Nursing Resume Guide 2025: Land Your Next Nursing Role
A strong nursing resume is more than a list of duties it highlights your clinical skills, certifications, and patient care achievements. Whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced RN, this guide will help you stand out to recruiters and hiring managers.
Step 1: Choose the Right Resume Format
For nurses, clarity and organization are key. Choose a format that emphasizes your experience and skills.
| Format | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chronological | Experienced nurses | Lists jobs in reverse chronological order; highlights career progression |
| Functional | New graduates or career changers | Focuses on skills and competencies rather than experience |
| Combination | Nurses with diverse skills and experience | Highlights both skills and professional history |
Recruiter Tip: Most healthcare recruiters prefer chronological or combination resumes, especially for experienced nurses.
Step 2: Header and Contact Information
Include:
- Name
- Professional credentials (RN, BSN, etc.)
- Phone number
- Professional email
- LinkedIn or professional portfolio (optional)
Example:
Jane Doe, RN, BSN
janedoe@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | linkedin.com/in/janedoe
Step 3: Write a Nursing Summary
Your summary should convey experience, skills, and patient care focus.
Do This Examples:
- “Compassionate RN with 5 years of experience in acute care and ICU. Skilled in patient assessment, IV therapy, and patient education. Committed to delivering high-quality care in fast-paced environments.”
- “New graduate BSN seeking an entry-level RN role. Completed clinical rotations in pediatrics and medical-surgical units. Strong knowledge of patient care protocols and electronic health records (EHR).”
Not This Examples:
- “Looking for a nursing job. Hardworking and dedicated.” (Too vague)
- “I want to work in healthcare because I like helping people.” (No skills or achievements)
Step 4: Highlight Core Nursing Skills
Nurses must demonstrate both technical and interpersonal skills. Include a skills section that recruiters and ATS can quickly scan.
Table 1: Nursing Skills Examples
| Clinical Skills | Technical Skills | Soft Skills |
|---|---|---|
| IV Therapy | EHR/EMR (Epic, Cerner) | Communication |
| Patient Assessment | Vital Signs Monitoring | Teamwork |
| Medication Administration | Lab Result Interpretation | Time Management |
| Wound Care | Electronic Documentation | Adaptability |
| Patient Education | Medical Coding/Charting | Critical Thinking |
Recruiter Tip: Include keywords from the job posting to pass ATS filters.
Step 5: Experience Section
Focus on achievements and measurable outcomes, not just duties.
Table 2: Nursing Experience Examples
| Role | Organization | Dates | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN – ICU | Shelbyville Medical Center | Jan 2020 – Present | Managed care for 12 ICU patients per shift; reduced medication errors by 15% through improved double-check system |
| Staff Nurse | City Hospital | Jun 2018 – Dec 2019 | Administered medications, performed patient assessments, and educated patients on post-discharge care |
| Nursing Intern | University Hospital | Jan 2018 – May 2018 | Completed 120 hours of pediatric rotation; assisted with patient monitoring and charting |
Do This Tips:
- Use action verbs (Managed, Administered, Educated, Monitored)
- Quantify results (reduced errors, improved patient satisfaction, number of patients managed)
Not This Tips:
- “Responsible for patient care.” (Generic, no impact)
- “Worked in ICU.” (No achievements or specifics)
Step 6: Education & Certifications
Include your degree(s) and certifications, with relevant dates.
Table 3: Education & Certifications Examples
| Degree/Certification | Institution | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSN | University of Tennessee | 2018 | Cum Laude |
| RN License | Tennessee Board of Nursing | 2018 | Active |
| BLS Certification | American Heart Association | 2025 | Renewal required every 2 years |
| ACLS Certification | American Heart Association | 2025 | Advanced Cardiac Life Support |
Recruiter Tip: Include all relevant certifications like PALS, TNCC, or specialty-specific credentials.
Step 7: Optional Sections
- Awards & Honors: Employee of the Month, Dean’s List, scholarships
- Volunteer Work: Clinics, health fairs, community outreach
- Professional Associations: ANA, state nursing associations
Step 8: Formatting & ATS Tips
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Use standard fonts: Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman | Ensures readability for ATS |
| No graphics, tables, or columns | ATS may misread these elements |
| Use standard headings: Experience, Education, Skills | ATS scans for these keywords |
| Keep resume to 1–2 pages | Recruiters scan quickly |
Step 9: Do This / Not This Quick Reference
| Do This | Not This |
|---|---|
| Use action verbs and quantify results | List duties without achievements |
| Include certifications and licenses | Forget expiration dates |
| Tailor resume to the specific nursing job | Use a generic resume for all applications |
| Highlight both clinical and soft skills | Only list technical skills |
| Keep formatting clean and ATS-friendly | Include fancy templates or graphics |
Step 10: Final Recruiter Advice
- Focus on impact and results, not just responsibilities
- Include keywords from the job posting for ATS
- Keep contact information clear and professional
- Show ongoing learning with certifications or continuing education
- Tailor your resume for each nursing role to maximize interview chances
A polished, well-organized nursing resume can make the difference between getting interviews or being overlooked even in competitive healthcare environments.
