Nurse Resume Example and Writing Guide

Want to know how to put together an effective nursing resume? Writing an effective nurse resume requires highlighting your relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications in a clear and concise manner. Read our tips and view the registered nurse resume example to know what to include and how to improve your current nursing resume.

You might also be interested to read How to Make a Resume »

Write an effective summary statement

Your nurse resume’s summary statement is a concise introduction that highlights your qualifications and key strengths. Begin with a compelling opening that grabs the reader’s attention and highlights your relevant nursing experience or expertise. Mention the number of years you have worked as a nurse and briefly describe the healthcare settings you have experience in.

If you have specialized in a specific area of nursing, such as pediatrics, critical care, or oncology, highlight it in your summary statement. Additionally, emphasize any certifications or additional training you have in these specialties. This showcases your expertise and sets you apart from other candidates.

Identify a few key nursing skills that demonstrate your capabilities. This can include patient assessment, medication administration, wound care, IV therapy, or patient education. By highlighting these skills, you show potential employers that you possess the necessary competencies to excel in the nursing role.

Lastly, emphasize your patient-centered approach. Mention your commitment to providing compassionate care and maintaining high standards of patient safety and well-being. This conveys your dedication to delivering quality healthcare and fostering positive patient experiences.

Examples of nurse resume summary statement

Here are five different examples of impactful summary statements for a nurse resume:

“Highly skilled and dedicated registered nurse with 10 years of experience in pediatric nursing. Proficient in providing comprehensive care to pediatric patients, including assessments, administering medications, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and experienced in managing complex medical conditions. Known for establishing strong relationships with young patients and their families, ensuring a supportive and nurturing environment. Seeking a rewarding position in a pediatric healthcare facility to continue making a positive impact on children’s lives.”
“Experienced ICU nurse with a demonstrated track record of delivering exceptional care in critical care settings. Proficient in monitoring and managing critically ill patients, administering specialized medications, and interpreting complex patient data. Skilled in collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to optimize patient outcomes. Certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and possess expertise in ventilator management. Committed to providing compassionate care and promoting patient well-being in high-stress environments. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to a dynamic ICU team in a renowned medical center.”
“Compassionate and detail-oriented registered nurse with a strong background in geriatric care. Possess 7 years of experience in long-term care facilities, specializing in providing comprehensive assessments, developing personalized care plans, and managing chronic conditions. Proficient in geriatric medication management and ensuring the safety and comfort of elderly patients. Skilled in fostering strong relationships with patients, families, and caregivers to enhance overall well-being. Seeking a challenging position in a geriatric care facility to continue providing quality care and support to the elderly population.”
“Dynamic and adaptable emergency room nurse with 5 years of experience in fast-paced ER environments. Proficient in triaging patients, providing urgent medical interventions, and coordinating care with interdisciplinary teams. Skilled in managing trauma cases, including resuscitation and stabilization. Possess in-depth knowledge of emergency protocols and evidence-based practices. Known for maintaining composure under pressure and delivering high-quality care to diverse patient populations. Seeking an ER nursing position in a reputable hospital that values teamwork, innovation, and excellence in emergency care.”
“Motivated and patient-focused registered nurse with a passion for community health. Experienced in working in underserved populations, providing comprehensive care, health education, and preventive services. Proficient in managing chronic conditions, conducting health screenings, and coordinating referrals to resources. Skilled in building strong relationships with diverse patients and advocating for their health needs. Committed to improving health outcomes and promoting wellness in the community. Seeking a community health nursing role that allows me to make a meaningful impact on the well-being of individuals and families.”

Writing the work history section

The work history section of a nurse resume should highlight your relevant nursing experience in a clear and organized manner. Start with your most recent position and provide a concise job description that focuses on nursing-specific tasks and achievements. Use action verbs and specific details to showcase your responsibilities and quantify achievements whenever possible.

Tailor your work history section to the specific nursing position you are applying for, emphasizing experiences that align with the job requirements. Include relevant certifications and training you have obtained, demonstrating your commitment to professional development.

Maintain a consistent format for each job listing, using bullet points to present responsibilities and achievements in a clear and concise manner. Focus on the most recent and relevant work experiences, keeping the section limited to the last 10-15 years of your nursing career.

Nursing resume experience examples

Here are some examples of nursing resume experience descriptions for different nursing roles:

Medical-Surgical Nurse:

Provided direct patient care to a diverse medical-surgical population, including post-operative, oncology, and general medical patients.
Conducted comprehensive patient assessments, monitored vital signs, and administered medications as prescribed.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans and ensure continuity of care.
Assisted with wound care, dressing changes, and patient education on post-operative care and self-management.
Responded to medical emergencies, including cardiac arrests, and actively participated in resuscitation efforts.

Pediatric Nurse:

Delivered compassionate care to pediatric patients ranging from infants to adolescents, addressing their physical, emotional, and developmental needs.
Administered age-appropriate medications and treatments, closely monitoring for adverse reactions.
Assessed pediatric patients’ growth and development milestones, identifying potential delays or concerns.
Educated parents and caregivers on pediatric healthcare, including immunizations, nutrition, and injury prevention.
Collaborated with pediatricians, child life specialists, and social workers to coordinate comprehensive care for pediatric patients.

Critical Care Nurse:

Managed critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), monitoring vital signs, ventilator settings, and administering life-saving interventions.
Assessed patient condition and implemented appropriate interventions to stabilize hemodynamics and maintain optimal oxygenation.
Operated and maintained complex medical equipment, including ventilators, cardiac monitors, and intravenous infusion pumps.
Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to develop and execute individualized care plans, ensuring timely and appropriate interventions.
Provided emotional support to patients and their families, offering education and counseling during stressful situations.

Community Health Nurse:

Conducted health assessments and screenings in community settings, such as schools, clinics, and outreach programs.
Developed and implemented health promotion programs, focusing on disease prevention and healthy lifestyle choices.
Collaborated with community organizations and local resources to connect individuals and families to necessary healthcare services.
Provided education on topics such as nutrition, sexual health, chronic disease management, and immunizations.
Conducted home visits for patients requiring follow-up care, monitored their progress, and assisted with care coordination.

Nurse resume keywords

Here are examples of nurse resume keywords that you can include in the summary statement, work experience, and skills section.

Patient assessment
Medication administration
Care planning
Electronic health records (EHR)
Patient education
Vital signs monitoring
Wound care
IV therapy
Infection control
Critical care

Emergency response
Team collaboration
Interdisciplinary communication
Chronic disease management
Rehabilitation
Pain management
Health promotion
Patient advocacy
Patient safety
Quality improvement

Documentation accuracy
CPR certification
Acute care
Surgical nursing
Pediatrics
Geriatrics
Palliative care
Cultural sensitivity
Professional ethics
Time management

List details about nursing education

As well as including which degree you hold (AND, ASN, MSN, BSN, etc.) is essential. Leaving it out increases the odds your resume won’t be considered.

Make sure you include details about your education, including:

The name of your school
The degree you earned
When the degree began
When you completed it
The state and city

You should also consider including descriptions for the awards, achievements, scholarly organizations, activities, and your GPA if it’s high enough. Your scholastic achievements will be most important when you’re just starting your nursing career. Keep this in mind as you put together the education section of your resume.

Nursing certification and license details

It’s recommended that your resume includes certain information about your licenses:

Type of license: CRNA, LPN, NP, RN, etc.
Licensing state/ certifying body
Expiration date
Number of the license

If your license is a part of the Nurse Licensure Compact then make sure you clearly state it.

When detailing certification, you need to include the following information about each certification you have:

Certification name (ACLS, BLS, PALS, TNCC, etc.)
Certifying body (AHA, etc.)
Expiration date, or the date acquired if there isn’t an official expiry date

Awards, honors, special assignments

As is the case with resumes, the resume of a nurse can include awards and honors. This could be awards and honors from school, professional affiliations, work and volunteer work. It’s beneficial for nurses to put special assignments on their resumes too.

Professional affiliations

There are an almost endless number of professional affiliations a nurse can have. Most of the time, an employee will want to be informed about the ones you hold. If you are a member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses for example, then an employer would be interested in this information.

Make sure you include information such as:

The name of the affiliation
The date you were admitted
Any offices held
A brief description of the role you have or your reason for choosing the group

Additional things to mention in your nurse resume

Computer experience

Healthcare is quickly becoming a digital industry. Paper charting is becoming obsolete. You need to make sure you list any Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) experience you’ve acquired. A study from Wanted Analytics shows “Electronic Medical Records” was the most common skill listed on nursing job listings for nurses. The list also included “Meditech” and “Epic Software”, which are the most widely-used EMR software packages.

Availability

Nursing is different from other professions as it’s an around-the-clock one. Therefore, you should be clear about which shifts you would be willing to do. Would you be willing to work 8, 10, or 12-hour shifts? Will you work on days and nights? You can give these statements a heading of their own, but you can just make them part of the professional summary section of the resume.

Facility type

Specifically mentioning the kind of facilities that you’ve worked in tells potential employers a lot about the experience you have without using a lot of words. Did you work in long-term care? Short-term acute care? Long-term acute care? In a senior nursing facility?

Number of beds

List the number of beds in the facilities that you worked in, along with how many beds were in the specific unit you worked in. Much like with the type of facility, the number of beds you worked with tells employers how much experience you have without using a lot of words.

Unit type

Include the unit types (TELE, MS, ICU, ER, L&D, CVICU, etc.) to convey your message. It’s impossible to overestimate the importance of this. Also, make sure you note your caseload. What was the nurse-to-patient ratio in your unit? Did you have much support with LPNs, MAs, and CNAs? Also include other specific details about the unit. Were there trauma patients in the unit? Was the unit dealing with the overflow of other units? In this case, then what kinds of patients were included in the overflow?

Registered nurse resume example

How to write a registered nurse resume? Here’s an example of a resume for a mid-career registered nurse. Be sure to include any additional relevant information and customize it to the specific nursing position you are applying for.

Download resume example (.docx)

Your Name
Registered Nurse
Address, City, State, ZIP Code | Phone Number | Email Address

Summary

Compassionate and dedicated registered nurse with 10 years of experience in diverse healthcare settings. Skilled in providing exceptional patient care, performing assessments, and administering medications. Proficient in collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Specialized in critical care nursing and experience in managing complex medical conditions. Certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and proficient in ventilator management. Known for exceptional communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with patients and families.

Experience

Senior Registered Nurse, ABC Hospital, City, State

June 2015 – Present

Manage a team of nurses in providing comprehensive care to patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Perform thorough patient assessments, monitor vital signs, and administer medications as per physician orders.
Collaborate with physicians, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized care plans.
Respond to emergencies and effectively coordinate and assist with resuscitation efforts.
Provide education and emotional support to patients and their families, ensuring a positive and supportive environment.

Registered Nurse, XYZ Medical Center, City, State

March 2010 – May 2015

Delivered direct patient care in a busy medical-surgical unit, managing a diverse patient population with a variety of medical conditions.
Administered medications, monitored patient progress, and documented care accurately and comprehensively.
Collaborated with the interdisciplinary team to develop and implement care plans and ensure continuity of care.
Provided patient and family education on disease management, medications, and post-discharge care instructions.
Acted as a preceptor to new nurses, assisting with their orientation and training.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of ABC, City, State

Graduated: May 2010

Certifications

Registered Nurse License, State Board of Nursing, State
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification

Skills

Patient assessment and monitoring
Medication administration
Ventilator management
Electronic health records (EHR) proficiency
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Team collaboration and leadership

Professional Affiliations

Member, American Nurses Association (ANA)

Use a visual resume template to get noticed

Here are a few free Word resume templates specifically designed for nurses:

Free Nurse Resume Download

Free Nursing Resume

Free Registered Nurse Resume

Conclusion

Crafting a compelling nurse resume is essential for increasing your chances of getting hired. By following the provided example and tips, you can create a strong resume that effectively showcases your qualifications, skills, and experiences. Start with a clear header and a strong summary statement, then highlight your relevant work history, licenses, certifications, and education. Tailor your resume to the specific nursing position and emphasize your skills and expertise. Proofread carefully to ensure a professional presentation. With an effective nurse resume, you can impress potential employers and enhance your job prospects. Good luck in your job search!