Nursing Resumes: How to Write One That Stands Out with Example Templates

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If you want to land your dream job in health care, there’s one thing you need to perfect — your nursing resume.

A well-written resume can help potential employers notice you and reach out for an interview.

Whether you’re a seasoned nurse or a new graduate still prepping for the NCLEX, this guide will help you write a resume that showcases your skills and proves you’re the right candidate for the position.

Plus, we’ve included a free nursing resume template for graduates and experienced nurses.

How to Create a Nursing Resume?

Creating a nursing resume is more than just listing your qualifications.

It’s about telling your professional story, so it matches the type of nursing job you’re applying for. It’s also about highlighting your skills and achievements that make you the best fit for the position.

Here are five tips for creating a resume that stands out.

1: Understand the job description.

Before you start writing your resume, carefully read through the job description.

Take note of the qualifications, skills, and experience required for the role.

2: Customize your resume for each job application.

While using the same resume for every job application is tempting, it’s important to customize your resume to each job listing.

Take the time to read through the job description and requirements carefully, and then tweak your resume accordingly. Focus on highlighting the skills, experiences, and achievements most relevant to the job you’re applying for.

This will show the employer that you have taken the time to understand their needs and are a perfect fit for their open position.

3: Choose the correct format.

The reverse chronological format is good for new grads and experienced nurses.

This format lists your experiences, starting with your most recent position.

4: Use a readable font.

Avoid fancy fonts and stick to standard ones like Times New Roman or Arial.

5: Use action words.

Describe your experiences using action verbs to make your accomplishments more impactful.

How to Create a Nursing Resume for a New Graduate Without Experience?

If you’re a new grad with no professional nursing experience, don’t worry.

There are still ways to make your resume stand out:

• Focus on your education. Your education is your strongest asset. Describe your coursework, relevant projects, and any honors or awards received.

• Detail your clinical rotations. Include specific details about your clinical rotations. Focus on the types of clients you cared for, the skills you developed, and any notable accomplishments.

• Highlight soft skills: Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are key in nursing. Make sure to highlight these skills in your resume.

• Include internships or volunteer work. Add healthcare-related internships or volunteer work, as they show your commitment to the field.

Should I Include a Cover Letter?

While not always necessary, a cover letter can give you an edge.

A cover letter allows you to:

• Introduce yourself.
• Explain your interest in the position.
• Highlight key aspects of your resume.

It’s an opportunity to express your passion for nursing while demonstrating your knowledge of the job and the organization you’re applying to.

What Categories Should I Include in My Resume?

A nursing resume should include the following sections:

• Contact Information: Name, email, phone number, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable)
• Professional Summary or Objective: A brief overview of your qualifications and career goals
• Education: Degrees obtained and schools attended
• Licensure and Certifications: Your registered nurse (RN) license and any other certifications
• Clinical Experience: Details of clinical rotations, internships, or earlier jobs
• Skills: A list of relevant hard and soft skills related to nursing
• Awards and Honors: Any recognitions that showcase your achievements
• Additional Sections: Professional memberships and languages spoken (if applicable)

What Should Not Be Included in My Resume?

To create a professional and effective nursing resume, avoid including:

• Personal Information: Don’t include your age, marital status, photo, or social security number.

• Unrelated Work Experience: Focus on health care-related experience. Leave out unrelated jobs unless they provide transferable skills.

• Excessive Details: Keep it concise (ideally one page for new graduates). Avoid long paragraphs and unnecessary information.

• Negative Language: Always use positive language. Don’t mention gaps in employment or why you left previous jobs.

• Unprofessional Email: Use a professional email address that includes your name.

Free Nursing Resume Templates

We’ll include free nursing resume templates designed for different experience levels:

1. New Grad Nurse Resume Template: A simple template for new graduates with little experience

2. Experienced Nurse Resume Template: A more detailed template for nurses with several years of experience

3. Cover Letter Templates: A template to help you create a compelling cover letter to go with your resume

The experienced and new grad nursing resume template allows you to tailor your resume for the job you’re applying for.

Download the template that fits your needs to start building your nursing resume today!

Join SimpleNursing for More Tips to Enhance Your Career!

Join SimpleNursing to get access to extra resources, beyond design templates, that will help you pass your exams and excel in your career.

Our online platform has study materials and exam preparation strategies to help you succeed in your nursing journey.

Benefits of joining SimpleNursing include:

• Detailed Video Lectures: Our platform offers detailed video lectures on various nursing topics to help you understand complex concepts.

• Practice Questions and Quizzes: Test your knowledge with our 3,000+ questions and custom quiz builder.

• Colorful study guides: Our study guides include colorful visuals and easy-to-understand content, making studying more engaging.

Join SimpleNursing today and advance your nursing career!