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Securing a position in Nursing requires more than just qualifications and experience; you’ll need a resume that clearly showcases both.

In this article, we’ll help you understand how to write each section of your Nursing resume.

With our tips, you’ll understand:

• What certifications and workshops to include
• How to format your resume
• What to focus on if you’re an entry-level Nurse
• Clinical skills and keywords that will help you beat the ATS

Along with this information, you can use our resume builder with AI-powered suggestions.

With our tool and expert advice, you’ll have the right prescription for landing your desired job.

Nursing Resume Templates

Using a polished template is always a good idea for resume building. Templates will ensure  your qualifications stay neat and tidy, and that’s critical when you want to land a position as a Nurse.

A template will help you:

• Easily highlight your clinical skills and experience 
• Look more professional
• Keep your resume clear and organized

Below, we have included 3 Nursing resume examples in the preferred reverse-chronological format, complete with templates, to assist you in crafting your own.

Experienced Nurse Resume Sample

With at least a few years of experience, you’ll be able to show a hiring manager that you are:

• Skilled in patient care and bedside manner
• A Collaborative team player
• Proficient in working in a clinic setting

Take a look at the resume example below to get an idea of how you can show off your clinical experience.

Experienced Nurse

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Jane A. Doe, RN, BSN
Los Angeles, CA 90001
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: jane.doe@example.com

Summary

Seasoned Registered Nurse with 12+ years of experience, specializing in acute, chronic, and emergency care. Proven leadership abilities, evidenced by a 20% rise in patient satisfaction and a 25% drop in medication errors under my direction. Committed to enhancing patient outcomes through evidence-based practices, effective team management, and patient-centered communication.

Skills

• Patient Care & Safety
• Acute & Chronic Care Management
• Emergency Room Operations
• Electronic Health Records (EHR)
• Regulatory Compliance

Experience

Senior Registered Nurse

Cedar Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA

March 2019 – Present

• Lead a team of 15 nurses and support staff in a 30-bed intensive care unit, ensuring high standards of patient care and safety.
• Developed and implemented patient care plans, resulting in a 20% improvement in patient satisfaction scores.
• Spearheaded a task force to reduce medication errors, achieving a 25% reduction in the first year.
• Conducted regular training sessions for staff on the latest in nursing practices, patient safety, and care protocols.

Registered Nurse

UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA

June 2016 – February 2019

• Provided comprehensive nursing care in a 200-bed hospital, with a focus on surgical, emergency, and critical care patients.
• Assisted in the development and execution of patient care plans, including assessments, evaluations, and nursing diagnoses.
• Played a key role in a cross-functional team that reduced patient readmission rates by 15% over two years.

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | University of California | Los Angeles | 2015

Certifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) License, California Board of Registered Nursing | 2016
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, American Heart Association | 2015

Professional Affiliations

• American Nurses Association (ANA)
• Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)

Volunteer Work

• Volunteer Nurse, Los Angeles Free Clinic, providing free healthcare services to underserved populations.
• Organizer, Annual Health Fair, Los Angeles, focusing on community health education and free screenings.

Entry-Level Nursing Resume Example

Are you just finishing nursing school or college?.

If that’s the case, and you have little to no experience, no need to worry!

If you create your resume the right way by highlighting your skills, education, and certifications over your experience, you’ll give yourself a good chance.

Volunteer work will also help show that you are a capable Nurse.

Review the example below to understand how to include all these details.

Nurse

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Alex R. Nurse, RN
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (555) 987-6543

Email: alex.nurse@emailexample.com

Summary

Licensed Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Texas, ready to apply theoretical knowledge and clinical skills in a dynamic healthcare setting. Eager to contribute to patient care with excellent communication, teamwork, and patient advocacy skills. Certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), with a passion for continuous learning and professional development.

Skills

• Patient Assessment & Care
• Vital Signs Monitoring
• Medication Administration
• Wound Dressing & Care
• Patient & Family Education
• Infection Control Protocols
• Electronic Health Record (EHR) Management
• Strong Communication & Interpersonal Skills
• Team Collaboration & Support
• Quick Problem-Solving Abilities

Certifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) License, Texas Board of Nursing, 2022
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, American Heart Association, 2023
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification, American Heart Association, 2024

Education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | University of Texas, Austin, TX | 2023

• Relevant Coursework: Pharmacology, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Pediatrics, Community Health, Psychiatric Nursing

Clinical Rotations

General Medical-Surgical Unit, St. David’s Medical Center, Austin, TX | January 2024 – April 2024

• Provided direct patient care under supervision, including medication administration, wound care, and patient education.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement patient care plans.
• Assisted in monitoring patient progress and responded to emergent situations.

Professional Affiliations

• Student Nurses’ Association (SNA), University of Texas Chapter, Member, 2019-2023
• American Nurses Association (ANA), Member, 2023

Volunteer Experience

• Health Fair Volunteer, Austin Community Health Fair, Austin, TX | October 2023

Nursing Resume Keywords to Beat the ATS

When applying for a nursing job, you should always ensure that your Nursing resume is fully tailored to the vacancy.

Roles can vary greatly, covering a large range of specialties and levels of care; therefore, think carefully about how to customize your resume to your specific professional profile and the job role you’re seeking.

An important strategy is to ensure your resume passes the Applicant Tracking System test.

By incorporating relevant keywords listed below, you can increase your chances of moving through the hiring process, by passing the ATS and making it to the human eye.

Sections of a Nursing Resume

A Nursing resume should display various parts of your professional profile by separating your training and knowledge, work experience and skills and any other information relevant to the vacancy into sections.

However, apart from the principal sections such as experience and skills, you should also focus on some extra sections. This is especially true if you are applying for your first full-time Nursing position.

As each Nursing resume must be unique to the candidate’s profile, there is also the possibility of including various sections that give information pertinent and specific to that candidate.

Some optional sections are as follows:

• Languages 
• Seminars/Conferences attended
• Certifications
• Volunteer work

Below, we’ll break down what to include in some of these extra sections.

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Top Certifications for a Nursing Resume

In the nursing field, certifications not only validate your skills but also confirm your commitment to professional growth and quality patient care.

Including relevant certifications on your resume can enhance your appeal to potential employers.

Here are some of the best certifications to highlight on a nursing resume:

• Basic Life Support (BLS): Essential for all nurses, this certification shows you have the basic skills to support patients in critical conditions.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS): Demonstrates advanced skills in handling severe cardiovascular emergencies.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS): Important for nurses working in pediatrics, this certification indicates specialized skills in treating critically ill or injured children.
• Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN): Ideal for nurses in emergency departments, showing expertise in emergency Nursing practices.
• Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN): Highlights specialized knowledge in cancer care, valuable for nurses in oncology units.

Specialty certifications (based on your practice area)

• Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN): For ICU/critical care nurses
• Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN): For pediatric nurses
• Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN): For med-surg units
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Certification (PMH-BC): For behavioral health

Advanced & leadership certifications in nursing

• Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC or NEA-BC): For leadership/administrative roles
• Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML): For nurse managers
• Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt/Black Belt): For quality improvement roles
• Case Management Certification (CCM): For utilization management or case management

Outpatient, telehealth, and non-clinical roles

• Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification (AMB-BC)
• Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)
• Utilization Review Certification (CPUR/CPHM)
• Telehealth Certification (varies by program)

Adding these certifications to your resume, especially if you’re targeting a specialized Nursing role, can significantly bolster your job application.

Best Nursing Conferences and Workshops to Attend

Seminars and workshops show that you have additional training as a nurse, along with a commitment to development. Instead of simply listing seminars, consider including:

• Full title of the course or workshop
• The institution or organization offering it
• Date completed (if recent)
• Optional: a brief outcome or skill gained

Here are key seminars worth mentioning:

• Evidence-Based Practice: Showcases your ability to integrate research into patient care.
• Patient Safety and Quality Improvement: Demonstrates your dedication to enhancing care standards and patient safety.
• ACLS and PALS Workshops: Highlights hands-on skills in critical care for adults and children.
• Specialized Care: Indicates focused expertise in areas like geriatrics, oncology, or mental health.

Salary Expectations for Nurses

According to US News, Nurses made $93,600 on average¹. This number can change depending on certain factors, such as your location and years of experience.

For example, according to Healthecareers, these are the top 5 states in terms of hourly salary for Nurses:

• California, $71.31/hour
• Texas, $44.08/hour
• New Jersey, $51.44/hour
• South Carolina, $40.83/hour
• Alaska, $53.86/hour

With a well-crafted resume, you’ll have a better chance of negotiating a higher salary. 

Key Points 

An organized and well-written professional resume can be the difference between landing your next job and may even be the difference between a higher and lower salary.

To make sure your resume is up for the task, remember to:

• Include conferences and seminars you’ve attended
• Add keywords that highlight your skills as a Nurse
• Use a resume template for a polished look
• Mention your Nursing certifications

By following these tips, you’ll be able to craft your resume and land your next Nursing position in no time.

Related Professions

1. https://careers.usnews.com/best-jobs/registered-nurse/salary ↩︎