of this nurse resume example and guide, we'll offer tips for choosing the correct keywords so your resume doesn't get filtered out by an ATS. 

Be open to alternative interview and resume-submission methods. Video interviews, automated chats and other recruitment tools are used more and more in healthcare. Understanding them rather than avoiding them will give you a competitive edge. 

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Choosing the best resume format for nurses

In most instances, the most suitable format for structuring a nurse resume will be reverse chronological . This generally works well for job seekers in any occupation whose work history follows a linear path in a series of employee positions.In that resume section, progressive job experience and accomplishments are organized by employer/workplace in reverse order from most recent to earliest dates. 

An alternative resume format may be appropriate for nurses who are new to the workforce or changing careers. Those with a more varied occupational background or especially impressive education might also look at the alternative “functional” resume format. It‘s also an option for some self-employed professionals with an assignment or contract-based background. 

Nurse resume summary example: Professionalism and empathy

The summary of your nurse resume should highlight your strongest professional qualifications. But nursing is also one of the most people-focused jobs in the world, so be sure to give your resume summary a touch of warmth and emotion.

There are two equally important factors in writing an effective nurse resume summary. The first relates to perception: the resume summary is your first personal introduction to a human reader, not an automated filter. This is where you present yourself as a caring and warm nurse, not one who comes across as cold and detached.

The second factor comes back to the ATS algorithm for scoring your resume based on keywords. Not every hospital will use scoring filters, but it's better to be on the safe side and not risk having your resume be overlooked on purely technical grounds.

So, how do you know which keywords and professional details are the most important ones? Analyze the nurse job description with care. You'll often find certain qualities, ideas, or technical requirements mentioned more than once, sometimes with different phrasing. This should be your signal that the employer values them more than others.

A recent study from TalentNeutron shows that the second most requested keyword for nurses is "bilingual." In the U.S., the most requested second language is Spanish.   If you speak a second language, even imperfectly, make sure to include this in your summary and/or skills section. If either is too cluttered, put it in the one that has more space. 

Last, but definitely not least, is the human element of your resume summary. Nurses are the heart and soul of many hospitals. Many health facilities rely on nurses to not only perform medical duties but also support patients emotionally and create a warm, caring environment. So, that's exactly the image to project on your nursing resume, alongside your impressive formal qualifications. 

Strive for language that’s energetic and positive, using action verbs that describe your professional outlook and history. 

A passionate and dedicated nurse with over six years of healthcare experience in a variety of medical settings, including private family practices, emergency units, ICU, neonatal units, geriatric units, and rehabilitation centers. Vast experience dealing with a very broad range of medical conditions. Bringing forth the ability to thoroughly and accurately assess the health of patients and prescribe the proper treatment programs for optimal health moving forward. Adept in working as a collaborative team member to ensure that patients receive the highest level of care possible. 

Employment history sample: Diverse experience

Nurses comprise one of the most diverse professions in terms of background and age. While past nursing positions always take priority in the employment history section of your nurse resume, you can also highlight your varied life and job experience.

There's plenty of good news to go around for anyone seeking to work as a nurse. For starters, top hospitals are happy to hire certified nurses even if they're not graduates in their 20s. In fact, nursing applicants 40 years and older who are transitioning from other careers and have rich life experience are becoming more common. 

Medical-administrative terms may vary from country to country, and even from state to state in the U.S. So look carefully at the job listing vocabulary, or even visit the employer's website, to make sure your resume wording is matches.

Also, remember there are differences between healthcare facilities in different locations. Include helpful details in your nurse resume about your previous workplaces to clarify. Here are some examples:

• Facility type: rehabilitation hospital, acute care, long-term care, teaching hospital, etc. If applicable, specify trauma center level (1 to 5).
• Type of hospital unit (ICU, MS, ER, and so on) and any specifics such as dealing with patient overflows.
• Bed count (both facility and unit) and other indications of the scope of your responsibilities.

Refer to initiatives you were responsible for, milestones, team efforts, and measurable results. For example, did you help develop new policies or procedures? Did you receive favorable patient review scores?

Newly graduated nurses with little or no work experience should include their clinical rotations. Relevant past employment in other professions also belongs here.

Nursing Assistant, St. Joseph's Medical Center, Dallas  October 2019 - July 2021 

• Worked to the best of my ability with an interdisciplinary team to provide optimum care to patients.
• Assisted patients with admittance and release.
• Assisted nurses and physicians in carrying out all treatments and day-to-day protocols.

Float Nurse, University of Iowa Medical Center, Iowa City  September 2017 - September 2019 

• Provided high level patient care during heavy patient load periods needing additional personnel.
• Assisted hospital staff and other RNs in day-to-day tasks in accordance with patient care plans and physician's orders.
• Assisted with duties in the ER, Rehab, and Med-Surg units.
• Provided a level of care in accordance with the medical center's stellar reputation.

Nurse Extern, Mayo Clinic of Austin, Austin  August 2016 - August 2017 

• Assisted with obtaining personal information of patients and prepared paperwork in a timely and efficient manner.
• Worked to maintain a neat and functional admitting department, conducive to high-quality care.
• Provided quick assessments and helped to determine the treatment needed for patients requiring critical care.

Nurse resume education example

Some occupations don't put too much emphasis on formal credentials but the medical and other healthcare professions absolutely do. Not only is high-caliber training a vital requirement for nurses, but it could have a bearing on your resume. If you're applying for a nurse job in the U.S., the education section has a HIGHER-than-usual priority in your nurse resume. 

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) has developed recommendations regarding the order of your formal credentials and where they are placed in relation to other sections.

• If you're an experienced nursing professional, the education section can go either above or below your employment history . This can be at your discretion, or according to local standards or employer preference.   
• If you're a new nursing graduate with no work experience, place your education section first, right below the summary.

Are you using the resume.io builder to create your nurse resume? It's easy to list your licenses or similar credentials in the "school" field of the education section. Just as you would normally identify the college or other learning institutions, indicate the jurisdiction/organization that issued your nursing licenses or designations. 

Where does the information go, and in what order? The ANCC recommends the following priority for listing credentials in nurse resumes:

• Highest earned degree —  in your education section .
• Licensure — in your summary and/or education section. For a considerable number of licenses, you can create a custom "Licenses" section below the section you use.
• State designations or requirements (such as APRN, NP, etc.) — once again, in your summary and/or education section.
• National certifications — in your education section or create a separate section for these.
• Awards and honors  (from schools, professional organizations, past jobs, etc.) — placement as above.
• Other certifications (optional, ONLY if space allows) —  in your education section or create a custom section.

Our resume builder tool really simplifies this whole process. It is very flexible for easily adjusting or adding to the template sample categories. You can rearrange sections up and down, easily fill in sample fields as you choose or create custom "Licenses" and "Certifications" sections. 

• Master of Nursing, Iowa State University, Iowa City  January 2015 - August 2018  - Graduated with a 3.8 GPA.    
• Bachelor of Biology, University of Arizona, Phoenix  August 2011 - May 2015  - Member of Student Nursing Association.

Skills section example: Necessary and valued

Nurses work at the intersection of practical knowledge, technology, and softer human interaction. The nurse job is about versatility, and so is your skills section. It's important to show equal love to both your hard and soft skills categories.

Hard skills enable your day-to-day productivity as a nurse, and your ability to solve most clinical and administrative problems. Specifically, they will vary depending on your past nurse education and experience. 

Pay close attention to the nurse skills listed in the job description and descriptive wording. Using the same terminology not only ensures you pass the ATS but also shows the recruiter that you're an attentive, detail-oriented nurse.

Remember we mentioned an additional language as being the second-most requested nurse skill? Well, TalentNeutron studies reveal the MOST commonly requested are computer skills — especially electronic medical/hospital records software. Common program packages are Meditech and Epic software.

In the U.S., knowing your way around billing codes (ICD10 and ICD9) is also a common advantage. 

Soft skills are the more abstract, people-oriented attributes you have as a nurse. They reflect your ability to interact positively with patients, understand the people around you, feel subtle emotional shifts or just generally be a kind, warm individual. 

• Patient advocacy
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Teamwork skills
• Trauma and ER experience
• Knowledgeable in medical terminology and  procedures

Resume layout and formatting: First impressions

The visual appearance of your nurse resume is what employers will notice first about your job application. That makes it the first impression they will have about you. A messy, cluttered resume format or a poorly organized resume layout that lacks clearly defined sections may hurt your chances of being considered for an amazing professional nurse opportunity.

What's the best resume format for a nurse?

Visual structure conveys character on your resume. Consider how your resume layout, design, and formatting could project attentiveness, a focus on details, and a certain measure of discipline.  A template can help you achieve this without looking too cold or rigidly formal (like the resume of a lawyer or auditor, for example). The Resume.io collection has a wide variety of resume styles to choose from, including those with the perfect balance of "disciplined" and "emotional." We suggest the Paris, New York, Stockholm, and Santiago templates as a great fit for a nurse resume. 

These templates can also protect you from being unwittingly sabotaged by formatting that may not translate well to electronic systems, or is not readable at all. 

Use field-tested templates backed by metrics. These samples are beautifully designed and attention-grabbing. These templates will also help you avoid hidden technical pitfalls. 

The nurse job market 

So, what is the nurse job market like nowadays? The simple answer: it's wide open for candidates. 

Developed countries have a high demand for nurses. In 2017, the American Nurses Association (ANA) projected that the U.S. will need one million more registered nurses by 2022 to fulfill the nation's needs. By 2022, when RN retirements will have opened up more than a half-million replacement positions, there will be far more registered nurse jobs available than any other profession , at more than 100,000 per year.  That nursing shortage has taken an added toll on the health and well-being of nurses during the pandemic crisis. According to a March 2021 survey report by the American Nurses Foundation , the ANA’s charitable and philanthropic arm, 41% of nurses stating they plan to leave the profession cited insufficient staffing as a reason. The number was higher — 48% — among nurses who treat COVID-19 patients directly.

The BLS projects a 9% growth in the job market for nurses between 2020 and 2030, as fast as the average occupation. 

Key takeaways for a nurse resume

• To get an amazing job instead of a mediocre one, your resume needs all the advantages available.
• Start the resume writing process armed with knowledge and the appropriate technological tools.
• Each resume section should be tailored to the job listing wherever appropriate.
• Whenever possible, provide details on your past work experience.
• Pay special attention to the way your nursing credentials are organized in the education section.
• Write out your skills based on research and the job listing.
• Your resume layout is incredibly important. Make sure your format is visually pleasing and conforms to the ATS. Resume templates can help.

If you want the perfect tool to save yourself time and win your dream nurse position, use our helpful resume builder with field-tested resume templates!

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33 Nursing Resume Examples That Worked in 2024

• Nursing Resumes
• Nursing Student Resumes
• Nursing Resumes by Credentials
• Nursing Resumes by Role

Writing Your Nursing Resume

Although the demand for nurses is growing, getting a job in the nursing industry isn’t easy, especially if you’re making a start or submitting a letter of resignation at your current position. 

How are you supposed to know how to  write a stunning resume  so employers will immediately want to hire you and create a cover letter detailing your accomplishments? 

Getting into the nursing field is tough, so  we analyzed dozens of nursing resumes to learn what works and what doesn’t to help you get a great nursing job .

No matter your specialty or where you are in your nursing career, we’ve got 33 nursing resume samples to help you  make a resume online  from scratch or update your current resume to get you your next nursing job in 2024!

Nursing Resume

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• One of the quickest ways to do so is by including your licenses in your title. This clearly signals to the employer that you’re qualified for the position.
• Adding an optional licenses section is another way to demonstrate your abilities, so if you have the room, make sure to add that section.
• Instead, tailor your resume to the  nursing job description . What keywords did they list? What responsibilities do they expect you to complete? Use this as your guide to include what employers most want to see.

Experienced Nurse Resume

• Some professions require CVs for senior-level officials, while other industries are fine with a resume no matter their seniority level. Check the job description to see what kind of information the employer requires, so you know what to write.
• Try to demonstrate the different specific responsibilities you’ve had throughout your career. What kinds of clinical techniques have you done? For example, have you assisted with ADLs, administered particular tests, or diagnosed specific types of diseases?

Nursing Student Resume

• The key is to be specific about what you contributed or learned during your time in school.
• How did you assist your peers or supervisors? Did you witness anything especially noteworthy? What did you learn? Listing details like these helps employers qualify your abilities. 
• While an objective is strictly optional, it’s a great way to convey your excitement for the position and some of your relevant skills. 

New Grad Nursing Resume

• If you lack experience, that’s okay! Just include more details about your clinical rotations. You can also mention non-healthcare-specific work experience if you have it.
• For example, does the job description talk a lot about compassionate care? Then you should include the phrase “compassion” in your skills section.

New Nurse Resume

• Including devices and software such as Hill-Rom smart beds, Omnicell, PeraHealth’s Rothman, and Vocera Badge shows employers that you’re all ready to hit the ground running and help senior nurses treat patients with the latest gadgets in hand.

• As you progress, unleash quantified achievements in your previous roles, emphasizing how you helped patients and improved outcomes (hint: reducing medication errors by 28% and enhancing patient safety).

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Resume

• In addition to your title, if you have any certifications or additional licenses, include them on your resume in a designated section.
• If you’re struggling to know what to write on your CNA resume, it can help to look at  CNA resume examples  and local CNA job descriptions to determine what employers want to see and what metrics to include. 

RN BSN Resume

• Go beyond helping patients and list all the times you’ve helped doctors treat a condition more quickly or improved after-surgery recovery rates. Add how you’ve endeavored to assist patients remotely during tough times (if any) such as providing remote sessions during COVID-19.

Registered Nurse Resume

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Resume

• If your current specialization is different from the job description, don’t stress! You should still be specific about your experience, but focus on transferable skills that go hand-in-hand with other fields.
• For example, do you specialize in long-term care, nephrology, or developmental disabilities? Include how you applied those abilities throughout your LPN resume.
• Of course, you need to include where you got your nursing degree, but don’t stop there! Adding a certifications or licenses section can show off your training and catch a hiring manager’s eye quickly.

Nursing Home Administrator Resume

• Begin with a careful analysis of the job listing and grasp the matching qualifications, skills, and requirements that resonate with your own experiences. Found them? Fantastic! Now, strategically incorporate those golden nuggets into your resume. In addition, picture how Amanda flaunts her nursing license–if you’ve got similar credentials or those shiny certifications, mention them somewhere in the side column.

Psychiatric Nursing Resume

• Take Sarah, for example. She didn’t just casually namedrop accomplishments like “reducing 30-day readmission rates by 14%” and “spreading awareness of mental health services among 1,280+ community members.” Nope. She made those wins pop out in her resume with bolding and underlining to wow the recruiter from the get-go.

Nursing Manager Resume

• How far back should you go? You wonder. If you have a master’s degree in nursing or healthcare management, make that the centerpiece of your education section. Otherwise, a bachelor’s degree fits the bill! Of course, don’t forget to add the institution’s name and the year you graduated.

Critical Care Nursing Resume

• Gain promotion and assume a new role with greater responsibility after that. Use this to show your dedication by backing your achievements with numbers.

Director of Nursing Resume

• List down all the variety of software you’re proficient in and write how you’ve used each right from the beginning of your career. Last but not least, never forget to add your RN license!

NICU Nurse Resume

• Use the career objective to frame your clinical experience through the lens of NICU by highlighting your ability to communicate with families or work in high-pressure environments.

Operating Room Nurse Resume

• Surgeons are always seeking cutting-edge technology that can unlock new medical capabilities. Showcase your expertise in working with these innovative systems—like robotic arms—to enhance your operating room nurse resume .

School Nurse Resume

• Are you skilled in using platforms specific to educational institutions, such as SchoolMessenger? Include them on your school nurse resume to prove that you’re prepared to handle the caseload.

Telemetry Nurse Resume

• You can bolster your telemetry nurse resume by listing any special certifications that further qualify you for the task, such as Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).

Nurse Practitioner Resume

• The best format for nurses in 2024 is the reverse-chronological format since it shows how you’ve grown your skills over the years. However, if you have a gap in your job experience, there are other formats you can use to disguise that.
• Adding a few splashes of color to your  nurse practitioner resume  makes it look prettier and helps readability. Just be sure to choose a color that is easy on the eye (no neons, please).

ICU Nurse Resume

• To avoid the fear of the blank page, start by using a  resume outline  to give you a basic structure to follow and show you what your finished resume should look like.
• So, when you’re writing the work experience bullet points, use general responsibilities like “provided effective care”), but be specific about how you helped your patients (and what resulted from your ministrations). 

Travel Nurse Resume

• To help stand out above the competition, clarify your work experience sections so employers know if you’ve had traveling nurse contracts or not. 
• More likely than not, you don’t need a resume objective or summary, nor do you need to list individual projects. Remember that you can go into more detail about achievements and skills in your  nursing cover letter .

Charge Nurse Resume

• For example, have you had the opportunity to manage or lead co-workers? Have you ever trained a nurse and oversaw scheduling? Be specific about how you’ve managed projects and people and what resulted from your leadership.
• Want to know a quick and easy way to write a  charge nurse resume ? Start by using a  resume template  to format your information, then fill in the blanks with specific details about your past experience and skills.

Chief Nursing Officer Resume

• This formatting showcases your career growth and leadership development by highlighting your most recent (and likely most relevant) job. 
• We recommend you include six to 10 skills, with at least 70 percent hard skills such as BLS, QA/QC, federal compliance, and fiscal health analysis.

Telehealth Nurse Resume

• Luckily, there are multiple  resume tips  you can incorporate to make your resume a cut above the rest, including choosing specific hard skills in your skills section and formatting your resume in reverse-chronological order.
• If you have a degree higher than a high school diploma, ignore your high school information since employers don’t need it. If you have multiple nursing degrees, include all of them.

Nurse Consultant Resume

• Use business-related numbers like sales growth or revenue/profit increases to demonstrate your worth as an employee.
• Don’t forget to add other sections to showcase your training and certifications.
• If you decide to include these sections, keep them brief and include only what’s relevant to the job you’re seeking.

Office Nurse Resume

• Do your homework on the environment you’re applying to work in, and ensure you showcase why you’re a good fit for that specific job. After all, an ER unit with high patient turnover may be much more interested in your high-efficiency standards than an in-home clinic that consistently services a much smaller patient load.
• Sure, your resume may look good when you finish writing it, but have you run it through a  resume checker  yet? You might not realize you’ve been using passive voice or inconsistent punctuation, and even though you’re not applying for a job as an English Teacher, a hiring manager won’t be thrilled if you overlook little details when they’re going to literally put lives in your hands.

Home Dialysis Nurse Resume

• Unfortunately, as much as it may be interesting for you to look back over your life history, most hiring managers won’t be quite as thrilled about the prospect. Adding a career summary to your resume can give recruiters the highlights, without drowning them in a sea of information.
• Trust us on this, nothing bothers a hiring manager more than a resume that is 1.01 pages long.

ER Nurse Resume

• Certifications like the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) depict that you’ve done the work and undergone the rigorous training needed to be an ER nurse.

Labor and Delivery Nurse Resume

• If you’ve spent your time outside work organizing events to promote women’s health and reproductive rights, it’s a powerful statement that shows your passion and commitment and deserves to be mentioned in your resume.

Nurse Manager Resume

• If you’re well versed with a particular HR management tool or medical management software, it’s one less thing a hospital or healthcare center will have to train you on.

Pediatric Nurse Resume

• An extensive program, like a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, from an esteemed institute like Johns Hopkins University, for example, is a worthy inclusion in your pediatric nurse resume , demonstrating that you’ve learned from the best.

Staff Nurse Resume

• Take a good look at Allianah’s staff nurse resume and notice how she leverages a Registered Nurse (RN) license. This isn’t just another document that’s good to have but proof of the grit and effort it takes to be a professional nurse, which further adds to her existing value.

Related resume guides

• Physician Assistant
• Dental Assistant

Hiring managers typically receive a torrent of resumes whenever there’s an open position, so if you prepare your nursing resume haphazardly, you are more likely to get the boot than the job. To avoid that sad scenario, you need to make your nursing resume readable, logical, and pleasing to the eye. It should showcase your skills and experience while being ATS-compliant, and it should show off a bit of your personality, too. 

It make sound like an impossible task, but before your get overwhelmed, start by taking it one step at a time. First, choose your formatting style: reverse-chronological, functional, or hybrid.

Reverse-chronological, functional, and combination/hybrid format

A well-structured resume is essential for your job search. Even if your resume has perfect content, if your resume isn’t easy to skim at a glance, it’s unlikely you’ll be called for an interview. Your content matters, but so does  how  you present that content. Therefore, proper  resume formatting  is a salient feature you don’t want to get wrong.

There are three popular formatting options for designing your resume in 2024: reverse-chronological, functional, and hybrid. 

• Focuses more on your skills
• Ideal for a recent graduate or an entry-level candidate
• Reverse-chronological format
• The most common format
• Lists relevant experiences and skills in reverse-chronological order
• The best for making it past the ATS
• Combines functional and reverse-chronological features
• Highlights both your skills and experience
• Ideal if you have a handful of experience or are re-entering the workforce

The best bet for a nursing resume would be the reverse-chronological format. This helps the recruiter see your upward career progression. If you started as an intern in a given health organization, and then moved up the career ladder to become a full-fledged nurse, your potential employer will be able to track your progression and assess your qualifications faster.

Contact header

It’s important to include the relevant contact header information in the right order. If you’re a nurse, your   contact header should have the following:

• Your name —Employers won’t automatically know you, so you need to include your first and last name. 
• Phone number —Use your personal cellphone number instead of a work phone in case a potential employer calls when you’re not on the job.
• Email address —Include a professional email address, preferably combining your first and last name.
• City & state —This is optional but recommended so employers know if you’re local. 
• LinkedIn —Some employers require your LinkedIn profile, but even if it’s not mandatory, it’s helpful for employers to see your career progression.

The contact header should be, you guessed it, at the top of the page. Good font choices are Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri, all at 12 point size. When it comes to color, remain conservative with black and white. Some  resume templates  can format your resume to strikingly display your contact information, just like this header:

Will your nursing resume beat the ATS?

Optimizing your resume for the Application Tracking System (ATS) increases your chances of being called for an interview. The ATS is a tool that many companies use to quickly scan resumes and weed out applicants without relying on someone to read through them first.

Most resumes aren’t designed to beat ATS, and end up being filtered out before they ever reach the recruiter. However, if you know how to properly  format your resume , you’ll pass the ATS scan and make your way to a person. Here’s what you should know about the role of fonts, font size, margins, header names, logical order, skills, and page length, as far as ATS-friendly resumes are concerned:

• ATS-friendly fonts make it easy for a computer to read your resume. Some of the most commonly used ATS-friendly fonts include: Times New Roman, Calibri, and Arial. Preferably, they should have a font size of 10-12 points.
• Beyond just font type, font size also matters. Preferably, your body font size should be 10-12 points, while your headers can be bigger.
• Margins also matter, since the ATS automatically assumes your margins are the standard size of one-inch all around. Any bigger or smaller, and the ATS might mis-read your resume.
• Keywords are the main focus of the ATS, so make sure your skill keywords and header names match what’s in the job description.
• The ATS is not sensitive to the number of pages, but one page is the standard across professions. 

Writing your nursing resume

Putting together an effective nursing resume may seem overwhelming and not worth your effort. However, putting in the extra effort now will pay off when you get an interview. And remember, you’re not doing this alone. We’re dedicated to helping you  write an amazing resume  by providing advice on common frustrating decisions like this:

• When an objective is most useful on your nursing resume
• When a summary can be the preferred choice
• How to list your most relevant nursing work history
• Adding volunteer work and academic endeavors when work history is light

Do you need an objective or summary on your nursing resume?

When crafting your nursing resume, you have the option to use career objectives and summaries.

When to include a career objective in your resume:

• You can use an objective when changing or modifying your career.
• For instance, if you plan to change from a surgical assistant registered nurse to an emergency room registered nurse, you’d use an objective to highlight that you’re pursuing a new subfield within nursing.
• Use a career objective if you’re looking for an entry-level job and lack experience. 

When a summary is right for your resume:

• Use a summary to highlight your most valuable experience and skills. These are ideal when you have vast experience in nursing.
• For example, if you’ve worked in a health setting for 10 or more years, you can include a summary.
• A summary is effective for connecting varied work experiences.

When not to use objectives or summaries:

• Skip the objective or summary if you’re not planning to customize it to each position you apply for. Otherwise, it’s generic filler that takes up too much white space.
• This lacks specificity and reads “I just need a job to pay the bills.” While that may be true, employers want to know you’re passionate about your work and will improve your workplace.
• This lacks depth and work history details that should hallmark a summary. It’s void of substantial expertise, specializations, and skill specifics.

When objectives or summaries are worth including:

• This objective highlights the years of experience and the candidate’s field of expertise while also naming the potential employer.
• This summary highlights their years of experience, the key areas they’ve worked in, and their specialities within those fields.

Nursing work experience?

Don’t forget to indicate relevant experience in your resume. While we wouldn’t recommend including every job you’ve had since you were 16, you can get away with adding work experience from different fields if you’re an entry-level candidate.

However, if you’re applying for a senior position, you’ll need to include at least  three  nursing positions on your resume, especially if you’re applying for a managerial or specialty position. For instance, a director of care management requires nine years of experience, four of which must be managerial.

Conversely, a registered nurse position may require one year of direct patient care. The responsibilities, in this case, are not very demanding. If you lack experience overall, you can include any academic projects and volunteer work that is relevant to the  nursing job description .

Writing your job experience bullet points for your nursing resume

Three examples of poor job experience bullet points for nurses:

• Generally, you should avoid using “I,” and you should include specifics, not just generic statements of experience.
• This bullet includes “I” and lacks job specifics and quantifiable metrics.
• Although it may sound nice on the surface, it doesn’t answer exactly what the patient did and the results of their work.

Three examples of good job experience bullet points for nurses:

• This uses an action verb combined with quantifiable metrics.
• Again, this uses an action verb but furthermore, it describes exactly what the candidate provided (primary care training). 
• Specific, pertinent job duties show employers your skills and can also help you pass the ATS; two thumbs up for this one!

Quantify your impact as a nurse

When preparing your resume, remember that no employer wants to waste time reading vague statements about your performance. Instead, they want to see supporting details. So, whenever you can, you should quantify your impact and achievements.

For instance, if you say you “served many patients daily,” a potential employer might wonder about the exact number because ‘many’ is a relative term.

Examples of how to quantify metrics:

Suppose the  nursing job description  asks for a training specialist who can train other nurses. In that case, you can indicate the number of training sessions you conducted per day in your previous employment.

• Number of clinical training sessions per day
• Trained 75% of new hires on pre and postoperative care >20 days per month

Some of the health facilities labor under tremendous pressure. The number of patients you serve per day can help potential employers gauge whether you will cope well under pressure. So, it’s lucrative to include the number of patients you served per a specific amount of time.

• Number of patients served in a day 
• Worked in a setting with a 6:1 patient-nurse ratio, receiving 400+ visitors per day

Top skills for your nursing resume

It’s helpful to understand the differences between hard and soft skills to list in your  resume skills section . Keep the number of skills you list in between six and 10 to avoid overwhelming the reader.

Hard skills are those tools you use to do the job, aka technical abilities that require training. 

Examples of hard skills:

• ERM systems
• Medical documentation
• Infant and child care
• Emergency care
• Ambulatory care
• CPR certified

On the other hand, soft skills are abilities that are harder to quantify and are more personality-based.

Examples of soft skills:

• Communication 
• Professionalism
• Positive attitude

Get noticed! Look for keywords within a job description:

• Many companies use ATS to scan resumes for keywords from the job description, so it’s in your best interest to include the right keywords.
• Include keywords in both your  nursing cover letter  and resume. 
• Choosing keywords from the job description helps you customize your resume and thus, makes you more appealing to the hiring manager.
• Employing the right keywords makes your resume relevant and noticeable, giving you an edge over the competition.

Nursing education and certifications

When preparing your nursing resume, include all the elements that will increase your chances of getting the job. You need to indicate the following:

• Your education level
• Any certifications or licenses
• Your experience in other nursing environments
• Your years of experience as a nurse

On the topic of licenses, you need to share your area of specialization. Specialists include registered nurses (RNs), certified registered nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists. Including your area(s) of expertise helps potential employers determine whether you’re the right candidate for the job.

Besides, including this information is easy to do and shouldn’t take up much space! Simply place certifications and licenses in a short section toward the bottom of your resume: 

Should you add projects, interests, or hobbies to your nursing resume?

Most of the time, you don’t need to include projects or  interests/hobbies on your resume . However, you may be able to add them depending on your level of experience and the type of role you’re seeking.

If you’re an experienced nurse, you’ve likely gained tangible experience that’s more important than undergraduate projects you’ve completed. Instead, you should highlight your key areas of experience and show your new employer how you’ll impact their business.

In the same vein, you may not need to indicate your hobbies or interests unless it’s encouraged. However, you can gain an advantage over the competition if you have strong qualifications and hobbies that match the company culture. 

To help you determine whether or not to include hobbies, visit the company’s website and read the “About Us” section to gauge whether they have a unique cultural fit. 

If you’re an entry-level candidate or a recent graduate, listing hobbies and projects can help you fill space and showcase your personality. However, it’s always good to review the job description to ensure these additions are relevant. Either way, keep the project and hobbies lists short and at the bottom of your resume.

Examples of hobbies/interests:

• Volunteering for community health services
• Learning new languages

Examples of projects:

• Organized and led breast cancer awareness campaign for two consecutive semesters
• Researched mental and psychiatric issues for semester-long experiment

Adjust your nursing resume for every job application

Remember to customize your resume when applying for a new job. Even if you’re only applying for specific roles, like LPN jobs, that doesn’t mean every job description for that title requires the same qualifications. There’s usually something unique to each position. Thus, for every application, make sure you tailor the following sections:

• (These can stay mostly the same, but you should adjust responsibilities and keywords slightly.)

To recap, each job description comes with different skill requisites. Furthermore, remember to note keywords you can use within the body of your resume and cover letter.

Your nursing resume must be error-free

As a nurse, you need to show the hiring manager that you’re observant and have an eye for detail. Remember, you’ll be working with patients and should demonstrate accuracy and precision. To ensure a flawless resume, run your document through a  resume checker  and have your colleagues proofread it. Don’t let typos cost you a job!

Confidently land your next Nursing gig

Many job seekers languish in the job market, especially considering the number of nursing graduates produced by universities each year and the fierce competition. So, you must be creative and savvy to survive the market. Happily, you’ve already taken the first steps by reading this guide, so congratulations!

We know you’ve worked hard to get this far, and we wish you all the best as you write a power-packed nursing resume and get ready for interviews in 2024! 

Nurse Resume Example & How-to Guide for 2024

As a nurse, you know a lot about taking care of people and helping them be healthy.

But when it comes to resume writing, maybe you could use a little help of your own.

Are there specific resume strategies that nurses should follow?

Just how detailed do you need to be when describing your medical skill set? And how do you highlight all those certifications you might have?

We’re going to walk you through the entire process of creating a nurse resume step-by-step!

• A nurse resume example that is proven to work
• How to write a nurse resume that will get you invited to interviews
• How to make your nurse resume stand out [with top tips & tricks]

Here’s some inspiration to get you started:

A nurse resume example , created with our very own resume builder:

Now, read on to learn how to create a resume that looks as good (or better) than the above example!

How to Format a Nurse Resume

The first step to creating your nurse resume is to decide on a format.

Just like any other career, hiring managers want specific information to jump out at them when reviewing resumes. So nurses need to make sure their resumes are formatted properly.

In 2024, the most common resume format remains the “reverse-chronological” format. So this is your best bet. 

Of course, there are other resume formats you can try…

• Functional Resume - This format is a lot more about your skills as opposed to professional experience. It’s good if you don’t have a lot of experience, are transferring to a new industry, or have gaps in your employment history.
• Combination Resume - As the name suggests, a combination resume is a mix between “Functional” and “Reverse-Chronological.” Meaning, it focuses both on skills AND work experience. You can use a combination resume if you have a lot of work experience or changing industries.

Once you’ve decided on the format, you need to get your resume layout right.

Here’s what we recommend…

• Margins - One-inch margins on all sides
• Font - Pick a font that stands out, but not too much. Do: Ubuntu, Roboto, etc. Don’t: Comic Sans
• Font Size - Use a font size of 11-12pt for normal text and 14-16pt for headers
• Line Spacing - Use 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing
• Resume Length - Don’t go over the 1-page limit. Having trouble fitting everything into one page? Check out these one-page resume templates.
• As a nurse you have probably earned some certifications for different areas of medicine. Create a dedicated section for your certificates so these stand out in your resume.

Use a Nurse Resume Template

Are you used to creating your resume in Word? Painful isn’t it? 

It’s easy to spend more time tinkering with formatting than it actually takes you to fill in the contents.

Then, you decide to make a single, small layout change, and BAM! Your entire resume layout falls apart.

There’s a better way than using Word: use a nurse resume template .

What to Include in a Nurse Resume

The main sections in a nurse resume are:

• Contact Information
• Resume Summary
• Work Experience
• Certificates
• Awards & Recognitions

If you want your resume to stand out more, you can also try these optional sections:

Conferences & Courses

• Professional Affiliations

Interests & Hobbies

Now, we’re going to go through each of those sections, and explain how to write them.

Not sure which sections to use? Check out our guide to What to Put on a Resume .

How to Get Your Contact Information Right

Maybe you’ve created the perfect resume with amazing content on your skills and experience. But if you mess up the contact section, you won’t be getting a lot of interview invitations (mainly because they won’t be able to call your misspelled phone number).

For your contacts, include:

• Title - For nurses, your best bet is likely “Registered Nurse”.
• Phone Number - Double-check, triple-check this. One typo can really mess up your chances of an employer contacting you.
• Email Address - Make sure to use a professional email address ([email protected]), and avoid that email you created back in 5th grade ([email protected]).
• (Optional) Location - Applying for a job abroad? Mention your current location.

How to Write a Nurse Resume Summary or Objective

Fun fact - recruiters spend less than 6 seconds reviewing each resume. This isn’t that surprising, though. You can’t expect them to read the hundreds of resumes they receive from end to end.

So, if the recruiter doesn’t see that you’re relevant for the job in a single glance, your resume won’t even be read.

Now, the question is, what can you do to hook the recruiter the moment they look at your resume.

The answer is simple: use a resume summary or objective .

As a quick intro, both the resume summary and objective are sections that go on top of your resume, just under the contact information section.

The main difference between the 2 sections is that…

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence summary of your professional experiences and achievements.

• Trauma Certified Registered Nurse with more than five years experience working in emergency care. Compassionate, ethical health-care provider with a proven ability to stay calm during crises. Hold a Master’s of Science in Surgical Nursing. 

A resume objective , on the other hand, is a 2-4 sentence snapshot of your professional goals and aspirations.

• Patient-focused nursing student with 2 years of healthcare experience. Pursuing internships as part of career goal to become Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse.

So, which one do you pick? A summary, or an objective?

As you can see from the above examples, the key difference between the two is that a Resume Objective is better-suited to those who are new to a field (student, graduate, or switching careers). Always go for a Resume Summary if you have already established your career path.

How to Make Your Nurse Work Experience Stand Out

Work experience is the most important section in your resume.

Sure, your medical skills are super important, but so is your professional experience. Here’s how to structure your work experience section…

• Position name
• Company Name
• Responsibilities & Achievements

Brooklyn Hospital

01/2015 - 06/2019

• Obtained and recorded patients’ vital signs, intake and output and blood glucose
• Worked in the cardiatric and oncology wards of the hospital
• Used EHR software to record patient information

Now, if you really want to stand out, you should focus on talking about your achievements instead of responsibilities.

Instead of saying:

“Screen patients upon arrival at emergency ward.”

“Administered emergency ward intake evaluations for up to 25 patients each hour by measuring vital signs and prioritizing cases accordingly.”

So, what’s the difference between the two?

The second one is more specific . You know exactly what the person did, and you can say that he/she can work efficiently. 

The first example, on the other hand, is too generic. Screening patients could be as basic as checking whether they have health insurance and entering their personal information into the hospital system. There is also no mention of how many patients this person is used to handling.

What if You Don’t Have Work Experience?

Maybe you’re a current student trying to land an internship or a recent graduate looking for your first full-time nursing job?

Fortunately, nursing students or graduates gain plenty of practical experience as they navigate their way through their studies. Only so much of the medical field can be taught in the classroom. 

By the time you are in your second year of school, chances are high you’ve been in a health-care facility helping evaluate and treat patients. You may not be a registered nurse at this point, you can absolutely include the skills and procedures you’ve learned in school on your resume.

If you’re a recent graduate, you might want to check out our guide on how to make a student resume !

Use Action Words to Make Your Nurse Resume SHINE!

“Responsible for”

“Worked in”

These are the most common words you’ll find on ANY resume.

And since you want YOURS to stand out, we’d recommend avoiding them as much as possible.

Instead, use some of these power words to make your responsibilities and achievements stand out:

• Administered
• Specialized

How to List Education Right

The next section in any Nurse resume is the “Education.”

This one’s pretty straightforward. Simply list out your education entries, and you’re gold!

• Degree Type & Major
• University Name
• Years Studied
• GPA, Honours, Courses, and anything else you might want to add

MSc in Nursing

University of Southern California

• Relevant Courses: Radiological Nursing, Advanced Surgical Procedures, Oncological Diagnostics

Clear? Good!

Before we move on, here are some of the most frequent questions we get about education on a resume (and their answers!):

• What if I haven’t finished college?

Whether you’re still a student, or you dropped out, you should still mention your degree. All you have to do is include the years studied, and you’re good.

• Do I list my high school education?

Only if you don’t have a higher education. No one cares about your high school education if you have a B.A.

• What goes first, education or experience?

If you have any relevant work experience, then experiences go on top. If you don’t, though, then education.

Still have some questions? Check out our guide on how to list education on a resume .

Top 30 Skills for a Nurse Resume

When the HR manager is going through your resume, they’re looking to see if you have the right skills for the job.

Imagine this: you’re the best nurse in the world and your resume is impeccable. BUT, you still get rejected, because you didn’t mention that you know the exact procedures or techniques that the health centre needs. 

Not sure which skills to pick?

Here are some of the most common nurse skills:

Hard Skills for Nurse Resume:

• Assisting in surgery
• Administration of medication
• Chemotherapy administration
• Bedside monitoring
• Bladder irrigation
• Blood administration
• Emergency room care
• Healthcare software
• Infection control
• Lab testing
• Intramuscularly injections or IV therapy
• Maternal care
• Pain management
• Physical assessments
• Psychiatric care
• Rehabilitation
• Seizure precautions
• Surgery preparation
• Wound irrigation
• Withdrawal of blood samples

Soft Skills for Nurse Resume:

• Attention to detail
• Communication (verbal & written)
• Critical thinking
• Physical endurance (since you will work long hours and have to use sometimes heavy equipment or patients)
• Observation (since you need to track subtle and small changes such as a change in the color or odor)
• As a general rule, we’d recommend not to go overboard with “Soft Skills.” They are certainly important in the medical field, but they are also harder to back up. Doctors need people with hard skills standing next to them, so give these priority. 

Looking for a more comprehensive list? Here’s a mega-list of 150+ must-have skills in 2024 .

Certifications for a Nurse Resume

As we mentioned before, many nurses will attain special certifications as they progress in their careers. These should be highlighted in your resume. For example:

• CPR certified through the American Heart Association
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Advanced Holistic Nurse, Board Certified

Other Resume Sections You Can Include

At this point, you’re probably ready to wrap up your resume and call it a day.

After all, we’ve covered all the essential sections, right?

Well, not exactly. See, the #1 goal of your resume is to stand out.

And if your resume looks exactly the same as everyone else’s, that’s where you fail.

If you’re already a good match for the job in terms of skills and experiences, these sections could end up being the deciding factor that gets you hired (and makes you stand out from the rest).

As part of their career development, many nurses will participate or even speak at nursing conferences. These are great to list on a resume because they highlight your dedication to the profession.

Meanwhile, nurses also participate in courses devoted to specialized topics in nursing or medicine. Perhaps these courses don’t involve formal certification in a specific area, but they do demonstrate certain career interests.

For example, maybe after five years of working in nursing, you decide to take a course in End-of-Life Care because it’s an area you may want to pursue future certification. Once you’ve taken the course, there’s no reason not to put it on your resume.

If you’ve got the space, try to include a Conferences & Courses section on your resume.

An extra language or two can always come in handy, even if it doesn’t have anything to do with the position you’re applying for. You never know when a foreign language might help save a life.

If you know any foreign language & have extra space in your resume, feel free to add a language section.

Make sure to split the languages by proficiency:

• Intermediate

Now, you might be thinking, “what does my hiking hobby have to do with my profession as a nurse?”

Well, nothing, but it does have something to do with you as a person. Strong teamwork is essential in the health-care field, so doctors and administrators are looking for someone they’ll get along with.

And what’s something you can bond with potential employers about? Hobbies and interests, exactly!

Not sure which hobbies & interests you want to mention? We have a guide for that!

Match Your Cover Letter with Your Resume

Yep, that’s right.

You might be thinking, “A cover letter?! Surely the nursing skills on my resume speak for themselves!”

Well, here’s the thing: cover letters are still very important .

They show the recruiter that you’re passionate about working for THIS position in THIS company, and you aren’t just sending your resume all over the place.

Having a solid cover letter with your resume can significantly boost your chances of getting the job.

The first step to writing a convincing cover letter is to get the structure right. Here’s how to do that.

And here’s what you’d write in each section:

Contact Details

Your personal contact information, including full name, profession, email, phone number, location.

Hiring Manager’s Contact Information

Full name, position, location, email.

Opening Paragraph

Your introduction should be very strong. If you don’t manage to hook the hiring manager here, chances are, they’re not going to read the rest of it. So, mention:

• The position you’re applying for
• Your experience summary and top achievement

Once you’ve got the hiring manager hooked, you can go through the rest of your background. Some of the points you can mention here are:

• Why you want to work for this specific company.
• Anything you know about the company’s culture.
• What are your top skills and how are they relevant for the job.
• If you’ve worked in similar industries or positions.

Closing Paragraph

This is where you:

• Wrap up any points you missed in the body paragraph
• Thank the hiring manager for their time
• End with a call to action. Something like, “I’d love to further discuss how my experience as an X can help the company with Y”

Formal Salutations

Use a formal closing, such as “best regards” or “Sincerely.”

Need more inspiration? We get it - creating a cover letter is very hard work. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with your step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter .

Applying for a different position in the medical field? Our related resume examples can come in handy:

• Medical Assistant Resume
• Pharmacist Resume
• Dentist Resume

Key Takeaways

If you followed everything we just taught you to the T, you’re pretty much guaranteed to land the job.

Now, let’s go through everything we’ve learned real quick:

• Get the right formatting for your nurse resume. Use a reverse-chronological format, and follow the best practices we mentioned on getting the layout right.
• Use a resume summary or objective to catch the hiring manager’s attention.
• In your work experience section, try to talk more about your achievements than your responsibilities.
• Emphasize hard skills more than soft skills (both are important but hard skills save lives)
• Match your nurse resume with a convincing cover letter.

Suggested Reading:

• Use Resume Keywords to Land the Job [880+ Keywords]
• 26+ Biggest Interview Mistakes (To Avoid in 2024)
• How to Write a CV That Gets Noticed (With 2024 Examples)

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11 Nurse Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

Nurse Resume Templates and Examples (Download in App)

Most popular nurse resumes.

• Critical Care Nurse
• School Nurse
• Nurse Manager
• Medical Surgical Nurse
• New Grad Nurse
• Emergency Room Nurse
• Registered Nurse
• Resume Text Examples

How To Write a Nurse Resume

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

ICU Nurse Resume Example

Critical Care Nurse Resume Example

School Nurse Resume Example

Nurse Manager Resume Example

Medical Surgical Nurse Resume Example

New Grad Nurse Resume Example

Emergency Room Nurse Resume Example

Registered Nurse Resume Example

Nurse Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Jessica Lang (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio 123 Carpenter St., Philadelphia, PA 12345

An RN with three years of experience delivering quality health care services to diverse patient populations. Adept at coordinating with nursing teams and medical personnel to drive positive patient outcomes in high-volume hospital environments.

Professional Experience

Registered Nurse, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA June 2023 – present

• Deliver nursing care to newborns, infants, and children with acute and ambulatory conditions in a 40-bed unit
• Perform health exams for illnesses, injuries, and life-threatening conditions, develop treatment plans, and provide emotional support to patients
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of over 15 health care professionals to improve patient outcomes, resulting in a 3% reduction in mortality rates

Student Nurse Practicum, TUV Clinic, Philadelphia, PA March 2023 – June 2023

• Completed a 150-hour practicum in the surgical ICU under the supervision of an RN and ensured compliance with hospital protocols
• Prepared surgical tools and operating theaters, replenished medical inventory and equipment, and ensured compliance with sanitation and hygiene regulations
• Oversaw the preparation of over 12 patients for surgery per day and supported post-surgical care before transfer to the recovery unit

Certifications

• Registered Nurse, State of Pennsylvania, License #123456, 2023
• Basic Life Support Certification, American Heart Association 2023
• Case management
• Communication
• Patient-centered care
• Surgical care

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Nursing  Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, September 2019 – June 2023

Amar Singh (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio 123 Bedford Ave., New York, NY 12345

An RN with seven years of experience providing high-quality, compassionate care to diverse patient populations. A proven track record of collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance clinical workflows and drive positive patient outcomes.

Registered Nurse, St. Andrew’s Hospital, New York, NY October 2019 – present

• Achieve patient satisfaction ratings of over 93% year-over-year, communicate empathetically with diverse patients, and drive the delivery of patient-centered care
• Coordinate events to provide long-term patients with entertainment options and activities to raise morale of patients suffering from debilitating illnesses
• Collaborate with local nonprofits on fundraisers to expand the hospital children’s library and incorporate tablet computers and game consoles

Registered Nurse, Brooklyn Medical Center, New York, NY May 2016 – October 2019

• Delivered high-quality care to a diverse range of patients at a trauma center with over 300 beds and a 1-to-5 patient ratio
• Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to improve care delivery, resulting in a 15% increase in patient satisfaction
• Served as the voice of the Trauma Center on committees such as the JCAHO Readiness Taskforce and the Readmission Reduction Planning Committee
• Registered Nurse, State of New York, License #123456, 2016
• Basic Life Support Certification, American Heart Association 2016
• Clinical operations
• Pediatric care

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Nursing  Columbia University, New York, NY September 2012 – May 2016

Skyler Thompson (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio 123 Bridge St., Boston, MA 12345

A patient-focused RN with over 12 years of experience in post-operative care and rehabilitation. Administered patient-centered care using individual care plans. Achieved consistently high levels of patient satisfaction by delivering compassionate care and emotional support.

Registered Nurse, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA November 2016 – present

• Communicate empathetically with diverse patients, build rapport, and drive the delivery of patient-centered care to achieve a 94% patient satisfaction rating
• Support an interdisciplinary team with direct nursing care for patients and assist with developing care plans to improve patient outcomes
• Lead, mentor, and coach a team of more than 15 LPNs and identify opportunities to enhance clinical workflows, resulting in a 10% reduction in average wait times

Registered Nurse, St. Luke’s Hospital, Boston, MA May 2011 – November 2016

• Coordinated with nursing teams and physicians to improve clinical operations, patient intake, and discharge, which increased the number of patients seen in 30 minutes or less from 72% to 80%
• Conducted comprehensive assessments for new patients and prepared individualized care plans with physicians for a 175-bed unit
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), 2016
• Registered Nurse, State of Massachusetts, License #123456, 2011
• Advanced Pediatric Life Support, American Heart Association 2011
• Nurse management
• Process improvement
• Trauma care

Master of Science (B.S.) Nursing  Harvard University, Cambridge, MA September 2014 – May 2016

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Nursing  Boston College, Boston, MA September 2007 – May 2011

Raheem Richardson (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio Baltimore, MD 12345

A dynamic ICU nurse with six years of experience providing critical care to patients in fast-paced clinical environments. A proven track record of collaborating with high-performance nursing teams to enhance patient care delivery and reduce mortality rates. Adept at communicating effectively with patients and family members in high-stress situations.

ICU Nurse, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD October 2020 – present

• Deliver high-quality patient care in a 12-bed ICU and manage a wide range of cases, including trauma, surgical, neurological, and cardiac patients
• Achieved the Nurse of the Year Award in 2021 for clinical excellence and leadership
• Coordinate with the nurse manager to implement a new patient monitoring protocol and evidence-based care standards, resulting in a 15% increase in positive patient outcomes

ICU Nurse, St Mark’s Hospital, Baltimore, MD 

June 2018 – October 2020

• Provided exceptional care to critically ill patients in a high-stress clinical environment, served as a patient advocate, and developed treatment plans in alignment with the cultural, emotional, and physical needs of patients
• Communicated medical updates with empathy and compassion and maintained a 93% patient satisfaction rating
• Critical Care Registered Nurse Certification, CCRN, AACN, 2020
• Registered Nurse, State of Maryland, License #123456, 2018
• Evidence-based treatment
• Patient advocacy

Master of Science (B.S.) Nursing 

John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD September 2018 – May 2020

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Nursing 

John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD September 2014 – May 2018

Raymond Ortiz (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio Philadelphia, PA 12345

A critical care nurse with seven years of experience providing advanced life support and educating patients and families in high-pressure environments. A strong history of utilizing evidence-based care techniques to improve patient outcomes and survival rates.

Critical Care Nurse, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA October 2019 – present

• Coordinate with physicians and nursing teams to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care to diverse patient populations in a high-volume hospital with a 1-to-6 patient ratio, successfully improving patient outcomes by 10%
• Deliver advanced life support in critical situations, including advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), pediatric advanced life support (PALS), and neonatal resuscitation program (NRP)
• Educate patients and families on clinical diagnosis and complex medical procedures while providing emotional support and compassion

Critical Care Nurse, Temple Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 

June 2017 – October 2019

• Provided wound, pain, and trauma care to patients in a 10-bed ICU, monitored vital signs, and alerted physicians to emergencies and changes in patient condition
• Administered medication to patients in critical care, adjusted dosages as necessary under the direction of a doctor, and ensured minimal adverse side effects
• Critical Care Registered Nurse Certification, CCRN, AACN, 2019
• Registered Nurse, State of Pennsylvania, License #123456, 2017
• Evidence-based care
• Medical triage
• Patient education

University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, PA September 2017 – May 2019

University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, PA September 2013 – May 2017

Aliya Jackson (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio Newark, NJ 12345

A dedicated school nurse with a strong background in pediatric nursing and emergency medical care. A proven track record of effectively managing student health records, administering emergency treatment, and developing comprehensive health education programs.

School Nurse, Newark Elementary, Newark, NJ July 2021 – present

• Provide immediate medical attention to over 300 students each year, evaluate symptoms, and successfully treat health emergencies and minor injuries
• Develop and implement new programs to educate students on health-related topics, including nutrition, personal hygiene, and sexual health
• Provide counseling and support to students dealing with health issues and communicate effectively with parents and guardians

Pediatric Nurse, University Hospital, Newark, NJ 

June 2019 – July 2021

• Provided high-quality nursing care to pediatric patients in a 50-bed unit and collaborated with clinical teams to enhance clinical operations, which contributed to a 14% reduction in average patient wait times and a 10% increase in patient satisfaction
• Educated parents, guardians, and patients on symptoms, treatment options, and medical procedures with empathy and understanding
• Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN), PNCB, 2019
• Pediatric Nursing (RN-BC), ANCC Pediatric Nursing Board, 2019
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), 2019
• Registered Nurse, State of New Jersey, License #123456, 2019
• Health education
• Program development
• Student health record management

Rutgers University, New Brunswick, September 2019 – May 2021

Rutgers University, New Brunswick, September 2013 – May 2017

John Bergsen (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio 123 Bridge Street, Boston, MA 12345

A Nurse Manager with eight years of professional experience, specializing in clinical operations, case management, acute care, and people management. A proven track record of leading diverse nursing teams to achieve positive outcomes and improve patient care. Adept at identifying opportunities to reduce operational costs and enhance organizational effectiveness.

Nurse Manager, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA July 2015 – Present

• Oversaw clinical operations for a 245-bed hospital, built and managed a team of 25+ registered nurses, and coordinated 24-hour operations for seven patient care units, including SICUs, PICUs, MICUs, ambulatory care, and neonatal intensive care
• Drove change management initiatives to improve nursing metrics, utilization, patient flow, and OR staffing and reduced average length of stay from four days to three
• Improve patient room turnover rate by 10% during periods of 90%+ occupancy and ensure compliance with infection prevention and Covid-19 safety protocols

Nurse Manager, St. Robert’s Hospital, Boston, MA June 2013 – July 2015

• Managed a team of 30+ nurses in a high volume medical facility with 260 beds and oversaw all aspects of patient care delivery, including intake, assessment, treatment planning, telemetry, and safe discharge
• Delivered mentorship to team members and built a collaborative work culture centered on diversity and inclusion, resulting in a 15% increase in employee retention
• Evaluated nursing performance, drove continuous improvement, and monitored KPIs to ensure compliance with departmental goals and objectives

Master of Science (M.S.) Nursing Harvard University, Cambridge, MA May 2011 – May 2013

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Nursing Harvard University, Cambridge, MA September 2007 – May 2011

• Healthcare Management
• Patient Flow
• Human Resources Management
• Clinical Operations
• Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML), May 2013
• Registered Nurse (RN) State of Massachusetts, License #12345678, May 2011
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, May 2011

Jennifer Robinson (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio 123 Your Street, New York, NY 12345

A Certified Medical Surgical Nurse with seven years of professional experience, specializing in surgical care, patient education, and treatment plan development. A strong background of collaborating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to deliver patient-centered care within high-volume acute surgical environments.

Medical Surgical Nurse, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY April 2017 – Present

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to analyze patient data, evaluate diagnosis, and implement treatment plans based on symptoms, age, and mental health needs
• Deliver patient-centered care in a 50-bed hospital with 1:6 patient ratios and educate patients and families on prognosis, treatment plans, and at-home care
• Administer medication, perform physical examinations of patients, collect blood samples, deliver IVs, and perform EKG testing

Medical Surgical Nurse, New York City and Health Hospital, New York, NY June 2014 – April 2017

• Conducted patient assessments, coordinated triage, documented and evaluated patient symptoms, and developed treatment plans with physicians and interdisciplinary medical teams to provide high-quality care in a 35-bed hospital unit
• Ensured compliance with infection prevention procedures and hospital safety guidelines
• Administered medication, supported physicians during invasive procedures, non-invasive procedures, and exams, and conducted medical testing

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Nursing University of Syracuse, Syracuse, NY September 2010 – May 2014

• Patient-centered Care
• Acute Surgical Care
• Orthopedics
• Pediatric Care
• Patient Triage
• Electronic Health Records (EHR)
• Medical Surgical Nurse – Board Certified (MEDSURG-BC™), April 2016
• Registered Nurse (RN), State of New York, License #12345678, June 2014
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, June 2014
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification, June 2014

Madeleine Schuler (246) 642-2468 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio 123 Main Road, Salt Lake City, UT 86420

An Emergency Room Nurse Manager with eight years of experience developing, managing, and leading dynamic nursing teams to drive positive patient outcomes. A strong history of enhancing clinical operations and improving response times within ER units.

Senior Emergency Room Nurse, University of Utah Medical Group, Salt Lake City, UT September 2014 – Present

• Manage teams of up to 20 ER nurses, provide coaching and mentorship, and reduce understaffing incidents by 23% over three years
• Supervise student nurses and deliver training to ensure comprehensive understanding of ER procedures and protocols
• Deliver treatment during life-threatening incidents, administer crucial medications, direct staff, and coordinate with physicians and nursing teams to enhance clinical operations and improve response times by 12%

Emergency Room Nurse, Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, UT July 2012 – September 2014

• Assessed patients on admission to determine their physical and psychological health and gather a social history
• Worked collaboratively with teams of up to 7 practitioners to generate an emergency care plan and communicated the details at handover meetings
• Provided emotional support to parents and their families in challenging circumstances, receiving a consistent 98%+ satisfaction rating
• Met with interdisciplinary teams to determine discharge and transfer plans

Bachelor of Science in Nursing UNIVERSITY OF UTAH, Salt Lake City, UT, September 2006 – June 2010

Master of Science in Nursing (Care Management) UNIVERSITY OF UTAH, Salt Lake City, UT, September 2010 – June 2012

• Team Leadership
• Staff Development
• Patient Care
• Emergency Room Operations
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Certification, State of Utah, 2012

Elsbeth Smith (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio 789 First Street, Boston, MT 12345

A Certified Medical Surgical Nurse with eight years of experience, specializing in surgical care, patient education, and telemetry. A strong background of collaborating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to deliver patient-centered care within high-volume acute care environments.

Registered Nurse, Mission West Hospital, Boston, MT September 2016 – Present

• Provide patient-centered care to up to 25 patients for the acute care unit of a high volume medical center with over 200 beds and a 1:7 patient ratio
• Coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams to enhance clinical operations and care standards, resulting in a 10% reduction in average length of stay
• Onboard, train, and mentor over 40+ RNs and nursing assistants on compassionate care standards, hospital protocols, and clinical operations

Registered Nurse, Central University Teaching Hospital, Boston, MT June 2014 – August 2016

• Provided support to physicians and surgeons by monitoring patient vital signs, preparing patients for surgery, and administering medication
• Achieved a 94% positive score from patients for compassionate care
• Delivered care to critically ill patients within the oncology and surgical units and communicated empathetically with family members on patient condition

Bachelor of Science in Nursing The University of Central Boston, Boston, MT, September 2010 to June 2014

• Continuous Improvement
• Registered Nurse, MT Board of Nursing, License #12345, 2014
• Basic Life Support Certification, 2014
• CPR Certification, 2014

An attention-grabbing nursing resume will showcase your relevant certifications, experience, and accomplishments. To advance your career, use specific information about the type of nursing work you’ve done before, including data such as patient load, efficiency and satisfaction rates, and number of team members you supervised, if applicable. Focus on your skills and tangible examples from your career to illustrate your unique background within the health care industry.

1. Write a brief summary of your nurse qualifications

Your profile, also known as the summary of qualifications, is one of the most important aspects of a resume. It’s the first thing the hiring managers see when they review your document, so provide an impactful snapshot of your professional career.

One way to approach the summary is to incorporate three to four specializations related to the job you’re applying for in the first sentence, such as patient-centered care, patient education, acute care, and health care management. Leading with your specializations will show hiring managers that you have some of the key qualifications the organization seeks within seconds of reviewing your resume. Below are examples to guide you in creating your professional profile:

Senior-Level Profile Example

A registered nurse (RN) with over 10 years of experience providing high-quality, compassionate care to pediatric patients. A proven track record of collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance clinical workflows and drive positive patient outcomes.

Entry-Level Profile Example

A RN with three years of experience delivering quality health care services to diverse patient populations. Adept at coordinating with nursing teams and medical personnel to drive positive patient outcomes in high-volume hospital environments.

2. Outline your nurse experience in a compelling list

The key to crafting a compelling professional experience section is to create bullet points that draw attention to your strongest career achievements within the health care sector. As you translate your experience into bullet points, establish a sense of scope for your achievements. For instance, if you worked in a high-volume hospital, display the nurse-to-patient ratio or the number of beds. These details will help hiring managers better understand how your background can benefit their team and organization.

Senior-Level Professional Experience Example

• Communicated empathetically with diverse patients, built rapport, and drove the delivery of patient-centered care to achieve a 94% patient satisfaction rating
• Supported an interdisciplinary team with direct nursing care for patients and assisted with developing care plans to improve patient outcomes
• Led, mentor, and coached a team of more than 15 LPNs and identified opportunities to enhance clinical workflows, resulting in a 10% reduction in average wait times

Entry-Level Professional Experience Example

3. add nurse education and certifications.

Along with your education and nursing licensure, consider including any additional certifications or training courses you completed throughout your nursing career. This information is essential if you plan on pursuing a position in a specialized unit, such as oncology or pediatrics. Obtaining additional certifications will also show hiring managers your array of knowledge of various areas of health care, which may differentiate you from the competition.

• [Degree Name]
• [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] [Dates Enrolled]
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Nursing
• College of Notre Dame, Baltimore, MD, September 2014 – June 2018
• [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
• Registered Nurse, State of Maryland, License #12345, 2010
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certified, American Heart Association, 2010

4. Make a list of your nurse-related skills and proficiencies

Applying to jobs doesn’t just mean impressing the hiring manager. It means getting past the applicant tracking systems (ATS). An ATS automatically sorts resumes into categories and highlights candidates with the right keywords, instantly identifying the best matches for each job posting. The more keywords you use in your resume, the more likely you can make it to the hiring manager’s desk and land an interview. Here are some of the phrases you might use to demonstrate your skills as a nursing applicant:

How To Pick the Best Nurse Resume Template

As a nursing professional, you must select a well-organized and straightforward template. If your template has bulky graphics or distracting colors, you may draw the hiring manager’s eye away from your accomplishments. When in doubt, choose a well-structured template that keeps the reader’s focus on why you’re qualified for the position rather than only on visual appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions: Nurse Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for nurse resumes -.

It’s easy to run short on action verbs during the resume-building process. Often a limited number of verbs accurately convey your work experience and career achievements, especially as a health care professional. Incorporating a mix of action verbs can enhance the impact of your bullet points and improve the reading experience. To keep your content fresh and engaging, we’ve compiled a list of action verbs to craft your nurse resume:

How do you align your resume with a job posting? -

Although nursing positions are expected to increase by 6% over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , you’ll still need to tailor your resume to the job description to maximize your chances of landing the interview. One of the most important aspects of creating a strong nurse resume is highlighting the nuances of your experiences within the health care industry.

For instance, if you’re applying to an organization with a strong reputation for patient-centered care standards, you may want to include insights showcasing your patient advocacy history. If you’re pursuing a position in an oncology unit, you might emphasize your background in interfacing with cancer patients or supporting physicians during surgeries. Tailoring your resume to individual job postings is the best way to differentiate yourself from the competition during the job search process.

What is the best nurse resume format? -

Always use a reverse chronological format when crafting your nurse resume. This will ensure that your most recent achievements are featured at the top of your document. It’s best to avoid using a functional resume format in most instances, as this approach highlights skill sets without providing context or specific accomplishments for the hiring manager.

Although not every job posting will require a cover letter, many organizations still ask for them during the hiring process. To maximize the impact of your cover letter, mention something unique about the hospital’s reputation or work culture. Including this information will show hiring managers that you’ve researched beforehand and are genuinely interested in the position. For more guidance, you can visit our nurse cover letter guide.

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Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

Check Out Related Examples

Medical Surgical Nurse Resume Examples and Templates

Nurse Manager Nurse Resume Examples and Templates

New Grad Nursing Resume Examples and Templates

Build a Resume to Enhance Your Career

• The Nursing Career Ladder: CNA to LPN/LVN to RN Learn More
• Common Healthcare Interview Questions and Answers Learn More
• Nurse Cover Letter Examples and Templates Learn More
• Entry-Level Nurse Cover Letter Examples and Templates Learn More

Essential Guides for Your Job Search

• How to Write a Resume Learn More
• How to Write a Cover Letter Learn More
• Thank You Note Examples Learn More
• Resignation Letter Examples Learn More

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• Resume & CV

20+ Free Nursing Resume Templates (Examples to Download for 2024)

A successful job search strategy helps you find and land your dream nursing job. You'll need to create a resume and cover letter that gets you interviews. Let's look at some nursing resume examples that you can download and use.

Clean Nurse Resume Pro (premium nursing template) from Envato Elements

Work smart by using a pre-built resume template. You have options between free and premium templates to pick from. Browse through all available options and download one that fits your needs. 

We'll start by checking out 2024's collection of top sample nursing resume templates from Envato Elements. Then we'll explore 20 free nursing resume templates found online. 

Find the Best Nursing Resume Templates on Envato Elements for 2024 (Unlimited Use)

Thanks to Envato Elements, lack of time or skill is no longer an obstacle for many. Active membership is an investment that enables you to improve your creative projects effortlessly. Download a premium nursing template and other files without limits.

Unlock access to millions of creative assets on Envato Elements—all for a low fixed monthly fee. 

Use any premium resume templates from Envato Elements for your job application

Get access to premium files like:

• print, graphics, web, and presentation templates,
• video, music, audio, and photo files,
• 3D objects, fonts, codes, and so much more.

Premium resume templates are modern, creative, well-layered, and most importantly, impressive. Customization is minimal, and in most cases, all you have to do is add your content. Free nursing resume templates fall short and make it risky to use. 

5 Best Premium Nursing Resume Templates for 2024 

Here are five best nursing resume examples from Envato Elements: 

1. Registered Nurses CV Resume Template

This file comes with a single-page resume and cover letter template. It's professionally designed and is a modern minimalistic document. Easily edit the content, add your photo, and you're all set to send out your application. 

2. Nurse Resume & Cover Letter Template

This professional document is well-layered and clearly labeled. This premium template is convenient to work with and provides the best possible results. Download and edit this template in Adobe Illustrator today.

3. Nursing CV Template

Here's a black and white template. The sections on the resume are divided creatively and have a modern feel. The design is simple yet uses typographic hierarchy to direct readers to relevant information. 

4. CV Resume Word Template

The CV Resume Word Template can be used for any job that you want to apply to. It comes with a matching cover letter that looks professional. In addition, this nurse resume download can be edited in Microsoft Word and Adobe Illustrator. The design is modern and minimal, which makes it versatile.

5. Minimalist Resume

This minimal nurse resume download comes with Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Word versions. It features an achievements and skills section where you can show your accomplishments. Plus, there's a QR code in the contact section to link to a website or social media.

20 Top Free Nursing Resume CV Template Examples to Download (2024)

Before we explore the 20 best free nursing resume templates found on the internet, let's look at Envato's free offerings. Download and use any of these premium files for free. It's an opportunity for you to experience premium before signing up.

Envato Elements offers free monthly files . 

The file you want to try isn't in this month's collection? As these selections are refreshed monthly, you may be in luck next month. 

Here's the offer:

• Twelve unique monthly files from Envato Elements are on offer: audio, graphics, video, web, etc. To get your hands on these monthly premium freebies, all you have to do is create a free account. 

Let's move on and check out 20 top free sample nursing resume templates found online. These files are available for anyone to use. 

1. Free Nurse Resume Template

This is an MS Word sample nursing resume template. The layout is simple and is in black and white. 

2. Free Dental Assistant Resume Template

This template was designed for a clerical position at a clinic or hospital. A nurse can easily customize this template to apply for registered nurse positions. 

3. Free Nursing Resume Example

This nurse resume template free download includes all important sections a nurse's resume should. But the layout is simple and may not grab attention.

4. Free RN Resume Template

This resume is simple and easy to use. It comes in PDF but can be edited in MS Word.

5. New Grad Nursing Resume Template

This template is designed for a newly graduated nurse with a few years of clinical experience done during studies. It comes in black and white. 

6. Nursing Resume Objective Template

There is a clear division between each section in this template. But the design does look a bit dated and not creative. 

7. Free RN Resume Template for Microsoft Word

This resume template includes career objectives, skills and achievements, education and qualifications, project work, computer skills, work experience, other achievements, interests, and references. 

8. Free Registered Nurse Resume Template

This single-page MS Word resume template is free for anyone to use. It's a simple text-only layout.

9. Amy - Free Sample Nursing Resume Template

This resume is divided into four sections: career objective, experience, education, and licenses. Work within the provided sections to keep the resume as a single-page document. 

10. Free Nursing Resume Example

This resume example is very wordy. This document serves well as a content example for a nursing resume. 

11. Gray - Free RN Resume Template

This free RN resume template has a dark gray header and footer section. The body of the page is also split into two sections. This color sectioning is neat and a step up from other free sample nursing resume templates.

12. Red - Free Nursing Resume Example

The text on this template is black, but critical information like contact details are in red. You can highlight other texts by turning them red too. 

13. Blue - Free Nursing Resume Template

In this template, sections are divided by blue lines. Section headers are in blue too. 

14. Free RN Resume Template - Google Docs

This is a free resume and cover letter set template for any registered nurse to use. You can edit or customize these templates of Google Docs.

15. Free Medical CV Template

Here's a Google Docs template you can use to apply for any medical-related jobs. Highlights are in blue. 

16. Amazing - Free Medical Resume Template

This is a two-paged resume Google Docs template. Texts are in light blue, and highlights are in red.

17. Free Nurse Resume Modern Template

Here's a two-paged, black and white resume template. Sections are divided by lines. 

18. Free Nurse Resume Traditional

This template comes in PDF but can be edited on MS Word. It's a traditional format that can come off looking dated. 

19. RN - Free Nursing Resume Template

This is a single-page registered nurse resume template for free. Easily edit this template on MS Word or Google Docs. 

20. Free Registered Nurse Resume Template

Here's a four-page resume template that thoroughly covers all sections with a few examples. Bold texts are used to highlight titles and essential information. 

How to Customize a Nurse Resume in Microsoft Word

After you’ve chosen a free resume template for nurses or a premium template, you’ll want to customize it.

In this tutorial, the Resume Word from Envato Elements is used. Because this template has a simple design, you can use it for any job you apply to.

Let's get started:

1. Add Your Information

When you open your nurse resume download template, you’ll notice that it's already filled out. This is to show you where information is supposed to go.

To replace the text that comes with your template, first highlight the text you want to replace. Next, press the Delete button on your keyboard.

2. Customize the Font

If you don’t like the font on your template, you can change it easily.

• Highlight the text that you want to change the font of.
• Click on the Home tab above the toolbar. You’ll see a font field with the current font in the home tab.
• Click on the arrow in this field. When you click on this arrow, a menu drops down. From this menu, choose the font that you want to use.

To change the font size, there's a Font Size field next to the Font menu field. Click on the arrow in the field to access the font size menu. Then, choose the right font for you from the menu.

3. Customize the Colors

Some companies require a plain resume, while others want you to show your creativity or personality. If you want to show your personality in a fun way without going over the top, then adding color by changing the background is the easiest way.

• Click on the white space in your resume.
• Click on the Design tab.
• You'll see a Page Color button in the toolbar under the design tab. Click the arrow next to that button.
• When you click on this button, a color menu appears. Choose the color of your choice.

4. Add an Image

Some resumes require a headshot. If you’re applying to a job that does require one, you need to know how to add the image to your resume.

After choosing your image and knowing where the file is located, click on the Insert tab.

Next, click on the Pictures button in the toolbar. When you click on this button, a menu appears. Choose the right option depending on where your image file is located. Adjust the image as needed.

5. Save as a PDF

Some companies would prefer if you sent them a PDF version of your resume. This is also good information if you need to email your resume.

• To save your resume as a PDF, click on the File option on the toolbar at the top of your screen. When you click on this option, a menu appears.
• Choose the Save As… option. When you click Save As , a window appears. In that window, there's a File Format: field. Click on the arrow in that field.
• When you click on the arrow, a menu drops down. Click the PDF option.
• Once the option is selected, click on the blue Save button at the bottom of the window.

5 Quick Tips To Make Great Nursing Resumes in 2024

Do you need to create an impressive nursing resume, and are you unsure how to go about it? Here are five quick tips for setting you on the right path for this job application: 

1. Add Better Keywords and Phrases

Increase the chances of getting called for an interview by adding relevant keywords and phrases to your CV. Recruiters use Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software or manually screen applications to assess applicants' compatibility to the position. Learn more about the importance of keywords for resumes with this guide:

2. Highlights and Section Dividers

There are many ways to highlight and show clear division of sections. But some approaches like lines and bold fonts can look dated. While dividing by background colors can look clean and modern.

Medical-Themed Resume (premium template) from Envato Elements, uses colors to creatively divide sections

Keep this in mind while selecting your template and be sure to go with a template that creatively separates sections. A well-designed resume grabs attention, is easy to read, and directs your eyes to vital information. 

3. Provide References Upon Request

Licenses and Certification is included instead of References on the premium Medical CV Resume & Cover Letter (Envato Elements)

Leave out the references from your resume. You've got limited space to work with, and you can provide the references upon request. The goal, for now, is to include as much information (with keywords) to get an interview. 

4. Go Visual With Infographics

Medical Resume (premium example) uses simple graphics and icons to visualize some texts

Visuals grab attention more than texts. Turn timelines, skills, or software knowledge into graphics. Icons are also a great way to add more color to your resume.  

5. Stand Out With a Personal Brand Statement

Consider adding a personal brand statement to your CV. It summarizes your current position in your career and what you can bring to the company. Check out this article to find out how you can write a great personal brand statement:

5 Resume Design Trends

It'll help your job search if your resume looks current. Here are some top resume design trends to incorporate into your resume:

1. List Your Skills

Skills are an essential section that shows your potential employer what you have that they need at a glance. There are two different skills that you can add to your resume. They are:

• Hard skills . These are gained through education or work experiences.
• Soft skills . These are skills that relate to how you work and interact with others. (For example, communication, teamwork, and Problem-solving.)

Listing your skills is a great way to show your potential employer what makes you stand out among the other applicants.

2. Choose the Right Format

There are several different types of resume formats. Not every format is best for the job that you’re applying to. Here are the three top resume formats:

• Reverse Chronological Format . This format is the most common among traditional career paths. The format lists your work history in reverse chronological order, with your current job first and ending with your first job.
• Functional Format . This is a great choice for someone applying to a niche career, looking to change careers, or without work experience. In this format, you list skills and experience relevant to the job you’re applying to rather than your work history.
• Combination Format . This format will work well for you if you have a diverse work history. This format combines reverse chronological and functional formats.

When choosing which format works for you, consider the job you're applying for and your career field.

3. Include Your Social Media

Your online presence can help your job hunt. Most employers would prefer if you at least have a LinkedIn profile that you can link to on your resume. LinkedIn is a great tool where you can expand your resume. It’s created specifically for job hunters. If you have a creative job, you should link to your website with your portfolio. Before applying for a job, make sure to check all of your social media. Make sure it doesn’t have anything you don’t want potential employers to see.

4. List Your Accomplishments

Instead of just listing job titles, it's more impressive to list your accomplishments. Did you win an award in your career? Add it to the resume.

Did you finish a high number of projects? Add it to your resume. This shows your future employer that you don’t just know how to do your job but that you’re good at your job. Adding your accomplishments can impress the hiring manager and lead to a higher chance of being hired.

Subtle pops of color can make your resume stand out among boring black-and-white resumes. Before adding a pop of color, consider the job you’re applying for. For example, a resume with a hot pink background can look unprofessional if you are applying to be a lawyer. Instead, some resumes have colorful objects that highlight essential information on your resume. This is a great way to add color because you highlight important information without distracting the reader.

Discover More Top Resume Template Designs

Are you interested in exploring some top multipurpose resume templates? Here are three top collections for you to start with. 

Learn More About Making Great Resumes in 2024

Put your best foot forward with the help of an impressive registered nurse resume. Are you new at creating resumes and could use some guidance?

Pin this Ultimate Guide to Building a Resume to your browser. It serves as a quick reference with loads of tips to help you land that dream job. 

Here are three sample how-to tutorials: 

Download a Premium Top Registered Nurse Resume Template Today!

A job application process can feel daunting at times. And not getting called for an interview you wanted is highly frustrating too. Increase your chances of getting interviews by submitting a well-prepared resume that best represents you. 

Envato Elements' premium nursing resume templates get you on the right path to creating an impressive resume that'll stand out from the competition. With an active Envato Elements subscription, you'll take all your other creative projects to new heights too. It's time to work smart! 

Get the best nurse resume templates from Envato Elements! Subscribe to download now!

Editorial Note: This post has been updated with contributions from Sarah Joy . Sarah is a freelance instructor for Envato Tuts+.

• Nurse resume examples

Nurse Resume examples

53 Nurse resume examples found

All examples are written by certified resume experts, and free for personal use. Copy any of the Nurse resume examples to your own resume, or use one of our free downloadable Word templates. We recommend using these Nurse resume examples as inspiration only, while creating your own resume.

Learn more about: how to write a perfect resume

Registrered nurse

Managed 35 clients; performed first aid, immunizations and assisted in convalescence and rehabilitation. Optimized patient care by providing rehabilitation and treatment plans to accelerate patient recovery; minimized pain, discomfort, infections, and complications. Assigned job duties to the nursing staff.

• Provided care for clients with various forms of mental illness, ensures maintenance of therapeutic milieu and communication.
• Developed Health Assessment Questionnaire to help the patient indicate the health conditions before physician appointments and allow the physician to document treatments and recommendations.
• Supervised and directed Certified Nursing Assistants who provided patient care.
• Administered treatments and provided medications as well as conducted medication education for discharge planning with patients and their families.
• Facilitated role as charge nurse by supporting other nurses in their job requirements to achieve their daily goals.

Certified nursing assistant

Optimized patient care by creating a safe, hygienic, and high-quality hospital environment; continually worked to accelerate patient recovery by minimizing infections. Offered health education to patients and families and coordinated with other departments such as social services, recreational and group therapists. Worked in all medical units including Neuro, CVCU, CVPCU, ICU, Emergency Department, Labor and Delivery, Oncology, Observation, Post-op, Pre-op, Rehab, Orthopedic, Med Surg, and PACU.

• Answered and clarified patient’s concerns making sure that doctors’ orders are followed on time.
• Ensured a safe and secured environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
• Embarked into the innovation planning committee; crafted a directory for float staff, introduced colorful scrubs day, created reports, and bulletin boards.
• Contributed productively to scheduled and non-scheduled changes, emergencies, and stressful environments.
• Obtained health history, maintained detailed records, and provided patient/ family education tailored towards individual needs.
• Created informational handouts and designed patient laboratory status letters.

Provided direct care for up to 3 ICU or 4 Post-op Cardiac Care patients, utilizing the good nursing process, positive attitude, and analytical thinking to manage acute or critically ill patients in the facility with 44-bed ICU, 12-bed Cardiovascular Unit, and 8-bed Cardiac ICU. Selected to train 30 staff members on new equipment.

• Educated patients and their families regarding the plan of care, treatments, and discharge planning. Perform nursing assessment, collect vital signs, monitor patient status, and provide pain management.
• Performed CPR/resuscitation to patients in cardiac/respiratory failure as a member of the hospital Code Team.
• Trained and performed orientation for new staff members, RNs, and nursing students.
• Facilitated Regional Hospital becoming the first hospital in the nation to receive the demanding JCAHO Sepsis accreditation.
• Gained broad specialization serving children and adults in post-operative care, indigent family practice, acute care, and patient rehabilitation facilities.

Nurse practitioner

Checked on the patient's condition regularly and administered medication as instructed by the physician. Collaborated with social workers and mental health specialists to recommend hospice facilities and rehabilitation programs to patients.

• Assisted physicians with setting up equipment for patient examinations. Recorded all patient information, treatments, and prescribed medication in the main database.
• Treated 5-10 patients per day by providing them with thorough hormone health care plans and testosterone replacement therapies following physician's guidelines.
• Tracked patients' health and documented their progress through charts and detailed reports.
• Instructed patients on preventative care procedures, directing them towards a healthier lifestyle.
• Served a broad patient group from different age gaps and with a variety of clinical issues by providing direct medical care, consultation, and referrals.

Licensed practical nurse

Provided comprehensive health care to patients suffering from behavioral problems and mental health disorders. Worked with children with developmental, behavioral, and mental health conditions, conduct tests, and communicate diagnostic results to their families.

• Prepared discharge care plans, physical and mental assessments, wound care, diabetic monitoring, and insulin administration.
• Performed foley catheter insertion, nasogastric tube insertion, gastric tube feeding, and monitoring. Collected laboratory specimens, oxy-meter monitoring, O2 administration, and meal monitoring.
• Leverage best performance and best practices to optimize clinical operations to build long-lasting relationships with patients.
• Established performance standards and perform duties according to nursing service policies and procedures. Ensure adherence with CDC health and safety guidelines for PPE and hand wash.
• Coordinated with RN for patient treatment and care plans including administering medication and Accu-Chek blood glucose test. Monitored patients for change in condition, or behavior and document vital signs.

Charge nurse

In-charge of 39 clients; administered case management for patients with severe and persistent mental illnesses. Conducted initial and in-depth assessments to help determine the best course of treatment for the individual.

• Formulated and implemented a person-centered recovery plan with clear documentation of goals, objectives, strengths, barriers, and interventions.
• Provided ongoing case management, including coordination of services, ongoing monitoring of progress, ongoing assessment, and discharge planning.
• Supervised RN’s and Certified Nursing Assistants to ensure quality patient care is provided.
• Developed a recruitment process to hire competent nursing professionals and designed training processes for staff to reach organizational goals more effectively.
• Provided care for patients, including communicating and providing emotional support to family members.
• Participated in various system meetings including health safety meetings and nursing manager meetings.
• Monitored nurses on duty and evaluated 24 Hour Nursing summary reports; ensured patients/clients are provided with quality care.

Emergency Room nurse

Delivered nursing care for the comfort and well-being of patients. Utilized the nursing process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation, to provide, delegate, supervise, and document care and teaching of patients and family. Implemented medically prescribed interventions.

• Performed direct patient care within the scope of the Registered Nurse Practice Act. Utilized therapeutic communication in daily practice.
• Treat patients suffering from trauma, injury, or severe medical conditions and require urgent treatment.
• Remain calm in high-stress and high-pressure situations, quickly identify the best way to stabilize patients and minimize pain.
• Maintained care standards in the emergency room.
• Managed patient check-in process, the performance of triage work for doctors, and assisting with initial insurance paperwork.
• Communicated with doctors and patients to keep everyone updated on test results and treatment recommendations.
• Collaborated with laboratory personnel and report lab findings back to ER doctors.
• Assisted in the care of traumas, cardiac arrests, strokes, sexual assaults, and conscious sedation.
• Demonstrated sound decision-making in emergency scenarios based on patient conditions such as vital signs, patient presentation, and assessments.
• Provide RN care for all ER patients, as well as handling intubations, defibrillations, auto transfusions, Medlock insertions, and splinting.

Operating room nurse

Oversaw nursing care during the procedure and ensure the operating room remain sterile. Liaised between patients,  families, and medical team. Provided surgical patients with perioperative care in recovery, procedure, and operating rooms.

• Monitored patients as they come out of anesthesia and watching for signs of infection or excessive bleeding.
• Offered pain management and helped patients stay comfortable
• Communicated with patients and their families about the effects of the surgery and explaining the next steps for post-op care.
• Stocked operating rooms with sterile surgical equipment, linens, and supplies.
• Developed and implemented nursing care plans for surgical patients.
• Updated patient files and medical records.
• Maintained safe storage of surgical equipment and supplies.

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

Provided primary patient care and treatments, including temperatures and blood pressure measurement, wound dressing, bedsores treatment, inserting and removing catheters, and administering medication. 

• Established and maintained patient trust by providing personalized and compassionate care, contributing to over 95% patient/family satisfaction.
• Demonstrated flexibility and resilience by seamlessly attending to 20+ patients per day, providing medication, assisting with personal hygiene and grooming, etc.
• Suggested a new ward organization layout for the 40-bed ward, optimizing efficiency by slashing movements by over 40%.

Labor and delivery nurse

Assisted the physician/midwife with all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. Monitored fetal heartbeat and the length and strength of contractions, as well as administered medication, coaching the mother and assisting with any complications that arise.

• Performed tests on the newborn and guide the mother on all aspects of recovery and infant care.
• Provided family support and teaching to expectant mothers regarding childbirth during prenatal classes.
• Updated patient data into digital medical records systems.
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• • Managed 3 RNs and 5 CNAs for an 18-bed unit on an acute care unit
• • Performed infection control in 5 different patient care units
• • Provided education and emotional support for trauma to 50+ patients
• • Created meal plans for 100+ patients
• • Managed the medical records and personal care for 600+ patients
• • Completed and recorded vital signs and led the activities of daily living for 200+ patients weekly
• • Formulated medical assessments, diagnoses and plan-of-care for 100+ patients
• • Assisted patients with limited mobility in all necessary movement
• • Maintained 96% positive patient scores for compassion and empathy
• • Performed CPR, BLS and ACLS to 20+ patients combined
• • Provided direct patient care to 100+ adult and geriatric patients in various telemetry settings
• • Completed 6 weeks of clinical simulation training
• • Helped 100+ patients by giving health education
• • Created a safe and warm environment for a group of 200+ young patients
• • Oversaw a 33-bed acute care unit and administered medications

30 Nurse Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Nurses play a critical role in patient care, ensuring safety, administering medication, and providing emotional support. When crafting your resume, consider highlighting your clinical experience, relevant certifications, and specialized training. Incorporating strong communication abilities and proficiency in electronic health records will enhance your application. Additionally, mentioning your commitment to patient advocacy and teamwork can effectively demonstrate your contributions to a healthcare setting.

All resume examples in this guide

New Grad Nurse

Nurse Assistant

Aesthetic Nurse

Agency Nurse

Clinical Nurse

Clinical Research Nurse

Company Nurse

Critical Care Nurse

Dental Nurse

Hemodialysis Nurse

Infection Control Nurse

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Medical Surgical Nurse

Nurse Anesthetist

Nurse Practitioner

Occupational Health Nurse

Pediatric Nurse

Perioperative Nurse

Practice Nurse

School Nurse

Staff Nurse

Surgical Nurse

Telemetry Nurse

Travel Nurse

Veterinary Nurse

Registered Nurse

Nurse Manager

Nurse Educator

Charge Nurse

Resume guide.

Nurse Resume Example

Resume Format

Resume Experience

Hard & Soft Skills

Certifications & Education

Resume Summary & Objective

Additional Resume Sections

Key Takeaways

By Experience

Nursing is a noble and fulfilling profession that most enter for the love of providing high-quality, compassionate patient care, rather than to build an impressive resume.

Highlighting professional skills, qualifications, and achievements can be difficult for humble , patient -care focused nurses . However, it’s a crucial first step to secure a position where you can make a meaningful impact on patient’s lives in the competitive healthcare field.

This  guide, including examples and protips, aims to simplify the process of transforming your nursing resume from merely a document to a powerful narrative showcasing your expertise and telling the story of your passion for healing that resonates with recruiters.

While this resume guide will provide best practices for the nursing field in general, check out these additional resumes for particular nursing specializations.

• ER nurse resume  
• Dental nurse resume
• Charge nurse resume
• ICU nurse resume
• Head nurse resume
• Nurse manager resume  
• Pediatric nurse resume
• Registered nurse cover letter

Nurse  resume example

Here’s what this applicant does well in their resume:

• Clinical experience and leadership: Highlights 8 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, showcasing leadership by managing a team of RNs and CNAs, which is crucial for the role.
• Specific skills and certifications: Emphasizes key nursing skills and certifications like CPR, BLS, and ACLS, which are essential for patient care and safety.
• Diverse patient care and education: Demonstrates versatility in nursing by providing details of working in different patient care units, offering emotional support and health education to a diverse patient population.

How to format a nurse  resume

The nursing job market can be quite competitive. That’s why utilizing every aspect of your resume for optimal impact, including formatting, is crucial.

Formatting is your first opportunity to draw attention and make an impression on employers. To ensure your resume is well-organized, professional, and memorable, consider the following formatting best practices:

• Creative Elements -   Include creative elements  like colors and decorative patterns to make your resume unique and memorable.
• Header Content - A prominent header  featuring your name, desired job title, and contact information  lets employers know who you are at a glance.  
• Ordering -  Listing all section examples in reverse chronological order  ensures your most recent and, therefore, relevant certifications and experiences appear first.

Understanding the role of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) is critical, especially in nursing, where job demands may vary considerably from position to position.

ATS analyzes text on resumes, looking for precise keywords or phrases corresponding to skills and qualifications needed for a particular job. Employers use these systems to quickly sort and prioritize resumes to view the most qualified candidates. ATS-optimized formatting enables ATS to recognize and parse the information on your resume accurately, improving the likelihood it reaches the employer.

Here’s what’s considered “best practices” for ATS-optimized formatting on your resume:

• Fonts - Select ATS-friendly fonts matching the overall style of your resume. Some ATS-friendly fonts are Calibri, Arial, and Times New Roman. However, by employing these overused fonts, you may miss a chance to make your resume stand out. For interesting, modern font options with great readability, try Rubik, Lato, Montserrat, Raleway, Exo 2, or Volkhov, all available on the Enhancv Resume Builder.
• Document Type - Doc or PDF files  are typical for resumes and most easily analyzed by ATS.
• Creative Elements in Text - Avoid using nonessential stylistic features within text. Elements such as emojis and non-standard date formats can impede ATS’ ability to recognize information in these sections.
• Headings and Subheadings - Ensure resume sections are logically organized and include simple, precise headings. Standard section titles ensure ATS accurately recognizes and extracts information from these sections.

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To improve the organization and ATS optimization of your resume, include the following top-recommended sections,

The top sections on a nurse's resume:

• Professional Experience: Demonstrates the nurse's clinical skills and healthcare knowledge.
• Education: Highlights relevant nursing education and certifications.
• Licenses and Certifications: Showcases the nurse's qualifications and legal ability to practice.
• Clinical Skills: Details specific medical nursing skills, demonstrating job suitability.
• Awards and Recognitions: Reflects the nurse's excellence and dedication in nursing.

While all nurses have unique backgrounds and qualifications, recruiters specifically seek out candidates that mention particular skills and abilities. Include the following qualifications within your resume sections to ensure your resume gets noticed:

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Medical Skills: Recruiters prioritize these skills because they demonstrate a nurse's capacity to effectively handle the health needs of patients and respond appropriately in emergencies.
• Interpersonal Skills: Soft skills like empathy, communication, and patient advocacy are sought after as they are vital in providing quality patient care.
• Certification and Licensure: These are important to hiring managers as they confirm the individual has met the required nursing standards to practice in the state, ensuring patient safety.
• Specific Training or Specialization: Recruiters value these as they demonstrate a nurse's expertise in specific areas of patient care necessary in particular departments or units.
• Clinical Experience: This is prioritized as it provides evidence of a nurse's ability to effectively apply learned skills and knowledge in a practical setting.

How to write your nurse resume experience

The experience section  of your nurse resume isn’t just an opportunity to share your previous employment. It’s also an opportunity to share practical clinical experiences and internships. In describing these experiences, you will also share the nursing skills and abilities you developed and your achievements in these positions.

The high demand for nurses and the broad range of required tasks in nursing positions means applicants will come from diverse backgrounds with varying qualifications.

Determining which employment experiences are most relevant to the available position can be challenging.

The best way to demonstrate your experiences align with an available position is to create a targeted experience section .

To quickly and easily create a targeted nurse resume for individual applications, follow these steps:  

• Create a resume template including a complete list of your experiences, certifications, education, and skills.
• Make a copy of the template for each new application.
• Review the job description for each new job you apply to, paying close attention to ideal candidate descriptions.
• In the copy of the template, delete all examples that don't align with the job description.
• Edit remaining examples to ensure they include keywords  copied directly from the job description for increased ATS optimization.

A common mistake in the experience section of nurse resumes is detailing duties instead of highlighting skills development and achievements accomplished. Writing detailed descriptions incorporating keywords demonstrates not only what you did but how successfully you did it.

Take a look at the following experience examples to better understand how quality descriptions can boost your resume's experience section.

• • Received recognition for maintaining a high standard of care, with positive patient feedback and acknowledgment from hospital leadership.
• • Acted as a charge nurse.
• • Attended professional development workshops and training sessions.
• • Participated in hospital-wide initiatives, including quality improvement projects.

This example fails to use action verbs  and details to describe how their achievements in this position resulted from their efforts. The resulting example comes across as a list of assigned tasks and passive results. And the applicant has missed opportunities to incorporate keywords and accomplishments.

• • Earned 'Nurse of the Month' recognition in Sept. 2022 for maintaining a high standard of care, with positive patient feedback and input from hospital leadership.
• • Acted as a charge nurse, overseeing the coordination of patient care activities, maintaining a positive team environment, and effectively delegating tasks to ensure optimal patient care delivery.
• • Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement hospital-wide initiatives, including quality improvement projects that led to a 15% reduction in patient readmission rates.
• • Engaged in monthly professional development, attending workshops and training sessions to enhance skills and stay current with industry advancements.

Describing what the applicant did and achieved using active verbs significantly improves this experience example. For example, instead of “receiving recognition,” they “earned” a specific award. Additionally, by including the criteria for the award, they incorporated keywords recruiters look for on nursing resumes, such as “high standard of care” and “leadership.” This experience description indicates the applicant achieved a great deal and was highly successful in this position.

How to quantify the impact on your resume

An effective way to boost the impact of your nurse resume  is to include quantifiable evidence of your skills in experience descriptions. These are tangible, measurable, or verifiable details that highlight your accomplishments  in past jobs.

Sharing a percentage representing significant increases in efficiency or patient satisfaction or a reduction in wait times or adverse outcomes such as medical errors or readmission rates, like the example from the prior section, is an excellent way to quantify the impact.

However, you can quantify your impact in many other ways besides statistics or percentages. Here are a few additional options for using numbers and data  to quantify your skills in your experience descriptions:

• Specify how many years of experience you have in similar healthcare settings to quantify your expertise and illustrate suitability for the available position.
• If available, Including high patient satisfaction scores is a practical way to highlight patient care skills and a commitment to providing exceptional care.
• Note the number of medical procedures you have completed to showcase your vast repertoire of practical skills, such as injections or wound dressings.
• The number of emergencies you have handled establishes your capacity to perform under pressure.
• Citing how many medical software or equipment you’re proficient in emphasizes your technical acumen.
• The number of patients typically seen in an office or patient censuses in an average shift demonstrates productivity and efficiency in managing large caseloads.
• If you’ve held a leadership role such as charge nurse, mention the size of the team you coordinated to highlight leadership skills and the ability to manage large teams.
• Stating how many medical training sessions, workshops, and certifications you’ve completed indicates your commitment to professional development and continuing education.

When selecting quantitative data on your resume, remember to be selective by including only the most relevant for the available job. For example, a recruiter hiring for an emergency care facility would be more impressed with your year of experience in emergency care than your knowledge of medical software in a small, private psychiatry office.

How do I write a nurse resume with no experience

… shortages have plagued the nursing profession since 1998.

Projections indicate the need to hire up to a million new nursing professionals by 2024 to meet the growing demand. This is good news for anyone considering becoming a nurse, as they are almost guaranteed placement.

incrediblehealth.com

Ongoing demand for nurses has created numerous opportunities for nursing students and those entering the field. Some employers even offer certification assistance and graduation contingent employment for nursing students. However, competition for these positions may be competitive.

To write a nurse resume that establishes your potential to succeed in a nursing career without experience , follow these steps:

• Compile a list of keywords from the job description.
• Brainstorm previous related experiences showcasing the same keyword skills and knowledge from your list.

Relevant Non-Nursing Employment To Include on your Resume

Non-nursing employment experience in one of these healthcare settings can provide evidence of a background using medical terminology, medical software, patient communication, empathy, and compassion.

• Clinics and Physician's Offices
• Long-Term Care Facilities
• Home Healthcare
• Community Health Centers
• Public Health Organizations
• Research and Clinical Trials
• Telehealth and Telemedicine
• Rehabilitation Centers
• Ambulatory Surgery Centers
• Health Insurance Companies
• Include practical clinical experiences, internships, and volunteer experiences . These can be listed with employment experiences, if closely related to nursing, or incorporated as separate sections.
• Avoid including irrelevant work experiences  or outdated experiences .
• To add credibility, include tangible evidence of transferable skills, such as certifications and quantifiable data.
• List experiences in reverse chronological order to ensure your most recent and relevant examples appear first.

For those without nursing experience , your cover letter is an excellent opportunity to offer further detail about past jobs and describe how skills and knowledge acquired outside the field are transferable to the open job.

Without experience, this section aims to share transferable skills and background knowledge, especially in the medical field. Therefore, your experience section should still be targeted to highlight your potential to succeed in a particular nurse position.

How to list your hard skills and soft skills on your resume

Highly valued skills in nursing may vary greatly depending on factors like the specialty, size and specialty of the medical facility, patient demographics, and number of employees. The skills section  of your nurse resume is an opportunity to highlight how your hard and soft skills demonstrate your suitability for a particular job.

For example, an urgent care facility treating high volumes of patients daily will value skills like an expansive repertoire of medical knowledge and procedures and an ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. On the other hand, a small oncology office treating the same patients regularly will appreciate specialized knowledge of oncology terminology and treatments and skills related to compassionate patient care and education.

Hard Skills

The skills necessary to perform a particular job are known as hard skills . These typically require study, training, and practice. In the medical field, they may even require certification.

In nursing, these skills often relate to technical abilities , like using office software and equipment and performing medical procedures, such as taking vitals.

When considering which skills to include on your resume, consult this list of the top hard skills sought by recruiters:

Best hard skills for your nurse resume

• Patient Assessment
• Medical Software (EHR systems)
• Medication Administration
• Vital signs monitoring
• CPR Certified
• Patient Care Planning
• Infection Control
• Emergency Care
• Documentation Skills
• Knowledge of Medical Equipment
• Surgical Assistance
• Clinical Decision Making
• HIPAA Compliance
• Patient Education
• Diabetes Management
• Cardiac Care
• Dialysis Procedures

Soft Skills

Some of the most highly valued skills in nursing are soft skills . The intrinsic, personal skills that demonstrate your ability to provide excellent patient care and satisfaction.

Employers may be willing to train applicants in hard skills. However, the intrinsic nature of soft skills makes them difficult to teach. Therefore, including as many relevant and transferable soft skills as possible on your nurse resume is essential.

These are some of the top soft skills employers look for in nuses:

Best soft skills for your nurse resume

• Empathy  
• Communication  
• Patience  
• Resilience  
• Critical Thinking
• Adaptability  
• Teamwork  
• Time Management  
• Leadership  
• Attention to Detail
• Stress Management  
• Problem-Solving
• Cultural Competency
• Composure under pressure
• Prioritization Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Conflict Resolution

Follow these steps to write your nursing resume's skills sections:

• Format your skills section as a simple list without elaboration or examples.
• Differentiate between hard and soft skills by listing them in separate subsections.
• Target your skills section using keyword skills from the job description.
• Write these keyword skills precisely as they appear in the job description to enhance ATS analysis.
• Never lie about or exaggerate your skills on your resume.
• Ensure consistency between your experience and skills sections by listing the skills mentioned in the experience section in the skills section and vice versa.

Nursing Terminology on Your Resume

Including medical terminologies demonstrates experience in and familiarity with the field, however, excessive jargon or abbreviations can confuse hiring managers who might not have a nursing background. Therefore, you must balance nursing lingo and generally understood terms on your resume.

How to list your certifications and education on your resume

Certifications and Continuing Education are essential for nurses. Though nursing roles and industries have differing requirements.

For example, an RN must complete a nursing education program such as an ADN or BSN, pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), and acquire state licensure.

An LPN doesn't need a degree but must complete a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Program, pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), and acquire state licensure.

Detailing all your training and certifications can bog down your resume, making it tough for recruiters to recognize your most valuable qualifications. To prevent this, tailor these sections to each application by sharing only examples aligned to the employer's requirements and reinforcing your targeted skills.

• Follow these steps to write ATS-optimized certification and education sections:
• Create separate sections titled "Education" and "Certifications" to allow ATS to parse information from your resume accurately.
• List all degrees and certifications chronologically, putting your most recent and relevant at the top.

To craft a powerful education section ,  follow these guidelines:

• For each degree, include the name of the institution, its’ location, the dates attended, and the title of your degree.
• Continuing education courses required for maintaining nurse licensing can be listed in the education section, however, if the section is excessively long, you can separate them into a separate “CE Courses” section as well.
• Including your GPA is optional unless the job description specifies a minimum requirement.
• You can include brief statements about relevant exceptional  coursework achievements  in the example description.

Here’s an example of how an excellent education example:

• • Online bridge program from RN to MSN

Best practices for listing examples on your resume's certification section :

• Include the name of the certification, the certifying institution, and the year obtained.
• Limit your certifications to those specifically named or directly related to the required skills mentioned in the job description. For example, if you held an LPN certification before becoming an RN, which is no longer valid, you shouldn't list this. The background will be relevant in your experience section, and the certification is implied.
• Limit certifications to current, unexpired credentials.
• If a certification requires renewal to remain valid, include the date first acquired as well as the most recent renewal date or a "valid through" date. For certifications you have held long-term, this demonstrates soft skills such as organization and responsibility.

The following are some of the most highly sought-after certifications for nurses and should be included on your resume whenever relevant.

How to write your nurse resume summary or objective

A summary or objective section, sometimes called “ Resume Profiles ” or “ Personal Statements ,” is a powerful tool for contextualizing the data and facts on your resume and how it corresponds to your career progression and goals.

The goal of either a summary or an objective is to briefly clarify how your experiences and qualifications make you a suitable candidate for an available job.

Follow these best practices to write either a summary or an objective:

• Customize the statement to match the specific job you're applying for, emphasizing relevant skills and experiences.
• Start sentences with action verbs to make your summary dynamic and impactful.
• Be brief. A summary should only be 3-5 sentences.

The primary difference between a summary and an objective is that a summary statement  focuses on how your employment experience aligns with an available job. In contrast, an objective statement  concentrates on your future career goals to illustrate how they correspond with the position.

A summary is preferable for nurses with extensive experience well aligned to the available job, for example, in the same nursing specialty. It highlights how your past successes indicate your potential to succeed in that particular role.

To write a summary for your nurse resume, follow these best practices:  

• Highlight your most relevant skills or experiences that directly overlap with the job description.
• Briefly mention your years of experience to provide context for your level of expertise.
• Write an impactful summary using keywords  directly from the job description, highlighting your well-aligned keyword experiences and skills.
• Use details such as naming specific software, medical equipment, procedures, and certifications to reinforce the relevance of your experiences.  
• Convey your enthusiasm for the opportunity to continue providing high-quality patient care in the medical field in this position.

A common mistake on nurse resumes is to write a personal statement that is too general for a specialty nursing role. Check out how the following summary is improved by targeting it to critical care nursing.

This well-written summary provides quality information. However, the highlighted skills and experience are too general. If the term "critical care" were removed from the first sentence, this statement could apply to almost any nursing position, failing to target skills valued in critical care. As a result, the applicant misses many opportunities to incorporate key terms and demonstrate that their experiences are valuable in a critical care setting.  

This summary does a much better job of focusing on highly valued skills in a critical care environment, such as speed, accuracy, reacting in high-pressure situations, and providing compassionate care.

An objective section is better suited for nurses with limited experience in similar positions or applying for their first job. It allows you to focus on how you plan to use your background to achieve career goals while contributing to the success of the medical team.

To write your nurse resume objective, follow these best practices:

• Describe the type of position you are seeking.
• Share relevant or transferable skills that will help you succeed in the position using keywords  directly from the job description.
• Clearly state your career goals and enthusiasm to work towards them in the role.
• Highlight valuable contributions you can make while learning and gaining experience.
• Avoid generic phrases. Instead, focus on specific skills and goals that set you apart.

Rephrasing specifics from the “Qualifications” or “Ideal Candidate” sections of a job description is a great way to guarantee you mention the skills and qualifications most valued by the employer.

Additional sections for a nurse resume

In addition to the top-resume sections , including one or more of these additional resume sections  highlights qualifications or accomplishments and helps you stand out among the other applicants.

• Languages: Excellent patient communication is a cornerstone of the healthcare industry. Therefore, being multilingual is a valuable asset in nursing. Including a language section  is an effective way to set yourself apart from other applicants.
• Volunteer Experience: Include healthcare-related volunteer work or community service to demonstrate a commitment to giving back and supporting the community.
• Leadership Experience: To demonstrate extensive experience leading teams and initiatives, share your past leadership roles, such as charge nurse, preceptor, or committee member.
• Achievements and Awards: If you’ve received recognition in your nursing education or work in the past, consider including an awards and achievements section  to support your stated skills. In addition to individual awards, you can include awards your office or team received, such as being voted the top healthcare facility in your community.
• Passion:  If you have a personal experience that drives and motivates you as a nurse, sharing it establishes your passion for and dedication to nursing excellence. For example, a childhood battle with cancer that led you to oncology or losing a loved one in an accident that motivated you to specialize in emergency medicine.  
• Professional Associations: A professional Associations section highlights your dedication to ongoing improvement and staying current in nursing. If you’d like to include a professional association membership to your resume, consider joining one of the leading professional associations for nurses below.

How to write a nurse specialization section:

Nursing is a broad field with many specializations, such as pediatric, surgical, and psychiatric nursing. If you have extensive experience or certification in a particular medical specialty that directly corresponds to the position you're applying for, consider including a specialization section to highlight your qualifications.

Include the following in your nurse specialization section should include the following:

• The title of your nurse specialization
• Specialty-specific employment experience
• Specialty-specific education or certifications
• Valuable Hard skills in the specialization, including technical skills  such as using emergency equipment and technologies, including defibrillators, cardiac monitors, and infusion pumps as an ER nurse
• Knowledge and experience of typical medical procedures and equipment used in the specialty
• Relevant soft skills. For instance, child-friendly communication and patience in pediatric nursing.

Here is an example of how your specialization section should appear on your nurse resume:

While a specialization section demonstrates knowledge, skills, and qualifications, it should only be included as a unique section if applying to a nurse job in a particular specialty. For instance, the above example would be relevant only for employment in a cardiac care position. Otherwise, this information may be incorporated into other resume sections , such as the experience section, to demonstrate your capacity to master specialized skills.

Key takeaways

Organizing the extensive skills and qualifications necessary in nursing is one of the most challenging aspects of writing a nurse resume. Review these key takeaways to ensure your most valuable, unique skills, experiences, and qualifications are accurately reflected on your resume:

• Targeted resumes include only experiences and skills relevant to an available position as found in the job description.
• ATS-optimized formatting helps ensure your nurse resume reaches employers for review.
• Providing quantifiable evidence of achievements in your nursing experience demonstrates your impact in past jobs.
• Include education and certifications required for nursing jobs in reverse chronological order to ensure your most recent and relevant appear first.
• Give context to the information on your resume by including either a summary or an objective section, depending on your experience in similar nursing positions.
• Include a specialization section to highlight your background and expertise in the available nursing position in the same specialty.

Nurse resume examples

Explore additional nurse resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

As a new graduate nurse entering the healthcare field, you are expected to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during your nursing education to provide safe and effective patient care. Your resume should showcase your clinical rotations, hands-on experiences in various healthcare settings, and any specialized training, such as Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification. Emphasize your ability to work with interdisciplinary teams, adapt to different clinical environments, and contribute to a positive patient experience.

A nurse assistant plays a vital role in the healthcare setting, providing basic care and support to patients under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. They are responsible for tasks such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and monitoring vital signs. On a nurse assistant resume, it's essential to demonstrate hands-on experience in these areas and showcase any specialized training, such as completion of a state-approved nurse assistant training program or obtaining a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential.

Registered nurses (RNs) play a crucial role in the healthcare system, providing comprehensive care to patients in various clinical settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and outpatient clinics. Your RN resume should demonstrate your expertise in assessing patient needs, developing and implementing care plans, and collaborating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to optimize patient outcomes. Emphasize your ability to administer medications, monitor patient progress, and provide education and support to patients and their families.

Nurse managers are experienced nursing professionals who assume leadership roles in healthcare settings, overseeing nursing staff and managing patient care services. Your nurse manager resume should demonstrate your expertise in nursing practice, as well as your ability to lead, motivate, and support a team of nursing professionals. Emphasize your experience in managing clinical operations, developing and implementing policies and procedures, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.

Nurse educators are experienced nursing professionals who play a vital role in preparing the next generation of nurses by teaching, mentoring, and guiding them in academic and clinical settings. Your nurse educator resume should demonstrate your expertise in nursing practice, curriculum development, and instructional design. Emphasize your experience in teaching and evaluating nursing students, developing lesson plans, and coordinating clinical experiences in various healthcare settings.

Staff nurses are registered nurses who provide direct patient care across a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and home health agencies. Your staff nurse resume should demonstrate your expertise in assessing patient needs, implementing individualized care plans, and collaborating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to optimize patient outcomes. Emphasize your ability to administer medications, monitor patient progress, and provide education and support to patients and their families.

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6 steps to format a nurse resume, 14+ nurse resume templates, 1. advice nurse resume template, 2. care nurse resume template, 3. hemodialysis nurse resume template, 4. correctional nurse resume template, 5. detox nurse resume template, 6. free registered nurse resume template, 7. free graduate nurse resume template, 8. free icu nurse resume template, 9. nurse resume template, 10. nurse resume example, 11. sample nurse resume in pdf, 12. registered nurse resume template, 13. nursing student resume example, 14. experienced nurse resume template, 15. nurse resume in pdf.

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14+ Nurse Resume Templates in Word | Pages | PSD | PDF

Nursing is one of the fastest-growing professions around the world. There are plenty of opportunities in the market related to nursing. That’s why it’s an excellent way to formulate your resume to stand out in the crowd and be considered out of the many. Since all nurses are well-qualified, it’s always better to stay prepared with a professional nurse resume. Follow resume templates to create your personalized resume for the dream job.

Step 1: Basic Information

Step 2: objective, step 3: education, step 4: professional experience, step 5: certifications.

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Nursing Student Resume Examples: Proven To Get You Hired In 2024

Jump to a template:

• Nursing Student
• Clinical Research Assistant
• Patient Care Technician
• Registered Nurse
• Clinical Nurse
• Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Nurse

Get advice on each section of your resume:

Jump to a resource:

• Nursing Student Resume Tips

Nursing Student Resume Template

Download in google doc, word or pdf for free. designed to pass resume screening software in 2022., nursing student resume sample.

As a nursing student, you’ll be relying less on traditional work experience to fill out your resume and more on the skills you’ve gained through coursework and student nursing placements. Even without much experience, you can distinguish yourself by listing your student nursing experience the same way you would paid experience, focusing on your accomplishments and making sure to include relevant skills and keywords.

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Recruiter Insight: Why this resume works in 2022

Tips to help you write your nursing student resume in 2024,    emphasize student nursing experience.

If you’re still a student and don’t have any relevant paid work experience, that doesn’t mean your resume should be blank. You can list your student nursing experience in your professional experience section, listing the location you worked at as the employer and “student nurse” as your job title.

   Lists specific competencies relevant to nursing

Even without paid work experience, you’ll be graduating with plenty of the skills you’ll need in your first role. Include a skills section at the bottom of your resume where you list a few of the skills that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for — typically between 5-10 skills.

Clinical Research Assistant Resume Sample

Patient care technician resume sample, registered nurse resume sample, clinical nurse resume sample, nurse practitioner resume sample, pediatric nurse resume sample.

We spoke with hiring managers at top hospitals and healthcare organizations like Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Kaiser Permanente to gather their best tips for nursing student resumes. Here's what they said will help you stand out and get hired:

   Highlight your clinical experience

Employers want to see the hands-on patient care experience you've gained during your nursing program. Be specific about the types of clinical rotations you've completed:

• Completed 12-week clinical rotation in pediatric intensive care unit, caring for an average of 5 patients per shift
• Assisted with wound care, medication administration, and patient and family education during 8-week clinical rotation on surgical unit

Quantify your experience where possible, like the number of patients you cared for or skills you performed. This gives a concrete picture of your capabilities.

   Showcase your technical skills

Modern healthcare relies heavily on technology. Hiring managers look for nursing students who are proficient with electronic health records (EHR) systems, medical devices, and other tools. Avoid simply listing the names of software or equipment you've used, like this:

• Familiar with Epic EHR
• Used Alaris IV pumps

Instead, provide context and specific examples that illustrate your technical abilities:

• Documented vital signs, medications, and nursing assessments for 20+ patients daily using Epic EHR during clinical rotations
• Programmed and monitored Alaris IV pumps to administer antibiotics, pain medication, and other IV fluids to post-surgical patients

   Include relevant coursework and academic projects

While your clinical experience is most important, you can also highlight relevant coursework and academic projects that have prepared you for nursing practice. Focus on classes and assignments that developed key skills:

• Completed Pharmacology course with grade of A, gaining in-depth knowledge of drug classifications, dosage calculations, and medication safety
• Developed patient education brochure on managing hypertension for Community Health Nursing project, distributed to 50+ patients at local clinic

These examples show your knowledge and initiative beyond basic nursing coursework.

   Emphasize your patient care and communication skills

Nurses spend more time with patients than any other healthcare professionals. Hiring managers want to see evidence of your ability to provide compassionate care and communicate effectively with patients and families. Use strong, specific examples:

Recognized by clinical instructor for ability to explain complex medical information in easy-to-understand terms, earning "exceeds expectations" rating in patient education

Also, highlight any experience working with diverse patient populations or communicating through language barriers:

• Provided culturally sensitive care to diverse patient population, using medical interpreters to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients and families

   List certifications, memberships, and volunteer experience

Certifications, professional memberships, and volunteer experience can all enhance your nursing resume. They show your commitment to the profession and your initiative to develop your skills beyond the classroom. Be sure to include:

• Any certifications you've earned, such as Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
• Membership in professional organizations like the National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA)
• Volunteer experience in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes

These extras can help you stand out from other nursing students and demonstrate your passion for the field.

   Tailor your resume to the specific job

While it's tempting to use the same resume for every job application, hiring managers can spot a generic resume a mile away. Instead, tailor your resume to each specific job you apply for. Start by carefully reading the job description and noting the key qualifications and skills the employer is seeking.

Then, adjust your resume to highlight your most relevant experience and skills. For example, if the job emphasizes pediatric care, focus on your pediatric clinical rotations and any related coursework or projects. If the employer is seeking someone with strong critical thinking skills, include examples of how you've used critical thinking to solve problems in patient care.

By customizing your resume for each job, you'll show the employer that you're a strong match for their specific needs and increase your chances of getting an interview.

Writing Your Nursing Student Resume: Section By Section

  summary.

A resume summary is an optional section that appears at the top of your resume, just below your contact information. It provides a brief overview of your professional background, skills, and career goals. While a summary is not strictly necessary, it can be particularly useful for nursing students who are looking to provide additional context about their experience and qualifications.

It's important to note that you should never use an objective statement in place of a summary. Objective statements are outdated and focus on what you want from an employer, rather than what you can offer them. Instead, use your summary to highlight your most relevant skills and experiences, and to explain how they make you a strong candidate for the nursing position you're seeking.

To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your Nursing Student resume, or figure out if you need one, please read Nursing Student Resume Summary Examples , or Nursing Student Resume Objective Examples .

1. Tailor your nursing student summary to the job

When writing your summary, it's important to tailor it to the specific nursing position you're applying for. This means highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to that particular job.

For example, if you're applying for a pediatric nursing position, you might mention any experience you have working with children, such as:

• Completed a clinical rotation in a pediatric ward, caring for patients ranging from infants to teenagers
• Volunteered at a summer camp for children with chronic illnesses, providing medical support and assistance

On the other hand, if you're applying for a position in a cardiac care unit, you would want to focus on any experience or training you have related to heart health, such as:

• Shadowed nurses in the cardiac care unit as part of my clinical rotations
• Wrote a research paper on the latest advancements in treating congestive heart failure

To ensure your summary is tailored to the job, carefully review the job description and look for key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Then, make sure to incorporate those same keywords and phrases into your summary wherever possible.

2. Highlight your nursing skills and qualifications

As a nursing student, you may not have extensive professional experience yet. However, you can still use your summary to highlight the skills and qualifications you've gained through your education and training.

Some key things to mention might include:

• Relevant coursework and clinical rotations
• Key skills such as patient assessment, medication administration, and wound care
• Certifications such as Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
• Any honors or awards you've received related to your nursing studies

Dedicated nursing student with experience in patient assessment, medication administration, and wound care. Completed clinical rotations in pediatrics, surgery, and critical care. Certified in BLS and ACLS. Recipient of the Outstanding Nursing Student award for academic excellence and patient advocacy.

To make sure your resume showcases your top nursing skills, try using our free Targeted Resume tool. It scans your resume against a specific job description and provides instant feedback on which key skills and keywords you're missing.

  Experience

As a nursing student, your work experience section should showcase your clinical skills, patient care experience, and any relevant healthcare-related roles. This section is crucial for demonstrating your hands-on experience and proving that you're ready to take on the responsibilities of a nursing role.

When writing your work experience section, focus on highlighting your most relevant experiences and accomplishments. Use strong action verbs to describe your responsibilities and quantify your achievements whenever possible.

1. Highlight relevant clinical rotations

Include your clinical rotations in your work experience section, as they provide valuable hands-on experience in various healthcare settings. When describing your clinical rotations, focus on the specific skills you developed and the types of patients you cared for.

• Completed a 12-week clinical rotation in a medical-surgical unit, caring for patients with a variety of conditions including post-operative recovery, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses
• Developed skills in patient assessment, medication administration, wound care, and patient education during a 10-week clinical rotation in a long-term care facility

By providing specific examples of your clinical experiences, you demonstrate your readiness to take on the responsibilities of a nursing role.

2. Use strong nursing-related action verbs

When describing your work experience, use strong action verbs that showcase your nursing skills and responsibilities. This helps to make your resume more engaging and highlights your contributions to each role.

Examples of strong nursing-related action verbs include:

• Administered
• Collaborated

Administered medications, changed dressings, and monitored vital signs for post-operative patients in a fast-paced surgical unit.

By using strong action verbs, you paint a clearer picture of your responsibilities and make your resume more impactful.

To find the best action verbs for your nursing resume, consider using a tool like Score My Resume . This tool provides instant feedback on your resume, including suggestions for strong industry-specific action verbs that can help your resume stand out to hiring managers.

3. Quantify your achievements with metrics

Whenever possible, use metrics to quantify your achievements and responsibilities. This helps to provide context for your experience and demonstrates the impact you made in each role.

Examples of using metrics in your nursing student resume:

• Provided care for up to 6 patients per shift in a fast-paced emergency department, prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively
• Assisted with the admission and discharge process for an average of 10 patients per day, ensuring accurate documentation and smooth transitions of care

In contrast, here are examples of how not to describe your experience:

• Helped with patient care in a hospital setting
• Completed tasks as assigned by nursing staff

By using metrics, you provide a clearer picture of your experience and help your resume stand out to hiring managers.

  Education

Your education section is a key part of your nursing student resume. It shows hiring managers that you have the necessary knowledge and training to succeed in the role. Here are some tips to make your education section stand out.

1. Put your nursing degree first

As a nursing student, your education is your strongest asset. Put your nursing degree at the top of your education section, even if it's not complete yet.

Here's an example:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Expected Graduation: May 2024

If you have other degrees, list them below in reverse chronological order.

2. Include relevant coursework and clinical experience

Highlight specific courses, clinical rotations, or projects that are relevant to the nursing job you're applying for. This shows employers that you have hands-on experience in key areas.

Bad example:

• Completed coursework in various subjects

Good example:

• Relevant Coursework: Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, Nursing Fundamentals
• Clinical Rotations: Pediatrics (CHLA), Medical-Surgical (UCLA Medical Center), Psychiatry (VA Hospital)

3. List licenses, certifications, and other credentials

If you have any licenses, certifications, or other credentials related to nursing, include them in your education section. This could include things like:

• CPR certification
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license

Here's an example of how to list them:

Licenses and Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, American Heart Association, Expires May 2024 Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), California, Expires June 2025

4. Keep it short if you're a senior nursing student

If you're a senior nursing student with several years of experience, you don't need to include as much detail in your education section. Keep it short and focus on your most recent and relevant degree.

Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), XYZ Community College, 2012-2014 Relevant Coursework: Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmacology, Nursing Fundamentals Clinical Rotations: Medical-Surgical, Pediatrics, Obstetrics Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), University of ABC, 2014-2016 Relevant Coursework: Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Leadership in Nursing Clinical Rotations: Critical Care, Emergency Department, Oncology

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), University of ABC Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), XYZ Community College

  Skills

The skills section of your nursing student resume is critical. It's where you showcase your qualifications and training. Hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan this section to decide if you have the right expertise for the role.

In this section, we'll cover exactly what to include and how to write your skills effectively. Let's dive in.

1. Identify your top nursing skills

As a nursing student, you likely have a range of clinical skills, certifications, and knowledge areas. It's important to identify and prioritize the ones that are most relevant to the specific role you're applying for.

Review the job description carefully and note any skills or keywords that are repeatedly mentioned. These are likely the top skills the employer is looking for. Some examples may include:

• Patient assessment
• Medication administration
• Electronic health records (EHR)

Make sure to include these high-priority skills in your resume, assuming you have them. This will help you get past Applicant Tracking Systems that screen for keywords.

You can use a tool like Targeted Resume from Resume Worded to analyze a job description and see how well your resume matches the skills and keywords it's looking for. It's a quick way to check if you're on the right track.

2. Categorize your skills

Once you have a list of your top nursing skills, consider grouping them into categories. This makes your skills section easier to read and helps highlight your expertise in different areas.

For example, you might have categories like:

• Clinical Skills : Patient assessment, Medication administration, Wound care
• Technology Skills : Electronic health records (EHR), Medical devices
• Certifications : Basic Life Support (BLS), Registered Nurse (RN) license

Grouping related skills together paints a clearer picture of your qualifications. It also makes it easier for hiring managers to quickly see if you have the specific skills they're looking for.

Avoid creating too many categories, which can make your skills section look fragmented. Aim for 3-4 key categories that capture the most important skill sets for the role.

3. Quantify your proficiency level

In some cases, it can be helpful to indicate your level of proficiency with a particular skill. This gives employers a better sense of your capabilities.

One way to do this is by using descriptors like "Proficient in," "Experienced with," or "Familiar with." For example:

Proficient in patient assessment and care planning Experienced with electronic health records (Epic, Cerner) Familiar with central line management

Another option is to use a competency scale, like beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert. However, be careful with this approach. Only use "expert" if you truly are one, otherwise it may come across as overconfident. Here's an example of what to avoid:

Expert in patient assessment Expert in all clinical skills Expert in hospital operations

As a nursing student, it's unlikely you're an expert in many areas yet. Be honest about your level of proficiency.

When in doubt, leave out proficiency levels. It's better to simply list the skill than to overstate your abilities. Hiring managers can assess your skill level during interviews and skills tests.

4. Tailor your skills to the job

One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is using the same generic skills section for every job application. To stand out, you need to customize your skills to the specific role and employer.

Let's say a job description emphasizes skills in patient education and discharge planning. Compare these two examples:

Generic skills section Clinical skills Teamwork Communication Computer skills

Tailored skills section Patient education and counseling Discharge planning and care coordination Clinical documentation in Epic EHR Therapeutic communication

The tailored example directly addresses the key skills from the job description. This shows the employer you're a strong fit for their specific needs.

Tailoring your resume to each job takes extra time and effort. But it's worth it. Targeted Resume s are more likely to get past ATS filters and catch a hiring manager's attention. Tools like Score My Resume from Resume Worded can help by analyzing your resume and providing suggestions to better target it to the job.

Skills For Nursing Student Resumes

Here are examples of popular skills from Nursing Student job descriptions that you can include on your resume.

• Cooperation
• Microsoft Access
• Personal Development
• Public Health
• Nursing Education

Skills Word Cloud For Nursing Student Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Nursing Student job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more likely you should include it in your resume.

How to use these skills?

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Resume Guide: Detailed Insights From Recruiters

• Nursing Resume Guide & Examples for 2022

Improve your Nursing Student resume, instantly.

Use our free resume checker to get expert feedback on your resume. You will:

•  Get a resume score compared to other Nursing Student resumes in your industry.

•  Fix all your resume's mistakes.

•  Find the Nursing Student skills your resume is missing.

•  Get rid of hidden red flags the hiring managers and resume screeners look for.

It's instant, free and trusted by 1+ million job seekers globally. Get a better resume, guaranteed .

Nursing Student Resumes

• Template #1: Nursing Student
• Template #2: Nursing Student
• Template #3: Clinical Research Assistant
• Template #4: Patient Care Technician
• Template #5: Registered Nurse
• Template #6: Clinical Nurse
• Template #7: Nurse Practitioner
• Template #8: Pediatric Nurse
• Skills for Nursing Student Resumes
• Free Nursing Student Resume Review
• Other Medical Resumes
• Nursing Student Interview Guide
• Nursing Student Sample Cover Letters
• Alternative Careers to a Nursing Student
• All Resumes
• Resume Action Verbs

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