what to write on a nursing resume

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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9 Registered Nurse (RN) Resume Examples for 2024

Registered Nurse (RN)

Best for senior and mid-level candidates

There’s plenty of room in our elegant resume template to add your professional experience while impressing recruiters with a sleek design.

Resume Builder

Like this template? Customize this resume and make it your own with the help of our Al-powered suggestions, accent colors, and modern fonts.

• RN Resume by Education
• RN Resumes by Experience
• RN Resumes by Type

Registered nurses (RN) are a profession in very high demand. In addition to a hiring rush during COVID-19, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 12 percent growth in demand for RNs through 2028.

Nursing is a tough enough profession in its own right. So, don’t be discouraged if you’re struggling to draft your  nurse cover letter  or  write a resume  that puts your best foot forward.

We’re here to help with nine great RN resume samples that guarantee success in the challenging world in 2024. It doesn’t matter if this is your first job out of nursing school or if you’re a seasoned vet; these resumes are a great starting place when writing or updating your own.

Registered Nurse (RN) Resume

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• You’re undergoing a career change,
• You just finished nursing school and this is your first RN job, or
• You’re going to customize it to the  nursing job description .
• If none of those are relevant to you, skip the objective!
• Two other relatively common requirements for RN positions (though certainly not all positions) are Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS). Explicitly mention those in your resume if you have them.

RN BSN Resume

• Next, delve into outstanding performances like streamlining shifts and reducing scheduling conflicts. Also, adding measurable impact further elevates your suitability.

New Grad RN Resume

• If the activities are related to healthcare or show you in a professional, positive light and you need some help filling out your new grad RN resume , then include one or two.
• Color is one way to show some personality on your resume while still portraying professionalism. Try a strong accent color while keeping the color basic everywhere else, as seen in many of our  resume examples .
• P.S. You can catch this mistake easily when you take advantage of our  resume builder  and its AI-powered tips. 

Experienced RN Resume

• As you gain more and more experience as an RN, try your best to show a progression in responsibility and ownership on your experienced RN resume. 
• Here’s the trick: Keep a master copy of every job and a working list of job description bullet points for each. Then, pull from this master list and customize it according to the specific role for which you’re applying now.
• Two other quick things you can do to fit more content are to reduce vertical spacing and reduce page margins, which is a simple click of a button in our  AI resume maker .
• Hit the highlights in your resume, but you can delve further into these details when creating a cover letter .

PACU RN Resume

• Take inspiration from Sandra’s resume and ensure you highlight your Registered Nurse (RN) certification alongside your degree. Next, demonstrate work experiences like “cutting down postoperative complications by 26%” and “slashing readmission rates by 17%” to underscore your commitment to the role.

ER RN Resume

• Instead of drowning recruiters in a sea of text, cherry-pick the most impactful work experience and hit ‘em with that bold, italics , and underline. It’s going to make your ER RN resume easier to skim through and push your most impressive achievements to the center.

Travel RN Resume

• Mentioning and quantifying outcomes possible through your keen eye and observation (hint: cut documentation errors by 28%) is a great way to make this attribute count.

Med Surg RN Resume

• Pay attention to the skills, qualifications, and responsibilities listed in the job description to gain ideas on what you should include in your skills section.
• RNs can work in a ton of different areas in medicine. If you’re applying to a specific job (like Med/Surg Nurse) and you have experience in that area, be sure to match your job title to that of the job description.
• White space is a commonly overlooked factor in resume design, and if it’s a concern for you, try simplifying the process by picking one of our  free resume templates .

ICU RN Resume

• Check your resume  to ensure you’re using action verbs that propel your bullet points forward and keep hiring personnel engaged.
• Another way to demonstrate impact is by quantifying it, that is, tying the outcome of your work to a number. By linking a number to your claims, proof of impact becomes clear.
• Ultimately, nursing is a profession involving people. So if you can show that you’re comfortable with the human aspects of the job (patient care, plans of care, family interactions, etc.), speak as much as possible concerning that experience in your ICU RN resume .

Related resume guides

• Physician Assistant
• Medical Assistant

How to Write a Nursing Resume (With Expert Advice!)

Putting together a nursing resume can be tough—it's a competitive field, and you need to make your skills and qualifications stand out from the crowd. While some elements are consistent across the board (e.g. having your name, contact info, and education listed, for instance), it’s easy to underestimate the power of nuance and individuality in resume writing .

Below, we’ve outlined how to create (and update) an effective nursing resume, thanks to expertise from Nursing Professional Development & Education Specialist, Damion K. Jenkins, MSN, RN .

Get your amazing resume out there—apply now to these amazing nurse jobs on The Muse »

How to write a nursing resume in 5 steps

When crafting a nursing resume, Jenkins emphasizes the importance of following a structured approach to ensure that yours makes an impression with the hiring manager. Above all, you want your resume to be organized, easy to read, and succinct.

Step 1: Start with a strong summary statement

“Begin with a strong summary that highlights your qualifications and career goals,” Jenkins says. “Make sure to use keywords from the job description and qualifications required.” (Here's how to read a job description the right way .)

Your summary statement will speak to your past, present, and future as a nurse, while also making it easy for a recruiter to draw clear connections between your professional life and the job in question.

Need specific ideas? Read this next: 20 Resume Summary Examples to Make Writing Your Own Easier

Step 2: Include non-negotiable sections

Next, make sure you’ve accounted for the non-negotiable sections that every nursing resume needs. According to Jenkins, these include: your contact information, a professional summary of your achievements, your nursing education, licensure and certifications, clinical experience, and relevant role-specific skills.

On top of that, list any professional affiliations, volunteer work, and professional references. Together, these sections will make up the bulk of your resume.

Step 3: Highlight your most valuable skills

A good nursing resume includes hard and soft skills , both of which are necessary for patient care. Jenkins suggests highlighting specific clinical and interpersonal skills that are considered very valuable in the nursing world, including patient assessment, medication administration, wound care, critical thinking, conflict resolution, customer service, and effective communication.

Certifications like BLS, ACLS, PALS, or a specialty-specific certification should also be prominently featured.

Step 4: Do a thorough check for mistakes

As a nurse career coach and mentor, Jenkins has come face-to-face with countless nursing resume mistakes. To make your resume shine, he urges you to check their resumes for the following:

• Grammatical errors and typos
• An unprofessional email address (e.g. anything besides your first and last name, with a number, if necessary)
• Irrelevant information that doesn’t pertain to the role
• Dense blocks of text

Using this list to clean up your resume will improve your chances of getting noticed during your job search . Consider this your list of “don’t dos.”

Step 5: Follow nursing resume best practices

In terms of what you should do, Jenkins endorses the use of bullet points for better readability (vs. long text blocks), using keywords from the job description to help your resume pass through application tracking systems (ATS) , tailoring your resume for each job application, and proofreading vigorously.

Your nursing resume format should be clean and professional, and up to date with any new skills, certifications and experiences.

“Remember, keeping your resume concise and relevant matters,” he says. “If you are including a detailed summary about the dog-sitting job you had as a teenager for a charge nurse position, chances are that your resume won’t make it through the initial screening process.”

Nursing resumes FAQs

How often should you update your nursing resume.

Nurses should update their resume at least every six months, or immediately after acquiring a new skill, certification, or job experience. “Regular updates ensure that your resume is always current and ready for new opportunities, reflecting your most recent and relevant qualifications,” Jenkins says.

How should nurses describe their nursing experience and clinical skills?

To make your experience and clinical skills stand out, use action verbs and quantify your achievements , says Jenkins.

For example, a solid resume bullet point could be:

Provided care for a 30-bed unit, reducing patient falls by 20% through the

implementation of a new safety protocol and interprofessional collaboration with hourly rounding.

“Highlight specific clinical skills and procedures you’re proficient in, and showcase any leadership roles or special projects you’ve undertaken,” he says. “Be proud of your positive outcomes, and include stories that highlight how you’ve grown professionally through some failures and unanticipated setbacks. Hiring managers don’t want robots—they want to know that they have people who are resilient and willing to adapt to the needs of the organization.”

What are the essentials for a new grad nurse resume, versus a nursing student or experienced nurse resume?

For a new grad nurse…

• Emphasize your clinical rotations, relevant coursework, and any nursing-related internships or volunteer work. Include a strong objective statement tailored to the role you’re applying for

For a nursing student resume…

• Focus on your education, clinical placements, and any healthcare-related work experience.

And for an experienced nurse…

• Prioritize your professional experience, listing roles in reverse chronological order (most recent experience first) with detailed descriptions of your responsibilities and achievements.

How should a nursing assistant, travel nurse, or nurse practitioner tailor their resume?

Per Jenkins’ advice, a nursing assistant resume should…

• Highlight your direct patient care experience and any specialized skills like phlebotomy or EKG administration, as well as team work, interdisciplinary collaboration and ability to follow instructions & escalation of abnormal findings.

A travel nurse resume should…

• Emphasize your adaptability, diverse clinical experiences, and ability to quickly integrate into new teams.

And a nurse practitioner resume should…

• Detail your advanced practice skills, patient caseload, and any specialized areas of practice, as well as leadership or teaching roles.

What are the essentials for a critical care nurse or emergency room nurse resume?

As for critical care nurses and ER nurses, Jenkins recommends emphasizing your ability to handle high-stress environments, proficiency in advanced life support, and experience with critical interventions such as intubation and other bedside emergency procedures.

Be sure to mention the diverse populations you’ve worked with, such as pediatric or trauma patients, and highlight your experience with critical care monitoring equipment and protocols.

What about nurses re-entering the workforce or changing specialties?

“For nurses re-entering the workforce or changing specialties, consider taking refresher courses or obtaining new certifications relevant to your desired role,” Jenkins says. “Note any continuing education or recent volunteer work to demonstrate your commitment to maintaining your skills. Finally, tailor your resume to showcase transferable skills and experiences that are applicable to the new specialty.”

Resume writing doesn’t come naturally to everyone, but you can still put together a standout nursing resume by using this guide. Good luck out there!

Once you get that interview, read this: 16 Nursing Interview Questions You Might Get Asked (and How to Answer Them)

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The Best Nursing Resume Guide for 2024 With Templates

Mar 14 2024

Career Resources / Job Searching / Nursing Resume Guide

Reviewed by: Kiley Griffin, R.N.

Imagine a registered nurse going into a patient’s room without a stethoscope or wearing sandals with their scrubs . The patient would feel confused and uneasy. This example is extreme, but it would relay to the patient their nurse isn’t prepared.

The same holds true regarding your nursing resume. You don’t want to walk into an interview without a quality resume to present to the hiring board.

You may be thinking

“I don’t have time to write a resume, and if I did, where would I start?”

Nurses work long shifts, which can make it difficult to devote time to working on anything outside of their scheduled hours. Accordingly, we have created a guide to help you quickly and easily craft a resume. 

This guide will help you enter the interview feeling confident and prepared. We will explore:  

Nursing Resume Templates

Steps to formatting a professional nursing resume, what to include in your contact section, how to get around the ats, writing your nursing resume objective or summary, how to showcase your skills and duties.

• Keys to Writing Your Experience Section

How to Organize Your Credentials Field on a Nursing Resume

Additional sections to add to your nursing resume.

• Write a Cover Letter to Go With Your Resume

Introducing Resume Wizard

AI-powered resume builder for nurses.

We’ve provided three sample nursing resumes as guides along with templates so you can create your own.

Hiring experts generally agree that formatting and content are the most critical elements to focus on when crafting a resume. 

Many healthcare employers are now using applicant tracking software (ATS) as part of the hiring process. This means up to 75% of resumes get rejected before the hiring manager ever sees them.

An ATS quickly scans resumes and then sorts and ranks them based on qualifications. Optimizing your format to key on education and experience can help you gain approval from an ATS.

While you can choose how to format your resume, we encourage you to incorporate a reverse chronological design . This format lists jobs beginning with the most recent first. 

Next, it is essential to choose a format that employs effective white space and utilizes efficient subheadings . We suggest that you set your margins to 1 “. You should align your text to the left since it makes it easier for the ATS robots to scan. 

The best fonts to use for an ATS are Times New Roman or Arial . 

No need to overthink this. It doesn’t take a quantum leap to make this deduction: Your resume always needs to begin with your name at the top. It would also help to make it the largest font on your resume. 

Next to your name, make sure you include: 

• Credentials : Starting with your highest degree earned, license, state designation, and national certifications.
• Location : You don’t have to include your physical address. City and state will suffice. 
• Phone number : Check that you include the phone number to receive text messages from as some employers will text candidates. 
• Email address : Use a work-appropriate email here. An employer might not take you seriously if your email is: [email protected] . Specifically, for 35% of employers, an unprofessional email address is a major problem.

The applicant tracking software has helped make the recruiting process much more efficient for hiring managers. While there isn’t a definitive process to always beat the ATS, there are general rules to follow to create a resume that will increase your success rate.

• Design your resume to match the job description
• Optimize for the ATS by aligning your resume keywords to the job description
• Use the long-form and spelled out acronyms such as BSN (Bachelor’s of Science)
• Save your file as a .docx, .doc or .pdf format
• Don’t use headers or footers
• Use plain, black bullet points not any special bullet types
• Do not include tables since an ATS can’t read them
• Don’t include a photo or use creative fonts

Think of your nurse resume objective or summary as an elevator pitch. Crafting a good objective is all about precision and brevity.

When to use an objective

Whether you write a nursing resume objective or summary depends on your experience. If you don’t have a lot of experience in nursing, then you should write an objective . Objective statements highlight training and goals for the future. 

Don’t make the mistake of over-emphasizing your relative inexperience. 

Highlight what experience or training you have accumulated. For example, lead with any licensure or state designation you’ve earned to begin your objective. Then go into some of your skills that make you a good fit for the job. 

When to use a summary

If you have experience in the field, we suggest that you use a resume summary. 

Within the summary, make sure you include how many years you’ve been in the field with your designation or licensure and specific field expertise. Then outline your goal in applying. 

Here’s an example:

Hard-working and passionate Registered Nurse with over eight years of management/supervising experience and paramedic background looking to continue to grow and enhance my skills for the wellness of the facility. Currently completing my master’s in nursing with a specialty in Executive Leadership .

A good nursing resume will highlight hard and soft skills. A lot of your job depends on performing specific duties, and the recruiter will hone in on those when scanning your resume. 

Most professions emphasize accomplishments in a resume over skills and duties . For many, accomplishment-driven resumes highlight what an individual can do for a company. However, the nursing field prefers a skill-driven resume . Healthcare employers need to feel comfortable that you can perform the skills necessary for the job.

That said, employers also want to know about your accomplishments as well. The best nursing resumes are able to incorporate a professional accomplishment with a skill.

• Hard skills display your understanding of job-specific roles and obligations (such as taking vital signs or administering medication).
• Soft skills demonstrate your personality fit within the team (such as communication or leadership skills). 

Tailor your skills to the role outlined within the job description. If you have administered chemotherapy drugs or radiation therapies, then place it in there. Be specific! 

Keys to Writing Your Experience Section 

This is the meat and potatoes of your resume. Writing a striking experience section will go a long way in securing a terrific nursing job. 

Nursing recruiters are not looking for fluff or abstraction. They want specific and detailed accounts of your work over the years. 

Make it scannable

To start, you want to use easily distinguishable section headers such as “employment history” or “relevant experience.” These buzzwords make the ATS happy. 

We suggest writing your experience down in reverse chronological order. 

Start with your most recent position and go from there. Now, if you have held jobs dating back to the Reagan administration or when The Sopranos was on TV, maybe don’t include those. 

Try to keep your job history within the last 20 years. 

Quantify your experience

Instead of just listing your responsibilities with bullet points, convey your accomplishments using quantitative measurements when possible.

For example, instead of saying: “Helped discharge patients.”

Try instead: “Administered 10 discharges an hour during my shift. Provided ample health care education to patient and family members.”

The second example is more specific and detailed. It gives your employer a good idea as to your efficiency. Also, “administered” evokes more responsibility than “helped.”

Here’s an example of an excellent experience section:

You should also consider including the unit type you worked in. Did you work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or an Emergency Room ?

Be descriptive

When highlighting your experience, use strong action verbs such as “assisted” or “displayed.” 

Lastly, highlight transferable attributes that can apply to any position , including leadership skills, project development, or communication.

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What's your current role?

You may have significant credentials to help you secure a great nursing position. There’s no problem with having credentials. The problem occurs when you don’t know how to organize your credentials effectively. 

Imagine a symphony conductor with great individual cello players that don’t know how to play in sync with each other–it would be chaos.

The same goes for organizing your certifications. You may have great credentials, but not arranging them correctly could create issues for your resume. 

Luckily, there is an industry-standard for listing your credentials. 

The following order is encouraged:

Education : Start with the year you graduated, degree type and major, university name, and GPA (if it was 3.5 and above). If you went to a prestigious school, you could also start with that. Additionally, if you are worried about age discrimination, we’d suggest you leave out the years studied. Unfortunately, ageism sometimes plays a role in the hiring of nurses.

2012-2014 Master’s of Science in Nursing Duke University School of Nursing, 3.7 GPA

Your Licensure : With licensure, the important part is determining where to put them. If nurses have one or two licenses they will put them after their degree. However, if you have an extensive list of licenses, it may be better to place them in their own section.

It’s crucial to include the following:

• License number
• License type ( LPN , RN , or CNA )
• Name of the license (if different than the name on your resume)
• State of licensure
• Expiration date
• If you have a license that falls under the nurse licensure compact

Sample Nursing Resume License Entry:

Registered Nurse (RN): License number 3378931 Arizona State Board of Licensing, Active since January 2018

State Designations: These generally include more advanced destinations for nurses at the state level. Examples include the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and Nurse Practitioner . 

Certifications : Your certifications demonstrate a commitment to improving as a nurse. Nurses can work without certifications in many cases. However, some jobs offer pay raises for nurses that have them.

We suggest the following order for listing your certifications:

• Name of the Certification and the Acronym: For example, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, ACNP-AG
• The Certifying Organization: Such as the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
• The Certificate’s Expiration Date
• The Certification Number

Sample nursing resume certification:

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, Current – 2018

Awards and Honors: Your awards and honors can include those received in school or at another job. You want to list the name of the award, the awarding body, and the date received.

You may feel like you’ve put a lot of work into your resume up to this point. You have. Since you’re trying to land the perfect nursing job, you want to make sure that you round out your resume . The other sections you should add to your resume are:

Conferences and courses

List any additional terms you have completed as a nurse and any conferences you may have attended or even spoken at.  

The ability to speak multiple languages gives you a leg up over your other nursing competition. Don’t hesitate to put in if you know other languages and designate your level of proficiency. 

An employer is hiring a human being, not a robot. They want to hire someone who they can get along with, so listing your hobbies and interests may serve you well. Additionally, listing a hobby might give your supervisor an idea of whether or not you’d be a good culture fit on the team.

Before you wrap up your resume, make sure you proofread it , and if you can, have someone else read it over for you.

You don’t want your resume to get rejected because you spelled “stethoscope” wrong. Last, when saving your resume, make sure you cave it as a word document or PDF compared to any alternative, older file.

Write a Cover Letter to Go With Your Nursing Resume

Our last parting wisdom to you is to have a cover letter that complements your resume. 

The cover letter gives your recruiter the confidence that you are interested in them specifically.

Having a great resume is fine and all,  but it’s much like giving someone a handshake and not giving a greeting.  It’s a complementary piece that needs a cover letter to reinforce and expound on the ideas covered within it. 

 In other words, the cover letter explains why you chose the company and helps them understand that you aren’t just spamming several companies with your resume. 

You’ve made it. Congratulations!

By this point, you’ve put a lot of time into your resume. You should feel proud of yourself. You’re on your way to landing that new job. Now, it’s time to prepare for the interview . If you need help with that, we’ve got you covered as well.

Resume FAQs

You can write it either way. However, make sure you separate each with a comma. For example, write Jane Doe, RN, BSN or Jane Doe, BSN, RN.

There isn’t one skill that stands above the rest as nurses have to possess many different skills. However, some of the most important ones include problem-solving, attention to detail, organizational skills and multitasking.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice ( DNP ) is the highest degree a nurse can obtain within academia.

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The Ultimate Guide to Nurse Resumes: Examples, Template, and Practical Tips

Resume writing can stir up anxiety for most, and it can be difficult to find resources that speak specifically to nursing resumes. Our profession's unique nature, combined with its varying clinical and non-clinical roles, often makes it challenging to structure our experience to fit the guidelines of a standard resume. 

So, how do you effectively capture the depth and value of your experience as a nurse on your next job search? Whether you’re a travel nurse looking for your next travel nursing job , a new grad nurse seeking your first role, or a nurse looking for your next staff role, this guide has got you covered with tons of helpful tips - you can even download a version of your resume, ready to submit! 

Let’s get started! 

How Travel Nurse Resumes Are Used

The importance of a strong resume, ideal format and length for any nurse resume, nurse resume template, new grad resume advice, travel nurse resume tips.

• Download Your Perfect Resume Template

To really understand how to write a great travel nurse resume, you have to know how it’s used in the application process. The traditional image of a hiring manager with thick-rimmed glasses leafing through an endless stack of papers no longer applies to the general job market, let alone travel nursing. Recruiters primarily dissect your resume, and the hiring manager typically gets only the pertinent info of the candidates the recruiter has passed through to them.

Moreover, the use of applicant tracking systems (ATS) is becoming increasingly prevalent in most industries, including healthcare. An ATS is a piece of technology that can quickly screen applications to filter out those without the qualifications that the position needs- before your resume even gets to the recruiter! While this system might seem impersonal, it's absolutely possible to have them work in your favor- you just have to work the system!  The key is making sure that you have designed your nursing resume to be readable by the ATS and to include key qualifications for the role you’re applying to. Follow the information outlined in this guide and you’ll be good to go! 

Despite the nursing shortage, the most sought-after positions remain incredibly competitive, so it’s important to make a strong first impression through your resume. Even though hiring managers may not spend much time reading your resume, it’s still one of the best ways for a company or recruiter to quickly have a sense of what you bring to the table. Having all the information about your professional qualifications and work history succinctly summarized in one place will allow your recruiter to quickly determine which positions will be a good fit. By creating a solid resume base, you can easily add on and adapt it to each role you apply to in the future, so let’s get started! 

Before writing your resume, you’ll need a foundation to build upon. That's where your travel nurse resume outline comes in: it's a skeleton that organizes all the information you’ll need into neat, streamlined sections. Whether it’s seen by a recruiter, a hiring manager, or an ATS, the general rules that should guide the way your template looks and how it is written remain the same.

Formatting Your Nurse Resume

When it comes to formatting your nurse resume, always remember to keep it simple. Because your application will likely go through an ATS at some point, you want to make it as easy for the tracking system software to read as possible.  So while we’re all for aesthetics, you’re going to need to leave the pizzaz for the actual interview. 

Here are some tips to keep your resume ATS-friendly (and reader):

• Avoid fancy headers or footers.
• Avoid special fonts. We recommend Arial, Trebuchet MS, or Times New Roman. 
• Keep font size easy on the eyes.  For headers, aim for 28-35pt, individual section headers 14-16pt, and body content: 10-12pt.  Don’t go smaller than 10- no ones likes reading fine print! 
• Don't insert pictures, videos, graphs, or any other visuals.  Using a straight line is the only acceptable graphic. 
• Keep it black and white (no fancy font colors or backgrounds).  Do this and you’ll get to show your true colors when you are given the opportunity to speak with the manager. 

Ideal Length of a Nurse Resume

When it comes to nursing, especially travel nursing, having a longer-than-normal resume is okay.  In an industry where it’s common for nurses to switch jobs as frequently as every one to three months, it’s actually expected by hiring managers that your resume will exceed one page! However, for in-person networking, it may be wise to have a short and sweet version with only your most recent and/or relevant work experience listed​.  

A good travel nurse resume concisely details your professional accomplishments, and grammar and vocabulary play a huge role in that. Focus on including a skimmable list of your professional accomplishments, not writing a long essay about them. Structure your entries as bulleted lists, and keep your bullet points as straight-forward as possible, beginning each bullet point with a verb or adjective to avoid writing full sentences.  

Every nurse resume, whether you’re a new grad nurse, an experienced nurse, or travel nurse resume, should have these key sections:

Contact Information: 

Include your full name, phone number, email address, and location.

Professional Summary:  

A brief, compelling statement about your career goals and value proposition.  Ideally, you should optimize this section to include as many relevent keywords you find in the job description as possible.  Doing this will set off bells within the ATS that you are a good match for the job! 

Licenses and Certifications: 

Be sure to note if you have a license in hand for the job you’re applying to! Also, highlight your certifications- all of them! Everything from the basics required for the role, like BLS, all the way to where you’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty, like CCRN.  

Work Experience: 

Detail your professional experience with a focus on achievements, not just duties. In this section, it’s great to include your facilities trauma level, number of beds, and any magnet certification.  This helps to paint the picture of what that experience was like for you!

Education: 

Finally, be sure to list your educational background, with your most recent education listed first.  If you were a scholarship recipient or received any special awards or honors in school, be sure to include that too.  

Bonus sections:  

You want to be sure to include anything that makes you stand out, so if you have volunteer experience, speak multiple languages, received a Daisy or another award, or led any research or major projects, be sure to create a section for those as well! 

As a new grad, you might feel like you don't have much to put on your resume, but that's not true. Here's a few things you should incorporate in order to create a standout new grad nurse resume:

• Focus on Clinical Rotations: Even if you don't have paid work experience, your clinical rotations during nursing school provide valuable experience. Detail the skills you've gained and the types of medical settings you've been exposed to.
• Make Your Education Section Robust: Put more weight on your educational background. In addition to your degree, include any relevant coursework that may have been outside of the normal track, any projects you took lead on, or any research you contributed to.

Travel nurses face unique challenges when crafting their resumes due to how frequently their experience is changing. Here's some advice to create an impressive travel nurse resume:

• Highlight Your Adaptability: Travel nurses need to adapt quickly to new settings and teams. Include examples of your adaptability and teamwork in your work experience section by noting floating assignments you took or other ways you went above and beyond to be flexible and helpful. 
• Detail Each Assignment: We know it may grow to be a long list, but for each of your travel nursing assignments, include the location, facility type, unit type, and dates. Be sure to highlight any specific achievements or challenges you overcame.  Managers hiring travelers are looking for someone who is confident and experienced- ready to hit the ground running! 
• Show off Your Leadership and Curiosity: Travel nursing requires confidence and lifelong learning.  Show that you’re committed to being the best nurse you can be through continuing education opportunities and roles where you can contribute to the education of others, such as taking a charge or preceptor role. 

Download Your Perfect Resume Template! 

Creating a resume, especially a travel nurse resume, can be a daunting task. That's why at Trusted Health, we're committed to helping you ease the burden. When you sign up for a Trusted profile and enter your work experience, we'll do the heavy lifting for you. Our platform will organize your professional journey into a sleek, ready-to-go resume.

No more worrying about formatting, keywords, or what to include and exclude. With Trusted Health, you get a resume just like the one above that's tailored to your career, designed to impress, and ready for download as a PDF. All you have to do is create a profile and enter your information! We’ll do the hard work for you. 

So why wait? Sign up for a Trusted profile today and conquer your nurse resume worries! Get ready to step into your next adventure with confidence.

Audrey McCollough, RN, BSN, is a pediatric critical care nurse who traded her scrubs for a laptop to come work internally at Trusted two years ago. With eight years of critical care experience and four years of travel nursing under her belt, Audrey now uses her experience and expertise to support others in the healthcare industry, particularly her fellow nurses. When she's not at work, Audrey loves to explore the great outdoors! Hiking, skiing, or just soaking up nature's beauty - Audrey is all about it.

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How to Write a Nursing Resume

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Even with nurses in high demand, you still need a great nursing resume to stand out from other applicants. A strong resume conveys your skills and experience and how they fit an employer’s needs.

Learn to make the best possible impression through this collection of resume writing tips for nurses.

6 Resume Writing Tips for Nurses

These tips on writing a powerful nursing resume can help you stand out in a crowded pool of applicants. Recruiters spend an average of seven seconds on each resume, and you can make those seconds count for you.

1. Tailor Your Resume

Writing an effective nursing resume requires taking your prospective employer’s applicant requirements into careful consideration. Every hospital operates with its own culture and philosophy. Consult the organization’s website and social media presence to get an idea of what their goals and points of emphasis are. This shows the employer you understand their workplace and will allow you to communicate how you can help them achieve their goals.

2. Be Specific

Specificity can boost a resume. For example, while both positions require a great deal of stamina, a nursing home nurse does not fulfill the same responsibilities as an urgent care nurse. By framing professional experience through a personal lens, your resume stands out among the others.

What conditions or diseases do you treat? What types of medication can you administer and how? How about types of therapy and equipment you specialize in?

When describing duties, use action verbs (supervised, administered, collaborated) and positive adjectives (resilient, compassionate, observant) that reflect your dedication to patient care and organizational success. Quantify your impact by describing how you improved patient outcomes or organizational efficiency.

3. Save Your Resume Under a Professional Name

Remember that useful specificity is the goal. Instead of attaching a vaguely titled document, name your nursing resume so that employers can easily distinguish and retrieve it, such as “Firstlast_specialty_resume.doc.” Be sure to check your document’s metadata and edit it appropriately.

4. Make It Easy to Read

Although interesting fonts and attractive colors can make a nursing resume appear more interesting, they can also detract from the information. Employers may also perceive excessive formatting as an overcompensation for lack of qualifications.

You should strive for accessibility through logical placement and uniformity. Start with the most important information and make it the most conspicuous.

5. Include a Cover Letter

Employers recognize you cannot fit all your credentials and qualifications into a resume without it becoming incomprehensible. A cover letter offers you the chance to discuss your skills and achievements in greater detail. This is also a good place to describe how you would be a good cultural fit with the organization.

6. Keep It to One Page

Nurses, particularly those with less than 10 years of relevant professional experience, do not need more than one page to respond to a job listing. Abstain from wordiness, relying instead on economical usage of resume structure, including margin manipulations and concise usage of action-oriented descriptions.

These tips can help make your nursing resume easy to read, especially for a busy recruiter. As you take these resume writing tips into account, be sure to avoid common mistakes.

Common Mistakes Nurses Make on Their Resumes

Because nursing requires attention to detail, mistakes on a nursing resume can leave a bad first impression. The following list includes some of these oversights.

• Typos: Easy to fix but often overlooked, these mistakes can cost you an interview. Most employers see typos as a candidate’s lack of professionalism and competency. Edit your writing for errors and inconsistencies. Don’t rely solely on an online spell-checker, since many only flag misspelled words, not if the word is misused.
• Including Personal Information: Include your full name, phone number, and professional email. You do not need to supply a home address, city, state, or country. Presenting a nursing licensure type and number from the start helps employers differentiate you from unqualified candidates.
• Including Salary Information: Unless the employer penalizes former salary omission, do not include a salary. This may distract from your qualifications and impede you during the interview and subsequent negotiations. If pushed, speak in terms of benefits and professional goals, ensuring the employer that you are flexible in your expectations.
• Using Nicknames: Standard usage allows the shortened version of a name (Bill instead of William) or a middle name as a first name as long as you are consistent, especially if this nickname appears on official documents, such as state identification.
• Using an Unprofessional Email Address: While a Gmail address with a variation on “firstname.lastname” is marginally acceptable, some employers still see it as unprofessional. You can easily avoid this misstep by applying for your own domain name.
• First Person Pronouns: Do not waste valuable resume space by repeating “I.” The reader understands you speak through the narrative voice, so first person pronouns are redundant. Structure your sentences in declarative, action-oriented statements that reflect your professional character and achievements.
• Unprofessional Voicemail: An effective voicemail must be concise (under 25 seconds) and courteous in tone. Besides your name and a welcome statement, let the caller know when they can expect a response from you.
• Check Your Social Media Presence : Employers check social media and anything that suggests that you might have questionable personal judgment can be a red flag. Avoid references to heavy drinking, partying, or ever mentioning patients negatively.

Examples of Nursing Resumes

Nursing resumes are typically chronological, functional, or a combination of the two. Which type you pick should depend on the job and the format that best demonstrates your skill set. For your first job, a functional or combination resume that lists your skills will likely be most effective, while chronological or combination resumes are better suited for jobs requiring experience.

Reverse Chronological Resume

A reverse chronological resume usually lists your most recent job first. If your most recent job is not relevant, then a functional resume may be better. This reverse chronological example for a nurse manager position shows both that the applicant holds the desired experience and that the applicant achieved important objectives. Similarly, this ER reverse chronological nursing resume example uses the kinds of key terms an automated review system may recognize.

Reverse Chronological Resume Example

Combination Resume

This combination nursing resume for a new nurse starts by listing skills and credentials so that the employer first sees how your training has prepared you. This method clarifies that you have some nursing experience, but allows the employer to first see your skill sets.

Combination Resume Example

Functional Resume

This guide to writing a CNA resume provides examples of the types of skills you can use for a functional resume. This is especially valuable if your most recent position isn’t a good match for the one you’re applying for. Similarly, if you’ve worked multiple positions in a short period of time (for example, as a travel nurse ), listing each individual position you’ve recently held would take up space without showing your value as well as a cumulative list of your skills would.

Functional Resume Example

Featured Image: opolja / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Related Resources

10 Ways to Gain Professional Nursing Experience

Employers want nurses with experience, but it can be hard to get experience without a job. Here are 10 ways to get experience before the job.

Getting Clinical Experience as an Online Nursing Student

Nursing school clinical experiences are necessary for students to graduate — but how do clinicals work in online nursing school? Read this guide to find out.

Guide to Entry-Level Nursing

Interested in nursing but confused about how to enter the field? This guide will help you understand the various nursing career paths, educational requirements, financial aid, and job and salary outlook.

10 Crucial Soft Skills for Nurses

This guide details five soft skills for nurses that enable them to succeed in their careers and meet the AACN standards, along with methods for acquiring them and applying them in the workplace.

Whether you’re looking to get your pre-licensure degree or taking the next step in your career, the education you need could be more affordable than you think. Find the right nursing program for you.

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Resume Worded   |  Proven Resume Examples

• Resume Examples
• Medical Resumes

44 Nursing Resume Examples - Here's What Works In 2024

The essential role that nurses play has never been so obvious. with the profession increasingly in demand, now is the perfect time to apply for nursing roles. this guide contains everything you need to write an effective nursing resume, including essential skills to include and resume templates you can use..

Nursing is a demanding but incredibly rewarding field, requiring dedication, compassion, and a lot of hard work. Nurses can choose from dozens of specialties and a variety of settings, including frontline hospital work, education, and private healthcare. Whatever your role, as a nurse, you’ll find that soft skills — including communication, problem solving, and conflict resolution — are essential, as are hard skills in patient care, technology, and basic medical procedures. There are multiple pathways leading to nursing, all culminating in the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Aspiring nurses can pursue a Diploma, Associate Degree, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing, while accelerated programs are open to those with an existing undergraduate degree or experience in the field. In 2023, the face of nursing is expected to change significantly. Shortages elsewhere in the medical field are likely to lead to an increased demand and higher responsibilities for Nurse Practitioners and more nurses choosing to specialize. Nurses are also likely to see a greater emphasis on technology in healthcare, including telehealth visits, medical chatbots, and online education programs. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 12% job growth for nurses over the next several years, well above the national average.

Nursing Resume Templates

Jump to a template:

• General Nurse
• Experienced Nurse
• Certified Nursing Assistant
• Registered Nurse
• Psychiatric Nurse
• Nurse Case Manager
• Nursing Student
• Travel Nurse
• Nurse Practitioner
• New Grad Nurse
• Director of Nursing
• Nursing Supervisor
• Clinical Rotation Nurse
• Charge Nurse
• Remote Nurse
• Preceptor Nurse
• Relief Charge Nurse
• LPN Nurse (Licensed Practical Nurse)
• LVN Nurse (Licensed Vocational Nurse)
• ICU Charge Nurse
• Prior Authorization Nurse
• Clinic Nurse
• Medical Surgical Nurse
• Patient Care Technician

Jump to a resource:

• Keywords for Nursing Resumes

Nursing Resume Tips

• Action Verbs to Use
• Related Medical Resumes

Get advice on each section of your resume:

Template 1 of 44: General Nurse Resume Example

Nurses are integral to the healthcare system. Under the guidance of a doctor or surgeon, nurses support and perform crucial patient care duties. Nurses are often most hands-on with day-to-day patient treatment. They perform a wide variety of tasks, including administering medication, monitoring patients health status, performing blood tests, administering IV fluids, running testing, and more. To become a nurse, you can choose a few different educational paths. You may earn an associates in nursing and go on to earn your LPN (licensed practical nurse) license. You also could get a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and go on to receive your RN (registered nurse) license. LPN’s are slightly more limited in their job scope than RN’s. In any case, great nurses will have a strong medical background, a caring and calm demeanor, a deep understanding of safety procedures, and strong multi-tasking skills.

We're just getting the template ready for you, just a second left.

Tips to help you write your General Nurse resume in 2024

   gain hands-on patient experience.

While in nursing school, it’s wise to gain hands-on patient experience. This typically comes in the form of getting a position as a certified nursing assistant, healthcare aid, or medical assistant. You will learn how to perform basic activities of daily life with patients in these roles, and it gives you an opportunity to learn from the nurses you will work under.

   Consider learning a second language

Hospitals see everyone under the sun, and it’s no secret that many people speak a different language than English. Hospitals often look for bilingual staff and find them incredibly valuable when trying to communicate treatment and get consent from those who speak a foreign language. Find out what foreign language is most popular in your area, learn it, and highlight it on your resume.

Skills you can include on your General Nurse resume

Template 2 of 44: general nurse resume example.

The most important duty of a nurse is patient care, but that’s far from their only responsibility. As a nurse, you’ll be administering medication, monitoring and evaluating patient progress, and working closely with doctors to provide care in hospitals, clinics, residential homes, and a variety of less typical environments. To land a nursing position, you’ll need to emphasize both hard and soft skills in your resume.

   Good use of skills section to highlight nursing skills

If you feel like a comprehensive list of nursing skills could easily take up half your resume, you aren’t wrong. Even so, a good skills section shouldn’t include more than about 5-10 skills, which means you’ll need to read the job description carefully and pull out the most important skills recruiters are looking for.

   Lists additional qualifications relevant to nursing

At minimum, you’ll need a nursing degree or diploma to begin a career in nursing. If you have additional qualifications, like field-specific qualifications or general first aid, CPR, or basic life support (BLS) certification, it’s worthwhile to list those, too. You can include these in an additional section at the bottom of your resume or in your education section.

Template 3 of 44: Experienced Nurse Resume Example

As an experienced nurse, you've seen it all. You're the backbone of the healthcare system, working long hours to care for patients and being a team leader. In recent years, the healthcare industry has seen a growth in roles that require experienced nurses due to an aging population and the increasing complexity of care. When tailoring your resume for this role, it's important to highlight your experience, specialized skills, and the results you've achieved. While the pandemic has put nursing roles in the spotlight, it's also crucial to show how you adapted during these challenging times. Hiring managers are looking for nurses who can handle crises, adapt to changes quickly, and take a lead role in a team. Showcase your resilience and leadership skills in your resume and make sure it feels personal. No two nursing roles are ever the same, just as no two resumes should ever be identical.

Tips to help you write your Experienced Nurse resume in 2024

   highlight your specialized skills.

As an experienced nurse, you've no doubt gained some specialized skills. Perhaps you're an expert in critical care, or you've got a knack for pediatric nursing. Highlight these specialties on your resume. Not only do they showcase your experience, but they also show you're a nurse with a wider skill set.

   Show off your leadership skills

In a job where difficult decisions are made daily, leadership is crucial. You may have mentored new nurses, spearheaded a new initiative, or simply taken charge in a crisis. Show hiring managers you're not just a team player, but a potential team leader. It's these qualities that differentiate experienced nurses from the rest.

Skills you can include on your Experienced Nurse resume

Template 4 of 44: experienced nurse resume example.

As an experienced nurse, you’ll want to emphasize your experience in the field and advanced skill set. You may find yourself moving into positions of leadership or other increased responsibilities, which means highlighting transferable skills and evidence of solid career progression. Your accomplishments are key — instead of listing as many bullet points as you can, consider your most impressive achievements, particularly ones that demonstrate leadership and commitment.

   Bullet points feature strong action verbs to highlight nursing accomplishments

Choosing the right action verb is key to presenting your accomplishments in a positive, proactive light. Verbs like “assisted” and “collaborated” show your ability to work well in a large healthcare team, while ones like “organized,” “coordinated,” and “spearheaded” emphasize your willingness to take on leadership roles and higher-level responsibilities.

   Emphasize career growth in the nursing field

As you move on to more experienced roles, you’ll want to emphasize career progression in your resume. You can demonstrate growth through your job titles, bullet points, or both. Even if you haven’t been formally promoted or your job titles don’t show an obvious progression, you can make this clear by highlighting increased responsibilities in your accomplishments.

Template 5 of 44: Certified Nursing Assistant Resume Example

As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), you're likely familiar with the critical role you play in patient care. While your daily tasks might involve things like personal care, taking vitals, and assisting with mobility, your resume needs to do more than just list these duties. Recently, employers have been valuing CNAs who can demonstrate empathy and effective communication, in addition to technical skills. When crafting your resume, remember to weave in how you've made genuine connections with patients and supported their wellbeing. Moreover, in light of the pandemic and the changing healthcare landscape, it's impressive if you can show adaptability and willingness to learn new protocols and technologies. This isn't just a list of your tasks - it's a narrative about how you've used your skills and traits to make an impact in your past roles.

Tips to help you write your Certified Nursing Assistant resume in 2024

   include relevant certifications.

As a CNA, you should include any specialized certifications, like CPR or dementia care, on your resume. This isn't just about meeting the job description requirements - it shows potential employers that you're committed to professional development and maintaining high standards in patient care.

   Demonstrate emotional intelligence

Aside from technical skills, you should reflect your emotional intelligence on your resume. Try to describe how you've managed sensitive situations, provided emotional support to patients, or how you've communicated effectively with patients' loved ones.

Skills you can include on your Certified Nursing Assistant resume

Template 6 of 44: certified nursing assistant resume example.

As a certified nursing assistant, you’ll work closely with patients under the supervision of registered nurses. Your nursing assistant resume should emphasize the hard skills you’ll need to do the job, including performing routine medical procedures like taking blood samples, monitoring vital signs, cleaning and sterilizing equipment, and assisting patients with eating, dressing, and bathing. You’ll also need a solid understanding of relevant policies and legislation, including HIPAA.

   Use a relevant resume title

One of the easiest ways to bypass resume screeners and ensure your resume lands on the desk of a hiring manager is to include the exact title of the job you’re applying for on your resume. Including a resume title not only does this, it also clearly shows that you’ve customized your resume for this particular job — always a necessity.

   Include volunteer work where you used your nursing skills

If you don’t have a lot of traditional work experience, consider including volunteer work on your resume. You can create a separate volunteer work section, or simply list it alongside paid work experience. If you do this, you should list it in the same way, with an employer heading, dates of employment, and action-oriented bullet points.

Template 7 of 44: Registered Nurse Resume Example

Registered nursing is a step up the nursing ladder, allowing you to provide care directly to patients. Licensure as a registered nurse (RN) is also a pathway to graduate nursing programs, practice as a nurse practitioner, and specialty certification. As an RN, you’ll provide education and advice to patients and coordinate with physicians and other members of your healthcare team, meaning communication skills are also essential.

Tips to help you write your Registered Nurse resume in 2024

   emphasize hard skills related to nursing.

As an RN, you’ll need a firm grasp on essential skills. Focus on technical skills you’ll need, like phlebotomy, rehabilitative care, triage, and electronic health record (EHR). If you want to include soft skills or more than a handful of hard skills, use your accomplishments to highlight accomplishments that demonstrate them in action.

   Use bullet points provide context on your nursing achievements

Focusing on accomplishments in your bullet points is good, but even better is if you can provide the context for those achievements. A bullet point reading “triaged 50+ patients daily” is far more descriptive than simply “triaged patients.” Try to give clear numbers when talking about the size of teams you’ve led or number of patients you’ve cared for.

Skills you can include on your Registered Nurse resume

Template 8 of 44: icu nurse resume example.

As an ICU nurse, you're stepping into a high-stakes world where precision, quick decision-making, and resilience are part of everyday life. Your resume should reflect this reality and showcase your competencies, experiences, and specializations. It's important to note that hiring trends within ICU roles are leaning towards value-based healthcare delivery. Hiring managers are on the lookout for nurses who are able to provide holistic care, focusing on patient outcomes and satisfaction. When crafting your resume, remember to highlight your accomplishments in these areas, rather than just listing your duties.

Tips to help you write your ICU Nurse resume in 2024

   highlight specialized icu skills.

As an ICU nurse, you've developed a unique skill set. On your resume, be sure to highlight your expertise in areas like critical care, advanced life support, and specific ICU equipment. Demonstrate how you've applied these skills in previous roles to deliver quality patient care.

   Emphasize on team collaboration and leadership

ICU environments are high-stress, high-intensity spaces that require strong teamwork and leadership. Be sure to showcase any experiences where you've effectively coordinated with a team, or led initiatives to improve patient outcomes or processes within the ICU.

Skills you can include on your ICU Nurse resume

Template 9 of 44: icu nurse resume example.

Working in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a hospital means working in an emergency setting providing care to critically ill patients. As an ICU nurse, you may also work in an emergency room or burn center. The crucial and fast-paced nature of ICU nursing means you’ll need extensive nursing experience and additional certifications. Your resume should also emphasize transferable skills recruiters are looking for, including quick thinking and decision-making.

   Focus on ICU experience

When applying for a specific role like ICU nurse, it’s best to focus your resume on experience that’s relevant to that position. If you have past experience as an ICU nurse, it’s a good idea to include more bullet points for that job and cut down on the space you give to less closely related experience, like general nursing positions.

   Clearly list certifications related in nursing

The more specialized the role, the more likely it is that you’re going to need specific qualifications. If you already have the qualifications hiring managers are looking for — like critical care or life support certification — list them in your education section or in an additional section at the bottom of your resume.

Template 10 of 44: NICU Nurse Resume Example

As a NICU nurse, you'll be working in a fast-paced and highly specialized environment, caring for some of the most vulnerable patients. When crafting your resume, it's important to emphasize your skills and experience that are especially relevant to neonatal intensive care. There's a recent trend in the industry that focuses on evidence-based practices and mental-health support for families, so showcasing your knowledge in these areas will give you an edge. Additionally, with advancements in technology and medical devices, many NICU departments prefer nurses who are skilled in using the latest equipment. Mention your experience with different monitors, ventilators, and other NICU-specific devices on your resume, as this can demonstrate your ability to adapt to a rapidly evolving field.

Tips to help you write your NICU Nurse resume in 2024

   highlight relevant certifications.

In addition to your RN license, emphasize any advanced certifications that are relevant to neonatal care, such as the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) or the Certification for Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing (RNC-NIC). These certifications demonstrate your commitment to providing high-quality care for NICU patients.

   Showcase your teamwork and collaboration skills

NICU nurses work closely with a multidisciplinary team of professionals. Highlight instances on your resume where you collaborated effectively with physicians, respiratory therapists, social workers, and other nurses to develop and implement comprehensive care plans for your patients.

Skills you can include on your NICU Nurse resume

Template 11 of 44: nicu nurse resume example.

Neonatal intensive care (NICU) nurses provide critical care for premature and severely ill infants. As an NICU nurse, you’ll also run NICU equipment, support women during labor, provide neonatal services to healthy newborns, and document patient histories. You’ll need a high level of compassion, the ability to work in a stressful, fast-paced environment, and specific skills in neonatal care, telemetry monitoring, and neonatal medical equipment.

   Tailored to the NICU nursing job

Tailoring your resume to the specific job you’re applying for is essential. One easy way to do this is by including a resume title that matches the job title. Another is to tailor your skills list — for example, by listing NICU-specific skills like neonatal health monitoring and assessment.

   List skills and certifications separately

If you’re listing additional qualifications and skills together in an “other” section of your resume, make sure you don’t just lump everything in together. Using separate subsections for skills and certifications allows you to list more information while ensuring that a recruiter can still easily skim your resume to find the information they’re looking for.

Template 12 of 44: Psychiatric Nurse Resume Example

As a psychiatric nurse, your role entails assessing, supporting, and treating patients with mental health disorders in a variety of settings. In recent years, there's been an increased focus on the importance of mental health care, which has led to a higher demand for psychiatric nurses. When crafting your resume, it's crucial to highlight your clinical experience, therapeutic communication skills, and empathy for patients, as these are qualities that set you apart in this specialized field. In addition to showcasing your clinical skills, it's also important to mention any specific areas of expertise or certifications you hold within the psychiatric nursing field. This not only demonstrates your dedication to the profession but helps you stand out to potential employers who may be seeking nurses with specialized experience to meet the evolving needs of mental health care.

Tips to help you write your Psychiatric Nurse resume in 2024

   emphasize therapeutic communication skills.

As a psychiatric nurse, your ability to communicate effectively with patients is paramount. Highlight your proficiency in therapeutic communication techniques, such as active listening, empathy, and validation to show potential employers that you can provide exceptional care to patients in need.

   Showcase specific mental health certifications

If you have any mental health certifications, like a Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse (CPMHN) credential or training in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), include these in your resume. This not only showcases your advanced knowledge in the field but indicates your commitment to continually improving your skills in psychiatric nursing.

Skills you can include on your Psychiatric Nurse resume

Template 13 of 44: psychiatric nurse resume example.

A psychiatric nurse is a specialized healthcare professional who focuses on the identification and treatment of psychiatric disorders. These nurses are responsible for determining a patient’s mental status, providing appropriate treatments and solutions, monitoring patient safety, and more. Psychiatric nurses must have a strong educational background in both psychiatry and general nursing. To land this role, you should have an undergraduate degree in psychology or nursing and then go on to earn your LPN or RN credential. Many people who land this role will have a dual-degree with a major in nursing and minor in psychology, or vice versa. After you’ve become a licensed nurse, you should gain hands-on psychiatric experience. Hiring managers will look for nurses who are sensitive to the needs of psychiatric patients, display great listening skills, and problem solving abilities.

   Highlight your ability to de-escalate and negotiate with patients

When dealing with psychiatric patients, you will need to have the ability to de-escalate high emotion situations, provide useful mental health interventions, and negotiate with agitated patients. It’s important to highlight any experience you have using these skills.

   Highlight your knowledge in behavioral analysis

Psychiatric nurses will identify problematic behaviors in patients and have the knowledge to prescribe treatment plans based on behavioral symptoms. As such, any knowledge in behavioral analysis or behavioral therapy will be valuable for this role.

Template 14 of 44: Psychiatric Nurse Resume Example

Psychiatric nurses are responsible for supporting patients with mental health and substance abuse issues. As a psychiatric nurse, you’ll be spending more time with a smaller number of patients, developing strong relationships and building trust in order to support patients over the long term. Soft skills in this role are a must, so use your accomplishments to highlight your empathy, resilience, and people skills.

   Short resume summary tailored to psychiatric nursing field

Including a summary at the top of your resume is a great idea if you want to provide extra context for your work history or quickly highlight one or two particularly impressive accomplishments. It’s also a handy place to put anything that doesn’t fit elsewhere on your resume — for example, if you’re changing careers or transitioning to a new specialization.

   Highlight transferable skills

Never list soft skills in your skills section. Instead, use your bullet points to highlight transferable skills. Rather than listing something like “attention to detail,” which is far too subjective, include a bullet point like “administered medications while ensuring correct dosage, frequency, and accuracy,” which shows how you demonstrated that skill in action.

Template 15 of 44: Nurse Case Manager Resume Example

Nurse Case Managers are vital in the healthcare industry as they coordinate patient care and improve healthcare outcomes. They manage and monitor patient cases, ensuring the best possible care is provided to address patients' unique needs. To write a resume for a Nurse Case Manager role, it's essential to stay up-to-date on industry trends and showcase the skills that make you an exceptional candidate. Emphasize your ability to work with interdisciplinary teams, manage patient cases, and navigate complex healthcare systems. In recent years, the focus on preventive care and patient advocacy has grown significantly. Therefore, a Nurse Case Manager's resume should demonstrate the ability to assess patients' needs holistically and develop personalized, comprehensive care plans. It's essential to show your understanding of the importance of patient-centered care and the impact of industry trends on your role as a Nurse Case Manager.

Tips to help you write your Nurse Case Manager resume in 2024

   highlight care coordination skills.

In your resume, emphasize your experience in coordinating care, working with interdisciplinary teams, and managing communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers. Nurse Case Managers need to effectively collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure seamless, efficient care delivery.

   Showcase your expertise in patient advocacy

Nurse Case Managers play a crucial role in advocating for the needs and preferences of their patients. Highlight instances where you've successfully advocated for patients, secured resources, or facilitated access to necessary services. This demonstrates your commitment to patient-centered care and your ability to navigate complex healthcare systems.

Skills you can include on your Nurse Case Manager resume

Template 16 of 44: nurse case manager resume example.

Nurse case managers are registered nurses (RNs) who provide dedicated recovery plans to individual patients, often in a hospital or acute care setting. In addition to licensure as an RN, you’ll need an understanding of patients’ health needs, the ability to monitor patients and work with other care professionals to ensure continued recovery, and the knowledge and background to source cost-effective care solutions.

   Includes numbers and metrics to emphasize case manager achievements

Including numbers and metrics on your resume isn’t just for show. Quantifying your achievements makes them more objective and reliable, and numbers speak to the exact nature of your achievement and its impact on the company or organization. Plus, they’re also just more impressive — consider “managed clinic referrals” versus “managed an average of 400 clinic referrals per month,” for example.

   Focuses on hard skills as a case manager

As a nurse case manager, you’ll need more than just people skills to succeed. Your resume should list any hard skills the job requires, including HCPCS, MEDITECH, and billing software. You should aim to pick 5-10 of the top skills you need and list them at the end of your resume, in a skills or additional information section.

Template 17 of 44: Nurse Case Manager Resume Example

Unlike most nursing positions, the role of a nurse case manager is more administrative in nature. As a nurse case manager, you’ll be in a supervisory role, with responsibilities including making decisions regarding budgets and scheduling, managing a team of nurses, and developing patient care plans. Your resume should highlight soft skills like leadership, decision making, and communication alongside hard skills in patient care and technology.

   Use hard numbers and metrics relevant to nursing

Using concrete numbers in your bullet points can be the best way to demonstrate your achievements. Instead of “lowered spending costs,” be specific and write “lowered spending costs by 25%.” If you led a team of 30, managed records for 500 patients, or oversaw a 26-bed unit, including those details will help your accomplishments stand out.

   Highlight key skills in nursing

In a role like nurse case manager that requires specific hard skills, you can list these in a separate skills section at the bottom of your resume. This includes specific software like HCPCS or MEDITECH systems, which are often keywords that hiring managers or applicant tracking systems (ATS) will be screening for.

Template 18 of 44: Nursing Student Resume Example

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.

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.

Skills you can include on your Nursing Student resume

Template 19 of 44: travel nurse resume example.

As a travel nurse, your resume should reflect your unique skill set and adaptability to different clinical environments. With the healthcare industry constantly evolving, it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and practices in the field. When writing your resume, showcase your experience in various medical settings and emphasize any specialized skills or certifications you hold. Travel nursing is all about being flexible and reliable, so highlight your ability to adapt quickly and maintain high-quality patient care in an ever-changing environment. In recent years, travel nursing has become more competitive, and employers are looking for candidates who can easily transition between different roles and facilities. Your resume should not only highlight your clinical skills and experience, but also demonstrate your strong communication and interpersonal skills to ensure seamless collaboration with your colleagues.

Tips to help you write your Travel Nurse resume in 2024

   demonstrate adaptability in clinical settings.

As a travel nurse, you'll be placed in various medical environments, so it's crucial to showcase your adaptability in your resume. Mention instances where you've successfully adjusted to new procedures, protocols, or environments, making sure to highlight the positive outcomes for your patients and team.

   Emphasize specialized skills and certifications

In the competitive world of travel nursing, having specialized skills and certifications can set you apart from other candidates. List any relevant training or certifications, such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN), to show potential employers that you're well-prepared for the challenges of travel nursing.

Skills you can include on your Travel Nurse resume

Template 20 of 44: travel nurse resume example.

Travel nursing is a unique experience, allowing you to travel across the United States or even around the world. Many travel nurses still work in traditional hospital and clinic settings, but on temporary contracts. As a travel nurse, you may be entitled to additional benefits, including a higher salary and free accommodation or tax-free housing stipend. You’ll need a high level of flexibility to succeed in this role.

   Use metrics to emphasize soft skills, like communication, which is core to nursing

Want to show off your leadership and teamwork skills? That’s great! Just don’t fall into the trap of listing soft skills in your skills section. Demonstrate them through your accomplishments instead, using metrics like “educated 15 precept nurses in best practices” or “collaborated with 10+ medical specialists” to emphasize how you’ve used these skills in a professional setting.

   Contact information includes LinkedIn profile (make sure your LinkedIn is up to date too!)

Your contact information is a small but important part of your resume. If you don’t already list your LinkedIn profile as a contact option at the top of your resume, you should. This is particularly true as a travel nurse, since you may be more difficult to contact than local applicants — especially if you’re in a different time zone.

Template 21 of 44: Nurse Practitioner Resume Example

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) role is a step forward from a registered nurse, allowing you to really hone in on a specialty of your choosing. As more healthcare facilities are seeking out NPs for their advanced training, it's a hot position on the market. You’re often the first point of contact for patients; this calls for a well-rounded combination of clinical expertise, empathy, and excellent communication skills. When crafting your resume, you need to reflect this diversity of skills and your potential as a healthcare leader. Healthcare trends lean towards a team-based approach, so your resume should showcase not only your clinical competencies but also your ability to work within interdisciplinary teams.

Tips to help you write your Nurse Practitioner resume in 2024

   highlight relevant certifications and specializations.

You've worked hard to obtain your specialized certifications in addition to your RN license. It's crucial to list them proudly on your resume. This could be a Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate or a Pediatric Primary Care NP certificate, for example. This really sets you apart in the NP field.

   Showcase your patient care outcomes

As an NP, results matter. Don't just say you've managed patient care - show the outcomes. Did you achieve a high patient satisfaction rating? Or maybe you led a project that reduced hospital readmissions? Any data you can provide to demonstrate your direct impact on patient care will make you stand out.

Skills you can include on your Nurse Practitioner resume

Template 22 of 44: nurse practitioner resume example.

Nurse practitioners serve as primary care practitioners, often with responsibilities approaching those of physicians. Nurse practitioners need at least a master’s degree but command a higher salary and a greater return on investment than a full medical doctorate. As a nurse practitioner, you’ll have the ability to perform physical examinations, prescribe medication, assist in surgical procedures, and even practice independently in some states.

   List your most relevant and recent experience first

Your work history should always be listed in chronological order, with your most recent experience at the top. The more recent and relevant the position, the more space it can command on your resume — you can get away with listing as many as 5-6 bullet points under your current job, while much older or less relevant roles should only get 1-2.

   Includes appropriate keywords relating to nurse practitioners

The higher responsibilities of a nurse practitioner mean you’ll need to emphasize a high level of skill and competency. Make sure you’re highlighting keywords that show your range of experience, including medical diagnosis, physical examination, education, consultation, and patient care.

Template 23 of 44: New Grad Nurse Resume Example

As a new grad nurse, you're entering an ever-evolving healthcare field with unique challenges. Your resume should not only showcase your nursing skills but also emphasize your adaptability and eagerness to learn. Employers are looking for candidates who can adapt to changes in the industry and effectively communicate with patients and colleagues alike. Healthcare organizations are increasingly focusing on patient satisfaction and outcomes, so highlighting your clinical experience and ability to work in various settings will position you as a strong candidate for such roles. When writing your resume, it’s vital to be specific about your nursing education, clinical rotations, and any relevant certifications.

Tips to help you write your New Grad Nurse resume in 2024

   highlight clinical rotations and experiences.

Detail the clinical rotations you completed during your nursing program, describing the type of units you worked on and the skills you gained. Showcase any experiences in diverse or high-acuity settings to demonstrate your adaptability and competence.

   Emphasize soft skills and teamwork

Since new grad nurses often work in interdisciplinary teams, emphasize your soft skills, such as communication, empathy, and collaboration. Use specific examples from clinical rotations or team projects to showcase your ability to work effectively with others.

Skills you can include on your New Grad Nurse resume

Template 24 of 44: new grad nurse resume example.

As a new graduate nurse, you're entering a highly competitive job market where employers are seeking the best candidates to fill their open positions. In recent years, the nursing industry has seen an increasing demand for skilled nurses, but also a higher number of job applicants. To stand out, it's crucial that your resume effectively showcases your education, clinical experience, and key strengths. Crafting a tailored resume will not only help you land interviews, but also demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to a career in nursing. Resumes are particularly important in the nursing field, as hiring managers need to assess your clinical competencies, ability to work under pressure, and adaptability. Both tactical and strategic recommendations can help you create a resume that highlights your skills and makes you an attractive candidate for potential employers.

As a new grad nurse, you might lack extensive work experience, so it's important to emphasize your clinical rotations and any hands-on experiences you've had during your education. Include the facility's name, department, and a brief description of the patient population and any specialized skills you practiced.

   Focus on soft skills and certifications

While technical skills are essential, nursing is also about communication, empathy, and teamwork. Highlight your soft skills, such as active listening, problem-solving, and time management, throughout your resume. Additionally, mention any relevant certifications (e.g., BLS, ACLS) that showcase your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Template 25 of 44: New Grad Nurse Resume Example

As a new graduate nurse, you’ll face a steep learning curve, so be prepared to learn and adapt on the go. Without much professional work history on your resume, you should highlight any nursing experience you’ve gained during your studies, including student nursing placements, clinical practicums, and any experience as a technician or extern.

   Includes student nursing and practicum experience

As a new grad, hiring managers aren’t expecting you to have extensive work experience. Any experience you’ve gained as a nursing student or early in your career can go on your resume in place of paid work experience. Simply list your practicums and student nursing experience the same way you would any job, using action verbs to highlight your accomplishments.

   Lists specific skills relevant to nursing

Even graduate nurses need a firm grounding in essential skills. When it comes to your skills section, be explicit about the skills you’re proficient in, but don’t feel the need to list every skill you’ve ever learned — choose the top ten or so skills that fit the specific job you’re applying for and list those.

Template 26 of 44: Director of Nursing Resume Example

Also called a nursing director, this professional is tasked with managing and overseeing the nursing staff in a healthcare establishment. Some of your tasks will include distributing nurses and resources effectively, creating targets and strategies for the department, and ensuring that all nurses under you follow all healthcare protocols and regulations. To qualify for this job you will need a degree in nursing and an RN license. Beyond that, you will need to show managerial and leadership experience in the nursing field. You must have the ability to work under pressure and in a very fast-paced environment and you must have critical problem-solving skills. Take a look at this successful resume sample.

Tips to help you write your Director of Nursing resume in 2024

   show a career progression in nursing..

The director of nursing position is a very senior position. Recruiters will appreciate seeing a steady upward career progression reflected on your resume. It will give them confidence that you understand the jobs and functions of all your subordinates and will also show them that you are an excellent and driven employee. This applicant has risen in the ranks from a registered nurse to a director of nursing.

   Use metrics to show maximized efficiency and minimized cost.

As much as healthcare facilities are built to offer healthcare to the community, they still need to work to maximize efficiency and reduce costs without reducing the standard of care. It is usually a balancing game that all healthcare directors must play. It is beneficial to show recruiters how successful you have been at increasing efficiency or reducing costs without affecting the standard of care. Use metrics to further impress recruiters. This applicant has done this very effectively.

Skills you can include on your Director of Nursing resume

Template 27 of 44: nursing supervisor resume example.

As the name suggests, a nursing supervisor supervises the nursing staff at a healthcare facility. Tasks you can expect include assigning staff, interviewing incoming nurses, monitoring the nurses, and overseeing patient care. Your main function is to ensure your nursing staff is providing the best possible care and that they are satisfied and happy in their jobs. Your resume must show a degree or diploma in nursing and you must have a valid nursing license. Beyond that recruiters would appreciate any history as a nursing supervisor and evidence of great organizational and interpersonal skills. Here is a recruiter-approved resume sample.

Tips to help you write your Nursing Supervisor resume in 2024

   highlight the nursing teams you have worked with and their relevant achievements..

This is a leadership role and as such recruiters would like to see the size of nursing staff you have managed in the past and the kind of things the team has been able to achieve under your leadership. For example, this applicant supervised 25 nurses in their most recent position, and under the applicant’s leadership, the team managed to the reduce infection rate by 76%.

   Begin your resume with a key achievement.

Including a key achievement in the introduction is a great way to get recruiters impressed from the beginning of your resume. They are bound to look more favorably on the rest of your resume because of it. Try and include a nursing supervisor achievement that is rare or hard to achieve.

Skills you can include on your Nursing Supervisor resume

Template 28 of 44: er nurse resume example.

As an ER nurse, you're on the front lines of healthcare, providing immediate care and treatment to patients in crisis. Nowadays, hospitals and clinics are on the lookout for nurses who not only possess the necessary skills and qualifications, but also display resilience, adaptability, and the ability to work under immense pressure. When crafting your resume for ER nurse roles, remember it's your chance to show how you've excelled in high-stress situations, and how you've used your skills to improve patient outcomes. Moreover, with the recent impact of COVID-19 on healthcare settings, there's a significant increase in demand for ER nurses with experience in infectious diseases, as well as experience supporting critically ill patients. Your resume needs to reflect these industry demands and trends, displaying your comprehensive understanding of emergency care, including your familiarity with ventilators, and infectious disease protocol.

Tips to help you write your ER Nurse resume in 2024

   emphasize on-job emergency experience.

You should make a point to list the types of emergencies you've handled. Have you treated patients in trauma situations? Have you dealt with cardiac arrests, strokes, or acute respiratory issues? Showing your breadth of on-job emergency experience can make your resume stand out.

   Showcase infectious disease understanding

Given the recent pandemic, hospitals are particularly interested in ER nurses who understand infectious diseases. Include specific training or experiences you've had dealing with infectious diseases - this could be anything from measles, to COVID-19.

Skills you can include on your ER Nurse resume

Template 29 of 44: er nurse resume example.

Being an ER Nurse is no walk in the park. This job requires a unique blend of quick thinking, medical expertise, and genuine compassion. When you're crafting your resume, it's essential to wrap this trifecta in a neat, compelling package. Recently, there's been a trend of emphasizing special skills like triage, emergency procedures, and trauma care. More and more, ER Nursing roles require a balance of technical abilities and emotional intelligence. Therefore, your resume needs to show not just your qualifications, but also your knack for handling stressful situations and interacting with patients. Additionally, these days the hiring process has evolved considerably. Many hospitals and healthcare institutions use Application Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter through the flood of resumes. To dodge this digital gatekeeper, you need to include relevant keywords and demonstrate your experience through quantifiable achievements. A well-made ER nurse resume is not just a list of duties, but a showcase of your skills and contributions in a high-pressure environment.

   Detail your emergency room skill set

It's crucial to list down the specific skills that make you a great ER nurse. For instance, if you're proficient in emergency procedures, acute patient care, or triage, do mention them. If you have crisis management skills, don't forget to include that too.

   Feature scenarios where you shone

Describe situations where your quick thinking and nursing skills made a significant difference. It could be a life-saving intervention or a time when you managed a serious crisis. Just remember—it's not bragging if it's fact.

Template 30 of 44: Clinical Rotation Nurse Resume Example

Being a Clinical Rotation Nurse is a unique role in the healthcare field. It’s a position where you'll gain hands-on experience across numerous departments, such as the ER, ICU, and Pediatrics, giving you a versatile skill set. As the healthcare sector evolves, many hospitals are looking for nurses with varied experience, making Clinical Rotation Nurses increasingly valuable. When crafting your resume, keep in mind that hiring managers are looking for evidence of your adaptability, quick learning, and breadth of nursing experience across different departments.

Tips to help you write your Clinical Rotation Nurse resume in 2024

   include specific clinical rotations experience.

On your resume, explicitly list the clinical rotations you've completed and the related skills gained. Remember, this position's essence is to gain diverse experiences. Mention the departments you've worked in and the unique practices you learned there.

   Illustrate Problem-solving Skills

As a Clinical Rotation Nurse, you must rapidly adapt to new environments and challenges. Use examples to depict how you've employed problem-solving skills during your rotations. Maybe you dealt with a unique patient case, or implemented a new process that improved patient care.

Skills you can include on your Clinical Rotation Nurse resume

Template 31 of 44: charge nurse resume example.

The Charge Nurse role is a pivotal one in healthcare. As a Charge Nurse, you're essentially the team leader, the one who sets the pace and coordinates the entire nursing staff. It's a job heavily reliant on excellent communication and management skills. Nowadays, nurses are not just caregivers but also patient educators and advocates, role flexibility that employers love. So one key thing when writing your resume is showcasing how you perform nursing tasks while leading the team. Additionally, with the digitization trend in healthcare, showcasing comfort and competency with medical software or telehealth can really make you stand out. The industry has shifted slightly too, employers are putting a lot of emphasis on soft skills. They want leaders who can handle high-stress situations, manage conflicts and bring teams together. So, your resume should reflect not just the tasks you can perform but also your leadership style and how that contributes to an efficient and collaborative work environment.

Tips to help you write your Charge Nurse resume in 2024

   include key leadership accomplishments.

As a Charge Nurse, your leadership accomplishments can set you apart from other candidates. Ensure to include specific instances where your leadership led to improved patient outcomes or staff efficiency. Use numbers or percentages to quantify these improvements.

   Showcase Digital Competency

With the rise of telehealth and digital record keeping, it's important to demonstrate your capability in navigating such platforms. If you've used these technologies, or even led the implementation, highlight this experience on your resume.

Skills you can include on your Charge Nurse resume

Template 32 of 44: charge nurse resume example.

Being a Charge Nurse is an interesting blend of clinical expertise and leadership. You not only need to be up-to-date with the latest medical practices, but also have the ability to manage a team and coordinate patient care. Recent trends in the industry show an increased demand for Charge Nurses with advanced degrees and certifications, like a MSN or a CNL. When writing a resume for a Charge Nurse, understand that hiring managers are looking for both your clinical competence and your leadership abilities. They want to see your capacity to manage a team and improve patient care, alongside your nursing skills.

   Showcase Leadership Experience

As the Charge Nurse role involves managing a team of nurses, it's vital to display your experience in leadership roles. Include details of previous positions where you were in charge, even if it was outside of healthcare. Describe your responsibilities and any improvements you implemented.

   Highlight Certifications and Education

In this role, academic qualifications, like a master's degree in nursing or relevant certifications, provide an edge. Therefore, you should clearly list your degrees, courses, or any nursing specializations you've attained. But remember, don’t just resort to listing them, delve into how they will be beneficial for your role as a Charge Nurse.

Template 33 of 44: Remote Nurse Resume Example

If you're seeking a remote nursing position, your resume needs to reflect your unique set of skills. Remote nursing roles often require a higher level of independence, self-motivation, and tech savvy abilities, as you won't have physical assistance from colleagues or direct supervision. The recent shift towards telehealth and online patient care, especially during COVID-19, has created a surge in these types of roles. When you're putting together your resume, remember that hiring managers for remote roles are looking for specifics - they want to see how your skills translate to the digital realm. With the rise of digital health platforms, telemedicine, and remote patient monitoring, quite a few healthcare providers are seeking remote nurses who are comfortable with technology. While traditional nursing skills are important, you also need to demonstrate your familiarity with these new technologies and how you've used them in patient care. Your resume should not just outline your skills, but also showcase how those skills were applied in a remote context - a nurses' station is vastly different from a home office.

Tips to help you write your Remote Nurse resume in 2024

   emphasize your technical competencies.

With remote nursing, your ability to use various software and applications for patient care is more important than ever. Include in your resume specific programs and tools you're comfortable using, such as telehealth platforms or electronic health record systems.

   Showcase your communication and self-management skills

As a remote nurse, you won't have in-person contact with patients or team members. Demonstrate how you've managed patient care from a distance and the methods of communication you've effectively utilized, such as video calls, emails, and instant messaging.

Skills you can include on your Remote Nurse resume

Template 34 of 44: preceptor nurse resume example.

Being a Preceptor Nurse means you're a blend of mentor, educator, and leader. You guide newly hired nurses or student nurses through the complexities of the real-world nursing environment. The role itself is evolving, as many healthcare institutions are increasingly recognizing the importance of structured mentoring programs to improve staff retention and patient outcomes. So, in your resume, you need to strike a balance between showcasing your clinical prowess and your ability to effectively instruct and inspire others. Make sure to highlight your nursing experience, specialized skills, and ability to shape fellow nurses' careers.

Tips to help you write your Preceptor Nurse resume in 2024

   demonstrate your leadership and mentoring abilities.

It's imperative that you convey your skills in mentoring, leadership, and supervision, as these are vital for a Preceptor Nurse role. Make sure to include specific instances where you have guided, trained, or supervised new or student nurses in your previous job roles.

   Showcase your advanced clinical skills

As a Preceptor Nurse, you are expected to have advanced clinical skills that you can teach others. On your resume, list any specialized nursing experience or skills you have, using concrete examples from your work history. This could be your ability to handle complex medical equipment, specific procedures you're skilled in, or even patient handling techniques.

Skills you can include on your Preceptor Nurse resume

Template 35 of 44: relief charge nurse resume example.

A Relief Charge Nurse is a unique nursing role where you have to show your versatility and adaptability. Being a transitional leader, you're not just filling in the gaps, but actively steering the unit during your shift. Lately, I've seen a trend for companies seeking nurses skilled in crisis management and staff delegation, reflecting our challenging healthcare environment. When you're crafting your resume for this role, remember, you need to illustrate how you've tackled tough situations and made critical decisions under pressure, all while providing excellent patient care. For this role, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to step in and lead. Your resume should articulate how you've handled both clinical and administrative tasks, while seamlessly transitioning between regular and relief charge nurse duties.

Tips to help you write your Relief Charge Nurse resume in 2024

   show your leadership skills.

Be specific about your experience as a nurse leader. Did you lead a team during a crisis? Have you mentored junior nurses? Discuss these instances, focusing on the number of people you've managed and the outcomes you've achieved.

   Showcase your adaptability

Relief Charge Nurse roles require flexibility. Display moments where you've stepped into different roles or handled fluctuating patient volumes. Remember, it's about showing how well you cope with change and unexpected situations.

Skills you can include on your Relief Charge Nurse resume

Template 36 of 44: lpn nurse (licensed practical nurse) resume example.

Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is all about showing you've got the chops to provide high-level care under the guidance of registered nurses and physicians. When crafting your resume, remember that it's not just about showing your clinical skills, but also demonstrating your ability to support patients emotionally. This field is rapidly changing with technologies like telemedicine and electronic health records becoming more prominent, which means you need to show you can keep up. Given that many LPNs work in elder care, where we're seeing a surge in demand, emphasize any relevant experience or skills in this area.

Tips to help you write your LPN Nurse (Licensed Practical Nurse) resume in 2024

   include relevant certifications and training.

As an LPN, you've likely completed a bunch of certifications, such as IV therapy or gerontology. Make sure these are clearly outlined in your resume, particularly if they're ones that the job description specifically mentions.

   Detail your patient care experience

Hiring managers want to see that you can handle patient care responsibilities, so include details of the type of care you've provided. For instance, if you worked in a long-term care facility, describe how you managed patient hygiene, medication administration, and vital signs monitoring.

Skills you can include on your LPN Nurse (Licensed Practical Nurse) resume

Template 37 of 44: lpn nurse (licensed practical nurse) resume example.

As you pursue a role in the world of nursing as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), you must be prepared to showcase your unique blend of clinical skills and empathy. In recent times, healthcare settings are increasingly relying on LPNs not just for basic nursing care but for their ability to connect with patients. They appreciate LPNs who can balance human touch with technical proficiency. So, when drafting your resume, remember to present a compelling mix of your technical knowledge, patient care skills, and ability to work under pressure. The industry is moving towards more specialized care, which means your resume needs to emphasize any specific nursing skills or areas of expertise you've developed. Similarly, companies value LPNs who are continuous learners and are adapting to the evolving healthcare landscape. It's critical to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing education and upskilling on your resume.

   Show your hands-on experience

Keep in mind, recruiters are likely to favor LPN applicants who can prove real-world experience. Be sure to detail your clinical rotations, duties performed, and the types of healthcare settings you've worked in.

   Emphasize your specialized skills

If you have expertise in a specialized area like geriatrics, palliative care, or rehabilitation, make it prominent on your resume. Don't bury unique skills, these can set you apart from other LPN applicants.

Template 38 of 44: LVN Nurse (Licensed Vocational Nurse) Resume Example

As an LVN (Licensed Vocicational Nurse), you have a key role in healthcare that is rewarding and challenging. The demand for LVNs is quite high due to an aging population and an increasing need for healthcare services. However, the competition for positions in prestigious facilities is as fierce as ever. Your resume, therefore, needs to clearly communicate your technical skills, hands-on nursing experience, and compassion for patients. And although patient care is paramount, do not underestimate the importance of displaying soft skills such as communication and teamwork. Keeping up-to-date with current trends, such as the shift towards home health care, can also give your resume an edge.

Tips to help you write your LVN Nurse (Licensed Vocational Nurse) resume in 2024

   include relevant certifications and trainings.

As an LVN, you've probably undergone additional training or earned complementary certifications, like IV certification or wound care. Include these to demonstrate your commitment to continuing education and to stand out from the competition.

   Emphasize your patient care experience

You should explicitly list the types of care you have provided to patients. Whether it's administering medication, assisting with personal hygiene, or working with specific patient populations (like geriatrics or pediatrics), your experiences can make you particularly attractive to certain employers.

Skills you can include on your LVN Nurse (Licensed Vocational Nurse) resume

Template 39 of 44: lvn nurse (licensed vocational nurse) resume example.

As a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), you play a vital role in the healthcare industry, often serving as the backbone of patient care. Your resume should reflect your robust skills set — your ability to assist with diagnostic tests, take vital signs, and provide emotional support to patients. Recently, the industry's focus has increasingly shifted to holistic care, and as an LVN, you're more likely to work in interdisciplinary teams. When crafting your resume, it's essential to convey the breadth of your nursing skills and your ability to work well with a diverse set of professionals. In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, trends tend to focus on emerging technologies and automation of administrative duties. This doesn't reduce the value of an LVN, but rather increases the demand for interpersonal and technical skills. Your resume should show your adaptability to new technologies, and your knack for juggling both patient interaction and administrative tasks. Remember, your resume doesn’t just outline your past jobs—it tells your professional story, offering a glimpse into who you are as an LVN.

   Showcase your expertise in patient care

To stand out as an LVN, you should convey your extensive knowledge in basic patient care. This includes taking vitals, administering medications, and wound care. Make sure to detail your hands-on experiences in these tasks on your resume.

   Highlight your technical and interpersonal skills

Since the LVN role involves working with a variety of tech tools and diverse teams, your resume should reflect your ability to navigate both. Mention any software you're proficient in, and provide examples of your teamwork skills within your past roles.

Template 40 of 44: ICU Charge Nurse Resume Example

As an ICU Charge Nurse, you're the backbone of the Intensive Care Unit, handling not only patient care but team leadership as well. In recent times, the demand for experienced and skilled ICU charge nurses has soared; critical care has become a focal point due to the pandemic. When writing your resume, remember ICU charge nursing is not just about medical proficiency, but also leadership and crisis management. With hospitals increasingly prioritizing these qualities, it's crucial to convey these attributes effectively on your resume. Balancing between the dual nature of the role, both as a nurse and a team leader, can be challenging. However, your resume should demonstrate your nursing expertise while not neglecting your leadership acumen. Ensure you portray yourself as a competent medical professional and a proficient manager, adaptable to high-pressure situations, and capable of making crucial decisions swiftly.

Tips to help you write your ICU Charge Nurse resume in 2024

   emphasize your leadership achievements.

You should detail your leadership roles and accomplishments in your previous positions, specifically in crisis situations. Explain how you coordinated the team, handled emergencies, and managed resources efficiently. It's critical to show you can successfully lead a team under stress.

   Demonstrate your specialized ICU nursing knowledge

As an ICU Charge Nurse, you need advanced knowledge in areas such as mechanical ventilation, advanced life support, and patient assessment. Provide specific examples of how you have used this specialized knowledge in critical situations to improve patient outcomes.

Skills you can include on your ICU Charge Nurse resume

Template 41 of 44: prior authorization nurse resume example.

When creating a resume for a Prior Authorization Nurse, it doesn't follow the traditional nursing resume structure. It's essential to know that though medical knowledge is a plus, employers look out for administrative prowess and excellent communication skills. In the recent past, companies hiring for the prior authorization nurse role focus on those with solid experience in insurance protocols, and electronic health record (EHR) systems. Realistically, when writing your resume, you'll need to emphasize these aspects. Moreover, with the healthcare industry becoming more digitized and the significance of cost management, there's an increasing demand for nurses who can navigate insurance issues efficiently. You must consider this when crafting your resume — underscore your capability in handling insurance matters and proficiency in digital health systems.

Tips to help you write your Prior Authorization Nurse resume in 2024

   emphasize insurance knowledge.

Understanding insurance company operations, criteria for prior authorizations and claims processes is crucial. Ensure you elaborate on your grasp of Medicare and Medicaid procedures, private insurance policies and your ability to interpret and apply complex insurance documents.

   Detail Proficiency in EHR Systems

With the move towards digitization in healthcare, you should underscore your proficiency in EHR systems. Discuss your experience in using these platforms for patient data management, billing, and prior authorization requests. It will demonstrate your ability to work efficiently in today's digital health environment.

Skills you can include on your Prior Authorization Nurse resume

Template 42 of 44: clinic nurse resume example.

As a clinic nurse, your role is extremely dynamic and multifaceted. Your resume should reflect this. You're not just administering care to patients but educating them, assisting physicians, and keeping track of medical records. An increasing trend in the healthcare industry is the need for nurses to be technologically adept to handle electronic health record systems. Writing your resume for this role needs strategic emphasis on these unique skill areas. When penning down your resume, bear in mind that you're writing for hiring managers possibly shifting through hundreds of applications. They're looking for the standout features they can pick up in seconds. Make their job easy by providing punchy, concise details of your experiences and skills.

Tips to help you write your Clinic Nurse resume in 2024

   showcase your technical competency.

As more healthcare facilities embrace technology, your competence in using electronic health record systems is of high value. Mention specific systems you have experience with and any related accomplishments.

   Highlight patient education skills

As a clinic nurse, you're often the bridge between doctors and patients, translating complex medical jargon into understandable terms. Illustrate instances in your career where your ability to educate patients made a marked difference, be it in patient recovery, satisfaction scores or clinic efficiency.

Skills you can include on your Clinic Nurse resume

Template 43 of 44: medical surgical nurse resume example.

Medical Surgical Nurses, or Med Surg Nurses, are a vital part of the healthcare team. They work in a highly dynamic environment, providing care to patients post-surgery, and are often the ones providing round-the-clock monitoring. The medical field is evolving rapidly, with technological developments influencing care delivery methods. Therefore, in writing your resume, you need to showcase your ability to adapt and learn quickly. It's also important to note that the healthcare sector is increasingly seeking a holistic approach to patient care. This means demonstrating not only your technical skills but also your capability to provide patient-centered care.

Tips to help you write your Medical Surgical Nurse resume in 2024

   evidence of continuous learning.

In this rapidly changing field, it's critical to show that you're up to date. Include any additional training or certifications you've obtained, especially those relating to new technologies or procedures in surgical care.

   Demonstrate a blend of skills

Beyond your clinical skills, recruiters are looking for nurses who can provide compassionate patient care. Be sure to include experiences that emphasize your communication skills, empathy, and ability to work in a team.

Skills you can include on your Medical Surgical Nurse resume

Template 44 of 44: patient care technician resume example.

Patient Care Technician roles are evolving rapidly with the ever-changing dynamics of the healthcare field. Nowadays, PCTs do much more than just direct patient care; they are often involved in medical record maintenance and can even assist with minor procedures. This increased responsibility has made it crucial for PCTs to demonstrate a wider range of skills on their resumes. Not only medical knowledge and hands-on skills, but soft skills like communication and teamwork are rising to the forefront. Remember, while the trend is to digitize, the role remains hands-on, and your resume should reflect this balance. In crafting your resume, it's important to know that hiring managers are seeking versatile candidates who can swiftly adapt to new protocols and technologies, while still delivering high-quality patient care. The key here is to clearly project both your technical proficiency and human touch. So when you're working on your resume, work towards striking that perfect balance.

Tips to help you write your Patient Care Technician resume in 2024

   showcase your certifications and training.

As a Patient Care Technician, your certifications and specialized training are essential and should take center stage on your resume. Clearly, list your PCT certification, CPR training, any additional relevant certifications, and your proficiency in using electronic health record software.

   Highlight patient care experiences and achievements

To paint a full picture of your practical skills, mention specific experiences where you provided high-quality care to patients. For example, you might talk about a time when you effectively managed the care of multiple critically ill patients. If you've ever been recognized for your patient care skills, don't hesitate to share that too.

Skills you can include on your Patient Care Technician resume

As a hiring manager who has recruited nurses at top hospitals like Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Johns Hopkins, I've seen countless nursing resumes. The best ones always stand out by showcasing the candidate's unique skills, experience, and impact in a clear and concise way. Here are some tips to help you create a strong nursing resume that will catch the attention of hiring managers and help you land your dream job.

   Highlight your nursing specializations and certifications

Nursing is a broad field with many specializations. Make sure to highlight your specific areas of expertise and any relevant certifications you have earned. This will help you stand out from other candidates and show that you have the skills and knowledge needed for the job.

Here are some examples of how to showcase your specializations and certifications:

• Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCCN) with 5+ years of experience in intensive care units
• Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) with expertise in administering chemotherapy and managing cancer patients
• Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) skilled in assessing and treating complex wounds

   Quantify your nursing achievements and impact

When describing your nursing experience, don't just list your job duties. Instead, focus on the impact you made and the results you achieved. Use specific numbers and metrics to quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.

Here are some examples:

• Reduced patient falls by 50% through implementing a new fall prevention protocol
• Improved patient satisfaction scores from 75% to 95% by providing compassionate and attentive care
• Trained and mentored 20+ new graduate nurses to help them transition to practice

In contrast, here are some examples of what not to do:

• Provided patient care
• Administered medications
• Collaborated with healthcare team

   Tailor your resume to the specific nursing job

One mistake many job seekers make is using the same generic resume for every job application. Instead, take the time to tailor your resume to the specific nursing position you are applying for.

Here's how:

• Read the job description carefully and identify the key skills and qualifications the employer is looking for
• Highlight any relevant experience or accomplishments that match those requirements
• Use the same language and terminology as the job description to show that you are a good fit

For example, if the job description emphasizes experience with electronic health records (EHR), make sure to include any EHR systems you have used and how you leveraged them to improve patient care.

   Showcase your nursing soft skills

While technical skills are important for nurses, soft skills are equally crucial. Employers want nurses who are compassionate, empathetic, and able to work well in a team. Make sure to highlight these soft skills in your resume.

Some examples of nursing soft skills include:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and in fast-paced environments
• Attention to detail and ability to multitask
• Empathy and compassion for patients and their families

You can showcase these skills through your job descriptions, achievements, and even volunteer experiences. For example:

• Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement a patient education program
• Provided emotional support and guidance to patients and families during end-of-life care

   Include any relevant volunteer experience or leadership roles

Nursing resumes shouldn't just include paid work experience. Any relevant volunteer experience or leadership roles you have held can also help you stand out to employers.

For example:

• Volunteered at a local free clinic, providing basic healthcare services to underserved populations
• Served as a board member for the American Nurses Association, advocating for nurses and advancing the profession
• Led a quality improvement project to reduce hospital-acquired infections, resulting in a 30% decrease in infection rates

These experiences show that you are dedicated to the nursing profession and have taken on additional responsibilities outside of your day-to-day job duties. They can help demonstrate your leadership skills, initiative, and commitment to providing high-quality patient care.

Writing Your Nursing Resume: Section By Section

  header, 1. include your full name and credentials.

Start your header with your full name, followed by your nursing credentials. This quickly establishes your identity and qualifications. For example:

• Jane Smith, RN, BSN
• Michael Johnson, APRN, MSN, FNP-C

Avoid nicknames or short forms of your name. Use your legal name as it appears on your nursing license. If you have a preferred name you go by, you can note that in parentheses.

Elizabeth (Liz) Thompson, RN

2. Add your phone number and email

Next, add your phone number and email on a single line below your name. This makes it easy for hiring managers or recruiters to contact you. For example:

• [email protected] | 123-456-7890
• [email protected] • 987-654-3210

Double check that your email address is professional. Avoid outdated email providers or informal handles like:

• [email protected]

Instead, stick with a standard format using your name and a modern provider like Gmail.

3. Decide if you should include your location

In the past, including your full mailing address was standard. However, with more digital and remote job searching today, including your city and state is usually sufficient. For example:

• Seattle, WA
• Tampa, Florida

If you're applying for jobs in a different city than where you currently live, consider listing your targeted location instead. This signals to employers that you are serious about relocating for the role.

In some cases, you may decide to omit your location entirely, especially if you are searching for fully remote nursing roles.

  Summary

As a nurse, your resume summary is an opportunity to highlight your most relevant qualifications, skills, and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for the role. While a summary is optional, it can be particularly useful if you are a career changer or have a diverse background that may not be immediately apparent from your work history alone.

When crafting your summary, focus on your nursing expertise, specializations, and key accomplishments. Avoid using an objective statement, as it shifts the focus away from what you can offer the employer. Instead, use your summary to provide a snapshot of your nursing career and the value you bring to the position.

To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your Nursing resume, or figure out if you need one, please read Nursing Resume Summary Examples , or Nursing Resume Objective Examples .

1. Tailor your summary to the specific nursing role

When writing your nursing resume summary, it's essential to customize it to the specific role you are applying for. This demonstrates to the hiring manager that you have carefully considered how your skills and experiences align with their needs. Consider the following examples:

• Experienced registered nurse seeking a challenging position in a healthcare facility.
• Dedicated and compassionate nurse with 5+ years of experience in various healthcare settings.

While these summaries provide an overview of the candidate's nursing background, they lack specificity and fail to target a particular nursing role. Instead, try something like this:

• Critical care nurse with 5+ years of experience in fast-paced ICU environments, skilled in managing high-acuity patients and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
• Pediatric nurse with 3+ years of experience in providing compassionate care to children and their families, adept at patient education and fostering a positive healthcare experience.

2. Highlight your nursing specializations and expertise

As a nurse, you may have specialized skills or certifications that set you apart from other candidates. Your resume summary is an excellent place to showcase these qualifications and demonstrate your expertise in a particular area of nursing. For example:

Oncology nurse with 7+ years of experience in providing comprehensive care to cancer patients. Certified Oncology Nurse (OCN) with expertise in chemotherapy administration, symptom management, and patient education. Skilled in collaborating with oncologists and multidisciplinary teams to develop personalized treatment plans and improve patient outcomes.

By highlighting your oncology nursing certification and specific skills related to cancer care, you demonstrate your specialized knowledge and commitment to professional development in this field.

3. Quantify your accomplishments and impact

To make your nursing resume summary more impactful, include quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your value as a healthcare professional. This could include metrics related to patient outcomes, process improvements, or leadership initiatives. Consider the following examples:

• Experienced nurse with strong clinical skills and a commitment to patient care.
• Skilled in managing a busy unit and mentoring new nurses.

While these summaries touch on important nursing skills, they lack specific, quantifiable evidence of the candidate's impact. Instead, try incorporating metrics like this:

• Experienced emergency room nurse who treated an average of 50 patients per shift, maintaining a 95% patient satisfaction rating.
• Nurse leader who mentored and trained 15 new graduate nurses, resulting in a 20% reduction in staff turnover rates.

To identify your key accomplishments and quantify your impact, reflect on your nursing career and consider instances where you:

• Improved patient outcomes or satisfaction
• Implemented process or quality improvements
• Assumed leadership roles or mentored others
• Received recognition or awards for your work

By highlighting these achievements in your summary, you'll give hiring managers a clear picture of the value you can bring to their organization.

For more insights on crafting a compelling resume, try using Score My Resume , which provides instant, expert feedback on your resume based on 30+ key criteria that hiring managers look for.

  Experience

Your work experience is the most important section of your nursing resume. It's where you show recruiters and hiring managers how you've applied your skills to make an impact for previous employers. It's also the best place to position yourself as a qualified applicant.

In this section, we'll break down everything you need to know about writing an effective work experience section for your nursing resume, including what to include and what to leave out, how to list your work experience, and tips for making your experience stand out.

1. Focus on your relevant nursing experience

When listing your work experience, it's important to focus on the nursing positions that are most relevant to the job you're applying for. This means including your clinical experience, as well as any relevant volunteer work, internships, or externships.

Be specific when describing your nursing experience. Instead of simply listing your job duties, use action verbs to describe how you contributed to patient care, improved processes, or made an impact on your unit.

• Developed and implemented a new patient education program that reduced medication errors by 15%
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to create a fall prevention protocol that decreased patient falls by 20%
• Provided compassionate end-of-life care to patients and their families, ensuring their comfort and dignity

2. Quantify your accomplishments with metrics

Whenever possible, use metrics to quantify your accomplishments and show the impact of your work. This helps recruiters and hiring managers understand the scope of your experience and how you can contribute to their organization.

For example, instead of saying:

• Responsible for administering medications to patients
• Administered medications to up to 20 patients per shift, ensuring accurate dosing and timely delivery

Other examples of metrics you can use include:

• Number of patients served
• Infection control rates
• Patient satisfaction scores
• Number of staff trained or supervised

3. Highlight your clinical skills and expertise

Your nursing resume should showcase your clinical skills and expertise, as well as your ability to work effectively in a healthcare setting. Use your work experience section to highlight specific skills and competencies that are relevant to the job you're applying for.

This can include:

• Patient assessment and triage
• Medication administration
• Patient and family education
• Electronic health record (EHR) documentation

Skilled in conducting comprehensive patient assessments, developing individualized care plans, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Proficient in EHR documentation using Epic and Cerner systems.

4. Include relevant certifications and training

In addition to your clinical experience, be sure to include any relevant certifications, training, or continuing education you've completed. This shows your commitment to staying current in your field and can help set you apart from other candidates.

Some examples of certifications and training to include:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)
• Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN)

You can also include any relevant coursework or academic projects that demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in a particular area of nursing.

  Education

The education section of your nursing resume is a crucial component that showcases your academic background and qualifications. It demonstrates to employers that you have the necessary knowledge and training to excel in the nursing field. Here are some key tips to keep in mind when crafting your education section:

1. Highlight your nursing degree

As a nursing professional, your nursing degree is the most important aspect of your education section. Make sure to prominently feature your degree, including the full name of the degree, the institution you attended, and the year of graduation.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Graduated: May 2018

2. Include relevant coursework and clinical experience

If you are a recent graduate or have limited work experience, you can strengthen your education section by including relevant coursework and clinical experience. This helps employers understand the specific skills and knowledge you gained during your nursing education.

Avoid listing every course you took. Instead, focus on courses that are directly relevant to the nursing position you are applying for, such as:

• Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Pharmacology for Nurses
• Community Health Nursing

3. Showcase your nursing licenses and certifications

In addition to your nursing degree, it is crucial to highlight your nursing licenses and certifications in the education section. This demonstrates to employers that you have met the necessary requirements to practice as a registered nurse and have specialized knowledge in certain areas.

Include the following information for each license or certification:

• Name of the license or certification
• Issuing organization
• Date of obtainment
• Expiration date (if applicable)

Registered Nurse (RN), California Board of Registered Nursing License Number: 123456 Expires: February 2024

4. Keep it concise for experienced nurses

If you are a mid-level or senior-level nurse with extensive work experience, you can keep your education section brief. Employers will be more interested in your professional accomplishments and skills rather than your academic background.

Here's an example of what to avoid:

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) New York University, New York, NY Graduated: May 2005 Relevant Coursework: Advanced Pharmacology, Healthcare Informatics, Nursing Leadership and Management GPA: 3.8

Instead, keep it concise and focus on the essentials:

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) New York University

Action Verbs For Nursing Resumes

You probably know that it’s important to focus your bullet points on your accomplishments. But how? Frame your achievements in a positive light by using strong action verbs at the start of each sentence. Structuring your bullet points this way emphasizes what you actually did and avoids listing bullet points that read more like a job description. In addition to technical skills and medical know-how, nurses need a lot of transferable skills — think qualities like leadership, communication, empathy, and resilience. The best way to show that you have these qualities is through your choice of action verbs. If you’re applying for an entry-level nursing assistant role, you might want to emphasize your ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team, so choose verbs like Assisted or Prepared. If you’re looking for a more senior role, highlight your leadership potential with verbs like Implemented or Oversaw.

• Coordinated
• Administered
• Implemented

For more related action verbs, visit Nursing Action Verbs .

For a full list of effective resume action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs .

Action Verbs for Nursing Resumes

Skills for nursing resumes.

Targeting your skills section is the easiest way to tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. You can use a separate section at the bottom of your resume for this or include these skills as part of your bullet points. If you are using a dedicated skills section, make sure you’re only listing hard skills — soft skills, like communication and attention to detail, should be demonstrated through your accomplishments instead. Often, recruiters will be looking for specific skills and may even be using ATS to automatically screen resumes for certain keywords. You can get a feel for what keywords you should be including by reading over the job description, or by checking out our list of recommended skills and keywords or using our free Targeted Resume tool.

• Healthcare Management
• Patient Safety
• Inpatient Care
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Healthcare Information Technology (HIT)
• Nursing Management
• Quality Improvement
• Nursing Education
• Clinical Research
• Patient Education
• Public Health
• Patient Advocacy
• Medical-Surgical
• Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
• Nursing Process
• Critical Care Nursing
• Customer Service
• Strategic Planning
• Emergency Nursing

How To Write Your Skills Section On a Nursing Resumes

You can include the above skills in a dedicated Skills section on your resume, or weave them in your experience. Here's how you might create your dedicated skills section:

Skills Word Cloud For Nursing Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Nursing job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.

How to use these skills?

Other medical resumes, dental assistant.

Respiratory Therapist

Nursing Resume Guide

• Dental Assistant Resume Guide
• Case Manager Resume Guide
• Respiratory Therapist Resume Guide
• Medical Billing Resume Guide
• Therapist Resume Guide
• Quality Control Resume Guide
• Care Coordinator Resume Guide
• Occupational Therapist Resume Guide
• Clinical Research Resume Guide
• Radiologic Technologist Resume Guide
• Pharmacy Technician Resume Guide
• Medical Technologist Resume Guide
• Microbiologist Resume Guide
• SLP Resume Guide
• General Nurse Resume Example
• Experienced Nurse Resume Example
• Certified Nursing Assistant Resume Example
• Registered Nurse Resume Example
• ICU Nurse Resume Example
• NICU Nurse Resume Example
• Psychiatric Nurse Resume Example
• Nurse Case Manager Resume Example
• Nursing Student Resume Example
• Travel Nurse Resume Example
• Nurse Practitioner Resume Example
• New Grad Nurse Resume Example
• Director of Nursing Resume Example
• Nursing Supervisor Resume Example
• ER Nurse Resume Example
• Clinical Rotation Nurse Resume Example
• Charge Nurse Resume Example
• Remote Nurse Resume Example
• Preceptor Nurse Resume Example
• Relief Charge Nurse Resume Example
• LPN Nurse (Licensed Practical Nurse) Resume Example
• LVN Nurse (Licensed Vocational Nurse) Resume Example
• ICU Charge Nurse Resume Example
• Prior Authorization Nurse Resume Example
• Clinic Nurse Resume Example
• Medical Surgical Nurse Resume Example
• Patient Care Technician Resume Example
• Tips for Nursing Resumes
• Skills and Keywords to Add
• All Resume Examples
• Nursing CV Examples
• Nursing Cover Letter
• Nursing Interview Guide
• Explore Alternative and Similar Careers

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Top 10 Details to Include on a Nursing Resume and 2021 Writing Guide

It’s difficult to write a compelling nursing resume in 2021. For starters, nursing professions encompass hundreds of skills and career details. Therefore, it’s difficult to determine which details you should include on your resume. Moreover, it’s difficult to differentiate your nursing resume from all the others with the same exact skills! In this article, we draw on over 40 years of combined experience as nurse recruiters to provide everything you’ll need to create exceptional nursing resumes for 2021.

Our 2021 nursing resume writing guide is packed with information. Below is a table of contents to help you navigate. Simply select a link and you’ll be taken to the beginning of the topic:

• Nursing Resume Screening Process
• Resume Content Types
• How to Conduct Research and Gather Content for Your Nursing Resume

Top 10 Details to Include on Your Nursing Resume

• What Format to use for Your Nursing Resume
• What Layout to use for Your Nursing Resume
• What Headings / Sections Should be on Your Nursing Resume?

Formatting Tips for Your Nursing Resume

• Items to Avoid on Your Nursing Resume
• Sample Nursing Resumes

Please note that we created this guide for experienced nurses. However, it’s also useful for students and new-grads.

If you’re a student or new-grad, then be sure to check out our guide for New-Grad Nursing Resumes. If you’re a travel nurse, then be sure to check out our guide for travel nursing resumes.

Guide For New Grad Nursing Resumes

Guide for Travel Nursing Resumes

Screening Nursing Resumes for Content

First, let’s take a look at how healthcare employers screen nursing resumes.

Hiring managers, recruiters and software evaluate nursing resumes based on two general factors. First, they evaluate resumes based on the degree to which the content of the resume matches the job description.

This evaluation process is technical and robotic. Either the resume includes variables the employer seeks or it does not.

Second, they evaluate a resume based on how well it conveys that the candidate can excel at the job. This evaluation process is more subjective.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the content evaluation process nursing resumes typically go through.

Nursing Resume Content and Applicant Tracking Systems

In the vast majority of cases, you will apply for nursing jobs through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). An ATS is a software application that helps employers manage the hiring process. If you’re filling out an online job-application, then you’re almost certainly using an ATS.

It’s important to note that most ATS’s allow healthcare employers to choose which ATS features they want to use and which they do not.

How “Knock Out Questions” Affect Nurse Resume Screening

“Knock Out Questions” might be the most commonly used ATS feature in the healthcare industry.

Have you ever applied for a job online where the application asked you a question like, “Do you have 2 years of recent ICU Experience?” Or, “Do you have any violations on your nursing license?”

If so, then you have answered Knock Out Questions. Essentially, if you provide the wrong answer, then you’re out. It doesn’t matter what your resume says.

What Happens to Your Nursing Resume in the ATS?

In any case, several things can happen when you upload your resume to an ATS.

First, the ATS might “parse” the content and automatically add it to the online application where applicable. This saves you time.

Second, the ATS might extract all of the resume’s content and enter it into a separate file in the ATS. Recruiters and hiring managers might use this version of your resume instead of referring to the actual document you upload. That’s right, it’s possible that your actual resume is never even seen.

ATS Ranking Systems for Nursing Resumes

Next, it’s possible that the ATS will score your nursing resume. The score is based on how the content of the resume matches the content that the employer programs the ATS to look for.

Then, the Applicant Tracking System might rank all the resumes from highest to lowest score. Recruiters can then start reviewing the highest-ranking resumes first.

We’ve seen other articles about nursing resumes claim that these scoring systems are standard in the healthcare industry. Our experience indicates otherwise. Instead, healthcare employers often do not make use of the resume scoring features.

That said, you must still optimize your nursing resume for the employer’s desired content.

Human Review of Nursing Resume Content

More importantly, several humans review nursing resumes during the hiring process. Like the ATS, they also screen for the employer’s desired content.

Additionally, the humans evaluate the resume to determine if the candidate can excel at the job.

For most employers, a recruiter is the first human to review resumes. Afterwards, recruiters may or may not contact desirable candidates to ask a few questions and determine if the candidates are still interested in the job.

Once this process is complete, recruiters typically forward the best candidates to the hiring manager. Here again, the hiring manager typically reviews resumes for the desired content and judges whether the candidate can excel at the position.

It’s important to note that the “best” resumes are almost always the ones with all the critical details the employer desires. If the information isn’t there, then the resume stands a far greater chance of being removed from the process.

The Two Content Goals for a Nursing Resume

Essentially, the screening process necessitates that your nursing resume achieves two general goals pertaining to content.

2 Resume Goals

• The Objective Goal: Make sure your resume includes content the employer wants to see.
• The Subjective Goal: Utilize your creative writing skills to differentiate yourself and demonstrate that you will excel at the job.

Accomplishing these goals is easier said than done. Each goal has its own set of challenges. We’ll discuss those challenges and provide tips for overcoming them in the sections that follow.

4 General Types of Content for Nursing Resumes

First, it’s important that we have a basic understanding of the 4 general types of content that are applicable to all resumes.

Hard Skills

Hard skills have two main characteristics. First, you can learn them in a classroom, from a book, or on the job. Second, they are often quantifiable.

Soft Skills

Soft skills are subjective and typically unmeasurable. They are often referred to as “interpersonal skills”. They commonly define how you interact with other people as well as how you manage yourself and your personal responsibilities.

Duties are more general in nature relative to hard and soft skills. Basically, you often utilize your hard and soft skills to accomplish your duties.

Accomplishments

Accomplishments convey how well you performed in your previous roles. They are often measurable. However, accomplishments can also involve the achievement of goals, awards and honors.

BluePipes: Professional Networking and Career Management Tools for Healthcare Professionals

Accomplishments vs. Duties on Your Nursing Resume

It’s important to note that the conventional wisdom on resumes contends that your resume should be “accomplishment driven”. Advocates of this approach advise against listing skills and duties on your resume.

However, nursing is a skills-based profession. Healthcare employers need to know that you have experience with the highly technical skills they’re seeking.

At the same time, healthcare employers want to know about your accomplishments too.

Fitting all of this information on your nursing resume is a major challenge. Managing this challenge represents a key difference between nursing resumes and most other resumes.

There are two key solutions to this problem. First, there are certain critical details that every nursing resume should include when applicable. These critical details implicitly convey tons of information so you don’t need to list your duties and skills. We discuss these details below .

Second, use your creative writing skills to frame your nursing skills and duties within statements that convey your accomplishments whenever possible. Essentially, you knock out two birds with one stone. We provide specific examples below.

And remember, not everything on your resume needs to be an accomplishment. The point is to make sure you’re thinking about your accomplishments and including them when you can. This is what will make your nursing resume stand out from the crowd.

Making Content Lists for Your Nursing Resume

Before we put our creative writing skills to work on our nursing resume, it’s best to create lists of potential content we might want to use. This practice is akin to making “word clouds”. However, we’re not going to make a “cloud”; we’re going to make some simple lists.

We recommend that you make lists for the following 6 categories:

Resume Content Lists

• A list of terms from the specific job posting
• A list from researching the potential employer
• A list of your current and previous jobs’ measurables
• A list of your accomplishments from current and previous jobs
• A list of your duties from current and previous positions
• A list of your hard and soft skills

Trust us, this is much less work than it seems. You only need to complete the lists that are specific to you one time. Once that’s done, you can focus on making lists that cover the employer’s you apply with, which is relatively quick and easy.

It’s an exercise that will save you tons of time in the long run. It will help you quickly create compelling nursing resumes customized for specific jobs. Let’s take a look at each list in detail.

List of Terms from the Nursing Job Posting

As we mentioned above, one of the primary goals for our nursing resume is to make sure that it includes content that matches the job requirements. The first step toward that goal is creating a list of terms from the job posting.

It’s a seemingly straightforward process. However, it’s tricky if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Let’s take a look at an example.

Below is a list of terms we pulled from an actual job listing for an ER Nurse. Click this link to view the job listing .

Sample List of Nursing Job Post Terms

• Job ID: 2018-60127 (you can use this on your nursing cover letter)
• Employment Type: Full Time
• Department: Emergency Services
• Shift: 12 Hour Nights
• provides, coordinates and directs care to individuals and families using a holistic approach
• The nursing process
• critical thinking
• problem solving
• provide care within a safe and confidential environment
• collaborating with members of the healthcare team
• providing leadership
• personal/professional development
• conducting him/herself professionally
• demonstrate behaviors consistent with the core (Mercy) values in support with Methodist Hospital and the Mission and Philosophy of Dignity Health
• Current California RN license
• One (1) year of experience as an RN in the Emergency Room, or a related field of nursing, required (Two (2) years preferred)

As you can see, this list includes hard skills and soft skills. It also includes a few items you might not think to put on your nursing resume; the shift and employment type for example.

The list also includes mention of the hospital’s values, mission and philosophy. However, these items are not defined. Therefore, you may want to find definitions for them when you research the employer.

Creating a List from Employer Research

The truth is that employer research is most useful for job interviews. However, it doesn’t hurt to conduct employer research to help with your nursing resume.

When conducting employer research for your nursing resume, you want to find details about the employer that converge with your own experience. When you’re successful, it’s a great way to differentiate yourself and gain an edge over other candidates.

Unfortunately, every employer and individual are different. Therefore, we won’t be able to provide an exact example. However, here is a list of considerations:

Employer Research Tips

• Review the employer’s website in detail. Look specifically for a “Press Center” ( like this one ) or some other page where the employer is issuing news about themselves.
• Check the company’s social media accounts (LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter).
• Search for News on the employer (select the News option when searching on Google).
• Use “ Hospital Compare ” on Medicare.gov to see how a hospital stacks up.
• Use LinkedIn to discover connections or request introductions to current employees and contact them to inquire about details.

Creating a List of Your Current and Previous Jobs’ Measurables

When we use the term “Job Measurables”, we are referring to anything that is quantifiable. Here are some examples:

Your Own Measurables

• Your own performance evaluation scores
• HCAHPS scores
• Nurse/Patient Ratios or Caseloads
• Cases per day or per month (you, the unit and the hospital)
• Find out how your current employer quantifies themselves and their performance
• Find out how your current employer quantifies you and your performance

Creating a List of Your Job-Related Accomplishments

Contrary to popular opinion, you can include both individual and team accomplishments on your nursing resume. Here are some examples of accomplishments:

Sample Accomplishments

• DAISY Awards
• Your personal performance evaluation scores
• You were promoted and/or given charge duty
• Your Emergency Room unit achieves a Quest for Zero award during your tenure
• Your hospital achieves Magnet status recognition during your tenure

If you have difficulty determining your accomplishments, then we recommend reviewing your previous job performance reports/reviews.

Creating a List of Job Duties for Your Nursing Resume

Job duties are difficult to articulate for your nursing resume. To simplify, we recommend that you review your current official job description. This will help you articulate your duties in a way that is standard to the industry.

Almost every employer maintains an official job description for all positions, so it shouldn’t be difficult to obtain. In fact, your previous employers might even provide access to your former job descriptions.

If all else fails, we recommend that you review job advertisements for similar jobs.

Here are some examples:

Sample Duties

• Assess patient and family needs
• Develop plans of care
• Coordinate and direct patient care
• Ensure the physiological, psychosocial, safety, learning, rehabilitative, spiritual, cultural and self-care needs of patients and their families are addressed
• Administer medications

Creating a List of Hard Skills for Your Nursing Resume

The nursing profession is absolutely loaded with hard skills. In fact, nearly every nursing specialty has hundreds of hard skills. Here are some examples:

Sample Hard Skills

• 12-Lead Placement
• 12-Lead Interpretation
• Arrythmia Interpretation
• Ventricular Assist Device
• Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump
• Foreign Language Proficiency
• General Computer Skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.)
• EHR Proficiency (Epic, Cerner, etc.)

Here are some helpful questions to consider when you develop your own list:

Hard Skill Primer Questions

• Did you start IVs?
• Did you administer medications? Which medications?
• What type of patients did you care for? Renal? Cardiovascular? Neuro? Ortho? Rehab?
• What was the age range of the patient population you cared for?
• What specific equipment do you have experience with? Did you read strips? Work with vents? Trachs? Balloon pumps? Swan-Ganz? da Vinci Surgical System?
• Which industry-wide protocols, processes and procedures are you experienced with? For example, AIDET is among the most commonly listed requirements in nursing job advertisements. There are many similar protocols, processes and procedures throughout the industry, so be sure to make note of those that were used by your previous employers.

For additional assistance, we recommend that you join BluePipes and complete one of our free nursing skills checklists .

We have skills checklists for every major nursing specialty. You can download them as PDF documents and use them to apply for jobs or bring them to job interviews.

Soft Skills for Your Nursing Resume

Given that nurses care for patients and commonly work in teams, it’s obvious that soft skills are a very important part of the profession. Here are some examples:

Sample Soft Skills

• Emotional Intelligence
• Communication Skills
• Time Management
• Flexibility

We recommend that you review various job-postings to help you identify potential soft skills to include on your list. Remember, include only those skills that are truly relevant to you.

Deciding What to Include on Your Nursing Resume

Obviously, you won’t have enough space to include all the information from your lists on your nursing resume. You will need to determine which details will make the cut. Remember, the two primary objectives are as follows:

Matching Your Nursing Resume to Job Requirements

Other websites make it sound like you only need to match the content of your resume to the content in the job posting. Doing so, they say, will ensure your resume includes all the content the employer seeks.

Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. First, employers don’t always include every detail they’re looking for in the job description.

For example, many nursing managers want to know if candidates have experience on units with a similar number of beds to their unit. Therefore, resumes that include this information will get more attention. However, you will rarely if ever see a job description that mentions the number of beds in the unit.

Second, some job descriptions are so massive that you won’t be able to fit all the information on a resume even IF you had all the desired skills and experiences. As a result, you’ll be stuck wondering what to include.

What Content Makes the Cut?

Therefore, we provide a list of the top 10 details to include on your nursing resume. This list is based on over 4 decades of combined experience as recruiters who worked with hundreds of hiring managers. We often say that including these details will never get your resume rejected, but missing them might.

These details will not fill out your entire resume . Rather, they will serve as a base. You can then use your content lists to determine opportunities to shine with specific employers.

Please review this list carefully as you will most likely uncover details which are missing from your nursing resume.

10. Professional Affiliations:

Many employers want to know if you belong to any professional associations. In fact, they’ll often ask about this on their job applications. Membership demonstrates your commitment to honing your skills.

Therefore, if you belong to associations like the American Association of Critical Care Nurses or the Emergency Nurses Association, then include the following details on your nursing resume:

Professional Affiliation Details

• Affiliation name
• Your date of admission
• Offices held
• Brief description of your role or reason you chose this group over others

Example professional affiliation statement :

Member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses since 2014. Secretary of the Sacramento, CA Chapter since 2016, collaborating, sharing best practices and developing leadership skills with local colleagues.

9. Honors – Awards – Special Assignments – Volunteer Work:

As with all resumes, a nurse’s resume should include any honors and awards they’ve received. Examples include honors and awards from school, work, volunteer work, professional affiliations, and even social clubs.

Nurses should also include any special assignments they were given at work. Did you ever take charge-duty? Did you do any scheduling, mentoring or precepting?

You should also include honors and awards earned by teams that you contributed to. Did your Emergency Department earn a Lantern Award ? Did your hospital achieve Magnet Status during your tenure?

You may choose to place these items under their own heading. However, this isn’t necessary. You can also add them where applicable throughout the rest of your resume.

Selected as Relief Charge in recognition of demonstrated organizational, leadership and teamwork skills.

Contributed to knowledge management and learning development efforts on a PICU that achieved a gold-level Beacon Award for Excellence during tenure.

Elected President of a Sigma Theta Tau developing honor society and made significant advancements toward chapter status during tenure.

8. Specific Nursing Education Details:

You must include the degree you earned (ADN, ASN, BSN, MSN, etc.). When you don’t include it, recruiters and hiring managers are more likely to remove your resume from consideration in favor of other resumes that include it.

This is because employers almost always have a degree requirement and/or a preference. Meanwhile, the staffing office can’t obtain this information easily on their own.

Here is a list of education details for your nursing resume:

Education Details

• Name of school (required)
• City, and State (required)
• Degree earned (required)
• Beginning date – Completion date (optional)
• GPA if it was really high (recommended)
• Achievements, awards, scholarly organizations and activities (recommended)

Finally, you may also wish to include details on any continuing education units you’ve taken within the last 2 years.

If you are bilingual, then be sure to include it on your nursing resume! According to a recent study from TalentNeuron, “bilingual” was the second most commonly required skill listed on nursing job advertisements.

• Graduated magna cum laude (3.75 GPA)
• Dean’s Award 2017: Exemplary Student
• Recieved the Elizabeth Moran Award for Excellence – An award based on faculty nominations for a student who demonstrates academic excellence in nursing, critical problem solving in the clinical setting and potential for leadership.

7. Nursing License and Certification Details:

We highly recommend that you include the following for your licenses:

License Details

• License type (LPN, RN, NP, CRNA, etc.)
• Licensing State/Body
• Name on license if different from name on resume
• License expiration date
• License number
• If the license is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, then state it clearly.

Many people argue that nurses should not put license numbers on their resumes as a matter of privacy. However, nursing license numbers are a matter of public record.

Anyone can easily obtain a license number from a state’s Board of Nursing using the basic information on all resumes. However, the recruiter’s job is easier if you provide the license number. In a competitive job market, that could make all the difference in the world.

When it comes to certifications, we highly recommend that you include the following for every certification you hold:

Certification Details

• Certification name (BLS, ACLS, PALS, TNCC, etc.)
• Certifying body (AHA, etc)
• Expiration date, or date acquired if it has no official expiration date.

RN – Registered Nurse, CA, expires: Dec, 2022, # 625384

BLS – Basic Life Support, AHA – American Heart Association, expires: Dec, 2022

ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support, AHA – American Heart Association, expires: Dec, 2022

6. Availability:

Unlike many professions, nurses work round-the-clock. Therefore, your resume should convey the shifts you’re willing to work and indicate your willingness to relocate when applicable.

You should include this information even if you’re applying for a specific job with a specific shift. You never know if the employer has another opening that is unadvertised which you may qualify for.

Moreover, employers store resumes in their ATS for future use. Recruiters will use the ATS to find candidates in their database who match future job requirements.

Availability can have its own heading on your resume. However, it’s best to simply add your availability to your Professional Summary.

Registered Nurse with over 7 years of Emergency Room experience, willing to work Day Shifts or Night Shifts within a 1-hour drive of Sacramento, CA.

5. Computer Skills:

According to a recent study by TalentNeuron, “Electronic Medical Record” was the most commonly required skill in nursing job advertisements. “Epic Software” and “Meditech”, popular EHR software packages, were also on the list.

It’s imperative that you list any and all EHR / EMR experience you have. You may also want to include any other computer experience you have just in case it may be of value to the employer, or to at least demonstrate that you have computer skills if you lack experience with EHRs.

Of course, billing codes are a big part of EHRs. Both ICD10 and ICD 9 are among the most commonly listed skills in nursing job advertisements. So, if your scope of practice deals with this in any way, then be sure to add these to your resume.

You can include a separate heading for Computer Skills on your resume. Or, you can include your computer skills in your resume Summary. You could also mention them in your job descriptions.

Epic Credentialed Trainer, over 3 years of experience with Meditech, and strong Microsoft Office skills.

4. Facility Details

Various Facility-Details tell the potential employer a ton about your experience with very few words. Here are some examples:

Facility Details

• Facility Type: Designations like Acute Care Hospital, Short Term Acute Care, Long Term Care, Long Term Acute Care, Skilled Nursing Facility, etc.
• Trauma Designation: Include the trauma center level (1, 2, 3, 4 or 5).
• Teaching Hospital: If you worked at a teaching hospital, then mention it.
• Rural Designation : Designations like Critical Access Hospital, Rural Referral Center, etc.
• Magnet Status

You can include these details under the specific job description in your resume’s Work History section, or in your resume’s Summary. For example, if the job you’re applying for lists trauma hospital experience as necessary or desired, then it’s a good idea to identify your trauma experience in the resume Summary to make it stand out.

3. Number of Beds:

Just like the facility type, bed-counts tell the potential employer a ton about your experience with very few words. Include the following:

• Total beds at the facilities you worked
• Total beds in the specific units in which you worked

2. Unit Details

Unit details also tell the employer a lot about your experience with few words. Consider including the following details and others like them when available:

Unit Details

• Unit Type (MS, TELE, ICU, CVICU, ER, L&D, etc)
• Match your vernacular to the prospective employer. If the employer calls it “Emergency Department” and your old job called it “Emergency Room”, then go with Emergency Department.
• Do not use things like “3 West” or “4 North”. Nobody else knows what that means.
• The nurse-to-patient ratio
• Number of patients per day (you and the unit as a whole)
• Number of support staff (LPNs, CNAs, or MAs, etc.)
• Did the unit take trauma patients?
• Did the unit routinely deal with overflow from other units? If so, what types of patients were seen from overflow?
• If you floated to other units, then you should include information on those units. In doing so, include the percentage of time you spent in each unit.

1. Properly Framed Skills, Duties and Accomplishments in Your Work History

The most important thing we want to convey regarding the details you include in your work history is what NOT to do. Simply put, do not list duties one after the other each on a single line. For example:

Do Not Do This!

• Provided patient care
• Administered medication as needed
• Collaborated with care team
• Applied the nursing process to patient care

First, this wastes a lot of space. All of these items could be listed continuously within the same bullet point. More importantly, it fails to differentiate you and demonstrate that you will excel at the job.

Unfortunately, tons of nursing resumes use this approach. We’re not going to. Instead, we’ll combine skills, duties and accomplishments into cohesive statements in order to maximize results with less space.

Example Job Details for Nursing Resume

Provided patient care in a Cardiac ICU that took care of post-coronary intervention patients with IABP’s and Impella heart pumps, and post cardiac arrest patients requiring therapeutic hypothermia.

Integral member of unit’s Quality Assurance Team tasked with identifying and evaluating quality issues, managing patient census, and allocating staff assignments.

Selected as an original team member for the hospital’s new CVICU. Assisted in developing the unit’s policies and procedures and ensuring the unit’s successful launch.

Implemented discharge planning and provided health care education to the patient and significant other to promote recovery.

Selected to collaborate on Patient Satisfaction Taskforce tasked with developing, testing and implementing related policies and procedures.

Achieved highest possible quality review scores for duties realted to training and educating patients and families on ESRD.

Listing Skills

Finally, we don’t want to scare you away from listing hard skills on your nursing resume. Again, nursing is a skills-based profession and listing skills is sometimes necessary.

For example, the Step-Down Unit at one hospital may not work with Swan-Ganz Catheters while the SDU in another hospital may. Therefore, you’d want to highlight such skills if you have them. Additionally, you could list skills in order to match the job requirements.

That said, we recommend against a heading specifically for listing skills. Instead, list them with your job details. Or, list them in your summary. For example, you might include the following on your resume if you’re applying for a position in the CVICU:

Example Skills Statement

Proficient with starting IVs, Intra-aortic balloon pumps, 12-Lead Placements, 12-Lead Interpretation, AICD Insertion, Beta Blockers, Argotroban, Atropine and other cardiovascular medications.

How to Format Your Nursing Resume

Now that we have all our resume content ready, we need to decide on a format and a layout. We’ll discuss format first.

Generally, there are 3 resume formats. Let’s take a quick look at each.

Chronological Resume

The most common resume format is chronological. It emphasizes the candidate’s work history. It includes sections for Summary, Work History and Education. Work History and Education are listed in reverse chronological order. Hence the name.

Functional Resume

A functional resume emphasizes the candidate’s skills, prior responsibilities, accomplishments and various other attributes. A functional resume may or may not include a section for Work History.

Combination Resume

Simply put, a combination resume combines the attributes of chronological and functional resumes.

What is the Best Resume Format for Nurses?

The best resume formats for nurses are the chronological resume and the combination resume. We urge nurses to avoid the functional resume format.

Now, you’ll see many articles on nursing resumes that recommend functional resumes for new-grads, nurses making career transitions, and nurses reentering the workforce after some time away. While this is the generally accepted recommendation for all industries, we believe it’s not a good choice for nurses.

First, if you’re a new-grad, then you can add your clinical rotations in lieu of work history. New-grads can also include work history outside the healthcare field. Select this link to view our article for new-grad and student nursing resumes.

Second, most nursing employers will only consider skills that the candidate utilized on the job within the last 2 to 3 years. As a result, a skills-based resume won’t work for new-grads or nurses who are reentering the workforce after many years away.

The only reason we can imagine for nurses to use a functional resume format is if they are not a new-grad and have absolutely no work history to list. This is a very rare scenario. Again, we urge nurses to use the chronological and combination resume formats.

Choosing a Layout for Your Nursing Resume

The “layout” of your nursing resume refers to how you organize content on the page. In theory, there are an infinite number of possible layouts.

However, we can split layouts into two general categories. There are one-column layouts and multi-column layouts.

The traditional resume we’re all used to seeing uses the one-column layout. It’s a classic F or E pattern. Each line spans the width of the page.

People commonly refer to multi-column resumes as “Modern Resumes” or “Contemporary Resumes”. The reader must review content by section as opposed to drawing their eyes down the page while scanning from left to right.

What is the Best Layout for Your Nursing Resume?

We strongly urge nurses to use the traditional one-column layout. This recommendation is backed by our experience. It’s also backed by numerous studies.

For example, a study from TheLadders in 2018 found that recruiters spend an average of 7.4 seconds on their initial screening of a resume. While we believe this overdramatizes the reality, we agree that you have little time to catch a recruiter’s eye.

Perhaps more importantly, the study found that the top-performing resumes shared several common traits. They are as follows:

Common Traits of Top-Performing Resumes

• Clearly marked section and title headers
• Very simple layouts conducive to traditional F or E-pattern reading tendencies
• Bold job titles with bulleted lists of accomplishments
• A detailed summary at the top of the page

The worst-performing resumes also shared common traits. They are as follows:

Common Traits of Worst-Performing Resumes

• Cluttered layouts with multiple columns, long paragraphs and little white space.
• Layouts that did not make use of clearly defined section headers to draw the viewer’s eyes down the page.
• Keyword stuffing.

As you can see, the research strongly supports a traditional one-column layout for your nursing resume.

What Headings / Sections Should be on a Nursing Resume?

The research also supports the use of clearly marked section and title headers. Below is a list of potential headings or sections for your nursing resume. We also indicate if we feel the section is required, optional, or if you should avoid it altogether.

Personal Information Section – Required

Your name serves as the title header for your personal information. Include the following personal information atop your nursing resume:

Personal Information

• Full address
• Telephone number: Use cell phone numbers whenever possible. Many employers use recruitment software with text messaging.
• Professional email address: Refrain from using email addresses that are unprofessional.

Also, you should consider creating an email address just for job search purposes. You should also consider using burner phone numbers. Unfortunately, many job boards and related services sell your contact information to third parties who will inundate you with marketing messages.

How To List Nursing Credentials on Your Resume

You should list your nursing credentials after your full name in your Personal Information atop your nursing resume. According to the American Nurses Credentialing Center , they should be listed in the following order:

Nursing Credentials

• Highest earned degree
• State designations or requirements
• National certifications
• Awards and honors
• Other recognitions

Objective Section – Avoid

Many articles and advisers recommend that new-grads and others with little experience use an Objective instead of a Summary. They assert that there isn’t anything to summarize. Therefore, it’s better to provide an Objective that tells the employer what your goals are.

We, and many experts, completely disagree. First, everyone has a Summary to provide. Additionally, you can always include an Objective-Statement in your Summary.

That said, we firmly believe that you should avoid telling the employer how they can help you. And that’s essentially what Objective Statements do. Objectives almost always say, “Hey, here is my employment goal, help me achieve it.”

Instead, use every opportunity to convey why and how you will excel at the job. That’s what a summary is good for. Summaries say, “I’m the solution to your problem. Here is why.”

Summary Section – Required

As mentioned above, studies show that resumes with clearly defined Summary headings perform better than those without. The Summary is a place for you to provide a quick, intriguing snapshot of who you are and how you can help the employer achieve their goals.

Select this link to discover how to write an amazing Summary for your nursing resume.

Licenses and Certifications Section – Recommended

As we mentioned above, we strongly recommend a title-heading for Licenses and Certifications. Every nursing job requires them. Therefore, they should be prominently displayed on your nursing resume.

Please select this link to view the information we recommend you include.

Nursing Skills Section – Avoid

Many articles recommend that nurses include a title-heading for Nursing Skills on their resume. We recommend that you avoid doing this for several reasons.

First, a skills title-heading is the cornerstone of a functional resume. We want to avoid this resume format at all costs.

Second, we recommend that you include a select set of skills within carefully crafted statements. You should select the skills based on the job description, employer research, rarity of the skill and/or demand for the skill.

Third, if you include the details we recommended above, then you’re already giving the reader a thorough idea of your skill set. For example, if you list that you previously worked in a 32 bed ICU at a level 1 Trauma and Teaching Hospital, then the reader has a very good idea of your skill set.

Finally, we want to avoid “keyword stuffing”. The study we cited above found this practice is counterproductive. Our experience indicates the same. A Skills section almost always involves keyword stuffing.

Work History Section – Required

It goes without saying that the Work History title-heading is required on your nursing resume. Throughout this article, we’ve offered tips on what to include in this section. Below is an example:

24 bed ICU in a 581 bed Level I trauma and academic medical center. Recipient of Magnet, Comprehensive Stroke and Comprehenesive Cardiac Center designations.

• Patient population includes medical and trauma patients in addition to recovery of cardiac and vascular surgical patients at nurse to patient ratio of 1:1-3 dependent on acuity
• Specialized training includes targeted temperature management, Impella, IABP, CRRT
• Active in unit leadership and shared governance as relief team leader, representative on unit council, unit representative on hospital EMR committee, preceptor of new employees, head of unit journal club
• Multiple Daisy award nominations and Guardian Angel award recipient
• Cerner EMR software

Should you Highlight Job Title or Employer on Nursing Resume?

Traditionally, career advisers recommended that you prominently display the names of employers on your resume. More recently, many recommend that you prominently display the job title on your resume instead. So, what should you do?

Well, the argument for highlighting job titles asserts that job titles say more about your experience and qualifications than do employer names. However, this isn’t always the case in nursing.

For example, “Staff RN” is a very common job title in nursing. You could be a Staff RN at a Long Term Care Facility, a Rehabilitation Center or a Level 1 Trauma Acute Care Hospital.

Therefore, we recommend that you highlight the names of your employers in most cases. The person reviewing your resume will know more about your experience if they see “UCLA Medical Center” than if they see “Staff RN”.

Education Section – Required

It also goes without saying that the Education title-heading is required on your nursing resume. Below is an example:

• Fluent in Spanish

Optional Sections

The sections below are all optional. You may choose to include them for any number of reasons. Also, these sections are good to add if you have limited work history and have chosen to use a Combination Format for your nursing resume.

Specialties Section – Optional

A Specialties title-heading is the best way to make your specialties stand out. It’s also a great way to add some white-space to your resume, which will make it easier to read. Here is an example:

You can add Specialty information in your Summary if you prefer. This will save space, but it will not stand out on the page as prominently.

Computer Skills Section – Optional

As we mentioned above, computer skills are becoming increasingly important in the healthcare industry. Below is an example:

Professional Affiliations Section – Optional

As we mentioned above, professional affiliations are important to many hiring managers. Below is an example:

• Chapter Secratary since 2016

Honors and Awards Section – Optional

Of course, Honors and Awards are what resumes are all about! If you have many to highlight, or even a couple of prestigious ones, then you may choose to include a title-heading for them. Below is an example:

DAISY Award – Received over a dozen nominations. Award winner for November, 2018. ( http://www.daisyfoundation.org/daisy-award/honorees/your-name )

Dianne Lanham Award Winner, 2018 – Recognizes the importance of leadership competencies as a component of nursing practice at the point of direct care.

Volunteer Work – Optional

Nurses are among the most caring and compassionate group of folks in any community. They routinely engage in volunteer work and greatly appreciate that their peers do as well.

If you have a consistent and long-tenured history of volunteer work, then you should certainly consider including a title-heading to highlight it on your nursing resume. Below is an example:

Mercy Ships: Spent two weeks in 2016 and 2017 providing patient care in the Operating Room of the Africa Mercy, the world’s largest NGO hospital ship.

Loaves and Fishes: 2015 – Present: Provide assistance in multiple areas including resource allocation / distribution and clinic support.

Resume formatting involves things like fonts, margins, sizing, etc. Resume formatting affects both the humans and the applicant tracking systems that read your resume.

As the study we cited above indicates, humans respond better to resumes with clean fonts and appealing white-space. Meanwhile, images and various uncommon formatting characteristics can confuse applicant tracking systems.

Follow these formatting tips to make sure your nursing resume is appealing to humans and software.

Nursing Resume Margins

The margins on your resume will affect how much content you can fit on one page.

However, margins also affect the amount of white-space on your resume.

Too much content makes your resume look busy and cluttered, which we don’t want.

Using 1-inch (1”) margins all around the document is the standard approach . That said, most experts agree that margins of .5” to 1” are best for your resume.

Whatever you choose to do, just make sure that the top margin is equal to the bottom margin and the left margin is equal to the right margin.

How Long Should Your Nursing Resume Be?

The conventional wisdom contends that resumes should be 1 page. As a result, many people are tempted to use tiny margins and cram as much as they can on one page.

Please don’t do that! The conventional wisdom is wrong. In fact, 2-page resumes are actually more successful.

In a study conducted in 2018, recruiters were 2.3 times more likely to prefer 2-page resumes .

If you’re still not convinced, please review our article on nursing resume length . Either way, please do not cram your resume with content just to make everything fit on one page!

Nursing Resume Font Type

Simply put, your nursing resume should use a font that is standard, common and simple. Do not use cursive, calligraphy or handwriting fonts. Also, do not use fonts with awkward angles or variances in font weights.

Here is a list of clean, simple fonts for your nursing resume:

Font Families

• Times New Roman
• Book Antiqua

Nursing Resume Font Size

Most resume resources recommend a minimum font size of 10pt. However, it’s a little more complicated than that.

Different fonts have different units of measurement. Therefore, the size of Times New Roman using 10pt is much smaller than Arial using 10pt.

We agree that you should not use less than 10pt for any font type, but the minimum size for certain font types, like Times New Roman, should be 12pt. You’ll need to run some comparisons between fonts to determine whether the base font size for a particular font type is small or large.

With that in mind, you also want to use different font sizes and font weights to highlight certain aspects of your nursing resume. It’s good to experiment with this aspect of your resume, but the table below will help:

Document Type

Unfortunately, the internet is littered with misinformation and outdated information on what document types are best for resumes. This is largely the result of misconceptions about which document types applicant tracking systems can handle. So, let’s set the record straight for nursing resumes.

First, the ATS will let you know what document types it supports. For example, most ATS’s will display supported document types in clear view. The example below is from Davita Kidney Care. They use WorkDay which is one of the largest applicant tracking systems.

Moreover, nearly every applicant tracking system will prevent you from uploading unsupported document types. The example below is from Dignity Health. They use iCims which is one of the largest applicant tracking systems.

A significant percentage of nursing jobs will go through one of the following ATS’s:

Healthcare Applicant Tracking Systems

• HealthcareSource
• HealthStream
• SuccessFactors
• PeopleFluent

ALL of these ATS’s will let you know what document types they support. And they ALL support PDF and .doc formats among others. In fact, it’s difficult to find an ATS that does not support these document types.

Naming Convention for Your Nursing Resume

We recommend you name your nursing resume document as follows:

Firstname_Lastname_Credentials_Resume.pdf

Jennifer_Smith_BSN_RN_CCRN_Resume.pdf

Additional Items to Avoid on Your Nursing Resume

We’ve mentioned several things to avoid throughout this article. Here are some additional items to avoid on your nursing resume:

Things to Avoid

• Avoid “special characters”. Standard bullet points (black dots) are fine. Don’t use arrows, checkmarks or other special characters in your lists
• Do not include images or graphics on your nursing resume
• Make no mention of references
• Avoid using the “Header” and “Footer” for anything important. The ATS may not recognize them.
• Make no mention of expected, current or previous compensation
• Check for spelling errors and then check again
• Avoid details about your private life
• Avoid using obscure title-headings. Stick with the basics like “Summary”, “Education” and “Work History”
• Avoid using scripted text from Resume Generators . These services advertise professionally written resume phrases to help you build your resume. You can check out this article for more information on resume builders for nurses .

Nursing Resume Samples

Kudos to you for making it through our nursing resume guide! We’re confident that you’ll create an amazing resume by following the tips herein.

Below are some sample nursing resumes so you can see everything in action. We created these resumes with the free nursing resume builder on BluePipes .

BluePipes helps you manage your entire nursing career on one platform. You can create career related documents and manage your licenses, certifications and clinical records all for free. Join today to simplify your nursing career!

Sample Nursing Resume – 1

Sample Nursing Resume – 2

Sample nursing resume – 3, sample nursing resume – 4, sample nursing resume – 5, sample nursing resume – 6.

Good luck with your nursing job search!

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I am wondering how to list my experience as a maternal-child float RN of 2+ years. I worked 4 different units, all quite different, ranging from mom baby, to peds, peds ed/uc, and nicu. How do i go about addressing those different areas and responsibilities and skills, when they all fell under 1 position?

Thank you for the information, its very helpful. This site is of so much help to me. thank you, and it is also free. Its amazing, I just can’t appreciate it enough

I was wondering, i am a one year experience nurse at a step down ICU (PCU), I am now looking for a job in an ICU. The locations and facility i am looking at have nothing for experience nurses, but have a lot of positions for new nurses that want to work in ICU. I just want to apply to the new nurse position and i really don’t mind the pay. Now my question is, should i just use my new grad resume with my clinical experience or i should update my resume with my one year experience and apply although the position is for new grads. please i will really appreciate any advise. thanks you Bricallia

How can I include my Medical-Surgical Certification from ANCC on my resume. Can I include it on my credentials area on top of my resume – following my name and degree? I ask because the ANCC instructs to do so on their website. I’ll be honest it’s somewhat confusing though, at least to me. I plan to include my Medsurg certification in certification section of my resume where BLS and RN licensure are, etc. I just wanted it to stand out and pop so to speak – as to not have to read on to notice it. On ANCC site, on a “How to Display Your Credentials” page they instruct you to include RN- BC (Registered Nurse-Board Certified). Was hoping you could clarify or add something else.

Great web site … thanks.

Regards, Jesse

Thanks for the inquiry, Jesse, and my sincerest apologies for the delay! Your Medical-Surgical Certification from ANCC is considered a “National Certification” and should be listed after your name at the top of your resume and in the Licenses and Certifications section of your resume. The order for listing credential after your name is:

• Highest Degree Earned
• State License
• National Certification
• Nationally Recognized Honors and Awards

I hope this helps!

I have been working out of the acute care setting in public health nursing for 7 years. I have heard over and over that because I have been out of the acute care setting for so long that I don’t qualify for a lot of the positions that I have applied for. Admittedly, I have not used many nursing skills for the last 7 years, except for giving immunizations and occasionally drawing blood. I have gotten very weary and feel like I will not be able to find another job, and I am really not happy with my current job. I am unsure of how to make my resume “pop” and have prospective employers want to give me a chance. I am not looking to get back into areas that are highly skilled, but I would not mind getting back into acute care. Any ideas???

Kurt, I am an RN at a VA hospital in cardiac telemetry. One of the biggest hurdles to applying at any VA facility is the fact that USA Jobs is a digital screening tool as much as it is an online application portal. Matching as many keywords in the functional statements for your desired role in your application can be the difference between getting an interview and being passed over. Hope this helps!

Hello Kyle,

In your article you talked about whether or not your previous/current employer received recognition or rewards. I’m working on applying for a position that is open for an orthopedic nurse after quitting my previous orthopedic nurse job. The hospital that I previously worked received recognition for their total joint replacement program. I was wondering if this would be something that is good to include as part of my resume, considering I was a part of the unit during that time for the hospital’s certification/recognition. If so, how would you go about including that in without making it seem just a random fact listed and make it more as an accomplishment for myself also since I was a part of that unit/team during that time.

Thank you, Jessica

Thanks for the inquiry, Jessica. Yes, this is definitely something you can include on your resume. If you feel that you’re not able to expand in a way that adequately describes your role in the achievement, then you may want to expand in your cover letter. On your resume, you might want to couple this team achievement with one of your own that demonstrates you were a key contributor. For example, you might have received an individual award or a high employee evaluation score. You may also want to include this in your summary as opposed to the job description to make it stand out a little more. I hope this helps!

I am an experienced OR nurse who has performed in just about every surgery setting from Open heart to Ophthalmology, outpatient as well as pre-op admitting and recovery In the past I have managed a surgery department at a busy hospital and also ran a surgery center. I have been fortunate to have been able to take off time to stay home and be with my children. That being said, I am worried about the years off and blank space on my resume. How would you go about filling in the gap? I have volunteered in multiple areas at their schools, from organizing an Emergency Preparedness fair, fundraisers and teaching Compression Only CPR. My license and continuing CEU’s have always rained current. Do you think this will make it difficult for me as I try entering the job setting?

I appreciate any suggestions you might have. Thank you, Susan

Thanks for the inquiry. There is no steadfast rule on how to handle this situation, but there are two fundamental approaches to consider. First, you can consider a “Functional Resume.” Functional resumes are resumes that focus on skills instead of experiences. In your case, you would focus on all of your OR experience. You might have a small section to list your previous employers. or you may even choose to leave it out entirely. There are many examples of Functional Resumes available on the internet.

Second, you could use a traditional chronological resume. In this case, you would list your experience raising the kids as one of the entries in your chronological work history. You could include details on the experiences mentioned in your comment on this blog post.

Again, there is no right or wrong way. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. To answer your question, yes, this situation is always a bit of challenge. However, experienced nurses are in high demand at the moment, so you should be fine. Also, I’m personally inclined to recommend the chronological format. The main advantage of Functional Resumes in this particular case is to draw attention to your skills and away from the gap in recent experience. However, employers are going to find the gap no matter what. So, I think it’s best to embrace it. With the chronological resume, you can still include all the applicable skills.

I have worked in home health and corrections for about 5 years now. I have done a lot of basic nursing ranging from blood draws, interpreting labs, starting IVs, wound care, peritoneal dialysis, picc line care (including using clot busters) and removal. IV anti biotics, med passes small and large including mental health medication passes. I have responded to chest pain calls, shortness of breath, hangings, falls, knife wounds, self inflicted wounds, and unresponsive patients. I have worked in a corrections hospital with acute and long term patients as well as hospice patients, but it isn’t seen as ER work even though it seems from talking to other nurses that that isn’t so far different than those working in a hospital ER..

Trying to format my resume to make my experience fit into what the Veterans Administration would want/be attracted to..

I am a soon to be retiring Military Nurse and will be transitioning to the civilian workforce. How important are listing awards? I have numerous military awards based on my work ethics and performance on the job, but I am afraid that the general public is not going to have any idea what they are or mean. Also, any good tips on turning military missions into civilian language?

Thanks for your service!! I think it’s a great idea to add the awards to your resume. You could do one of two things. Simply list them out by their official name. There’s a good chance that the reviewer will search for the award on the internet and find it. Or, you could add a very brief description of the award in parentheses. For example: X Award (earned for valor in action). Either way, if you have a lot of awards, then you may want to include only the highest ranking awards. If you choose to list many of them, then put them in columns or in a continuous stream separated by commas to save space.

Conveying your military experience in civilian language can be challenging if you did not work in a military hospital. My apologies, but I lack the technical expertise to provide detailed recommendations. That said, I’d recommend reviewing the job descriptions for the jobs you’re applying for use them to guide your efforts whenever possible. I hope this helps and thanks again!

I have a position working in a “float pool” (we call it the Mobile Unit). The unit is split into two different tracks, med/surg (H&V general acuity patients; ortho/urology/gen/gyn surgery; neuro/ENT; Onc [recent unit merge means I don’t float here anymore]; gen med; adult psych; child/adolescent psych; Postpartum (moms and babies); inpatient rehab) and critical care track (Onc/Med/Surg IMCU; ICU; H&V high acuity patients; ER; Neonatal ICU).

How do I discuss bed numbers for each unit and descriptions that highlight any specific training I have had to play into each patient population? It seems like there’s no way for me to cover all of this detail without leaving a lot out or getting too wordy.

I also accepted a critical care position, but have not transitioned yet. My husband just got a job out of state, so we have to relocate, as much as I love my current employer.

Hey Emily, This is a great question; thanks for posting it here! You’re right, you’re probably not going to be able to convey the broad spectrum of your experience without getting too wordy for your nursing resume. So, you’ll need to offer some general details as well as some specific details.

When it comes to specifics, it’s best to tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. Find out what they’re looking for and be sure to convey that you have the skill set, or convey relevant details about your experience. I believe this is the most important consideration for your resume.

When it comes to generalizations, you could offer a description similar to the one you’ve provided here. For example:

I worked on a Mobile Unit, or Float Pool, caring for Med/Surg patients 50% of the time and ICU patients 50% of the time. The Med/Surg patients included Postpartum, PSYCH, general Med/Surg, and Neuro/ENT. The ICU patients included ER, NICU and general ICU. Unit sizes varied from 5 beds up to 25 beds.

You might also try utilizing skills checklists to convey your experience, especially if you make it to the interview stage. Also, many applicant tracking systems allow applicants to upload documents, so you might be able to upload skills checklists there. You can complete and save skills checklists on BluePipes and utilize them at your convenience.

I hope this information helps!

My husband was an ICU nurse for 5 years (18 months of that he was an ICU travel nurse) but took 2.5 years off to work in another field. He’s now applying for nursing positions as we prepare to move. Should he address the clinical gap in his resume? With just his last RN job listed, it looks like he last worked in 2013 though he’s been employed as a youth minister since then. How should he handle this?

Hey Rebecca,

Yes, you should address the gap in the resume. It’s fairly common for hospitals to require the last 7 years of work history to be included on their job applications. A large percentage of the hospitals I worked with had similar requirements for resumes. Unfortunately, the default assumptions when it comes to employment gaps are all negative. Do your best to tie the experience into nursing. I believe most career advisers would recommend the same. I hope this information helps!

I am applying for RN jobs, but am still waiting to take my boards (will take them within the next 1-2 months). How should I address this on my resume?

Hey Michaela,

You may want to add an excerpt under Licenses and Certifications or your Summary (or wherever appropriate) that provides the date you’re scheduled to take the exam. For example: RN: Scheduled for NCLEX on July 9, 2015. I hope this helps!

Thank you! I think that’s what i’ll do.

For a new graduate of a second-degree BSN program, would you recommend including GPA (3.9) on a resume?

Thanks for the question, Emily! Yes, I recommend adding a great GPA to your nursing resume. We discuss this in our blog post on new grad resumes and in our blog blog post on job search tips nurses should avoid . Many people argue that your GPA doesn’t matter. They say that all that matters is that you’re licensed. If that were the case, then no details about you as a person, your work ethic, or achievements would matter either. And we know that’s not true. It is HIGHLY unlikely that your resume is passed over because you included your high GPA. Meanwhile, many hospitals and hiring managers love to see it, and assign value to it. So yes, by all means, add it. I hope this helps! Great work, by the way!

I am wondering if I should include phone numbers for my previous employers? If yes, which number should I use – the general number, the unit, or HR?

Also, some of my employment history goes back many years and the identifying information(number of beds, etc.) has changed. I do not have the correct information from when I worked there. How should I list this information? Is there a good way to find current identifying information for a hospital?

Thanks in advance for your response.

Hey Debbie!

Thanks for posting these great questions! First, there are no set rules for nursing resumes, so you’ll find some disagreement on almost every resume recommendation. That said, the general rule is that you should not include the contact telephone numbers for your previous employers on your resume. In fact, you don’t need to include the complete address either. The city and state will suffice for your resume. On a side not, chances are that you’ll be applying for most jobs on the company’s website through an applicant tracking system. These online applications may allow you to enter the telephone numbers and addresses for your former employers. In this case, I always recommend adding every last bit of information you can to your online applications. Again though, that’s separate from your resume. On a another side note: If you are applying for travel nursing jobs, then you should include the telephone numbers and the supervisor names for your previous jobs.

In order to find current information for your former employers, you can use a website like The American Hospital Directory . They have a free hospital profile lookup tool . I recommend using the “ advanced search ” for best results. Please note that the links to these pages are underlined in blue. Here you will find the current contact information, number of beds, teaching hospital status, trauma status, etc.

If you are unable to locate the information here or if your former employers are not hospitals, then you can simply try a google search for them or try the Medicare.gov site . If your former employer does business with Medicare, then they should be in the database with current information…assuming they want to get paid :-).

Now, about your older work history. Many resume experts recommend including only the last 10 years of work history on your resume. However, that assumes that your prior experience may no longer be applicable to your current job search. Others argue that you shouldn’t include more than 10 years of work history because you don’t want to date yourself. They’re concerned about “ageism” in the hiring process. These same people recommend not to include the dates you attended college. Ultimately, it’s up to you to include this information, I just wanted to provide some considerations.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if there are further questions!

Thanks, Kyle

Help! I have over 22 years of clinical experience including ICU, hemodialysis, and outpatient surgery ctr (pre and pacu), and for the last 6 years (in addition to the 22 years) I’ve been reading electronic charts to extract data and support level of care (I’m told this is utilization review by a friend but we never called it that in work). Now Ive been laid off (it was a large comp layoff). I’m trying to get into QA, UR, pre cert or case managment. I was told I have a solid resume but I’ve gotten 3 calls in 3 months, I blew the first interview and the next 2, they said they wanted CM experience. What do I need to do to get into these fields? Any suggestions?

We’re sorry to hear about your current situation! It’s always difficult to break into an entirely new field. However, it sounds as though you have some experience to build on. Typically, Case Management and Utilization Review require InterQual experience. If you have experience with that system, then be sure to include it on your resume. Otherwise, see if you can obtain some training in it. Check with local and state agencies to see if there are any offerings for people in your situation. Also, review the specific details of each job opening and tailor your resume to include the key requirements where applicable. Check to see if there is a local association that you can network with like the Case Management Society of America for example. Ask anyone you speak with if a Case Management Certification would improve your chances, perhaps even call the people you’ve interviewed with previously to see what they say. If so, look into certification.

We hope this information helps!

Hello Kyle, I have been reading through some of this thread and was wondering if you do any resume/cover letter revisions? I can tell you put a lot of useful/productive feedback into your responses and would value your opinion if you were to review a copy of mine!

P.S. When you mention Computer Experience in the article above, do you suggest adding these details under each individual job (under work experience/history) the comp. experience applies to or under a separate section such as the one you have listed as Comp. Experience?

Thank you for all your time and effort!

Hi Raquel! Thanks for reaching out! My sincerest apologies, but I do not do resume/cover letter revisions. Thanks so much for your interest though. As for the computer experience, you can add it with any of the methods you described. The important thing is that it’s there.

The resume builder on BluePipes.com lists computer experience under a separate heading. We do this as way to ensure that members recognize and record it and perspective employers and recruiters are able to easily locate the details on the members’ profiles and resumes. Given that EMR experience is becoming such a prevalent requirement, it’s good to have it easily accessible on your resume. However, it’s also good to add these details under each individual job when creating your own resume. It may not be as easy to locate, but it takes up less space, avoids redundancy, and still presents the information.

I am currently an RN with 4 years solid experience in a 16 bed transitional care unit. Now I’m trying to move to a more challenging position. Prior to immigrating to America I was a medical doctor for 9 years in ER. Would it be wise to mention that experience? …maybe describing my duties and medical college?

Kyle, I work in a program that enrolls military medic and corpsman and gives credit for their military experience towards an intensive BSN-RN program. My question is what should the graduates highlight on their resumes? Many have extensive trauma and nursing care experience. Suggestions?

Hi! I have a question / concern. I just finished my 2nd year of nursing and on a med Surg unit. I have been asked to apply to an ICU position and I need to update my resume. I don’t know what to include. Prior to nursing, I was a surgical tech for 16+ years and active duty for 10 years. I really enjoyed your blog and will refer to it when updating my resume!

Thanks- Abbey

We’re glad to hear the information was useful. Congratulations on being asked to apply for an ICU position. That’s a good sign! 🙂 Sounds like you have a lot of great experience to include on your resume. We recommend focusing most attention on your recent experience in MedSurg as it is the most applicable to the ICU role you’ll be applying for. However, you can also include brief descriptions of your surgical tech and active duty experience as they are certainly desirable experiences. Relate all your work history descriptions to the ICU position. To do so, find out as much as possible about the job and the unit. We hope this helps!!

Oh MY! I’m sooOOO grateful to have found your blog page! I was about to do my sister a grave disservice –as you’ve mentioned. Indeed, the day of the one page crammer is passe’. Especially with the value of the keyword in electronic filing. Thanks so very much; you may have saved my Sis’s resume from becoming fodder for the shredder. [[shudder]] ~Wendy

We’re glad to hear the information is useful. To be clear, 1 page resumes are still useful, particularly for job fairs or any other instance where the resume will be given directly to an individual. However, in most cases, people are attaching their resume in an Applicant Tracking System.

In this case, it’s still good to be brief and choose your words wisely. Don’t be overly verbose and don’t “keyword stuff.” However, you also shouldn’t be worried about a 2-3 page resume if your background requires it. Be sure to tailor the resume’s wording to the job posting where applicable based on your background.

We hope this helps!

Thank you for this article! I realized that my resume was not up to par by reading this. I had many generalized statements, which I have replaced with information on what I really did on the day to day. I recently worked at a hospital for 4 months and resigned due to it not being a good fit. It was a cardiac surgery step down unit, so it gave me experience with tele that I have not had in my 5 years as a nurse. Should I include it on my resume?

You’re welcome! We’re glad to hear you found the information useful. This is a tough question. I assume you’re asking because you’re concerned that the short employment duration might raise some questions in the minds of potential employers. That’s a valid concern. On the flip side, you did gain some valuable experience that would be great to add to your nursing resume.

There is another issue to consider. Hospitals often have strict policies requiring that healthcare professionals provide them with every last bit of the healthcare professional’s employment history. Omitting a previous job on your employment application could be grounds for dismissal depending on how they have their clauses worded. Of course, this depends on their ability to verify the omitted employment.

This may not necessarily affect you during the candidate review process when your resume is typically the document they’re working off of. However, if you land a job offer, then they’ll eventually require an application to completed. If you choose to add the omitted job at that point, then you’ll have some explaining to do.

Utltimatly, the decision is yours. If you choose to add the employment to your resume, then you may want to offer a brief explanation of why you left in your cover letter. It’s all about the story you tell.

We hope this helps.

This is all great information but I do have a question. I am a recent BSN grad and licensed RN trying to land my first job. Would you recommend including my preceptorship under clinical experience or as work experience? I have seen it both ways in examples online.

Thanks, Kristin. We’re glad to hear this information on was useful. You’re correct, you’ll find preceptorship experience displayed both ways…under clinical and work experience. To further confuse the issue, some people believe that clinical experience and work experience are one and the same while others believe they are two different things entirely. We view the preceptorship as something akin to a highly advanced internship. For all intents and purposes, it is work experience. However, it doesn’t constitute a traditional employment relationship. Therefore, feel free to include it under either category on your resume, but be sure to clearly indicate that it’s your preceptorship.

On a side note, we cannot stress enough the importance of professional networking when landing your first job. 70%-80% of all jobs are obtained through networking. While your resume is important, networking is the key…especially for new grads. We hope this information helps. Best of luck!!

Great info – I could have used that for my last job application! Do you have any tips / strategies to prepare for job interviews? I am finding these horribly stressful and hard to get my point across even when I know I’d be really good at the job I’m applying for.

Thanks, Heidi! We don’t have any blog posts regarding interviews yet. Thanks for the suggestion. We’ll explore the topic soon!!!

Thank you! This is very informative. Do you have any sample resume and application letter?

We’re glad to hear the information is useful, Meth! Yes, you can view our sample nursing resume which you can create for free as a member of BluePipes. You can view our recommendations on writing a nursing cover letter . We hope this helps!

I LOVE this information! Thank you. Here’s my question. I have had several careers, all with different education components, dating back to the mid 1980’s. How far back should I go? None relate to my current field (new nursing graduate). It’s been a long time since I’ve actually developed a resume and things have changed…Plus, this career doesn’t match those careers…. Is it appropriate to ask a nursing instructor to be a reference? Are references included now-a-days? Many, many thanks! Alice

We’re glad to hear the information is helpful!! Congratulations on your recent graduation from nursing school! Yes, it’s a great idea to ask an instructor to be a reference. Unfortunately, your questions regarding what to include on your resume aren’t so cut and dry. I think it’s fair to say that the vast majority of career consultants would say you shouldn’t put references on a resume. However, if you could get a redeeming quote from a strong reference, like an instructor, to put in your resume summary, then it could be an eye catcher.

You’re right, things have changed! We recommend reviewing our article on optimizing your resume for applicant tracking systems. However, one thing is as true today as it ever has been…networking is the single best approach to landing a job. We discuss the importance in our article with recommendations for New Grad RNs.

It’s tough to recommend that you leave off your past education. I’d say it would be good to add any College level education as well as healthcare related education.

We hope this helps!! Best of luck!

Excellent information! Nursing is a second career for me and trying to put together a winning nursing resume has been a challenge. You are right on the money….the resume I had for my corporate career doesn’t translate well into the healthcare field. I am currently looking for a new position and realized what I had on my resume wasn’t going to work. I was destined to be one of those that got lost in the system. The tips you provided have been so helpful. I feel confident that I am submitting a resume that will get me noticed. Thank you again for providing such valuable information.

Congratulations on your new career path! We’re so glad you found this information useful. We wish you the best of luck in your job search. We hope you’ll consider joining BluePipes.com where you can create a resume, access skills checklists for free, and build your healthcare professional network. Please excuse my shameless sales pitch 🙂

Please let us know if we can help with any questions.

I have read this post with great interest. Due to a job opportunity for my husband, we moved from KS to PA in 2012. Even securing an interview has been daunting! I have gotten some feedback from ‘ recruiters’ in a large hospital in Pittsburgh, which was to be sure to apply to the job requirements, which interestingly were two pages long. How is that possible? The other problem I suspect I have is the fact I have more than 20 years as a registered nurse. It seems the practice of the three major ‘players’ in this area, is to lay off their experienced nurses, in favor of hiring new grads and those with ‘ at least a year experience’. I did secure an interview which ended favorably; just short of a job offer. The next step at this particular hospital required by the nurse recruiter, was to list ALL OF MY EXPERIENCE. I have been in nursing since 1974! LPN in 1977 and BSN in 1989. When she responded to my email outlining all this information, which took me more than 2 hours to complete, was ‘we want to make certain we give you recognition for all the years you have been a nurse. AND, that was the last I heard from them. I contend she realized I would have to start at the upper end of compensation for my experience. Do you know of anyone who may be advocating for the ‘older nurse?’ Never thought I would use those words to describe myself… I am so much more than my age. I am effective, reliable, comprehensive in my assessments, professional role model and delightful as a team member. Please give me some feedback relating to these concerns. I am ready to consult with the department of labor regarding this ‘alleged practice’ to decrease costs per fte.I think it’s a shame! Best Regards, Teresa Clem,RN,BSN

really good information here! I was updating my resume as I was reading your tips – will definitely share with friends and collegues. Thank you so much!

Hello, This was very thorough advice. I’ve yet to figure how to be concise yet detailed with these tips in mind. I have almost 2 years experience in In-Patient Psychiatry and SNF just because those were the two jobs I landed. However, I always wanted to do L&D or NICU. I did my preceptorship in 2011 in L&D. How can I use my experience and make it appealing for L&D again?

We’re glad to hear that you found the information useful! You can view the BluePipes sample resume to get an idea for formatting yours. Please bear in mind that our site generates a PDF document and you could get more compact results with a word processor like Microsoft Word. Also, you might be interested in reading our post on resume length.

You can find creative ways to translate your Psych and SNF experience to NICU and L&D. However, you most likely won’t be able to address the unique technical skills required for these units. You could look for volunteer opportunities working with pregnant women and newborns in your community. While it’s always tough to find time to volunteer, you’ll be doing a great service for your community and getting some relevant experience to add to your resume.

Thank you for this very interesting article. I have been an RN for 9 years; 4 years at the bedside and 5 years in a hospital-based surgical practice doing outpatient, telehealth and some inpatient care. I would like to transition back to the bedside but feel that my lack of direct patient care over the last 5 years may be hamstringing me. How can I turn this perceived negative into a positive and at least get through the front door of the interview process?

Hello Narvis,

You’re welcome, we hope you found the article useful. Yours is a legitimate challenge that many nurses share. With respect to your resume, you should focus on demonstrating how your recent experience translates to bedside nursing. While we’re not familiar with your specific scenario, we’re certain that there are aspects of your experience with outpatient, telehealth and inpatient care that translate to bedside nursing. Carefully review the job duties and qualifications of bedside nurses, and not just those found in the job descriptions of online job postings, to get ideas for framing your recent experience in a way that applies to bedside nursing. Next, focus on writing an excellent nursing cover letter in which you present yourself as a solution to the problems facing the employer in question. Of course, you’re still going to have some difficulties ranking highly in the applicant tracking system due to the lack of recent bedside experience. Therefore, networking is a must. Nearly 40% of all new-hires are the result of employee referral. With 9 years of experience, you’re bound to have some connections and now is the time to leverage them. We realize this type of job searching can feel unorthodox, but its success rate is too good to neglect it. Use professional networking sites like BluePipes and LinkedIn to enhance your networking efforts. Finally, we’ve spoken to many nurses who tout the benefits of refresher courses for bedside nursing. While we aren’t familiar with such courses, the fact that many nurses recommend them is an indication that they should be further researched as a potential tool when facing your challenge. We hope this information helps…and Good Luck!!

i have a question regarding applying to nursing positions. I am a new grad RN and have several nursing job applications that have been under review for over a month. Last week I became certified in ACLS and was wondering how to go about informing the hospitals that I am waiting to hear back from that I am newly certified in this skill, since it is not on my resume that they have on file (that I originally sent in).

Hey Amanda,

Congratulations on your recent achievements! This is a great question. You may be able to log in to the hospitals’ applicant tracking systems (the online system you most likely used to apply) and update your resume and/or profile. Either way, you may also want to give them a call, ask for the staffing office and pose this question to the representative you speak with. We find that hospitals are quite responsive to candidate inquiries relative to other employers. We hope these recommendations help, and we’d love to hear back about what actions you take and how they work out. Good luck!

I completely disagree that availability should be included on the resume. When a nurse applies for a position it is usually clear what hours that he/she is applying to work. I actually think it’s a bit juvenile to put availability on your resume. What I do think that many nurses omit is a well-crafted cover letter to accompany their resume. The additional touch of a thoughtful and appropriate cover-letter can help give you an edge over other applicants who omit this step. I found some good details on cover letters for nurses here: http://bit.ly/1dDy8If .

Thanks for the feedback, Brittney. Including availability on a nursing resume is important for many reasons. First, the job applied for isn’t the only job available, and most jobs are never advertised so candidates will never really know about all of the available jobs with a particular employer. Second, job specs don’t always display every last pertinent detail. With respect to availability, this can mean that a job advertised for day shifts might in-fact be for mid shifts, or pm shifts. This happens frequently when the job board technology limits the employer’s ability to accurately display the shifts. Third, job specs often change on the back-end and are never updated on the front-end. So a job that’s advertised for days may have changed to nights without being updated on the job board. Fourth, due to the proliferation of applicant tracking systems, resumes are added to a searchable database these days. So resumes are searchable for future job openings. Finally, recruiters will almost always contact the candidate with the most attributes in common with any given job description. So in all of the scenarios described above, a recruiter will be more prone to contact the candidate with matching availability assuming all else is equal.

Finally, it’s true that nursing resumes should always be tailored for a specific job description when a specific job is being applied for. However, a plurality of jobs are filled via networking and referrals. In such cases, it’s rare that a specific job is being applied for. Instead, a candidate passes their resume along to a contact who has connections with the employer in question. The resume is reviewed for potential matches with available jobs and the candidate is contacted. Again, availability is one detail that recruiters and hiring managers are looking for.

Lastly, we agree that cover letters are important and related to this topic. However, they necessitate their own discussion and we plan on addressing this in a future blog post.

This is great information! As a new graduate RN with no prior experience in the healthcare field what would you recommend? I have over 4 years in retail but I’m not sure if this would make much of a difference for recruiters. Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks!

Hi there! Wow this information is great! Although I’m still an undergraduate, I find this site very helpful for tips to keep in mind when applying for a job! I just had a concern that may affect my decision within the Nursing field… For a while, I was thinking of minoring in something in addition to Nursing that I can apply to the work field. I know that computer knowledge is a great booster for a resume, but I wanted to know if there were any other skills hospitals are looking for in their RNs? Thank you again for the detailed explanations!

Thanks, Michele! We’re glad you found the information useful! Yes, computer knowledge is a great booster for the resume. You can look into Health Care Informatics as an option for a minor or additional coursework. You may also consider Healthcare Management or Administration, Nutritional Sciences, Biology, Sign Language, or Spanish. In fact, Spanish is a huge selling point these days. As a side note: make the absolute most of your preceptorship. Be at your best and use the opportunity to network with everyone you can. We hope this information helps!! Please let us know if you have any other questions.

This is great information! Thank you!

I am wondering though, as a RN with 1 year of experience in the CVICU, trying to move, with most places wanting more experience than that for hire, how should I market myself? I have done all of these critical care elements, but just not a ton of it. Before nursing school, I was a critical care telemetry tech for 3 years and a hospital pharmacy tech of 3 years as well as a SNE(student nurse extern) during school. Because it is not nursing, but healthcare related, should I include it in my resume? It seems juvenile but pertinent to add some experience. Thanks!

We’re happy to hear you found the information helpful, Dashia! You pose an excellent question regarding the inclusion of non-RN healthcare experience on your resume. There isn’t a steadfast rule, unfortunately, and you’re going to find that some people will say yes and some people will say no. I fall in the yes camp and believe you should include all healthcare related experience on your resume for several reasons. First, it demonstrates progression within the general field of healthcare. Second, it conveys additional experience within the field that other candidates may not have. Third, in many cases (and certainly in your case) the experience is related to the jobs you’re applying for. Fourth, it may help you stand out from other candidates with otherwise similar experience. Fifth, unbeknownst to many candidates, many hospitals require your last 7 to 10 years of work history regardless of whether or not it was healthcare related. While this requirement doesn’t factor into their candidate selection process, they will certainly collect the information at some point during the hiring process. Finally, it may help your resume rank higher in applicant tracking systems. I hope this information helps!

This information is very helpfull Thank you, Elizabeth

Hi. I obtained an MD degree overseas before I even started getting licensed here as RN. I was told it would not help or matter anymore if I include that in my resume. What would you suggest?

Hey Liza, I hope all is well. I recommend including your overseas education. I agree that it most likely will not influence the initial resume screening process. However, it could have influence later in the process. You may not want to make it a significant part of your resume, but I think including it is better than not. It certainly enhances your personal story.

Do you have an example resume?

Hey Michaele, My apologies for the delay. We’ve been busy transferring our blog to this new domain. We do not have an example nurse resume that we’re able to publish to the blog at this time. However, we will work on getting one up soon. Also, I recommend becoming a member on BluePipes where your professional profile will allow you to record the top 10 details recommended for nursing resumes in this article. You can then print your BluePipes profile as a resume.

Thanks so much!! This clarifies a lot for me. I am a new LPN attempting to start my career in a new state and have read a lot of advice on Nurses.com that is wrong. I’ll take the advice of a recruiter over general opinions anytime. Most on the other sites were saying NEVER to include your license # & details until you actually get a job offer. Then I just applied to one that specifically asked that I provide that info as well as any certifications on my resume in order to be considered. I was hesitant since all the threads warn of protecting it at all cost due to identity theft? I’m glad you clarified this and some other points.

I do have one question that is not addressed in your article. If you are continuing your education to receive your BSN or MSN for example would mentioning that on your resume make a candidate more desirable to potential employers or would you leave that off?

Hey Aimee, I’m glad to hear that you’ve found the information useful. Great question!! I think it’s a great idea to add your education in progress to your resume. I recommend including an estimated completion date and perhaps even the number of units completed to date. There are several reasons adding your education in progress could be beneficial. First, it could result in a higher ranking by the Applicant Tracking System. Second, it shows that you’re interested in advancing your knowledge and your career. Third, it demonstrates your own personal motivation.

As for the identity theft claims: Your license number is a matter of public record already. Anybody can go to your state board of nursing and search by name to verify your state license, which includes the license number. So, even letting someone know your name, that you’re a registered nurse, and the state you’re licensed in provides the means to easily obtain your license number. Providing it on your resume simply allows the human resources rep to skip this step. Which increases the chance that your resume will be passed up the chain. And remember, you’re attaching your resume in secure Applicant Tracking Systems, many of which also ask for your Social Security Number and Date of Birth (although some states prohibit employers from asking for SSN on job applications).

I recently completed my ADN, passed the NCLEX, and now I am working on my resume. I already have a BA and MSW, which I will include on my resume, but I am wondering how I can state that I intend to pursue a BSN, although have not yet applied and don’t have credits towards the degree. Thanks for your advice.

Congratulations on your recent achievements! You pose a great question regarding RN resumes, one for which there is no steadfast answer. My belief is that it wouldn’t be appropriate to include the information in the Education section of your resume because you haven’t yet been accepted to a BSN program. However, you could certainly add it there once accepted to a program. Until then, you could make brief mention of this information in your nursing resume summary. We hope you find this response useful. Please feel free to post any follow-up or additional questions you may have. Good luck!!

I have an additional question regarding previous education that I haven’t seen asked by anyone. I’m an older new grad. I recently had someone look at one of my resumes and give me her input. She deleted all but my nursing education (Associates Degree). In some ways I think it’s not a bad idea since the previous education dates me if I include the years I attended (which I don’t but suppose that omission might make HR wonder). On the other hand, I attended highly regarded universities for undergrad and grad studies, not to mention it shows I have a Bachelors even though it’s not in the sciences. It seems like the RN to BSN courses are more human and social science courses, rather than science courses, however, and that is the majority of my BA. OK… That’s some background info, now I’ll get to the point 🙂 I know that resumes should cover only the last 10 years of employment history. Do you think this ‘rule’ also applies to education? Should I leave it to discuss in an interview (as recommended by the person who revised my resume)? I’m feeling very conflicted about this. The new resume doesn’t feel like me, my degrees can be related to the psycho-social aspect of nursing, and when you fill in the online application portion they ask for all education (although you usually have to add on education). I would greatly appreciate your insight and recommendation.

Regards, Carol

My sincerest apologies for the delay. Congratulations on your recent graduation! This is a tough situation. Both sides of the argument have merit. Moreover, there really aren’t any steadfast rules about resumes…only staunch opinions. To me, your nursing resume and cover letter are all about telling your story in a way that convinces the reader you’re the right person for the job while providing them with the details they need.

Personally, I’d keep the education details on the resume, and use a brief portion of the cover letter to tie that education into the story about you being the best candidate for the job in question. Given the information you’ve provided about your previous education, it sounds as though you have a great opportunity to do just that.

Again, there is no right or wrong answer here. You may even try it both ways. Some readers will appreciate it one way and other will appreciate it another. However, I’m of the belief that all education is valuable.

I hope this information helps. We’d love to hear back about how it all works out!!

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6 New Grad Nursing Resume Examples + How To Write

Are you a new grad nurse or about to complete your nursing degree? If so, congratulations on your impressive accomplishment! At this point, you may be wondering what is your next action in the strategy to secure a job. If so, read on for vital information to help you successfully navigate the unchartered territory of finding employment as a nurse. Preparing a top-notch resume is an essential step in securing a position after graduation. When thinking about how to compose a resume, you might ask, what are some exceptional examples of new grad nursing resumes? This article, 6 best new grad nursing resume examples, will guide you through the process of creating a professional new grad nursing resume that is sure to impress. Additionally, well-structured resume examples will visually aid you in designing your resume that is sure to catch the eye of your future employer.

What Exactly is a New Grad Nursing Resume?

How is a new grad nursing resume different from an experienced nursing resume, 4 reasons why an exceptional resume makes a difference to new grad nurses, 1. you may be competing with experienced nurses-, 2. there may be many candidates-, 3. highlights new skills-, 4. helps to get your foot in the door-, what are some exceptional examples of new grad nursing resumes, example #1: resume of diane joyner, diane joyner, licenses and credentialing, clinical experience, student nurse.

• Performed new mom, baby and labor and delivery patient care duties on a 12-bed obstetrics unit. • Team leader for student nurse rotation on 2 occasions. • Developed nursing care plans on 2-3 patients each week. • Completed 75 clinical hours in obstetrics.

• Performed patient care duties on a busy 28-bed pediatric unit. Commended by clinical instructor, preceptor, and unit nurses for ease of adaptation, enthusiasm, and expert nursing care of children on unit. • Team leader for colleagues on 4 occasions. • Developed nursing care plans on 3-10 patients per week. • Developed and instituted engaging quiet activity lessons and entertainment boxes for children while in the hospital. • For children in quarantine, developed exercises to promote circulation and heart health while recovering in isolation, if applicable. • Completed 75 clinical hours in Pediatrics.

• Provided nursing care in a busy inner-city ER, ICU, and CCU. • Completed 90 hours total of critical care clinical hours. • Evaluated at 100% by the instructor for competence in critical care skills.

• Completed 30 outpatient hours as a public health nurse, either traveling for home visits or at a community clinic. • Evaluated and developed plans of care for patients from 7 months to 70 years old. • Completed 30 additional outpatient hours in a public elementary and middle school.

• Performed basic nursing care in a 400-bed community hospital with 2-4 adult patients daily. • Administered nursing services to seniors and disabled patients in community rehab and nursing facilities. • Completed 100 hours total of med-surg clinical hours.

Work History

Certified nurses aid.

• Performed basic hygiene and health aide services in a 300-bed nursing facility during vacations and summer.

Secretary to Bloomsburg University Department of Nursing

• Performed basic office duties such as filing, answering phones, and typing reports.

Babysitter for 2 diabetic sisters

• Hired to babysit and carefully monitor 2 diabetic children where carb counting, blood sugar monitoring, and insulin injections were necessary.

• Hostess, waitress, cook, and dishwasher duties as needed in a bustling restaurant.

Volunteer Work

• Mother of a newborn • Candy striper • Campus Catholic Organization • Church nursery worker • St Francis Soup Kitchen • Campus blood drive

What Makes This An Exceptional New Grad Registered Nurse Resume:

Example #2: resume of jan beck, licenses and credentialing.

1/2021-4/2021 Boseman, Montana

• Performed new mom, baby, and labor and delivery patient care duties on an 8-bed birthing center. • Developed nursing care plans on 1-2 patients each week. • Completed 75 clinical hours in obstetrics.

9/2020-11/2020 Boseman, Montana

• Performed patient care duties on a busy 20-bed pediatric unit. • Developed nursing care plans on 2-4 patients per week. • Completed 75 clinical hours in Pediatrics.

1/2020-5/2020 Boseman, Montana

• Provided nursing care ER, ICU, and CCU. • Completed 90 hours total of critical care clinical hours. • Evaluated at 99% by the instructor for competence in critical care skills. • Selected consistently by the staff and clinical instructor to work on Covid and burn units along with special cases.

11/2019-12/2019 Boseman, Montana

• Completed 30 psychiatric clinical hours at a 150-bed psychiatric hospital. • Completed psychiatric evaluations and instituted and monitored mental health treatment plans on 2 patients per day.

9/2019-10/2019 Boseman, Montana

• Completed 30 outpatient hours in a high school health clinic.

1/2019- 5/2019 Boseman, Montana

• Performed basic adult nursing care in a 200-bed community hospital with 2-4 patients daily. • Completed 100 hours total of med-surg clinical hours.

WORK HISTORY

University lab assistant.

5/2019-Present Boseman, Montana

• Selected by nursing faculty to assist in Anatomy and Physiology labs along with Microbiology lab.

Student Tutor

1/2020-Present Boseman, Montana

• Tutored students in course work for science, health, computer technology.

HONORS AND AWARDS

• Graduated second in nursing class with a 3.96 GPA • Received 4.0 in all clinical rotations • Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society • Award for future nurse in excellence and scholarship

Example #3: Resume of Joan Zimmerman

Joan zimmerman.

1/2021-4/2021

• Completed 60 clinical hours rotating between urgent care and family health clinic. • The preceptor stated she felt very confident in all skills and knowledge to independently care for patients under her supervision.

9/2020-11/2020

• Performed patient care duties on a busy 60-bed pediatric unit. • Developed nursing care plans on 2-4 patients per day. • Completed 75 clinical hours in Pediatrics.

1/2020-5/2020

• Provided nursing care ER, ICU, and CCU. • Completed 90 hours total of critical care clinical hours. • Evaluated at 100% by the instructor for competence in critical care skills. • Team head 3 out of 10-week rotation. • Nurses on the unit commented daily on my advanced knowledge of cardiovascular conditions and ability to handle patient care efficiently.

11/2019-12/2019

• Completed 30 psychiatric clinical hours at a 241-bed psychiatric hospital. • Completed psychiatric evaluations and instituted and monitored mental health treatment plans on 2 patients per day.

9/2019-10/2019

• Completed 60 outpatient hours rotating between units for women’s health, labor and delivery, NICU, PICU, and newborn nursery.

1/2019-5/2019

• Performed basic nursing care on adults in a busy 600-bed hospital with 2-4 patients daily. • Completed 100 hours total of med-surg clinical hours.

Walmart Cashier

5/2017-Present

Honors and Awards

• Graduated first in nursing class with a 3.99 GPA • Received 4.0 in all clinical rotations • Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society • Future Nurse Leader Award • School of Nursing Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award

Volunteer and Leadership Experience

• President of Student Nursing Association • Captain of the high school basketball team

Example #4: Resume of Lizzie Arndt

Lizzie arndt.

1/2021-5/2021 Jersey City, New Jersey

• Completed 60 clinical hours performing home health services on patients of a variety of ages and conditions, including prenatal and postnatal care. • Developed new mom instructional videos on breastfeeding and bathing.

9/2020-11/2020 Eastman, New Jersey

• Performed patient care duties on a busy 62-bed pediatric unit. • Developed nursing care plans on 2-4 patients per day. • Completed 75 clinical hours in Pediatrics. • Rotated onto pediatric burn unit.

1/2020-5/2020 Eastman, New Jersey

• Provided nursing care ER, ICU, CCU, and adult burn unit. • Completed 90 hours total of critical care clinical hours.

11/2019-12/2019 Eastman, New Jersey

• Completed 30 psychiatric clinical hours at a state prison on both men’s and women’s units. • Completed psychiatric evaluations and instituted and monitored mental health treatment plans on 1-3 patients per day.

9/2019-10/2019 Eastman, New Jersey

• Completed 60 outpatient hours rotating between units for women’s health, labor and delivery and NICU, PICU, and newborn nursery. • Achieved 100% on clinical skills and knowledge testing. • Developed competency checklist for pre- and post-natal teaching of pregnant women and new moms. • Established support reference material for new mom packet.

1/2019- 5/2019 Eastman, New Jersey

• Performed basic adult nursing care in a busy 575-bed hospital with 2-4 patients daily. • Completed 100 hours total of med-surg clinical hours in the hospital and adjoining rehabilitation center.

Swim Instructor and Lifeguard

5/2017-Present Jersey City, New Jersey

• Graduated first in nursing class with a 3.95 GPA • Received 4.0 in all clinical rotations • Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society • Outstanding Nursing Student Award • Scholarship for swimming • Scholarship for academic excellence

Extra-Curricular Activities

• Division I swimming all 4 years in college

Example #5: Resume of Lynn Horton

Lynn horton.

• Performed new mom, baby and labor and delivery patient care duties on a 50-bed women’s health unit. • Completed 75 clinical hours in obstetrics.

• Performed patient care duties on a busy 20-bed pediatric unit. • Developed nursing care plans on 2-4 patients per week. • Rotated onto pediatric oncology unit to care for 1-2 oncology patients per day. • Completed 75 clinical hours in Pediatrics.

• Provided nursing care in ER, ICU, and CCU units. • Completed 96 hours total of critical care clinical hours.

• Completed 30 psychiatric clinical hours at a 40-bed detox and substance abuse facility. • Completed psychiatric evaluations and instituted and monitored mental health treatment plans on 2-3 patients per day. • Assisted nursing and psychiatric staff with detox and substance abuse treatment and therapy.

• Completed 30 outpatient hours in a home health agency to include care for adults and children with cancer.

• Performed basic nursing care in a 600-bed community hospital with 2-4 patients daily. • Completed 100 hours total of med-surg clinical hours.

Certified Nurse Assistant

• Provided comfort and basic care to adult patients with cancer.

• Graduated Magna Cum Laude • Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society • Award for future nurse in excellence and scholarship

Volunteer and Extra-curricular Activities

• Served as a companion and nurse’s aide to a friend dying of cancer • Division III university softball player

Example #6: Resume of Paul Linney

Paul linney.

1/2021-4/2021 Tampa, Florida

• Performed new mom, baby and labor and delivery patient care duties on a 30-bed birthing center. • Performed basic nursing and prenatal care to walk-in women’s health center. • Completed 75 clinical hours in obstetrics and women’s health.

9/2020-11/2020 Tampa, Florida

• Performed patient care duties on a busy 38-bed pediatric unit. • Developed nursing care plans on 2-3 patients per week. • Completed 75 clinical hours in Pediatrics.

1/2020-5/2020 Tampa, Florida

• Provided nursing care in ER, ICU, and CCU units. • Completed 90 hours total of critical care clinical hours.

10/2019-12/2019 Tampa, Florida

• Completed 30 psychiatric clinical hours on a 62-bed psychiatric unit, which included detox and substance abuse treatment. • Completed psychiatric evaluations and instituted and monitored mental health treatment plans on 2-4 patients per day. • Assisted nursing and psychiatric staff with detox and substance abuse treatment and therapy. • Achieved 100% for clinical rotation. • Selected as team leader 5 out of 8 weeks on unit. • The Nurses and the preceptor remarked weekly about comfort level and ease with working with psychiatric patients.

9/2019-10/2019 St. Pete, Florida

• Completed 30 outpatient hours in a community center for at-risk youth. • Held group sessions for abused and traumatized teens. • Met individually with 2 patients per week for individual counseling and psychiatric sessions and care.

1/2019-5/2019 Tampa, Florida

• Performed basic nursing care in a 300-bed community hospital with 2-4 patients daily. • Completed 100 hours total of med-surg clinical hours.

VOLUNTEER AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

• Boys Club of Clearwater • Paxton Ministries Soup Kitchen • Special Olympics

How to Write an Exceptional New Grad RN Resume?

1. proper format.

• Your name and contact information at the top of the page • Easy to read (not fancy) fonts such as New Times Roman, Arial, and Calibri • Font size 11 or12 • Stay consistent in fonts and style types • Be concise • No abbreviations or slang

2. Summary or objective

• Professional goals • Name of unit and institution where you are applying • Nursing skills and qualities pertinent to the position • Degrees and professional certifications

3. Licenses and credentialing

• The full name of your license or certification • Institution or body that issued license

4. Education

• Official school name • Location of the school • Dates you attended or graduated • Degree that you completed

5. Clinical rotations

• The type of the clinical rotation • Dates of the rotation and total hours completed • Name of institution (and city/state) of clinical • Name of unit you worked on

6. Work history

• Position held, then the name of the company/organization where you worked and the city and state with starting and ending date of hire • In a few words, describe the job

7. Volunteerism

• Church bake sales, nursery work, chicken BBQ worker, soup kitchen, and vacation bible school assistant • Hospital candy striper • Homecoming committee • Musical lighting and props • Prepped dinners for a homeless shelter • Assistant to professor • Staffed nursing department booth for college fairs • Blood pressure checks for health fairs • Assisted with blood drives on campus

8. Honors and awards

9. skills/language summary, 10. appropriate length, 11. match your resume to the job, 12. proofread, 7 common mistakes to avoid when writing your new grad nursing resume, 1. not including non-work experience-, 2. being too modest-, 3. too wordy-, 4. not personalized-, 5. leaving out accomplishments-, 6. not customizing-, 7. not proofing-, 3 consequences of a poorly written new grad rn resume, 1. you may never get an interview-, 2. your resume sets the stage-, 3. you may receive lower compensation-, my final thoughts, frequently asked questions answered by our expert, 1. what is the difference between new grad nurse resume and new grad nurse cv, 2. as a new grad nurse, when should i write my resume, 3. do i need a different resume for each new grad nursing job i apply to, 4. how long is my new grad nursing resume good for, 5. how many words should a resume be for a new graduate nurse, 6. how much time does it take to write an exceptional resume for a new grad nurse, 7. what is the best resume format for new grad nurses, 8. should i put my gpa on my new grad nurse resume, 9. should skills be on my new grad nurse resume, 10. what is a good objective for a new grad nursing resume, 11. how to list registered nurse license on my new grad nursing resume.

• Full name of nursing license • The body that issued the license • Expiration date

12. Should I Put Clinical Experience On My New Grad Nursing Resume?

13. should i include preceptorship on my new grad nursing resume, 14. can i ask someone else to write my new graduate nurse resume, 15. is it a good idea to use ready templates to write my new graduate nurse resume, 16. are there any online apps or tools that make writing a good resume for a new graduate nurse easy.

• • 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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Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

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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New Grad Nurse Resume Example (W/ Templates & Tips!)

You're an aspiring nurse, and you just graduated!

You've mastered the art of patient care, so now you’re out and looking for your first job as a registered nurse.

But when it comes to writing your resume, you're self-diagnosed with writer's block.

It's ironic that after so many detailed reports you've tackled during nursing school, you just can’t seem to show off your skills and experience.

Just take a deep breath.

Preparing a resume might not be as exciting as your first clinical rotation, but it doesn’t have to be difficult.

With the right pointers, you can create the perfect new grad nurse resume!

And guess what? We're here to guide you every step of the way.

In this article, we’re going to cover:

• What an Amazing New Grad Nurse Resume Example Looks Like
• 8 Steps to Writing a Job-Winning Resume as a Recently Graduated Nurse
• The 67 Top Nursing Skills for 2024

...and so much more!

Ready to begin? Let’s jump right in.

New Grad Nurse Resume Example

That’s a spot-on example of a resume for a recently graduated nurse.

Here’s what it gets right:

• Uses the reverse-chronological resume format. This recent nursing grad has a resume that shows their newest experience first and then works its way back, so hiring managers can have a clear look at their experience.
• Starts with a strong resume objective. The nursing resume example above includes a brief paragraph in the header that catches employers’ attention and lets them know the candidate’s top skills, achievements, and professional aspirations.
• Only includes relevant contact information. Social media profiles aren’t appropriate for a nurse job application, so this candidate only lists her full name, phone number, email address, and location.
• Quantifies achievements. The candidate backs up their achievements with relevant data, which lets employers immediately see the benefit of hiring them.
• Expands on education. Since the candidate has just recently graduated, they elaborate on their education and how well-prepared they are for the role.
• Shows off in-demand skills. This new grad nurse resume makes sure the most relevant hard skills are in plain view, so hiring managers can easily see just what the candidate can do.
• Adds optional sections. The candidate leverages sections such as conferences and languages to make their resume stand out from other recently graduated nurses with similar skills and experience.
• Fits everything on one page. This new grad nurse resume uses every bit of space available to fit all the sections on one page.

8 Steps for a Great New Grad Nurse Resume

You know what a spot-on new graduate nurse resume includes, and now it’s your turn to write one.

Luckily, you just need to follow these easy steps:

#1. Choose a Resume Format

Before you can fill in the contents of your resume, you have to decide how it’s going to look.

Start by choosing the right resume format .

You have three main resume formats to choose from:

• Reverse-chronological (sometimes called chronological)
• Functional (sometimes called skill-based format)
• Combination (which blends elements of both)

For the vast majority of nursing graduates, the reverse-chronological resume format is the best choice.

This format shows your most recent work experience, skills, and accomplishments, which are what healthcare employers will want to see first.

It’s also hiring managers’ favorite resume format worldwide, so that should make it your first choice. 

Here's a quick glance:

Next, it’s time to perfect your resume layout .

Before a hiring manager reads your resume, they’re going to look at it. But if your resume is chaotic and hard on the eyes, it’ll probably get tossed aside.

Here’s how to make sure your new grad nurse resume leaves a great first impression:

• Adjust the margins. The margins on your document should be set to one inch on all sides so it doesn’t look too cluttered.
• Choose an appropriate font. Your resume’s font should be easy to read and stylish, but not overused. Skip Times New Roman and opt for something like Roboto instead.
• Set the font size. If the hiring manager has to squint to read your resume, they might just stop altogether. Use 10-12 pts for the body of your text and 14-16 pts for headings and section titles.
• Change the line spacing. To make sure your text isn’t too spaced out or overlapping, set the line spacing to 1.0 between text and 1.15 after subheadings.
• Send it in the right file format. Your new grad nurse resume should always be sent as a PDF. This way, your layout stays intact regardless of what device or software the hiring manager uses to open it.

Or Use a Professional Resume Template Instead

Starting your nurse resume from scratch takes a lot of effort.

You have to tweak the margins, adjust the line spacing, pick the best font, and make sure the sizes are uniform throughout your whole resume.

What if there was another way?

Just give any of our free resume templates a go and spare yourself the hassle.

Each of our templates is designed hand-in-hand with hiring managers from around the world, all to make sure your resume meets industry standards easily fits on one page, and lets you show off your personality.

Check for yourself how one of our resume templates compares to a standard text editor template:

#2. Fill In Your Contact Details

Once you’ve taken care of your resume format and layout, you can start filling in its contents.

Your contact information is the easiest section to fill out. All you need to do is make sure it’s factual – this isn’t the place to be inattentive. A single typo in your phone number or email address could cost you an opportunity.

Here’s what you need to include in this section:

• Full Name. (E.g. Jessica Smith)
• Professional Title. Make sure your resume’s professional title matches the specific nursing job you’re applying for. (E.g. Pediatric Nurse)
• Phone Number. If you're aiming for a job abroad, don't forget to include the dial code at the front of your number.
• Email Address. Ideally, use a combination of your first and last name. Quirky email addresses from high school won't cut it. (e.g. [email protected] is great, but [email protected] isn’t.)
• Location. List your city and state/country. If you’re willing to relocate for a job, specify it somewhere in your resume.

Jessica Smith - Registered Nurse +1 234 567 8910 [email protected] San Francisco, CA

Jessie Smith, Nurse 1234 567 8910 [email protected] Cali, USA

#3. Write a Convincing Resume Summary (or Objective)

Hiring managers go through hundreds of resumes daily, and they rarely spend more than a few seconds looking at a single resume . So if you want your new grad nurse resume to make an impression, you need to have an elevator pitch ready.

That would be the brief paragraph in your resume’s header, where you summarize some of your top skills, achievements, and other qualifications that make you right for the role.

Depending on your level of experience, here’s what you can write:

• Resume summary. If you have any clinical experience or internships from your time at university, a resume summary is the ideal choice. It provides a snapshot of your hands-on experience, primary nursing skills, and academic achievements.
• Resume objective. For fresh nursing graduates with limited experience, a resume objective is the way to go. This focuses on your nursing skills, relevant academic accomplishments, and your passion for patient care.

Here's a sample for a new grad nurse with some hands-on experience:

• Committed and compassionate Registered Nurse, seeking a position with Hospital X. With over two years of clinical experience during studies, skilled in patient care, medical documentation, and emergency response. CPR and First Aid certified. Eager to support a team in delivering patient-centered care.

For those just stepping into the nursing profession, here's a resume objective for a student with no experience :

• Dedicated Nursing Graduate, eager to join Hospital Y. Proficient in patient assessments, foundational nursing procedures, and effective communication. Motivated to contribute positively to patient outcomes and grow professionally in a dynamic healthcare environment.

#4. List Your Work Experience

The work experience section of your new grad nurse resume is what hiring managers will pay attention to, even if you're fresh out of school.

Presentation is key, so let's make sure yours is on point.

Here’s how to structure this section:

• List in reverse chronological order. Since you're newly graduated, start with your most recent clinical rotations or internships and then any related roles.
• Add the name of the facility. Specify the name of the hospital, clinic, or healthcare facility, and then its location.
• Include dates. Stick to the mm/yyyy format for clarity.
• Describe responsibilities and achievements. Highlight five to six key examples from your most recent experience in bullet points. Older roles might only need two to three.

But if you’re a recent nursing graduate, just listing your experience the right way isn’t enough.

You need to make it shine. Here’s how:

• Tailor your experience to the job. Look at the job ad and compare it to your experience so far. Your recent pediatric rotation might be more relevant for the position of school nurse than that summer you spent as a lifeguard.
• Focus on your impact. The hiring manager knows what a typical nursing student does, so you won’t impress them that easily. Instead, wow them by focusing on the difference you made during your rotations, such as improving patient outcomes or boosting morale.
• Quantify whenever possible. Put numbers next to any achievement you can. Quantifying your achievements can change the generic "assisted with patient care," into the more impressive "aided in the care of 10-15 patients daily under supervision."
• Use strong verbs. Instead of just "helped" or "worked", use powerful words like "administered", "collaborated", or "monitored" to show you as a proactive worker.

Check out this example for a nursing graduate:

Nursing Intern

St. Peter's Hospital

Seattle, WA

05/2022 - 09/2022

• Collaborated with a team of 5 registered nurses in the cardiac unit, assisting in the care of 10-12 patients daily.
• Administered medications under supervision, achieving a 100% accuracy rate throughout the internship.
• Assisted in patient documentation, updating medical histories and vital signs for over 250 patients during the rotation.
• Monitored and reported changes in patient conditions, resulting in timely interventions on several occasions.
• Received commendation from the head nurse for dedication and keen attention to detail during high-pressure situations.

What If I Don’t Have Work Experience?

Entering the world of healthcare as a fresh graduate nurse might seem overwhelming, especially if your resume feels light on professional experience.

However, your nursing resume can absolutely reflect your dedication and skills, even as you’re entering the field!

It's all about highlighting relevant experience, even if it isn’t professional.

Here are some examples you can choose from:

• Volunteering at health camps or local clinics
• Personal projects related to healthcare
• Academic projects related to patient care
• University health drives or campaigns

For example, if you volunteered at a health camp during your summer break, that’s an invaluable hands-on experience that can elevate your resume as a recently graduated nurse.

Here's an example:

Nurse Intern & Health Educator

Springfield Health Camp

06/2022 - 08/2022

• Volunteered in patient care, assisting registered nurses in administering basic treatments and wound care.
• Educated local community members about preventive healthcare measures, receiving positive feedback for clear communication.
• Assisted in organizing health seminars, ensuring informative sessions on nutrition, and hygiene.
• Collaborated with fellow interns to gather patient feedback, leading to improved patient education materials.
• Partnered with local schools to conduct health check-ups, providing basic healthcare knowledge to students.

#5. Add Your Most Vital Nursing Skills

Nursing is more than just administering medication or checking vitals. The job requires a broad range of skills , and the ones you add to your new grad nurse resume should align with the specific nursing position you're after.

Your skills section shows potential employers your clinical competencies and the depth of your training. If you tailor this section right, they’ll see how prepared you are to step into the role.

Here are some tips for writing a great skills section:

• Tailor them to the ad. Does the job description mention certain requirements for candidates? Whether it's wound care, patient education, or managing specific health conditions, add the skills you have to your resume.
• Research what skills you need. The world of healthcare is ever-evolving and the key to success is ongoing learning. Stay updated on patient care guidelines, innovative treatment methods, or emerging healthcare technologies.
• List hard and soft skills separately. Your new grad nurse resume should keep soft skills and hard skills neatly separate. This way, employers can find exactly what skills they’re looking for at a glance.

You've got the know-how to list your nursing skills.

All that’s left is to figure out which you should include on your resume.

Take a look at this list of the 67 most in-demand hard and soft skills for recently graduated nurses to get started!

67 Most In-Demand New Grad Nurse Skills

51 new grad nurse hard skills.

• Aseptic technique
• Electronic Health Records (EHR)
• EPIC Systems
• Record keeping
• Patient assessment
• Wound dressing
• IV insertion and management
• Medication administration
• First Aid and CPR
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Catheter insertion and care
• Infection control
• Vaccination administration
• Pain management
• Patient education
• Care and discharge planning
• ECG interpretation
• Emergency response
• Surgical assistance
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
• Oxygen therapy
• Endotracheal intubation
• Fluid and electrolyte balance
• Palliative care
• Ventilator management
• SOAP note documentation
• Patient charting
• Patient transport
• Tracheostomy care
• Gastrostomy feedings
• Diabetes management
• Hemodynamic monitoring
• Sterilization techniques
• Seizure precautions
• Ostomy care
• Orthopedic casting and splinting
• Isolation procedures
• Defibrillation
• HIPAA compliance
• Manual blood pressure measurement
• Nasogastric (NG) tube placement
• Critical care
• Telemetry monitoring
• Mobility assistance

16 New Grad Nurse Soft Skills

• Communication
• Adaptability
• Critical thinking
• Time management
• Problem-solving
• Active listening
• Self-awareness
• Stress management
• Interpersonal skills
• Organizational skills
• Conflict re solution

#6. Elaborate on Your Education

In any resume, work experience and skills speak louder than academic credentials. Usually, this section only gets a passing mention.

However, when you’re a newly graduated nurse, you might want to dive into more details.

If you don’t have as much hands-on experience as your peers, your education section is where your resume can shine.

Here’s how you should format the basics:

• Degree Name. (E.g. Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
• University Name. (E.g. Metropolitan University of Health Sciences)
• Location. (E.g. Los Angeles, CA)
• Years Attended. If you haven’t graduated yet, don’t worry about it. Over 74% of new graduate nurses have a job offer lined up before graduation. Instead of using the yyyy - yyyy format, you can specify your expected graduation date. (E.g. Expected graduation: May 2024)
• Optional Details. List any relevant coursework, such as classes, projects, or clinical rotations, that’s relevant to the nurse position you’re applying for.

The goal here is to paint a clear picture of how your studies have prepared you for the hands-on work in the world of nursing. Everything you add should be relevant, so you should skip your high school education.

Here’s an example of how your education section might look:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Metropolitan University of Health Sciences

Los Angeles, CA

08/2019 - 06/2023

• Relevant Coursework: Pediatric Nursing, Critical Care Nursing, and Nursing Ethics.
• Research Project: "The Impact of Patient-Nurse Ratios on Care Quality."
• Clinical Rotations: Completed practical training in Pediatric, ICU, and Emergency Nursing departments.

#7. Leverage Optional Sections

Once you’ve come to the end of your new grad nurse resume, you have some leftover space.

This is a great opportunity for you to add optional sections, which can take your resume to the next level. These sections can be the cherry on top, giving potential employers deeper insight into who you are both professionally and personally.

Here are some sections you can choose from:

• Licenses and certifications. The more qualifications you have, the more commitment and readiness for nursing your resume shows.
• Awards. Any scholarships, academic honors, or nursing-related competitions you've won are good for showing off on your new grad nurse resume.
• Memberships. Being a part of professional nursing organizations gives you credibility and shows your drive to stay updated with industry trends.
• Languages. Hospitals and clinics appreciate nurses who can communicate with diverse patient populations, so speaking multiple languages is a huge plus.
• Publications or conferences. If you've written healthcare-related articles or created presentations for nursing school or even conferences, list them! It shows expertise and enthusiasm for particular subjects.
• Hobbies and interests. This section gives a glimpse into your personality. Activities like team sports can show teamwork skills and physical stamina, while interests like medical literature or meditation can show an interest in continuous learning and stress management.
• Florence Nightingale Academic Scholarship State Nursing School - 2022
• Top Performer American Red Cross First Aid Competition - October 2021

Memberships:

• National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA) Member - 2020

Always be sure to keep the optional sections you add to your new grad nurse resume relevant. Your interests in cooking or experience in the university drama club probably won’t do.

If you’re based in the USA, you should always include your nursing license number on your resume. But in countries where Nursing graduates are automatically registered with the board, there’s no need to add this credential.

#8. Attach an Equally Well-Made Cover Letter

Once you’ve completed your resume, your work isn’t done yet.

The last step on your resume-writing journey is writing a cover letter .

In reality, not writing a cover letter can significantly lower your chances of getting an interview since hiring managers expect to get cover letters .

There’s no need to worry, though! Your new grad nurse resume can be paired with a matching cover letter in no time.

Just take a look at what a great cover letter for a recently graduated nurse looks like:

You know the drill - you’ve seen a great cover letter, so now it’s time to make one yourself.

Follow our cover letter tips to nail it:

• Include the right contact information. Your new grad nurse cover letter should have the exact same contact information as your resume. Your full name, phone number, professional email address, and general location are enough, followed by the hiring manager’s contact information.
• Address your cover letter. Don’t skip the greeting or use something generic like “To whom it may concern”. Instead, do a bit of research and address the hiring manager by name to make a strong impression.
• Start with a strong opening. Your first paragraph should always include why you’re writing and what skills you can offer the employer, so they’ll want to read more.
• Expand on the details. This is the place to get creative! Elaborate on anything that makes you perfect for the job, but don’t just repeat what’s on your resume. Offer the hiring manager insight they wouldn’t get from just reading your new grad nurse resume.
• Finish it appropriately. Once you’re ready to wrap it up, invite the hiring manager to do something, like contact you. Then add an appropriate closing line and sign your name.

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap!

Now you’ll be well on your way to delivering extraordinary patient care.

But before you pick out your new scrubs, let’s recap what we talked about:

• Always add an eye-catching paragraph at the top of your new grad nurse resume. A resume summary is a great way to catch the hiring manager’s attention.
• Don’t worry too much about not having enough professional experience. Hiring managers won’t expect a fresh graduate to have Dr. House’s list of achievements.
• List your soft skills separately from your hard skills so hiring managers can easily find what they’re looking for, and make sure to tailor any skills on your resume to the job ad.
• While your education is usually less important than your hands-on experience, don’t be afraid to give more detail if you’re very inexperienced. It still shows off your medical know-how and it’s better than having blank space.
• Any licenses and certifications are a great addition to your resume as a newly graduated nurse, so make sure to add them right after your most important sections are filled in.

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ICU nurse resume

ICU Nurse Resume: Templates and Tips

Published on September 1st, 2024

ICU Nurses are essential healthcare professionals who provide critical care to patients with severe and life-threatening conditions. Their role requires specialized skills in patient care, a high level of attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively under pressure.

If you're pursuing a new role as an ICU Nurse, your resume should showcase your clinical expertise, compassionate patient care, and the ability to thrive in high-stress environments.

This blog will offer a sample ICU Nurse resume to help you advance in your nursing career.

Key Responsibilities of an ICU Nurse

• Provide direct and comprehensive nursing care to critically ill patients.
• Monitor patient vital signs and symptoms, adjusting medications and treatments as needed.
• Collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to formulate treatment plans.
• Operate and monitor medical equipment used in patient care, such as ventilators and intravenous (IV) pumps.
• Educate patients and their families on disease processes, medical-surgical procedures, and other aspects of therapeutic regimens.
• Advocate for patients’ health and well-being within the healthcare system.
• Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records of patient care.
• Administer medications intravenously, orally, and via other methods as needed.
• Conduct physical exams and health histories before making critical decisions regarding patients’ health.
• Implement interventions to support the life functions of patients in critical condition.
• Participate in emergency medical procedures necessary to stabilize patients.
• Ensure the ethical and professional standards of nursing are upheld in the intensive care unit.

ICU Nurse Resume Templates

A compelling ICU Nurse resume must clearly articulate your specialized skills in managing complex patient care and your dedication to the well-being of critically ill patients. It should highlight your proficiency in medical procedures, patient monitoring, and collaboration within healthcare teams. Utilize these templates as a guide to create a detailed, well-structured resume that emphasizes your qualifications and meets the expectations of potential employers. A meticulously crafted resume is your key to securing your next role in a critical care environment.

Thomas M. A.

A literature-lover by design and qualification, Thomas loves exploring different aspects of software and writing about the same.

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Career Advice > Professional Development > Nursing School > How to Write a Motivational Letter for Nursing

How to Write a Motivational Letter for Nursing

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Unlike a nursing resume or cover letter , a motivational letter for nursing lets you dive deeper into why you’re drawn to the nursing profession, how you envision your future in this career, and what makes you an outstanding candidate who can make a real difference for your future patients, employer, and the medical field as a whole.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to write a motivational letter — one that captures your drive and commitment to the job or program you’re aiming for. Additionally, we’ve included a free motivational letter for nursing to spark your creativity.

What Is a Motivational Letter for a Nurse?

A motivational letter for nursing is a personalized document typically submitted as part of your application for nursing school, a scholarship, an internship, or a job. The letter serves two key purposes:

• It highlights your love and dedication for nursing.
• It convinces the reader that you’re the ideal candidate.

You’ll typically write one of three types of motivational letters:

• A motivation letter for nursing students is for applying to academic institutions. Focus on showing your passion for the field, relevant volunteer experiences, and why you’re a good fit for your chosen nursing school .
• A motivation letter for a nursing job is for applying to nursing positions . It should highlight your skills and past work experiences, and explain why you’re the best candidate for the job.
• A motivation letter for a nursing scholarship is for seeking financial support for your nursing education or research project. It should emphasize your academic achievements (such as good grades in prerequisite classes ), career goals, and why you deserve the scholarship or grant .

4 Tips to Write a Great Nurse Motivation Letter

1. start with a catchy introduction.

Start with a sharp, attention-grabbing introduction. What sets you apart? Share a compelling story or an interesting fact about why you’re drawn to nursing. You can also briefly outline your key qualifications, which can include:

• Awards and recognitions
• Certifications, such as BLS
• Relevant work experience
• Higher education
• Preceptorship experience
• Leadership roles
• Previous career in another related field

2. Share Your Passion

There are so many career paths out there, so why did you choose nursing ? Describe specific experiences that inspired you to choose this path. For example, in an application letter for a nursing student , you could share a personal story about when you realized nursing was your calling, such as caring about a sick relative. Let your passion for helping others shine through.

3. Back It Up With Relevant Experiences

Passion is great, but action is even better. If you’re truly passionate about something, it’ll translate to real-world experiences, such as volunteer work, internships in your chosen specialty (like oncology nursing or pediatric care ), or hands-on projects in your field. Employers and admissions committees want to see that your enthusiasm has led to tangible results.

Wondering how to write a motivational letter for nursing with no experience? Check out our article about what makes a good nurse to get an idea of some skills to highlight in your letter.

4. Explain How You’re a Great Match for the Opportunity

Explore the mission and values of the company or program and think about what they want in a candidate. Who would be an ideal fit for the role? Next, explain why you’re the perfect fit.

Highlight your relevant experiences and specialized knowledge, and show how your goals and values align with what they’re looking for. You can also mention relevant soft skills to show that you’re not just an excellent nurse, but also a great teammate .

Sample Motivational Letter for Nursing

Elena Odina

5555 Wilson Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90004

555-555-5555

[email protected]

[Date] Admissions Committee St. Francis University 111 Harper Road Los Angeles, CA 90001

Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,

As someone deeply committed to the art and science of compassionate care, I’m excited to apply for the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program at St. Francis University. My journey into healthcare started with a rewarding three-year volunteer role at a hospice care facility, where I’ve witnessed the transformational power of caring. It was during this time that I knew for certain that nursing was my calling — a career I’m committed to dedicating my life to.

Fueled by a passion for making an impact in people’s lives, I took the next step in my career as a medical assistant at an end-of-life care facility. I was deeply moved by the moments of relief and comfort I could provide to patients and their families. The final moments of life are incredibly precious, and I felt honored to help people make the most of them. However, in my current role, I’ve realized that I want to expand my scope of practice and do more for my patients, which is why I’ve decided to pursue a nursing degree.

The nursing program at St. Francis University inspires me with its focus on both evidence-based and compassionate care. The Christian perspective of your program adds a spiritual dimension to patient care, which is essential for the palliative care I want to focus on.

Lastly, I completed a three-month preceptorship in a palliative care clinic for cancer patients. I saw how the blend of medicine and spirituality can create profound changes in people’s lives. My preceptor, who studied at your university, inspired me to follow in her footsteps and apply.

In summary, I look forward to the opportunity to bring my passion and dedication to St. Francis University. I believe that this program is exactly what I need to build a successful nursing career and contribute meaningfully to the lives of patients in their final stages of life.

Ready to Use Your Motivational Letter for Nursing?

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Resume Examples

September 05, 2024

15 Caregiver Resume Examples

Taking care of a sick person is such a helpful act. These caregiver resume examples will help you land your next role.

Resume Examples and Guide For

New Graduate Caregiver Resume

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• What's the Best Education for a Caregiver Resume?
• What's the Best Professional Organization for a Caregiver Resume?

What Are the Best Awards for a Caregiver Resume?

What are good volunteer opportunities for a caregiver resume, what are the best hard skills to add to a caregiver resume, what are the best soft skills to add to a caregiver resume, what are the best certifications for a caregiver resume, tips for an effective caregiver resume, how long should i make my caregiver resume, what should the focus of a caregiver resume be.

Your caregiver resume serves as a testament to your dedication, skills, and experience. Whether you're just starting your journey or you're a seasoned professional, this guide offers tailored caregiver resume examples and expert advice to help you craft a compelling caregiver resume. Let's explore how to showcase your unique abilities and make a lasting impression on potential employers.

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Entry-Level Caregiver Resume Examples

This new graduate caregiver resume example is perfect for those who have just completed their education and are ready to embark on their caregiving career. It emphasizes relevant coursework, internships, and volunteer experience to compensate for limited professional experience.

Eloise King

[email protected] - (555) 123-4567 - Kent, WA

Recent graduate with a passion for caregiving seeking an entry-level position to apply my knowledge and skills in providing compassionate care to those in need.

Student Nurse Intern

Kent General Hospital

01/2023 - 04/2023

• Assisted registered nurses in providing patient care for a 20-bed medical-surgical unit
• Monitored vital signs and recorded patient information in electronic health records
• Participated in patient education sessions on post-discharge care

Caregiver Volunteer

Kent Senior Living Center

06/2022 - 12/2022

• Provided companionship and emotional support to elderly residents
• Assisted with daily activities such as meal preparation and light housekeeping
• Collaborated with staff to ensure resident safety and comfort

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Kent University

09/2019 - 05/2023

• Patient Care Fundamentals
• Geriatric Nursing
• First Aid and CPR
• Medical Ethics

Certifications

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

CPR and First Aid Certified

Basic medical procedures • Patient assessment • Medication administration • Excellent communication • Empathy and compassion • Time management

Why this resume is great

This new graduate caregiver resume effectively showcases Sara's relevant education, clinical experience, and volunteer work, making her an attractive candidate for entry-level caregiver positions. The objective statement clearly communicates her career goals, while the skills section highlights both technical and soft skills essential for caregiving. The inclusion of certifications further strengthens her qualifications.

This career change to caregiver resume example is designed for individuals transitioning from a different career field into caregiving. It focuses on transferable skills and relevant experiences that align with caregiving responsibilities.

Krista Allen

[email protected] - (555) 987-6543 - Dayton, OH

Dedicated professional transitioning to a caregiving career, bringing 5 years of customer service experience and a genuine passion for helping others. Seeking to leverage strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and attention to detail in providing high-quality care to those in need.

Customer Service Representative

TechSupport Inc.

06/2018 - Present

• Assist customers with technical issues, demonstrating patience and clear communication
• Manage multiple cases simultaneously, prioritizing urgent matters effectively
• Collaborate with team members to resolve complex problems
• Received "Employee of the Month" award three times for exceptional customer care

Hospice Volunteer

Serenity Hospice Care

01/2022 - Present

• Provide companionship and emotional support to terminally ill patients
• Assist with light housekeeping and meal preparation
• Communicate patient needs and concerns to nursing staff

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Ohio University

09/2013 - 04/2017

CPR and First Aid Certification

Mental Health First Aid Certification

Active listening and clear communication • Patience and emotional support • Problem-solving and quick thinking • Time management and multitasking • Basic first aid and CPR certified

This resume effectively highlights her transferable skills from customer service to caregiving. The professional summary clearly states her career transition goal, while her volunteer experience demonstrates her commitment to the field. The inclusion of relevant certifications and professional development shows her proactive approach to gaining necessary skills for her new career path.

This volunteer experience caregiver resume example is ideal for individuals who have gained caregiving experience through volunteer work and are now seeking paid positions. It emphasizes the valuable skills and experiences gained through volunteering.

[email protected] - (555) 246-8101 - Stamford, CT

Compassionate and dedicated volunteer caregiver with over 500 hours of experience seeking to transition into a professional caregiving role. Committed to providing high-quality, empathetic care to individuals in need.

Senior Care Volunteer

Stamford Retirement Community

09/2021 - Present

Stamford, CT

• Provide companionship and emotional support to elderly residents
• Assist with daily living activities, including meal preparation and light housekeeping
• Organize and lead group activities to promote social engagement
• Communicate resident needs and concerns to staff members

Hospice Care Volunteer

Compassionate Care Hospice

03/2022 - Present

• Offer comfort and support to terminally ill patients and their families
• Assist with personal care tasks under the supervision of nursing staff
• Provide respite care to family caregivers
• Participate in bereavement support groups

Special Needs Care Volunteer

Stamford Special Needs Center

06/2021 - 12/2022

• Assisted individuals with developmental disabilities in daily activities
• Implemented behavior management techniques to ensure a positive environment
• Collaborated with staff to develop and execute individualized care plans

Associate's Degree - Human Services

Stamford Community College

09/2019 - 05/2021

Dementia Care Certified

Patient care and comfort • Medication reminders • Mobility assistance • Meal planning and preparation • Empathetic communication • Time management

This resume excellently showcases her extensive volunteer experience in various caregiving settings. The objective statement clearly communicates her intention to transition into a professional role. Her diverse volunteer experiences demonstrate adaptability and a wide range of caregiving skills. The inclusion of relevant education, certifications, and professional development further strengthens her qualifications for a paid caregiving position.

Experienced Caregiver Resume Examples

This home health aide resume example is tailored for experienced caregivers specializing in home health care. It highlights the unique skills and responsibilities associated with providing care in a client's home environment.

Hani Hussein

[email protected] - (555) 135-7902 - Warren, MI

Dedicated and compassionate Home Health Aide with 5+ years of experience providing high-quality care to clients in their homes. Skilled in assisting with daily living activities, medication management, and maintaining a safe and comfortable environment. Known for building strong relationships with clients and their families.

Senior Home Health Aide

Comfort Care Home Health Services

03/2019 - Present

• Provide comprehensive care to 5-7 clients daily, including personal hygiene, mobility assistance, and meal preparation
• Administer medications and monitor vital signs, reporting any changes to supervising nurse
• Develop and implement personalized care plans in collaboration with healthcare professionals
• Train and mentor new home health aides, improving team efficiency by 20%

Home Health Aide

Sunshine Home Care Agency

06/2017 - 02/2019

• Assisted clients with daily living activities, including bathing, dressing, and grooming
• Performed light housekeeping duties and prepared nutritious meals according to dietary restrictions
• Accompanied clients to medical appointments and social activities
• Maintained accurate records of care provided and client progress

Associate's Degree - Health Sciences

Warren Community College

09/2015 - 04/2017

Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA)

Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Certified

Personal care and hygiene assistance • Medication management • Vital signs monitoring • Mobility and transfer techniques • Meal planning and preparation • Home safety assessment • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills • Fluent in English and Arabic

This resume effectively showcases his extensive experience as a Home Health Aide. The professional summary concisely highlights his key strengths and years of experience. His work history demonstrates progression in responsibilities and specific achievements, such as mentoring new aides. The skills section is comprehensive and tailored to home health care, while the inclusion of language skills adds value. Certifications and professional development show his commitment to ongoing learning in the field.

This elderly care specialist resume example is designed for caregivers who specialize in providing care for the elderly. It emphasizes skills and experiences specific to geriatric care and age-related conditions.

Roberto Miller

[email protected] - (555) 024-6801 - Hampton, VA

Compassionate and experienced Elderly Care Specialist with 7+ years of dedication to enhancing the quality of life for seniors. Expertise in managing age-related conditions, promoting independence, and providing personalized care. Committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and engaging environment for elderly clients.

Lead Elderly Care Specialist

Golden Years Senior Living

09/2018 - Present

Hampton, VA

• Oversee care for 15-20 residents, coordinating with medical staff to ensure comprehensive care
• Develop and implement personalized care plans, focusing on maintaining independence and dignity
• Train and supervise a team of 5 caregivers, improving overall care quality and resident satisfaction
• Organize and lead recreational activities to promote cognitive stimulation and social engagement
• Reduced fall incidents by 30% through implementation of new safety protocols

Elderly Care Aide

Hampton Assisted Living Facility

07/2015 - 08/2018

• Assisted residents with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, and grooming
• Administered medications and monitored vital signs under nurse supervision
• Provided emotional support and companionship to residents
• Collaborated with families to ensure continuity of care and address concerns

Bachelor of Science - Gerontology

Hampton University

09/2011 - 04/2015

• Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP)
• CPR and First Aid

Medication management • Vital signs monitoring • Mobility assistance and transfer techniques • Dementia and Alzheimer's care • Wound care and pressure sore prevention • Nutritional support for elderly • Excellent communication and patience • Proficient in electronic health records systems

This resume excellently highlights his specialization in elderly care. The professional summary and core qualifications immediately showcase his expertise in geriatric care. His work history demonstrates progression and specific achievements, such as reducing fall incidents. The skills section is comprehensive and tailored to elderly care needs. The inclusion of relevant education, certifications, and professional development further strengthens his qualifications as an Elderly Care Specialist.

This special needs caregiver resume example is crafted for caregivers who specialize in providing care for individuals with special needs. It emphasizes skills and experiences related to various disabilities and specialized care techniques.

Anna Schmidt

[email protected] - (555) 357-9135 - Orange, CA

Dedicated and empathetic Special Needs Caregiver with 6+ years of experience supporting individuals with diverse disabilities. Skilled in implementing behavior management strategies, facilitating skill development, and promoting independence. Committed to creating an inclusive and nurturing environment for clients of all abilities.

Lead Special Needs Caregiver

Inclusive Care Services

11/2019 - Present

• Provide comprehensive care for 5-7 clients with various special needs, including autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy
• Develop and implement individualized care plans focusing on skill development and independence
• Collaborate with therapists and educators to ensure consistent care across all environments
• Train and mentor new caregivers in specialized care techniques and behavior management strategies
• Reduced challenging behaviors by 40% through implementation of positive reinforcement techniques

Special Education Assistant

Orange Public Schools

08/2016 - 10/2019

• Assisted teachers in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with special needs
• Provided one-on-one support to students during academic and social activities
• Utilized assistive technologies to enhance students' learning experiences
• Maintained detailed progress reports and communicated regularly with parents and teachers

Bachelor of Science - Special Education

Orange University

08/2012 - 05/2016

Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)

Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) Certified

Applied Behavior Analysis in Practice

Sensory Processing Disorders: Assessment and Intervention

Behavior management techniques • Non-verbal communication methods (PECS, sign language) • Assistive technology proficiency • Sensory integration techniques • Personal care and hygiene assistance • Medication administration • Crisis prevention and intervention • Excellent patience and adaptability • Proficient in data collection and progress tracking • Autism Spectrum Disorders • Developmental Disabilities • Physical Disabilities • Sensory Processing Disorders • Behavioral Challenges • Alternative Communication Methods

This resume effectively showcases her specialized experience in caring for individuals with special needs. The professional summary and areas of expertise immediately highlight her diverse skill set. Her work history demonstrates progression and specific achievements, such as reducing challenging behaviors. The skills section is comprehensive and tailored to special needs care. The inclusion of relevant education, certifications, and volunteer experience further strengthens her qualifications as a Special Needs Caregiver.

Specialized Caregiver Resume Examples

This pediatric caregiver resume example is tailored for caregivers who specialize in providing care for children with medical needs or developmental disabilities. It emphasizes skills and experiences specific to pediatric care and child development.

Sofia Gonzales

[email protected] - (555) 468-0246 - Midland, TX

Nurturing and skilled Pediatric Caregiver with 5+ years of experience in providing compassionate care to children with diverse medical needs and developmental challenges. Adept at creating engaging, safe environments that promote growth and well-being. Committed to collaborating with families and healthcare professionals to ensure optimal care for each child.

Senior Pediatric Caregiver

Midland Pediatric Home Health

06/2020 - Present

Midland, TX

• Provide comprehensive care for 3-4 children daily with conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and respiratory disorders
• Implement individualized care plans, including medication administration, respiratory treatments, and feeding assistance
• Collaborate with therapists to incorporate therapeutic activities into daily routines
• Educate families on proper care techniques and equipment usage
• Reduced hospitalization rates by 25% through proactive symptom management and family education

Pediatric Care Assistant

Midland Children's Hospital

09/2017 - 05/2020

• Assisted nurses in providing care for children in the medical-surgical unit
• Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff
• Supported patients and families during medical procedures
• Organized age-appropriate activities to minimize stress and promote healing

Associate's Degree - Child Development

Midland Community College

Certified Pediatric Home Care Professional (CPHCP)

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certified

Tracheostomy and Ventilator Care Certified

Pediatric first aid and CPR • Medication administration • G-tube feeding • Developmental milestone tracking • Behavior management • Play therapy techniques • Family-centered care approach • Fluent in English and Spanish

This resume excellently highlights her specialization in pediatric caregiving. The professional summary effectively communicates her experience and commitment to child-centered care. Her work history showcases progression and tangible achievements, such as reducing hospitalization rates. The skills section is comprehensive and tailored to pediatric care needs. The inclusion of relevant education, certifications, and volunteer experience further strengthens her qualifications as a Pediatric Caregiver.

This hospice caregiver resume example is designed for caregivers who specialize in end-of-life care. It emphasizes the unique skills and experiences required in hospice settings, including emotional support and pain management.

Charles Johnson

[email protected] - (555) 579-1357 - Lakewood, NJ

Compassionate and dedicated Hospice Caregiver with 8+ years of experience providing comfort and dignity to individuals in their final stages of life. Skilled in pain management, emotional support, and family communication. Committed to ensuring patients experience peace and comfort while maintaining their dignity.

Senior Hospice Caregiver

Lakewood Hospice Care

03/2018 - Present

Lakewood, NJ

• Provide comprehensive end-of-life care for 4-5 patients daily in home and facility settings
• Administer medications and treatments to manage pain and other symptoms
• Offer emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team to develop and implement care plans
• Train new caregivers in hospice care techniques and emotional support strategies
• Achieved 98% family satisfaction rate through compassionate care and clear communication

Hospice Aide

Serenity Hospice

05/2014 - 02/2018

• Assisted patients with personal care, including bathing, dressing, and grooming
• Monitored patient condition and reported changes to nursing staff
• Provided respite care for family caregivers
• Participated in bereavement support groups for families

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing

Lakewood University

09/2010 - 05/2014

• Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant (CHPNA)

End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) Certified

Pain assessment and management • Medication administration • Wound care • Respiratory treatments • Positioning and transfer techniques • Active listening and empathy • Crisis de-escalation • Documentation and record-keeping • End-of-life care • Pain and symptom management • Emotional and spiritual support • Family communication and education • Grief counseling • Cultural sensitivity in death and dying • Crisis intervention • Interdisciplinary team collaboration

This resume effectively showcases his expertise in hospice care. The professional summary and core competencies immediately highlight his specialized skills in end-of-life care. His work history demonstrates progression and specific achievements, such as high family satisfaction rates. The skills section is comprehensive and tailored to hospice care needs. The inclusion of relevant education, certifications, and volunteer experience further strengthens his qualifications as a Hospice Caregiver.

This dementia care specialist resume example is tailored for caregivers who specialize in providing care for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. It emphasizes skills and experiences specific to memory care and cognitive support.

[email protected] - (555) 680-2468 - Columbia, SC

Dedicated and patient-centered Dementia Care Specialist with 6+ years of experience in providing comprehensive care to individuals with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Skilled in implementing memory care techniques, managing challenging behaviors, and creating safe, engaging environments. Committed to enhancing quality of life and preserving dignity for clients with cognitive impairments.

Lead Dementia Care Specialist

Columbia Memory Care Center

08/2019 - Present

Columbia, SC

• Oversee care for 10-12 residents with various stages of dementia, ensuring individualized attention and support
• Develop and implement personalized care plans focusing on cognitive stimulation and emotional well-being
• Train and mentor new staff members in dementia care best practices and behavior management techniques
• Collaborate with families to ensure continuity of care and provide emotional support
• Reduced use of antipsychotic medications by 30% through implementation of non-pharmacological interventions

Alzheimer's Care Aide

Columbia Assisted Living

06/2016 - 07/2019

• Assisted residents with activities of daily living, adapting approaches based on cognitive abilities
• Implemented memory care activities to promote cognitive function and social engagement
• Monitored residents for changes in behavior or condition, reporting concerns to nursing staff
• Maintained a safe environment to prevent wandering and reduce fall risks

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

Columbia University

09/2012 - 04/2016

Alzheimer's Association Dementia Care Practice Recommendations Trained

Dementia and Alzheimer's care • Redirection techniques • Sundowning management • Memory enhancement activities • Wandering prevention • Medication administration • Excellent patience and empathy • Proficient in dementia care documentation

This resume effectively showcases her specialized experience in dementia care. The professional summary and areas of expertise immediately highlight her skills in memory care and behavior management. Her work history demonstrates progression and specific achievements, such as reducing antipsychotic medication use. The skills section is comprehensive and tailored to dementia care needs. The inclusion of relevant education, certifications, and volunteer experience further strengthens her qualifications as a Dementia Care Specialist.

Industry-Specific Caregiver Resume Examples

This hospital caregiver resume example is designed for caregivers working in hospital settings. It emphasizes clinical skills, knowledge of hospital protocols, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Veronica Rodriguez

[email protected] - (555) 791-3579 - Jackson, MS

Dedicated and efficient Hospital Caregiver with 5+ years of experience providing compassionate care in acute care settings. Proficient in assisting with various medical procedures, monitoring patient conditions, and collaborating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams. Committed to maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for patients while adhering to strict hospital protocols.

Senior Hospital Caregiver

Jackson General Hospital

09/2019 - Present

Jackson, MS

• Provide comprehensive care for 8-10 patients daily in medical-surgical and telemetry units
• Assist nurses with patient assessments, wound care, and medication administration
• Monitor and record vital signs, reporting significant changes to nursing staff
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless patient care
• Train new caregivers on hospital protocols and patient care procedures
• Received "Caregiver of the Year" award in 2022 for exceptional patient care and teamwork

Hospital Care Assistant

Jackson Community Hospital

06/2017 - 08/2019

• Assisted patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, and mobility
• Performed basic medical procedures under nurse supervision, such as catheter care and wound dressing changes
• Transported patients to diagnostic tests and therapy sessions
• Maintained accurate patient records and assisted with admission and discharge procedures

Associate's Degree - Health Science

Jackson Community College

Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certified

Patient assessment techniques • Wound care and dressing changes • IV management assistance • Catheter care • Fall prevention strategies • Crisis intervention • Fluent in English and Spanish • Proficient in Epic EHR system • Acute patient care • Medical terminology expertise • Vital signs monitoring • Infection control practices • Patient positioning and transfer • Electronic Health Records (EHR) proficiency • Strong multitasking abilities • Excellent interpersonal skills

This resume effectively highlights her specialized experience in hospital caregiving. The professional summary and key qualifications immediately showcase her clinical skills and knowledge of hospital protocols. Her work history demonstrates progression and specific achievements, such as receiving a caregiver award. The skills section is comprehensive and tailored to acute care settings. The inclusion of relevant education, certifications, and additional training further strengthens her qualifications as a Hospital Caregiver.

This nursing home caregiver resume example is tailored for caregivers working in nursing home settings. It emphasizes skills in long-term care, geriatric support, and the ability to create a home-like environment for residents.

Noelle Thomas

[email protected] - (555) 802-4680 - Waco, TX

Compassionate and dedicated Nursing Home Caregiver with 7+ years of experience providing high-quality care to elderly residents. Skilled in promoting independence, managing chronic conditions, and creating a warm, home-like environment. Committed to enhancing the quality of life for seniors through person-centered care and engaging activities.

Lead Nursing Home Caregiver

Texas Nursing Home

11/2018 - Present

• Oversee care for a unit of 20 residents, ensuring individualized attention and support
• Develop and implement care plans in collaboration with nursing staff and physicians
• Mentor and train new caregivers, improving overall care quality and resident satisfaction
• Organize and lead recreational activities to promote cognitive and physical well-being
• Reduced fall incidents by 35% through implementation of new safety protocols
• Received "Excellence in Elder Care" award in 2022 for outstanding resident care

Nursing Home Aide

Serenity Nursing Facility

08/2015 - 10/2018

• Assisted residents with personal care, including bathing, dressing, and grooming
• Monitored and recorded vital signs, reporting changes to nursing staff
• Assisted with meal service and feeding for residents with special needs

Associate's Degree - Gerontology

Waco Community College

09/2013 - 04/2015

Resident assessment and monitoring • Wound care and pressure sore prevention • Incontinence management • Mobility assistance and transfer techniques • Nutritional support for elderly • Infection control practices • Excellent patience and empathy • Proficient in electronic health records systems • Geriatric care expertise • Chronic disease management • Fall prevention strategies • Medication administration • Activities of daily living (ADL) assistance • Dementia and Alzheimer's care • Resident rights advocacy • Family communication

This resume effectively showcases her expertise in nursing home caregiving. The professional summary and core competencies immediately highlight her skills in geriatric care and creating a home-like environment. Her work history demonstrates progression and specific achievements, such as reducing fall incidents. The skills section is comprehensive and tailored to long-term care needs. The inclusion of relevant education, certifications, and additional training further strengthens her qualifications as a Nursing Home Caregiver.

This private home caregiver resume example is designed for caregivers who provide one-on-one care in clients' homes. It emphasizes skills in personalized care, household management, and the ability to work independently.

Nicole Petrova

[email protected] - (555) 913-5791 - Pomona, CA

Attentive and versatile Private Home Caregiver with 6+ years of experience providing personalized care to clients in their homes. Skilled in managing diverse care needs, from daily living assistance to complex medical support. Committed to maintaining clients' independence, dignity, and quality of life while ensuring a safe and comfortable home environment.

Senior Private Home Caregiver

Elite Home Care Services

07/2019 - Present

• Provide comprehensive care for 2-3 clients daily with varying needs, including elderly care, post-surgery recovery, and chronic illness management
• Develop and implement personalized care plans in collaboration with clients, families, and healthcare professionals
• Assist with activities of daily living, medication administration, and light housekeeping
• Accompany clients to medical appointments and social activities
• Prepare nutritious meals adhering to dietary restrictions
• Maintain detailed care logs and communicate regularly with family members
• Achieved 100% client satisfaction rating for two consecutive years

Private Home Caregiver

Comfort Care at Home Agency

05/2016 - 06/2019

• Provided one-on-one care for clients with diverse needs, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and mobility limitations
• Assisted with personal hygiene, grooming, and dressing
• Performed household tasks such as laundry, cleaning, and grocery shopping
• Administered medications and monitored vital signs as directed by healthcare providers
• Organized engaging activities to promote mental and physical well-being

Bachelor of Science - Human Services

Pomona University

• Home Health Aide (HHA) Certification

Personalized care planning • Medication management • Household organization • Meal planning and preparation • Transportation and errand assistance • Basic medical procedures • Time management • Adaptability and problem-solving • Client assessment and monitoring • Wound care and dressing changes • Mobility assistance and fall prevention • Incontinence management • Oxygen therapy assistance • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills • Fluent in English and Russian • Valid driver's license with clean record

This resume effectively highlights her expertise in private home caregiving. The professional summary and key skills immediately showcase her ability to provide personalized care and manage household responsibilities. Her work history demonstrates progression and specific achievements, such as maintaining a perfect client satisfaction rating. The skills section is comprehensive and tailored to in-home care needs. The inclusion of relevant education, certifications, and additional qualifications further strengthens her profile as a Private Home Caregiver.

Caregiver Resume Examples by Certification

This certified nursing assistant resume example is tailored for Certified Nursing Assistants working in various healthcare settings. It emphasizes clinical skills, patient care expertise, and the ability to work effectively within a healthcare team.

Michelle Adams

[email protected] - (555) 024-6813 - Syracuse, NY

Dedicated and compassionate Certified Nursing Assistant with 4+ years of experience providing high-quality patient care in diverse healthcare settings. Skilled in assisting with daily living activities, monitoring patient conditions, and collaborating with nursing staff. Committed to creating a comfortable and safe environment for patients while ensuring efficient healthcare delivery.

Senior Certified Nursing Assistant

Syracuse General Hospital

09/2020 - Present

Syracuse, NY

• Mentor new CNAs, improving overall care quality and efficiency
• Received "CNA of the Quarter" award twice for exceptional patient care and teamwork

Certified Nursing Assistant

Syracuse Nursing Facility

06/2018 - 08/2020

• Monitored and recorded vital signs, intake, and output
• Implemented fall prevention strategies and maintained a safe environment
• Provided emotional support and engaged residents in recreational activities

Associate's Degree in Nursing

Syracuse Community College

09/2022 - 04/2024

Certified Nursing Assistant Program

Syracuse Vocational Institute

09/2014 - 04/2018

Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Certification

Patient hygiene and grooming • Catheter care and maintenance • Oxygen therapy assistance • Infection control practices • Basic phlebotomy • CPR and First Aid • Excellent time management • Fluent in English and Japanese • Proficient in Epic and Cerner EHR systems • Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and patient privacy practices • Experience with various medical equipment and devices

This resume effectively showcases her expertise as a Certified Nursing Assistant. The professional summary and core qualifications immediately highlight her clinical skills and patient care experience. Her work history demonstrates progression and specific achievements, such as receiving CNA awards. The skills section is comprehensive and tailored to various healthcare settings. The inclusion of relevant education, certifications, and professional development further strengthens her qualifications as a CNA.

This certified home health aide resume example is designed for Certified Home Health Aides providing care in clients' homes. It emphasizes skills in personalized care, home safety management, and the ability to work independently in diverse home environments.

Jyoti Rahman

[email protected] - (555) 135-7924 - Rockford, IL

Compassionate and detail-oriented Certified Home Health Aide with 5+ years of experience providing personalized care to clients in their homes. Skilled in managing diverse care needs, from daily living assistance to complex medical support. Committed to promoting clients' independence, dignity, and quality of life while ensuring a safe and comfortable home environment.

Lead Certified Home Health Aide

Homecare Solutions Agency

Rockford, IL

• Provide comprehensive care for 3-4 clients daily with varying needs, including elderly care, post-surgery recovery, and chronic illness management
• Develop and implement personalized care plans in collaboration with nurses, clients, and families
• Assist with activities of daily living, medication reminders, and light housekeeping
• Perform basic medical procedures such as wound care and catheter maintenance
• Monitor and record vital signs, reporting changes to supervising nurse
• Train and mentor new CHHAs, improving overall care quality and client satisfaction
• Achieved 98% positive feedback from clients and families

Certified Home Health Aide

Comfort at Home Care

06/2017 - 07/2019

• Prepared nutritious meals adhering to dietary restrictions
• Maintained a clean and safe home environment

Rockford Community College

Home Health Aide Certification Program

Rockford Vocational Institute

09/2016 - 12/2016

Patient assessment and monitoring • Wound care and dressing changes • Range of motion exercises • Incontinence management • Oxygen therapy assistance • Meal planning and preparation • Excellent problem-solving abilities • Proficient in electronic health records systems • Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA) • Personalized care plan implementation • Medication management and reminders • Vital signs monitoring and recording • Chronic disease management support • Home safety assessment and maintenance • Excellent time management and organization • Strong interpersonal and communication skills

This resume effectively highlights her expertise as a Certified Home Health Aide. The professional summary and key competencies immediately showcase her skills in personalized care and home safety management. Her work history demonstrates progression and specific achievements, such as high client satisfaction rates. The skills section is comprehensive and tailored to home health care needs. The inclusion of relevant education, certifications, and professional development further strengthens her qualifications as a CHHA.

This First Aid and CPR certified caregiver resume example is tailored for caregivers with First Aid and CPR certifications, emphasizing emergency preparedness and quick response skills alongside general caregiving abilities.

Leah O'Connor

[email protected] - (555) 246-8035 - McAllen, TX

Dedicated and safety-conscious Caregiver with 3+ years of experience and current First Aid and CPR certifications. Skilled in providing comprehensive care while maintaining a high level of emergency preparedness. Committed to ensuring client safety, comfort, and well-being in various care settings.

Senior Caregiver

McAllen Assisted Living Facility

07/2020 - Present

McAllen, TX

• Provide comprehensive care for 8-10 residents daily, ensuring their safety and comfort
• Implement emergency protocols when necessary, including performing CPR and First Aid
• Conduct regular safety checks and risk assessments to prevent accidents and injuries
• Assist with activities of daily living, medication administration, and mobility support
• Organize and lead health and safety workshops for residents and staff
• Reduced facility-wide incidents by 25% through proactive safety measures and staff training

Caregiver and Safety Coordinator

McAllen Health Agency

05/2019 - 06/2020

• Provided in-home care for clients with diverse needs, including elderly and disabled individuals
• Performed First Aid and implemented emergency procedures as needed
• Educated clients and their families on home safety and emergency preparedness
• Assisted with medication management and vital signs monitoring
• Maintained a clean and hazard-free environment to prevent accidents

Associate's Degree - Emergency Medical Services

McAllen Community College

05/2022 - 05/2024

Caregiver Certification Program

McAllen Vocational Institute

09/2015 - 04/2019

American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED

Emergency situation assessment • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) • Basic Life Support (BLS) • Wound cleaning and dressing • Choking management • Fall prevention and recovery • Excellent observation skills • Clear and concise documentation

This resume effectively showcases her expertise as a First Aid and CPR Certified Caregiver. The professional summary and key qualifications immediately highlight her emergency response skills and safety-conscious approach. Her work history demonstrates progression and specific achievements, such as reducing facility-wide incidents. The skills section is comprehensive and tailored to emergency preparedness alongside general caregiving abilities. The inclusion of relevant education, certifications, and professional development further strengthens her qualifications as a safety-oriented caregiver.

How to Write a Caregiver Resume

A well-structured caregiver resume should include the following sections:

• Contact Information
• Professional Resume Summary or Resume Objective Statement
• Key Resume Skills or Core Competencies
• Professional Experience
• Education and Training
• Certifications and Licenses
• Additional Sections (e.g., Volunteer Experience, Professional Development)

This outline ensures that all crucial information is presented in a logical and easy-to-read format, allowing potential employers to quickly assess your qualifications.

Caregivers should typically use a reverse-chronological resume layout, which highlights your most recent and relevant experience first. This format is preferred by most employers and applicant tracking systems (ATS) .

However, if you're new to caregiving or changing careers, a combination resume format might be more suitable. This format allows you to showcase your relevant skills prominently while still including your work history.

Your caregiver resume header should include:

• Phone Number
• Professional Email Address
• City and State (full address is not necessary)
• Optional: LinkedIn profile or professional website

Ensure that this information is clearly visible at the top of your resume.

Sarah Johnson, CNA (555) 123-4567 | [email protected] Chicago, IL | linkedin.com/in/sarahjohnson

Why it works

The good example provides all necessary contact information clearly and professionally. It includes Sarah's certification (CNA) and LinkedIn profile, which adds credibility and allows employers to learn more about her.

Your caregiver resume summary should be a brief, powerful statement that highlights your most relevant skills, experience, and achievements. It should include:

• Years of experience in caregiving
• Key areas of expertise (e.g., elderly care, dementia care, pediatric care)
• Most relevant certifications
• A notable achievement or skill that sets you apart
• Your caregiving philosophy or approach

Tailor your summary to the specific job you're applying for, emphasizing the skills and experiences most relevant to that position.

Compassionate Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) with 5+ years of experience in elderly care and dementia support. Skilled in medication management, fall prevention, and creating engaging activities for seniors. Known for building strong relationships with clients and their families, resulting in a 98% satisfaction rate. Committed to providing dignified, person-centered care to enhance quality of life for elderly individuals.

This summary effectively highlights the caregiver's experience, key skills, and a specific achievement. It also conveys their caregiving philosophy, giving potential employers a clear picture of their approach to the role.

Common caregiver responsibilities include:

• Assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
• Medication management and reminders
• Meal planning and preparation
• Mobility assistance and transfer support
• Monitoring vital signs and overall health condition
• Providing companionship and emotional support
• Light housekeeping and maintaining a safe environment
• Transportation to medical appointments and social activities
• Collaborating with healthcare professionals and family members
• Documenting care provided and any changes in client condition

When listing your responsibilities on your resume, focus on those most relevant to the job you're applying for and quantify your achievements where possible.

Your caregiver resume experience section should include:

• Company name
• Dates of employment
• 3-5 bullet points describing your key responsibilities and achievements
• Quantifiable results or improvements you made in your role
• Specific skills or techniques you utilized
• Any recognition or awards received

Focus on experiences that are most relevant to the job you're applying for, and use action verbs to make your descriptions more impactful.

Sunrise Senior Living

06/2019 - Present

• Provide comprehensive care for 8-10 residents daily, including assistance with ADLs, medication management, and mobility support
• Implemented a new fall prevention program, reducing incidents by 30% in the first year
• Developed and led weekly cognitive stimulation activities, improving resident engagement by 25%
• Trained and mentored 5 new caregivers, ensuring consistent high-quality care across the facility
• Received "Caregiver of the Year" award in 2021 for exceptional patient care and family communication

This example provides specific details about the caregiver's responsibilities, quantifiable achievements, and recognition received. It demonstrates the caregiver's impact on resident care and facility operations.

If you're new to caregiving, focus on transferable skills and relevant experiences:

• Highlight volunteer work, especially if it involved caring for others
• Include relevant coursework or training programs you've completed
• Emphasize transferable skills from other jobs (e.g., customer service, time management)
• Include any personal caregiving experience (e.g., caring for family members)
• List relevant certifications or courses you've taken (e.g., First Aid, CPR)
• Use a functional or combination resume format to highlight skills over experience

Remember to express your genuine interest in caregiving and your commitment to learning and growing in the field.

What's the Best Education for a Caregiver Resume?

The best education for a caregiver can vary depending on the specific role and requirements, but generally includes:

• High school diploma or GED (minimum requirement for most caregiver positions)
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program
• Home Health Aide (HHA) certification program
• Associate's degree in health sciences, nursing, or related field
• Bachelor's degree in nursing, gerontology, or psychology (for more advanced positions)
• Specialized courses in areas like dementia care, palliative care, or pediatric care

List your highest level of education first, and include any relevant coursework or training programs you've completed.

What's the Best Professional Organization for a Caregiver Resume?

Including membership in professional organizations can demonstrate your commitment to the field. Some reputable organizations for caregivers include:

• National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC)
• American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY)
• National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC)
• Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA)
• American Nurses Association (ANA) for those with nursing qualifications

Choose organizations that align with your specific area of caregiving and career goals.

Awards can set you apart from other candidates. Some notable awards for caregivers include:

• "Caregiver of the Year" from your employer or local healthcare organizations
• Recognition for outstanding patient care or family satisfaction
• Awards for implementing innovative care techniques or programs
• Safety awards for maintaining accident-free work records
• Community service awards related to caregiving or healthcare

Even if you haven't received formal awards, you can highlight positive feedback or recognition from clients, families, or supervisors.

Volunteer experience can be valuable, especially for those new to caregiving. Consider these opportunities:

• Hospice volunteer programs
• Senior center or nursing home volunteer
• Special Olympics or programs for individuals with disabilities
• Hospital volunteer programs
• Meal delivery services for homebound individuals
• Alzheimer's Association or other disease-specific support groups

Describe your volunteer roles in terms of the skills you used and the impact you made, just as you would for paid positions.

Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities that are easy to quantify. For caregivers, important hard skills include:

• Medication administration
• Vital signs monitoring
• Wound care and dressing changes
• Catheter care
• Feeding tube management
• Transfer techniques and mobility assistance
• Infection control practices
• Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) systems
• Meal planning and special diet preparation

Tailor your list of hard skills to the specific requirements of the job you're applying for.

Soft skills are personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively with others. Essential soft skills for caregivers include:

• Empathy and compassion
• Effective communication
• Active listening
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Adaptability
• Emotional resilience
• Attention to detail
• Cultural sensitivity

Demonstrate these soft skills through specific examples in your work experience section.

Certifications can significantly enhance your caregiver resume. Some valuable certifications include:

• Certified Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care Trainer (CADDCT)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
• First Aid and CPR Certification
• Medication Aide Certification

List your certifications in a separate section, including the certifying body and expiration date if applicable.

To create an effective caregiver resume:

• Tailor your resume to each job application, highlighting skills and experiences most relevant to the position
• Use strong action verbs to describe your responsibilities and achievements
• Quantify your achievements wherever possible (e.g., "Reduced fall incidents by 30%")
• Include keywords from the job description to pass applicant tracking systems (ATS)
• Proofread carefully for spelling and grammatical errors
• Keep your resume concise and focused, ideally one to two pages
• Use a clean, professional format with consistent formatting throughout
• Consider including a brief "Core Competencies" or "Key Skills" section to highlight your most relevant abilities
• If you have specialized experience (e.g., dementia care, pediatric care), emphasize this prominently
• Include any relevant language skills, especially if you're in a diverse community

Remember, your resume is often your first opportunity to make an impression on potential employers. Make sure it accurately reflects your skills, experience, and commitment to caregiving.

The best resume length for a caregiver resume depends on your experience level:

• Entry-level caregivers or those with less than 5 years of experience should aim for a one-page resume
• Experienced caregivers with 5-10 years in the field can extend to two pages if necessary
• Highly experienced caregivers or those applying for senior positions might use two full pages

Regardless of length, focus on quality over quantity. Include only the most relevant and impactful information. If you're struggling to fit everything on one page, consider adjusting your formatting or removing older or less relevant experiences.

The focus of a caregiver resume should be on demonstrating your ability to provide high-quality, compassionate care. Key areas to emphasize include:

• Relevant certifications and training
• Specific caregiving skills (both hard and soft skills)
• Experience with different types of care (e.g., elderly care, disability support, post-surgery care)
• Achievements that demonstrate your impact (e.g., improved patient outcomes, positive feedback)
• Your approach to caregiving (e.g., patient-centered, holistic care)
• Any specialized knowledge or experience (e.g., dementia care, wound management)

Tailor your resume to highlight aspects that align closely with the job description and the needs of the specific caregiving role you're applying for.

Crafting an effective caregiver resume is a crucial step in securing your ideal position in this rewarding field. By highlighting your unique skills, experiences, and commitment to compassionate care, you can create a resume that stands out to potential employers. Remember to tailor your resume for each application, focusing on the most relevant aspects of your background that align with the specific job requirements. To start building your caregiver resume, sign up for Huntr today .

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340 Nurse Instagram Captions for Every Shift and Scrub Selfie

Finding the right Instagram captions makes a big difference. Whether for shift selfies, scrubs pics, or nursing school moments, a good caption can boost your posts and connect with your audience.

Here are 340 Instagram captions for nurses, covering every shift and scrub selfie.

Funny Nurse Instagram Captions

Inject some humor into your posts with these funny nurse captions. They are perfect for showcasing your fun side while still being true to your profession.

• Just another day saving lives and sipping coffee. ☕️
• My favorite exercise? A deep breath before I walk into the chaos. 😅
• Nursing is like riding a bicycle. Except the bicycle is on fire and you’re on fire, and everything is on fire. 🔥
• I can’t fix stupid, but I can sedate it! 💉
• Do I look like a people person? 👀
• I love my patients! Just kidding, I love my coffee. ☕️❤️
• Saving lives, one coffee at a time. ☕️💪
• Sometimes I wish I could put myself on a 2-hour IV drip of coffee. ☕️🧑‍⚕️
• Reality check: Not all superheroes wear capes. Some wear scrubs! 💖
• Every day I’m hustlin’… except during my coffee breaks. ☕️🎉
• If being a nurse was easy, it would be called a “different job.” 😏
• Why did the nurse bring a red pen to work? In case she needed to draw blood! 🩸
• Being a nurse means never having a dull moment… or a clean scrub. 😂
• Life is short. Smile while you still have teeth. 😁
• All you need is love… and a good stethoscope! 💕🔊
• I came, I saw, I charted. 📋
• Just slaying the day away! 🦸‍♀️
• I can’t adult today. I’m a nurse. 🤷‍♀️
• Warning: Nurse on duty. Proceed with laughter! 😂
• The best part about being a nurse? No bedpan duties, just good vibes! ✌️

Short Nurse Captions for Instagram

These concise nurse captions pack a punch in just a few words. Use them to complement your moments in scrubs.

• Nurse life. ❤️
• Caffeine and care. ☕️
• Living the scrub life. 🩺
• Healing hands. 🙌
• All about that patient love. 💖
• Just keep breathing. 🌬️
• Dream big, nurse bigger! ✨
• Nurses: We fix things. 💪
• Teamwork makes the dream work. 🤝
• Busy saving lives! 🦸‍♀️
• Nursing is my superpower. ⚡
• Fueled by coffee! ☕️❤️
• Find me where the scrubs are. 🩺
• Making a difference, one shift at a time. 🕒
• Compassion is key. 🔑
• Heart of a nurse. ❤️
• Patient advocate. 📢
• Bringing smiles daily! 😊
• Work hard, care harder. 💼💖
• One patient at a time. 🩺

Cute Nurse Instagram Captions

Spread some sweetness with these cute nurse captions. They highlight your love for the job and your patients.

• Just a nurse with a big heart! ❤️
• Saving lives and spreading smiles. 😊
• Cuddle season? More like cuddle shift! 🥰
• Small acts of kindness make a big difference. 💕
• Every patient is my favorite! 🌟
• Bringing sunshine to the hospital. ☀️
• My scrubs might be blue, but my heart is golden! 💛
• Little moments, big joy! ✨
• Nursing: A love story in scrubs. 💖
• Just a girl who loves being a nurse! 👩‍⚕️
• Healing with love and laughter. 😂❤️
• Every day is a new adventure in caring! 🚀
• Sweet healer with a caring heart. 💞
• Counting smiles, not just vitals! 😊
• Today’s forecast: 100% chance of hugs! 🤗
• Kindness is the best medicine. 💊
• Sipping on care and compassion. ☕️❤️
• Care, love, heal, repeat! ♻️
• Just a little TLC goes a long way! 🌼
• Happy nurses, happy patients! 🎉

Unique Nurse Captions for Instagram

Stand out from the crowd with these unique nurse captions. They capture the essence of being a nurse in a creative way.

• Scrubs are my favorite uniform. ✨
• The heart of nursing beats in care and compassion. 💖
• Where science meets healing magic. 🔬✨
• Creating health stories, one patient at a time. 📖
• Nursing: A blend of knowledge, skill, and empathy. 🌈
• Every day is a canvas and I paint with kindness. 🎨
• Bringing hope and healing with every shift. 🌟
• Your health is my priority! 🩺
• Healing is an art, and I’m the artist. 🎭
• Compassion: my favorite medicine. 💊❤️
• Nursing is my passion; caring is my purpose. 💕
• Turning challenges into triumphs, every single day. 💪
• We don’t just treat patients; we treat families. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
• Caring is my superpower. 🦸‍♀️✨
• A gentle touch can make a world of difference. 🌍💞
• Life is my patient; every heartbeat matters. ❤️
• Courage and compassion in every heartbeat. 🫀
• Nurses: the heartbeat of healthcare! 💓
• In a world full of chaos, be the calm. 🌊🕊️
• Written in the stars: a nurse’s heart. ✨🌌

Cool Nurse Instagram Captions

These cool nurse captions reflect your professional pride and style. Use them to showcase your unique personality in scrubs.

• Caffeine, compassion, and cool scrubs. ☕️😎
• Scrubbing in for another day of awesomeness! ✌️🩺
• Nurses are the original multitaskers. 💪🎯
• Coolest job ever? Being a nurse! 🔥
• Scrubs are my style statement. 👟🩺
• Nursing: Powered by passion and coffee. ☕️❤️
• No cape needed; I wear scrubs! 🦸‍♀️💙
• Cool nurse vibes only! 😌✨
• Taking care of people like a boss! 💼👩‍⚕️
• No two days are the same, and that’s the fun! 🎉🌈
• Slightly caffeinated and a whole lot dedicated. ☕️💪
• Chillin’ in my scrubs. ❄️🩺
• A little passion goes a long way! 🌟❤️
• From chaos to calm, one patient at a time. 🌪️➡️🌸
• Nursing dreams on the daily grind. 🌟💼
• Nurses: Not all heroes wear capes, some wear scrubs. 💖
• Bringing coolness to healthcare. 😎💉
• Caring with style and a smile! 😊✨
• Just a cool nurse making a difference. 🌈💪
• Good vibes and great care! 🥳🩺

Clever Nurse Captions for Instagram

These clever nurse captions are perfect for showcasing your wit and wisdom in the world of nursing. Use them to add a touch of humor and insight to your posts.

• Nursing is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get! 🍫❤️
• My scrubs say “I’m here to help,” but my coffee says “I need a break.” ☕️😅
• Stethoscope on, problems gone! 🎶💖
• Caution: Nurse at work! Proceed with care. 🚧✨
• I came, I saw, I charted! 📋👩‍⚕️
• Why did the nurse bring a pencil to work? To draw blood! ✏️🩸
• Making a difference, one band-aid at a time. 🎨❤️
• Nursing: The art of caring with a pinch of sarcasm. 😏🩺
• Not all heroes wear capes; some wear scrubs and carry coffee. ☕️💪
• Just call me the “patient whisperer.” 📞💬
• Nurses are like stars; they shine brightest when the night is darkest. ✨🌙
• We don’t just mend bones; we mend hearts. ❤️🩻
• If you think nursing is easy, you’ve never tried to put on those hospital socks! 🧦😆
• Stay calm and nurse on. 😌🩺
• Weekend forecast: 100% chance of caffeine and care! ☕️🌞
• My superpower? Making patients smile! 😊✨
• In nursing, time flies when you’re having fun… and running on caffeine! ⏰☕️
• We do it all: heal, comfort, and occasionally crack a joke! 😂🩺
• You know you’re a nurse when you can read a person’s chart faster than their signs! 📊💖
• Just out here making health care look good! 💃❤️

Catchy Nurse Instagram Captions

These catchy nurse captions are designed to grab attention and make your posts memorable. Use them to resonate with your followers and share your nursing journey.

• Life as a nurse: every shift tells a story! 📖❤️
• Nursing: More than a job; it’s a calling! 📞💉
• Scrubs and hugs: the perfect combo! 🤗🩺
• Good nurses bring hope; great nurses bring coffee! ☕️🌟
• Caring is my cardio! 💪❤️
• Proud to be on the front lines of care! 🚑💙
• Real heroes wear scrubs! 🦸‍♀️💖
• From bedpans to breakthroughs! 🌈🩺
• Nurses: Making patients smile, one shift at a time. 😊✨
• In the business of caring, we’re a big deal! 📊💚
• Creating health stories every day! 📅📚
• Taking the 5-star approach to patient care! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Healing hands and caring hearts! ❤️🙏
• Fueled by passion, powered by coffee! ☕️⚡
• Scrubs: the uniform of the unsung heroes! 👕💖
• Every day is a new opportunity to make a difference! 🌟🙌
• Nurse: The person who loves and cares at the same time! 💕🩺
• My shift, my impact! 💥✨
• Turning compassion into action every day! 🔥❤️
• Nursing is the bridge between patients and health. 🌉💚

Shift Work Captions for Instagram

These shift work captions capture the unique challenges and triumphs of working in nursing. Use them to share your experiences during both night and day shifts.

• Living for those rare moments of downtime. ⏳❤️
• Shift work: where every hour counts! 🕒💪
• Another day, another shift, another chance to make a difference! 🌟🩺
• When the going gets tough, the tough put on their scrubs! 🦸‍♀️💙
• Shifting gears and saving lives! 🚀❤️
• The coffee’s strong, and so are we! ☕️💪
• Day shift vibes: bright and ready to care! 🌞🩺
• Night shift: where the magic happens under the stars! ✨🌙
• Sleepless but fulfilling! 😴💖
• Embracing the chaos one shift at a time! 🌪️❤️
• Shifts may end, but care lasts forever! 🌈🩺
• Making memories during every 12-hour shift! ⏰💓
• Grateful for every chance to help! 🙏💚
• Five more minutes and I’ll be on my way! 🚗💨
• Nurses don’t clock out; we just shift gears! 🔄🩺
• Caffeine: my shift work partner! ☕️🦸‍♀️
• Counting down the hours until I can make a difference! ⏱️❤️
• Day or night, we just keep caring! 🌅🌌
• On the night shift, every shift has its own story! 📖🌙
• When the world sleeps, we work! 🌍💤

Nursing School Instagram Captions

These nursing school captions highlight the journey of becoming a nurse. Share your milestones and challenges with these inspirational and relatable phrases.

• Future nurse in the making! 🌟🩺
• Studying hard today for a brighter tomorrow! 📚💖
• Patient care starts in the classroom! 🎓❤️
• Nursing school: dreams and caffeine! ☕️💭
• Learning today, leading tomorrow! 🌱👩‍⚕️
• Cramming for exams like a pro! 📖💪
• Nursing school: where late nights and early mornings collide! 🕒🌜
• One step closer to wearing those scrubs! 🩺✨
• Fueled by passion and a strong cup of coffee! ☕️🔥
• Turning my dreams into reality, one study session at a time! 🌈💖
• Nursing school: the journey is tough, but so am I! 💪❤️
• Learning to care beyond the textbook! 📚💞
• Surviving nursing school with my friends by my side! 👩‍⚕️👩‍⚕️
• Every lecture is a step toward my calling! 🎓💖
• The grind never stops! 🥇🔥
• Nursing school: where dreams begin and friendships grow. 🌟🤝
• Practicing my skills for future patients! 🩺💓
• From lectures to clinicals, each day is a new adventure! 🚀📅
• Graphic tees and textbooks: the true nursing school uniform! 👕📖
• Taking care of others begins with taking care of ourselves! ❤️🌱

Night Shift Captions for Instagram

These night shift captions capture the unique experience of working through the night. Share your late-night adventures and camaraderie with these fun and relatable phrases.

• Embracing the night shift grind! 🌙💪
• When the world sleeps, we care! 🌍💤
• Fueled by coffee and determination! ☕️✨
• Living on night shift vibes! 😎🌙
• Cheers to my fellow night owls! 🦉❤️
• Here’s to midnight snacks and patient care! 🍫🩺
• Nocturnal nurses unite! 🌌🚑
• Sunsets and stethoscopes. 🌅🩺
• Shifting gears when the stars come out! ⭐️🔄
• Night shift: the ultimate test of endurance! 🕒🔥
• Moonlight makes everything a little more magical! 🌕✨
• Who needs sleep when you have passion? 😴❤️
• Night shift squad goals! 🥳🌙
• When the sun goes down, the care goes up! 🔆💖
• Taking care of business while the city sleeps! 🌆🚑
• Nights are long, but the memories are forever! 🕰️💫
• Making midnight magic happen, one patient at a time! ✨💞
• Night shift: where every hour counts even more! ⏳❤️
• Working hard while others dream! 💼💤
• Love my night shift life! 🌙❤️

Pediatric Nurse Instagram Captions

These captions are perfect for pediatric nurses who want to share their love for caring for children. Use them to highlight the joy and challenges of working with young patients.

• Turning tears into giggles every day! 😊💖
• For every band-aid, there’s a smile! 🩹💞
• Caring for the little ones is the best job ever! 👶❤️
• Tiny patients, huge hearts! 💕🩺
• Bringing joy to the world, one child at a time! 🌈🎉
• Your smile is my favorite part of the job! 😄💖
• Helping little heroes feel their best! 🦸‍♂️💙
• Every day is an adventure in pediatric nursing! 🚀💖
• Just a nurse making magic happen for kids! ✨👩‍⚕️
• Wearing scrubs and a heart full of kindness! 🩺❤️
• Big hearts and small hands – that’s pediatric nursing! 💞👶
• Smiles are the best medicine! 😊💊
• Pediatric nurse by day, superhero by night! 🌟🦸‍♀️
• Making a difference in the lives of little ones! 🌼💖
• Every child deserves a little extra love! 💖👦👧
• Creating happy memories and brighter futures! ⭐️❤️
• In this world, we care for each tiny flower! 🌸💓
• A little laughter goes a long way in healing! 😂💖
• Helping kids conquer their fears, one smile at a time! 😁💪
• Here’s to the tiny warriors who inspire us every day! 🦸‍♀️🌈

Graduation Captions for Instagram

These graduation captions celebrate the hard work and dedication of completing your nursing education. Share your incredible achievement with these inspiring and joyful phrases.

• Cap, gown, and a future full of possibilities! 🎓✨
• Finally, I’ve graduated to a whole new level! 🌟💖
• The tassel was worth the hassle! 🎓💪
• Dream big, nurse bigger! 🚀❤️
• Nursing school: completed. Next stop: saving lives! 🩺🌍
• Here’s to the journey that brought me here! 🥳📚
• Onward and upward – the future is bright! 🌈✨
• Cheers to new beginnings! 🥂💖
• Officially a graduate, ready to make a difference! 🎉🩺
• From student to nurse: the best is yet to come! 🌟❤️
• Today’s dreams are tomorrow’s reality! 🌙💭
• Let the adventure begin! 🚀🎓
• Nursing school taught me resilience, and I’m ready to shine! 🌟💪
• Graduated with a heart full of hope and a head full of knowledge! 💕📖
• Grateful for every moment that led me here! 🙏🎉
• A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step! 👣❤️
• Turning my passion into a profession! 🩺🌟
• The world better get ready for my nursing skills! 💥💖
• Caps off to the future and all the lives I’ll touch! 🎓🌍
• This is just the beginning of my nursing story! 📖💓

ER Nurse Instagram Captions

These ER nurse captions perfectly capture the fast-paced and intense environment of the emergency room. Use them to highlight the excitement and challenges of your work.

• Saving lives is a team sport! 🏥💪
• In the ER, every second counts! ⏳❤️
• Welcome to my adrenaline-fueled world! 🚀🩺
• The best part of my day? Making a difference! 🌟💖
• Chaos is my normal! 😅✨
• Working under pressure? No problem! 💥💪
• Courage is key in the ER game! 🦸‍♀️❤️
• Nothing beats the feeling of saving a life! 🌈💓
• When the lights flash, we spring into action! 🚨💉
• Heartbeats and high stakes – welcome to the ER! ❤️🔎
• Band-aids and bravery are my weapons of choice! ⚔️🩹
• In the world of chaos, we find our calm! 🕊️💙
• ER life: because heroes don’t wear capes! 🦸‍♂️💖
• Always prepared for the unexpected! 🎭⚠️
• Fast, focused, and ready to save the day! 💨🌟
• Not all heroes have superpowers; some wear scrubs! 💕🩺
• Diving into the chaos with a smile! 😊❤️
• Here to serve, here to save! 🚑💙
• The ER is my stage, and every day is a new performance! 🌟🎭
• Thriving in the whirlwind of the emergency room! 🌪️💓

Nursing Life Captions for Instagram

These nursing life captions reflect the unique experiences and emotions that come with being a nurse. Share your everyday moments and insights with these thoughtful and relatable phrases.

• Every day is a chance to make a difference! 💖🩺
• Nursing: It’s not just a job; it’s a lifestyle! 🌟❤️
• Finding joy in the little things each shift! 😊✨
• Fueled by compassion and caffeine! ☕️💪
• In this line of work, every moment matters! ⏳💜
• Caring for others brings me joy! 💕🏥
• Embracing the chaos of nursing life! 🌪️💙
• From scrubs to smiles, it’s all worth it! 😊💖
• Nursing is where hard work meets heart! ❤️🚀
• Love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life! 🌈💓
• The best therapy? Helping others! 🩺💖
• Each patient has a story; I’m honored to be a part of it! 📖🌟
• Resilience is the name of the game! 💪💜
• Making the world a healthier place, one patient at a time! 🌍❤️
• In nursing, we rise by lifting others! 💕🌟
• Sharing smiles and spreading care every day! 😊🩺
• It’s not just about medicine; it’s about connection! 🌸💓
• Living my passion, one shift at a time! 🌟💖
• Here’s to the nurses changing the world! 🎉💙
• Life is tough, but so are we! 💪🌈

Scrub Life Instagram Captions

These scrub life captions celebrate the unique journey of wearing scrubs and working in healthcare. Use them to express your love for your profession and your daily experiences.

• Living that scrub life, one shift at a time! 🩺💙
• Just a nurse in scrubs, making magic happen! 🎩✨
• Comfort in cotton and a heart full of care! 👕💖
• Rocking my scrubs like a boss! 💼💕
• Find me where the scrubs are! 🌈🏥
• When in doubt, wear scrubs! 😊🩺
• Caffeine, scrubs, and compassion – my daily mantra! ☕️💖
• Scrubs: not just a uniform, but a lifestyle! 🌟❤️
• In my happy place: wearing comfy scrubs! 😊❤️
• Just because I wear scrubs doesn’t mean I can’t have style! 💅✨
• Bringing the best vibes in my blue scrubs! 💙🌈
• Layers of love, wrapped in scrubs! 💕🩺
• Life is better in scrubs! 🎉💖
• In scrubs we trust! 🙏💙
• Taking on the day, one stitch at a time! ✂️🌟
• Scrub life: where comfort meets purpose! 🥰💙
• Proudly wearing scrubs and a smile! 😊💜
• Just a girl/boy in a scrub world! 🌍👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️
• Scrubs on, heart open! ❤️🩺
• Being a nurse looks good on me! 🥳💖

New Nurse Captions for Instagram

These captions are perfect for new nurses celebrating their journey into the nursing profession. Share your excitement and challenges with these inspirational phrases.

• First day as a nurse, and I’m ready to shine! ✨🩺
• Just graduated, now I’m officially a nurse! 🎓💖
• New nurse, big dreams! 🌟🚀
• Every expert was once a beginner! 💪❤️
• Here’s to new beginnings in the world of nursing! 🎉💙
• Taking my first steps into the nursing universe! 🌌👩‍⚕️
• New scrubs, new adventures! 👕✨
• Making my mark one shift at a time! 🩺🌈
• Dreams do come true – I’m a nurse now! 😍💖
• Waves of excitement as I start my nursing journey! 🌊💙
• Learning is part of the journey; growing is the goal! 📚❤️
• New to the game but ready to make a difference! 💥💖
• With my passion and scrubs, I’m here to care! 🩺💕
• Excited to put my heart and skills to work! ❤️💪
• Every shift is a chance to learn and grow! 🌱✨
• Living my dream as a new nurse! 💖🚀
• Feeling grateful for every experience that made me a nurse! 🙏💙
• They say the journey is just as important as the destination! 🌟📅
• Finding my footing in this amazing nursing world! 🌏❤️
• Bringing passion and compassion to every patient! 💖🩺

Travel Nurse Instagram Captions

These travel nurse captions celebrate the adventure of exploring new places while caring for patients. Share your unique experiences and excitement with these inspiring phrases.

• Exploring new horizons as a travel nurse! 🌍❤️
• Wherever I go, I bring my passion for care! 🩺✈️
• New city, new patients, new adventures! 🏙️💙
• Wandering nurse: treating patients and exploring the world! 🌎✨
• Living my best life one shift at a time! 🌟💖
• Travel nursing: combining work with wanderlust! 🌄🚀
• Caring for patients while collecting memories! 📸💞
• A nurse’s heart knows no borders! 💖🌐
• Each new place brings a new story! 📖🩺
• Finding joy in every new adventure! 🌈💗
• Travel nursing: the best way to see the world! 🌍🩺
• From coast to coast, making a difference! 🏖️🏔️
• Living out of a suitcase, loving every minute! 🧳❤️
• Collecting experiences, not things! ✈️💖
• A nomad with a stethoscope and a heart full of care! 🩺🌏
• Home is where the scrubs are! 🏠🩺
• Adventures await, and so do my patients! 🌄💙
• Taking care of patients around the globe! 🌍💗
• Each assignment is a new chapter in my travel journey! 📚🌟
• Packing my bags and my compassion for the next adventure! 🙌💖

Key Tips for Writing Great Nurse Instagram Captions

Writing a great caption can make your nursing posts stand out and connect with your followers.

Be Authentic

Share your real experiences as a nurse. Your followers will appreciate honesty and relate to your stories.

A good laugh can brighten someone’s day. Add a funny twist to everyday situations to keep your captions light and enjoyable.

Highlight Emotions

Talk about how you feel during different shifts or special moments. Emotions help your followers connect with you on a deeper level.

Keep It Short

Long captions can lose a reader’s interest. Aim for concise and clear messages that get to the point quickly.

Add Hashtags

Use relevant hashtags to reach more people. Popular hashtags like #NurseLife or #ScrubSelfie can increase visibility.

Engage with Questions

Ask questions in your captions to encourage comments. This interaction boosts engagement and builds a sense of community.

Inspirational or funny quotes can be very effective. Quotes related to nursing can resonate well with your audience.

Incorporate Emojis

Emojis can make your captions more lively and colorful. Use them to break up text and add personality.

Final Thoughts

Using the right Instagram captions enhances your nursing posts. With 340 options, you can keep your content fresh and engaging. Choose one that fits your moment perfectly.

CMO of Rontar. I’m interested in entrepreneurship, sales and marketing. As part of my day-to-day routine I do everything from creating marketing strategy to starting advertising campaigns. Sometimes I write for our marketing blog. When not at work, I do sports, lead a healthy lifestyle and keep up on everything that is connected with this.

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