Created by CakeBeing a
nurse is a noble and diff
icult job. Many people may not realize it, but being a
nurse requires a lot of hard work, commitment, and includes a number of duties including:
Caring for the patients.
Communicating with doctors and other healthcare providers.
Looking out for the patients; checking their vitals on a regular basis and administering medicine.
Conduct physical exams.
Analyze the physical and mental needs of the patients.
Staying up-to-date with the latest developments and healthcare, medication, treatment plans, etc.
So basically there are a whole lot of responsibilities than normal people can actually account for (but a
nurse can). With competition getting ever so fierce in the medical industry, it is becoming increasingly important for the
nurses to have their nursing
resume optimized as per the modern standards.
A single job opening can attract as many as 250 applicants, where only 2% of them will go through the interview process and only one will be able to secure the job. To secure your position among that 6%, you need to have your new
nurse resume composed adequately with the right keywords and content.
You need not just the right content, but the right length and design that serves the intended purpose. In this piece, we will be going through the steps that will help you design a nursing
resume ideal for a nursing applicant.You'll learn:How to Write a Nursing
Resume?What to Put on a Nursing
Resume?Tips for Writing the Best Nursing
ResumeHow to Write a Cover Letter for a Nursing Role?Nursing
Resume Sample
How to Write a Nursing
Resume?
Listed below are a few fundamental steps that are sure to help you create an excellent
resume for a nursing job.Step 1: Know the difference between
resume and CV.
We often use
resume and CV interchangeably, but have you ever wondered what is the difference?
A
resume is basically a single (or at max. two) page summary of your work experience and background experience that is relevant to the job you are applying to. It is made to emphasize a specific job role and required during the general job application process. It has a number of design choices in terms of layout.
Whereas a CV (curr
iculum vitae) can be longer and includes a lot of information including job/work experience, academic qualification/achievements, publications, etc. It is most relevant when applying in the academic field or for specialization and has a simple structure.
Step 2: Choose the right nursing
resume format.
Since for a nursing job, you need a nursing
resume, so you need the right nursing
resume format or layout. These includes:While applying for a nursing job, a professional nursing
resume is essential. You need to use the right nursing
resume format and layout. There are 4 main
resume formats for
nurses:
Chronological
resume format: frequently used, everything laid out in reverse chronological order.
Functional
resume format: skill-based
resume format, emphasis on the sills of the applicant.
Hybrid/combination
resume format: combines both, chronological and functional.
Targeted
resume format: specifically designed for a specific company or job position.
Step 3: Look up nursing
resume templates examples online.
As a reference for either a new
nurse resume or skilled nursing
resume, it is best to first conduct some online research. This includes looking for the right
resume format, content, and design. You should also be looking for relevant keywords to help your nursing
resume stand out from the rest, especially if this is a new grad nursing
resume.
Step 4: Tailor your
resume for the nursing job.
The position you are applying for may have some specific requirements. Maybe they need someone who has good communicational
skills, or someone who has served in a part
icular area pertaining to nursing. If you tailor your nursing
resume accordingly, you will significantly increase your chances of landing an interview.
Step 5: Craft a job application letter for
nurses.
Never forget to draft a nursing cover letter.This is one of the most common mistakes made by the majority of applicants that can costs them a potential job they may be ideal for. So keep it in mind that your nursing
resume must be accompanied by acover letter.
Step 6: Proofread your nursing
resume cover letter.
You want your nursing
resume and nursing cover letter to be perfect, don’t you? So always proofread a few times before you decide to finally send it out. Make sure there are no careless mistakes here and there, for they can have a really devastating effect on your nursing
resume.What to Put on a Nursing
Resume?
Now, let’s get what you should be putting in your nursing
resume. A nursing
resume is composed of different sections and each section has a vital purpose that it serves. Before we got in the depth of it, we will tell you what ‘not’ to include in a
resume for nursing job. This includes:
1.
Resume Profile (Personal Information):
This section provides the recruiter with the essential information about the applicant. The section should include:Full name
Professional title
Email address
Phone number
Address (complete address is optional)
Additionally, you may also put:
Personal Website
LinkedIn URL
Other necessary personal info
Things "not" to include in a nursing
resume:
Sexual orientation
Marital status
Current salary
Race
Date of birth
Gender or belief/religion
Here’s an example of delivering your personal information just right:Nursing
Resume Profile Example:Name: Jane DoeProfessional Title:
Nurse Leader"A passionate professional about reducing healthcare inequalities and willing to go the extra mile to ensure fairness for all the patients. More than 10 years of experience, currently completing a Master Degree to become an Executive
Nurse Leader."Email:
[email protected] | Contact no.: 123-456-7890 | Address: Area, Country| LinkedIn Link | Skype ID2.
Resume Headline:
Putting out a catchy headline is the best way to make your nursing
resume stand out. Think of it as a
resume for your
resume. How to write a catchy nursing
resume headline?
Highlight your biggest strength or achievement.
Make it sound catchy and clever.
Make sure it is at the top of your
resume.
The headline should be compact, concise, yet impactful. Be sure to make it all caps with the relevant keyword inserted. And write a few at that so you can decide on one that sounds just right.Have a look at the example below:Nursing
Resume Headline Example:Senior
Nurse Care ManagerCommitted Registered
Nurse (RN)Compassionate Pediatric
Nurse with 10 Years' Experience3.
Resume Summary:
A
resume summary describes your entire nursing
resume in just a few easy lines. A well-written summary will immediately grab the attention of a recruiter and make you immediately stand out. How to write a professional nursing
resume summary statement?
Read through the job description.
Pick the most relevant nursing
skills and experience.
Assemble your qualifications.
Pro Tip💡Keep the profile summary concise and structure it properly with an emphasis on the experience.Be sure to include your:
Awards
Soft/technical
skills
External achievements
Educational background
Resume Summary Example for
Nurses:Service-minded PeriOperative Registered
Nurse with expertise in evaluation, monitoring, and health assessment. Skilled at building rapport with the patient and working efficiently with a wide range of physicians, technologists,
nurses, and staff. Proactive and resourceful with superior work ethics.💡 A few more ideas to spice up your profile summary on a nursing
resume:
Resourceful and capable of multitasking.Proven record of responsibility and reliability.Ability to meet a variety of diverse needs in varied situations.Extensive knowledge of relevant medical procedures and products.
Capability of developing a bond with the patient, their family, staff members.Dedicated individual with a reputation for performing beyond the call of duty.
Strong analytical
skills as per the need of the situation and implement appropriate interventions.
4. Nursing
Resume Objective:
A
resume objective helps to capture the attention of the recruiter. Although it is not compulsory but helps a candidate stand out. Be sure to place it where it can be immediately visible.Is an objective statement necessary on a
resume?A
resume objective delivers numerous benefits including:
Making your
resume ATS friendly.
An opportunity to get noticed by the recruiter.
Highlights the achievements of the applicants.
Be sure to showcase your traits and specify your experience when writing the
resume objective. It can help your highlight your career goal and personalize your statement. Adding the name of the company you are applying for in your nursing
resume objective can help you stand out.Career Objective Example for a Nursing
Resume:"Dedicated Registered
Nurse with ten years’ practical experience, now seeking a Pharmaceutical Sales Position that will make use of comprehensive healthcare training, excellent communication
skills, and sales-directed prioritize action."
5.
Skills for a Nursing
Resume:
This is the most important section on your nursing
resume which the recruiter will be most interested in. It will help the recruiter determine whether you are the right fit for the job or not. It is also beneficial for people fresh in the market and lack experience to put in their
resume. A skilled nursing
resume is basically a functional
resume. 3 simple steps to write the nursing
skills section:
Learn about job requirements.
List down all the relevant nursing
skills you possess pertaining to it.
Filter irrelevant stuff and write down the
skills that are suitable in your
resume.
4 ways to write down your nursing
skills:
A simple bullet list.
Expandable bullet list.
Skills integrated with experience.
Categorization.
What are some relevant
skills to put on a nursing
resume?Microsoft OfficeOrganizational In/Outpatient CarePre/Post-Surgical CareWound Cleaning/CareNG Tube Insertion and RemovalInfection Control StandardsFlow Sheet ChartingMinor Surgery AssistanceCustomer ServiceSpecimen Collection/SamplingSterilization TechniquesVenipuncture/Blood DrawPain Management
Try to keep your
skills section short, relevant, and legible. Be sure to include both hard and soft
skills, and double-check the job requirements. Avoid overused buzzwords (quick learner, passionate, highly motivated, etc.) and
skills that are a bit too common to stand out (online research, etc.).
6. Work Experience on a Nursing
Resume:
Employers require employees having an experience that is relevant to the position or the role offered. For that, it is essential that the experience section must be written to highlight all the important aspects of work history.Try to add at least two relevant and latest work experiences.Be sure to add:
Name, state, and titles held at the previous organization of the employment.
Starting and end date for the period of employment.
A brief description of the
skills that meet the requirements for the job you are applying for.
📗 Notes:
The format you use for work experience matters (organization/location/role/dates or any other).
The experience is tailored as per the prospective role.
It highlights your accomplishments, professional trajectory, and sells them.
Creates a lasting impact with the right choice of words.
Nursing
Resume Work Experience Example:Registered
NurseABC Hospital, Jan. 2015 - Present
Maintained all confidential personal files, licenses, and CRP compliance records.Recorded patient medical history, vital statistics, and test results in the medical record.Liaised between patient and physician to ensure patient comprehension of treatment plans.
Interviewed patients to obtain their medical information and measure vital signs, weight and height.Possessed sound, ethical, and independent decision-making ability consistent with medical protocols.
Prepared rooms, sterilizing instruments, equipment, or supplies and ensure that the stock of supplies is maintained.
Administrated medication, performed all tasks with a patient-centered focus while seeking opportunities for improvements of processes and treatment.
7. Education:
Education helps in creating relevance to the role you are applying for. Keep important section in your nursing
resume such as:
Degree
Major(s)
Graduation year
School attended
Honors and awards earned
Additionally, you can include;
GPA
Minors
Extra-curr
icular activities
Licenses and certifications
Education Section on Nursing
Resume Template:[Degree type] – Nursing[University Name][starting year –graduation year]
8. Extra Information on Nursing
Resume:
This includes:
Awards
HobbiesLicenses
ReferencesCertifications
Items listed above can all be added in the nursing
resume where there is space available for them and they are not interfering with the existing content and sections. Some of these can also be integrated existing content. For instance, certifications and awards can be added to either academic or professional achievements given the relevance. Similarly, references can be added at the bottom of the experience section.Tips for Writing the Best Nursing
Resume
Follow the below-listed tips to make your nursing
resume truly stand out and capture the attention of the hiring manager.1.Customize the nursing
resume for the job.
The better it is customized for the role, the better your chances of landing an interview. So optimize your nursing
resume by researching the hospital/facility you are applying at. Make a list of most relevant job experiences and put in the most noteworthy achievements at front.
2. Use keywords (from JD) in your nursing
resume.
You have a limited window to catch the attention of the recruiter, so utilize keywords that are appropriate and belong in your
resume. They are a sure eye-catcher and makes it easy for the recruiter to skim through the
resume.
3. Quantify results on your nursing
resume.
Long descriptions are often overlooked, numbers on the other hand grab attention and state a lot more in much less. Therefore, use statistics to showcase your achievements and expertise.
4. Choose an ATS-friendly nursing
resume format.
Making your
resume ATS-friendly will make it easier for you to apply for positions at international corporates. ATS-friendly nursing
resumes have a simple yet powerful layout that compact and contain all that is necessary instead of excessive gibberish.
5. Adopt nursing
resume action words.
Nursing
resume action words or verbs can easily be searched online and incorporated in your
resume. Doing that will make your nursing
resume seem more powerful and professional, thus, making it stand apart from the rest and much more attention-grabbing.
6. Add in your most impressive achievements/experience.
Nurses encounter numerous situations where they are responsible for saving lives. It all depends upon how well they are able to handle and understand a situation and respond to it adequately. As a
nurse, if you have had such an encounter, putting them in your nursing
resume can help you land a job.How to Write a Cover Letter for a Nursing Role?
A nursing cover letter should always be customized for the place of application and comprise of the following:Contact Details
A brief introduction that lets the hiring manager know who you are.
Motivation or the intention to apply. This will help you make a good impression on the recruiter and showcase that you have already conducted your research before applying.
Qualifications, that will immediately make it clear that you have what it takes to get this job done. That you are academically and professionally suitable for this job.
A closing that will prompt the recruited to move to your
resume with enthusiasm in hope of finding a candidate that is a perfect fit for the job.
Nursing
Resume Example
Sophie GarciaCommitted Registered
Nurse (RN)
[email protected]
601-4363-466
Professional Summary
Ambitious certified senior
nurse with extensive experience in patient care and administrative function of the hospital. Strong professional
skills accompanied by the capability to evaluate and advocate for the needs of the patients. Proven history of cultivating strong patient rapport for the provision of exceptional care and patient education.
Work Experience
Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston)RN – Intensive Care Unit (
ICU)
Jan 2013 – Mar 2015
Coordinated treatment with multidisciplinary healthcare team members to attain optimal health and continuity of care. Provided inpatient nursing care as well as outpatient medical care administration to the patients receiving treatment for any condition.
Delivered acute and ambulatory nursing care for adults and children, ranging from wellness visits and routine health exams for the treatment of illnesses, injuries and life-threatening conditions.
Boston City HospitalStaff
NurseApr2015 - Dec 2021Delivered acute and ambulatory nursing care for adults and children, ranging from wellness visits and routine health exams for the treatment of illnesses, injuries and life-threatening conditions.
Education
2008– 2012, BSN in Registered Nursing
University of Illinois at Chicago
SkillsHard
skills:Emergency care
Monitoring and checking vital signs
Patient safety
Patient and family education
Soft
skills:Work ethics
Teamwork
Time management
Communication
skills
Problem-solving
Critical thinking
To wrap things up, given below is an example of a nursing
resume that is based on the things covered thus far and a great aid to help you design your own nursing
resume.