Resources/Resume-Guide/Nurse
Nurse Resume Guidance
A nurse CV is a document that provides detailed information about your experience, education, credentials and skills related to healthcare. Depending on how long you’ve worked as a nurse, your CV may be up to two pages long.
1. Choose the Right Format
- Reverse chronological order: Highlight your most recent roles and accomplishments.
- Professional layout: Use clear headings and consistent formatting.
- Length: Typically, a nursing resume is one to two pages.
2. Essential Sections
Contact Information
Include your:
- Full Name
- Phone Number
- Professional Email Address
- Location (City, State)
- LinkedIn Profile or Portfolio (optional)
Professional Summary
Summarize your nursing experience, skills, and career goals in 2–3 sentences. Tailor this section to the specific role.
Example:
“Compassionate and detail-oriented Registered Nurse (RN) with 5+ years of experience providing exceptional patient care in acute and long-term healthcare settings. Skilled in managing diverse medical conditions, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and educating patients on health management. Dedicated to improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practices.”
Licenses and Certifications
List all relevant licenses and certifications, including the state(s) where you’re licensed and any advanced training.
Examples:
- Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed in [State(s)], License #XXXX
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, American Heart Association
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification
- Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) (if applicable)
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Certification
Skills
Highlight both technical and soft skills relevant to nursing:
Technical Skills:
- Patient assessment and care planning
- Medication administration
- Wound care and dressing changes
- IV therapy and phlebotomy
- Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems (e.g., Epic, Cerner)
Soft Skills:
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Time management and multitasking
- Empathy and compassion
- Leadership and team collaboration
Professional Experience
List your nursing roles in reverse chronological order. Include job titles, employers, dates of employment, and detailed responsibilities and achievements.
Example:
Registered Nurse, City General Hospital — City, State
June 2018 – Present
- Provided direct patient care to a 30-bed medical-surgical unit, achieving an average patient satisfaction score of 95%.
- Administered medications, performed IV insertions, and monitored patient responses to treatments.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop personalized care plans, resulting in improved patient outcomes.
- Precepted and mentored 5 new graduate nurses, enhancing staff retention and unit cohesion.
Staff Nurse, Sunshine Rehabilitation Center — City, State
May 2016 – May 2018
- Delivered post-operative care to patients recovering from orthopedic and neurological surgeries.
- Educated patients and families on wound care and medication management, ensuring adherence to discharge plans.
- Reduced hospital readmissions by 15% through effective patient education and follow-up protocols.
Education
Include your nursing degree and relevant academic achievements.
Examples:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), XYZ University — City, State, Graduated May 2016
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), ABC College — City, State, Graduated May 2014
Volunteer Work (Optional)
Showcase any community service or volunteer experiences related to nursing.
Example:
- Volunteered at a free community health clinic, providing wellness checks and health education to underserved populations.
Professional Development (Optional)
List relevant conferences, workshops, or continuing education courses.
Example:
- Attended “Critical Care Nursing Conference 2023” to stay updated on the latest ICU practices.
3. Tailor Your Resume
- Use keywords from the job description to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
- Emphasize experience or skills that align with the specific role (e.g., pediatrics, ICU, or hospice care).
4. Proofread
Ensure your resume is free of grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and inconsistencies.
5. Extra Tips
Portfolio or References: Indicate that references are available upon request or include a link to an online portfolio if applicable.
Quantify Achievements: Use metrics whenever possible to show your impact (e.g., “Managed care for 20+ patients daily,” “Improved patient satisfaction by 10%”).
Professional Affiliations: Mention memberships in organizations like the ANA (American Nurses Association) or Sigma Theta Tau.
