How to Write a Killer Resume for a Nursing Job

Landing your dream nursing job starts with a killer resume. It's your first impression, and it needs to show off your skills, experience, and passion for caring for patients.

What is a Nursing Resume Really For?

Think of it like this: your resume isn't just a list of your jobs. It's a carefully crafted document that helps you stand out. It's your chance to:

• Show off your skills and experience: Make sure it's clear how you're qualified for the job.
• Grab the recruiter's attention: It's got to look good and be easy to read.
• Convince them you're the best: You want to make them think, "This is the nurse I need!"
• Land that interview: That's the big goal - to get a chance to talk about what you can do.

Choosing the Right Resume Format

First things first - you need to pick a resume format. There are three common ones:

1. The Chronological Resume: Traditional and Straightforward

This is the most basic format. You list your jobs in order from most recent to oldest. Most recruiters like this because it shows your career path and responsibilities clearly.

Good for:

• Experienced nurses with a clear career path.

Not so good for:

• Those with gaps in their employment or career changes.

2. The Functional Resume: All About Your Skills

This format focuses on your skills and abilities. It's a good choice if you've had some career changes or gaps in your work history.

Good for:

• Career changers or those with limited work experience.

Not so good for:

• Traditional hiring managers who prefer the chronological format.

3. The Combination Resume: The Best of Both Worlds

This combines the best of both the chronological and functional formats. It starts with a skills summary, and then lists your work experience in reverse chronological order.

Good for:

• Most situations, because it's flexible.

Not so good for:

• It can be a bit longer and more complex.

Which Format is Right for You?

Think about your experience level, the specific job requirements, and your career goals. There's no one-size-fits-all answer.

What to Include in Your Nursing Resume

Once you've picked your format, let's talk about the content!

1. Contact Information: Keep it Simple

Put your name at the top, along with your phone number, email address, and maybe your LinkedIn profile URL if it's updated and relevant.

2. Summary or Objective: Make a Great First Impression

This is your chance to grab their attention in a few sentences. Here's the deal:

Summary Statement (Experienced Nurses):

This is a short overview of your skills, experience, and goals, tailored to the specific job you're applying for.

Example: "Registered Nurse with 5+ years of experience in acute care, specializing in critical care and emergency medicine. Proven ability to provide excellent patient care, manage complex medical situations, and work well with healthcare teams. Looking for a challenging role in a fast-paced environment."

Objective Statement (New Graduates or Career Changers):

This states your career goals and how your skills match the job you're applying for.

Example: "Highly motivated Registered Nurse graduate seeking a challenging position in a [specific area of nursing] setting where I can use my skills and passion for patient care to make a positive difference."

3. Skills Section: Showcase Your Expertise

This section lists your key skills, so recruiters can see if you have what they're looking for.

Key Skills for Nursing Resumes:

• Clinical Skills: Patient assessment, medication administration, wound care, vital sign monitoring, IV therapy, etc.
• Technical Skills: Electronic health record (EHR) proficiency, medical equipment operation, etc.
• Communication Skills: Effective verbal and written communication, patient education, interpersonal skills.
• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze situations, make sound judgments, and solve problems efficiently.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse healthcare professionals.
• Leadership and Management: Experience with delegation, supervision, and staff coordination.
• Computer Proficiency: Microsoft Office Suite, healthcare software, etc.
• Language Proficiency: If applicable, indicate fluency in additional languages.

4. Work Experience: Show Your Value

This section talks about your past jobs. Focus on achievements and responsibilities that are relevant to the job you want.

Example:

Registered Nurse, ABC Hospital, City, State (Date of Employment)

• Provided comprehensive nursing care to patients in a [specific unit] setting, managing complex medical conditions and implementing treatment plans.
• Successfully administered medications, monitored vital signs, and provided wound care, ensuring patient safety and optimal outcomes.
• Collaborated effectively with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated patient care.
• Demonstrated exceptional communication skills, effectively educating patients and families about their conditions and treatment plans.
• Actively participated in quality improvement initiatives, contributing to improved patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes.

5. Education: Highlight Your Credentials

List your nursing degrees and any relevant certifications or licenses.

Example:

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), [Specialization], University Name, City, State

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), University Name, City, State

Registered Nurse (RN), State of [Your State]

Certification(s): [List any relevant certifications, e.g., CCRN, CPN, etc.]

6. Additional Sections: Optional but Powerful

Depending on your experience and the job, you might want to add these sections:

• Certifications and Licenses: List them separately to emphasize your expertise.
• Professional Affiliations: List your membership in professional nursing organizations (e.g., ANA, AACN).
• Publications and Presentations: If you have authored articles or presented at conferences, include them to demonstrate your knowledge and contributions to the nursing field.
• Awards and Honors: Highlight any awards, recognition, or achievements that showcase your excellence.
• Volunteer Experience: Include volunteer work related to nursing or healthcare to demonstrate your commitment to the profession and community service.

Tips for Writing a Great Nursing Resume

Now that you know what to include, here's how to make it really stand out:

1. Tailor It to Each Job Application

Don't send the same resume to every job. Read the job description carefully and highlight the skills and experience that are most important to them. Use keywords from the job description throughout your resume.

2. Use Numbers to Show Your Impact

Instead of saying "provided excellent patient care," try "reduced patient readmission rates by 15% through proactive discharge planning." Numbers make your accomplishments more convincing.

3. Use Action Verbs

Start each bullet point in your work experience section with a strong action verb. This makes it more dynamic and engaging.

• Developed
• Implemented
• Managed
• Collaborated
• Improved
• Assisted
• Educated
• Evaluated

4. Make It Easy to Read

Keep it to one or two pages. Use bullet points, white space, and clear headings to make it visually appealing. Use a consistent font and font size.

5. Proofread Carefully

Check for any errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Ask a friend or colleague to take a look, too.

6. Use a Professional Resume Template

There are lots of free and paid templates online. Pick one that's clean, modern, and relevant to the nursing profession.

Keywords: Getting Found by Recruiters

Today, keywords are super important for getting noticed by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and recruiters. Here's a list of keywords for nursing resumes:

General Nursing Keywords:

• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Patient Care
• Medication Administration
• Vital Sign Monitoring
• Wound Care
• IV Therapy
• Patient Assessment
• Clinical Skills
• Communication Skills
• Teamwork
• Critical Thinking
• Problem-Solving
• EHR Proficiency
• Medical Equipment

Specialty Nursing Keywords:

Include keywords specific to your area of specialization.

• Acute Care: Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Telemetry, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Cardiac Care
• Geriatrics: Long-Term Care, Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), Assisted Living
• Pediatrics: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Pediatric Oncology, Child Development
• Mental Health: Psychiatric Nursing, Behavioral Health, Substance Abuse
• Oncology: Cancer Care, Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy
• Operating Room: Surgical Nursing, Perioperative Care, Anesthesia
• Home Health: Home Care, Hospice, Palliative Care

Additional Keywords:

• Quality Improvement
• Patient Education
• Patient Safety
• Leadership
• Management
• Collaboration
• Compassion
• Empathy
• Professionalism
• Time Management
• Organizational Skills

Conclusion: Get That Dream Job!

Creating a great resume is just the first step in your job search. By following these tips, you can create a resume that shows off your skills and experience and gets you noticed by the right people. Good luck!