sample nurse resume and writing tips 2023 (free guide) www.jamesehenry.com (2023)

writing the perfect nursing resume doesn't have to be difficult. as a frontline healthcare professional, you have the knowledge and experience to save lives. you are one of the earth superheroes. it's just a matter of putting all of the above on paper and turning the head of the hiring manager.

Needless to say, nursing is a difficult position. long shifts and hectic workloads can be hard to bear. however, if you really make a difference in the lives of ordinary people, it's all worth it. it takes a hardworking and caring individual to excel in this role. if you have what it takes, it's time to show off your skills on your resume.

here at www.jamesehenry.com we have powerful resources to help job seekers like you. we have resume guides andresume examplesfor the best professions, powered by a user-friendly resume builder. if you are looking for a way to speed up your job search, you just found it.

elevator bulletin

once every 2 weeks, our expertscollect the best career tips and resumes that you can read in a maximum of 15 minutes. straight to your inbox!

by registering you agree with oursterms of serviceWprivacy policy.

keep an eye on your inbox!

our newsletter is on its way. From now on, every 2 weeks you will receive the best CV and job tips from our career experts in your inbox!

In this resume guide (and the corresponding nurse resume), we will cover the following topics:

  • what does a nurse do?
  • how to write a nursing resume (plus resume sample)
  • best nursing resume layout
  • help with every part of your CV (summary, employment history, education, skills)
  • professional resume layout tips and tricks.

what does a nurse do?

Nursing is about taking care of patients when they need it most. you care for people with long-term and short-term health problems by following their care plans. because it is a multidisciplinary job, you can work in different medical departments.

providing patients with a high level of care is the most important part of this role. however, you will also need to communicate with patients' family members, create patient care plans, and perform selected treatments. every day you may need:

  • communicate effectively with patients
  • administering treatments (such as medications)
  • set blood and drip tests
  • perform some medical procedures
  • support of doctors and other medical personnel
  • write patient care plans
  • keep patient records
  • share information with patients
  • make quick and ethical decisions

It goes without saying that working as a nurse can be difficult. you have to work hard and be determined to go far in this career. the standard working week is 37 and a half hours. however, please note that this is shift work. this means that you may have to work evenings and weekends, which are generally unsocial hours.

it's not all doom and gloom. choosing nursing can be an incredibly rewarding decision. you are responsible for supporting people when they need it most.

statistical insight

how much a nurse in the UK earns depends on her experience and the level of the team. fully qualifieda nurse starts with a salary of £24,907. this rises to £30,615 in Band 5 of the NHS Pay Rate Change Scheme. when you reach band 6 you can expect to earn between £31,365 and £37,890.

if you get a 7 to 8c position, such as an advanced nurse or head nurse, your salary will be between £38,890 and £73,664. climb the career ladder.

the future looks bright. if you have been working as a nurse for several years, there are many ways to progress. for example, you can take a course to become a midwife, district nurse or director of nursing. if you want to learn more about the paths you can follow in this career,royal nursing collegehas more information.

how to write a nurse resume

do you want to start? Before you startwriting a nursing resume, you need to know which items to include. Don't worry. we got you here. For inspiration, you can view our sample resume. however, your document must include:

  • resume header
  • CV summary (also called "personal profile")
  • employment history department
  • resume skill section
  • education section

then you need to understand the style, tone and approach required in a nursing resume. as a rule, such a request should be formal. Nursing is a highly respected career, and while you will generally need to communicate with both patients and staff, your resume is likely to be read by a doctor.

avoid using jargon where possible. while there may be terms that are familiar to anyone in the medical field, you don't want to fool the reader. choose simplified wording and do not use acronyms where there is room for full titles.

You should also tailor your resume to the job. nursing is a generic term. maybe you are going for a role in a busy hospital environment or working in a dispensary. the responsibilities of each role will be different. choose only those skills and knowledge that are appropriate for the type of nursing position you want to fill.

expert tip

optimize for ats

candidate tracking systems(ats) are types of software that employers use when hiring new candidates. the program searches for resumes and classifies them according to the one that best suits the role. the system used keywords to determine which match was correct.

if you want to avoid the ats, it pays to adjust your resume. you can do this by looking at the original job advertisement and selecting all the words or phrases used there. a smart move is to include them in the app - as we did in the resume example.

choosing the best resume format for a nurse

make it easier for recruiters to apply for nursing positions. to do this, you need to take a reverse chronological approach. it's quite simple. start with your most recent experience or education at the top of the page, then work your way back up.

the chronologically reversed CV format is standard. this is what recruiting managers expect when reviewing applications. what's more, it probably means your most impressive achievements will be the first thing they see. if you have worked as a nurse for several years, you have gained impressive experience as well as certification.

expert tip

Looking for extra help formatting your CV? see oursample resume care assistant,an example of a graduate's CV,zProject manager resume examplelike a guide.

resume summary example: telling your story

then it's time to sell yourself. a summary of your resume will be just below the header. it's just three to four lines of a professional biography about you. you may also hear people call it a personal profile. use this space to explain why you are the perfect candidate.

Your summary should be concise. Don't waste words by omitting sentences that start with "I", "I have" or "I am". Instead, get straight to the point. for example, don't say "I'm an experienced nurse", just start with "experienced nurse". this approach will save space in the summary. every word you write here matters.

customizable resume summary example

a registered nurse with a valid NMC registration, skilled in providing exceptional care to patients with a variety of needs. compassionate and motivated, with a proven track record of providing excellent individual care to all patients.

copied!

whether you have been working as a registered nurse for ten years or are new to the position, you should include your employment history. formatting this part of your resume is easy. as already mentioned, reverse chronological order should be used.

start with your most recent job at the top of your resume. under the title and dates of employment, indicate your main tasks and nursing tasks. you can use a bulleted list. if you have any special achievements during this feature, you can also mention them.

while your tasks may be varied, you don't have to list them all. think about what added value to your application. if you need inspiration, take a look at our resume sample first.

configurable sample resume employment history

Registered Nurse, Delvaney Health Group, York
February 2019 - June 2022

  • the highest standard of care provided to all over 750 hospitalized patients.
  • performed a thorough physical examination and recorded a detailed health care history.
  • appropriate programs and plans of care for individual patients are implemented.
  • actively contributed to the emergence of a culture of exceptional compassion and the pursuit of excellence.
  • maintain effective communication with colleagues, patients and families.
  • work with health and social care professionals to ensure and maintain a comprehensive approach to patient care.
  • kept up to date with advances in healthcare options, medications, and treatment plans.

Nachtzuster, Elington Healthcare, York
June 2013 - December 2018

  • maintained high standards of care by conducting thorough assessments and implementing appropriate care plans.
  • ensured that all duties were performed during my tenure and that residents received the required care prior to starting the handover process.
  • effectively performed all nursing duties, including, but not limited to, drug distribution, dressings, tube feeding, and disease management.
  • assisted in supervising new hires when required.
  • provided useful medical advice to patients and families along with appropriate GP guidance.

copied!

cv skills example: show your talents

Nursing requires a wide range of skills and you need to show them on your resume. there are two types of skills you need to use: soft and hard. Hard skills are technical issues that directly relate to the role. soft skills are instead "nice to have".

hard skills may include patient care, ehr skills, basic life support and intensive care nursing. what qualities you have depends on your experience and education. on the other hand, soft skills can include good communication and organizational skills.

example of customizable resume skills

  • patient care and planning
  • urgent and critical care
  • hmm skill
  • intravenous therapy
  • patient/family education
  • advanced communication

copied!

nurse resume example

to work as a nurse you need a degree in this field. You must also register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). It is essential that you inform employers that you tick these boxes. the education section of your resume is where you can do that.

again, you should take a reverse chronological approach. start with your most recent qualifications. to add more details, under the name of each institute and the dates you studied, you can list the main topics you covered.

example of a customizable education resume

Master of Nursing from Brunel University in London
September 2010 - May 2013

BSc in Biology, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, UK
September 2006 - May 2010

copied!

resume layout and design: first impressions

total madness with a nurse resume is not the right choice. please note that this is a professional document. although you want to get the recruiter's attention, there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. Your nursing resume should be clear and easy to read.

avoid using over-the-top designs with too many colors. this approach distracts from what is important: your education and experience. choose a minimalist style with a simple format. if you can't get it right, try one of our field testedresume templates.this makes the whole process a breeze.

key takeaways for a nurse resume

  1. Nursing is a demanding career, so you need to have a very diverse skill set. be sure to include both hard and soft skills in your expertly crafted resume.
  2. the tone and style of your resume should be formal. this is a professional document, so you should use language that suits that atmosphere.
  3. the design of your resume should be simple. don't make the mistake of opting for a "busy" look as this may scare away hiring managers.
  4. looking for extra help? using our field test resume templates takes the hassle out of creating this document.

FAQs

What is the new resume format for 2023? ›

For the majority of job-seekers, the best resume format in 2023 is the reverse-chronological resume format. This resume format involves listing your resume information (e.g. your work experience and your education) starting with the most recent one and going backward through relevant jobs, degrees, or qualifications.

What should my RN resume look like? ›

10 Tips for Creating a Great Nursing Résumé
  • Be Specific, Not Generic. ...
  • Keep an Eye on Length. ...
  • Proofread, Proofread, and Proofread. ...
  • Highlight Success. ...
  • List Computer Skills. ...
  • Indicate Facility and Unit Type. ...
  • Be Keyword Friendly. ...
  • Include Education.

What should not be included in a nursing resume? ›

Don't include information about your hobbies and other personal information, unless you have used your nursing abilities in a volunteer role. You also don't need to include unrelated jobs. Resumes that are thorough yet concise and easy to read have the best chance of being considered.

What is a good professional summary for nursing resume? ›

Bringing experience, care, and extensive knowledge to help improve the lives of patients. * Compassionate and hard-working nurse looking for a position in a small-town hospital. Bringing my experience working in high-stress situations in the emergency room and other fields.

How do I write an effective resume in 2023? ›

23 Resume Tips for 2023:
  1. Pick out a job target before you start to write the resume.
  2. Know yourself, know your audience, and know what matters most.
  3. Customize content for every job – general resumes don't work.
  4. Make your value known.
  5. Use a tailored resume header that speaks to the job you want, not the job you have.
Jan 10, 2023

What skills are employers looking for in 2023? ›

The soft skills that may be most important in a changing job market for 2023 and beyond, according to McKinsey & Co., include:
  • Critical thinking skills.
  • Communication skills.
  • Mental flexibility.
  • Teamwork ability.
  • Self-leadership.
  • Digital fluency7.

How far back should an RN resume go? ›

Most resumes for entry-level positions should include the last 10 years of experience, whereas executive resumes need to list 20+ years of employment history because those roles often require specialized and extensive experience.

How many pages should a RN resume be? ›

Length: Even an experienced nurse resume should aim for no more than one page. Anything longer is usually for an RN with 10 or more years of experience and numerous certifications and/or specialties.

What are my strengths as an RN? ›

For nursing applicants, specifically, our experts said they're typically looking for strengths like flexibility, a team player, extremely organized, multitasking, leadership abilities, creative problem-solving, an excellent communicator, or curiosity about learning new things.

Which is to be avoided in a resume? ›

You have limited space on your resume to describe your qualifications and attract employers' attention. For this reason, avoid listing hobbies that are unrelated to the new position. If you have hobbies that apply to the role, include them in the appropriate section of your resume.

What skills and ability should a nurse have on resume? ›

Time-management. Critical thinking and problem-solving. Maintains patient confidentiality and upholding professional ethics. Teamwork skills displayed through experience collaborating with other nurses and doctors to improve patient and family education programs.

What is an example of a nursing professional statement? ›

Nursing is a very challenging and fulfilling career. Being a nurse is what I have wanted the most in my life. Adult Nursing is a profession that I am deeply passionate about. I feel that hands on working experience has given me the skills, knowledge and work ethic needed to get me started on a fantastic new career.

What is a good professional summary for a resume example? ›

An effective resume summary typically follows the following structure: Your experience summary (how many years, doing what, etc.) Your general experience (more specific skills, what's your focus) Your top achievements (career highlights, including quantifiable change and data)

Do I need a summary on my resume 2023? ›

Ideally, you should include a resume summary when you have three and more years of work history. That's because this section is designed to flatter your skills, expertise, and employment history.

What skill is needed in 2023? ›

The top five skills in demand for 2023 are management, communication, customer service, leadership, and sales. The top five hard skills include software development, SQL, finance, Python, and Java.

What is the one trait that you would work on in 2023? ›

Adaptability, communication, and resilience will always be valuable, and in today's world, the most you understand technology, the better your baseline will be. Start mastering these skills now to be prepared for the future!

What are 3 skills that you want to develop in your first job? ›

Whether you are completing an internship or working a part-time job this summer, use that time to develop these essential skills:
  • Communication. Communication includes listening, writing and speaking. ...
  • Problem solving. ...
  • Teamwork. ...
  • Initiative. ...
  • Analytical, quantitative. ...
  • Professionalism, work ethic. ...
  • Leadership. ...
  • Detail oriented.
Apr 17, 2019

What is the 6 seconds resume rule? ›

Studies have shown that the average recruiter scans a resume for six seconds before deciding if the applicant is a good fit for the role. In other words, to pass the resume test, your resume only has six seconds to make the right impression with a prospective employer.

Do nursing resumes need a summary? ›

Nurses with applicable experience tend to use a summary statement on their resumes. If you are just getting into your career, then you may want to include an objective statement instead. As your career progresses, you can always change your objective statement into a summary.

How many bullets should you have on a resume? ›

A good benchmark is between 3-5 bullet points per job. However, you can use as few as 2 bullet points or as many as 12 bullet points for each position as long as it's relevant to the job description. The number of bullet points you use typically depends on: Years of work experience.

Do you put clinical hours on resume? ›

Clinical experience: This is the biggest area that nursing students leave out—but it is the most important! Always include the number of hours you spent in a clinical rotation. Any other related experience (E.g. CNA positions, PCA jobs, etc.)

What should you not do when writing a cover letter? ›

5 things to avoid when writing a cover letter
  1. Using a general greeting.
  2. Being overly friendly.
  3. Only focusing on what the company can do for you.
  4. Underselling yourself.
  5. Copying and pasting a template.

Should I put hours on my resume? ›

Include dates, hours, level of experience and examples for each work experience. For each work experience you list, make sure you include: Start and end dates (including the month and year). The number of hours you worked per week.

What are your 5 weaknesses? ›

Sample responses to “What are your weaknesses?”
  • Self-criticism. I can be quite critical of myself, which can lead to negative self-talk and eventual burnout. ...
  • Fear of public speaking. I am a naturally shy person. ...
  • Procrastination. ...
  • Issues with delegating tasks. ...
  • Lack of experience with skill or software.
4 days ago

What is the biggest strength of a nurse? ›

Our top 10 great attributes of a nurse.
  1. Communication Skills. Solid communication skills are a basic foundation for any career. ...
  2. Emotional Stability. Nursing is a stressful job where traumatic situations are common. ...
  3. Empathy. ...
  4. Flexibility. ...
  5. Attention to Detail. ...
  6. Interpersonal Skills. ...
  7. Physical Endurance. ...
  8. Problem Solving Skills.

What's your greatest weakness? ›

Answer “what is your greatest weakness” by choosing a skill that is not essential to the job you're applying to and by stressing exactly how you're practically addressing your weakness. Some skills that you can use as weaknesses include impatience, multitasking, self-criticism, and procrastination.

What are 3 common resume mistakes? ›

The 10 Worst Resume Mistakes to Avoid
  • Typos and Grammatical Errors. ...
  • Lack of Specifics. ...
  • Attempting the "One–Size–Fits–All" Approach. ...
  • Highlighting Duties Instead of Accomplishments. ...
  • Going on Too Long or Cutting Things Too Short. ...
  • Bad Summary. ...
  • No Action Verbs. ...
  • Leaving Off Important Information.

What is 3 items that should not go into a resume? ›

Certain personal details are unnecessary to put on your resume and could even send the wrong message.
...
Don't include:
  • Your marital status.
  • Sexual orientation.
  • Religious or political affiliations.
  • Social security number.
  • Anything else that a prospective employer can't ask about.

Which word should never appear in a resume? ›

Responsible For

Aside from being boring, using the words “responsible for” prevents you from being able to list out your accomplishments. Fix this by using active and specific verbs at the beginning of your bullets.

What are 3 skills you need to be a nurse? ›

Skills needed to be a nurse are important in various health care settings, from acute care to emergency rooms. Despite the field's diverse nature, all nursing specialties are bound by leadership, communication, problem-solving, analytical and teamwork skills.

What are examples of good professional statements? ›

I have consistently proven my ability to meet deadlines and achieve project objectives, solve mission-critical problems and prioritize crucial tasks while maintaining the high standards expected of my role. I am currently seeking a position in an established data science firm to further my career goals.”

What is a good supporting statement for nursing job? ›

My proudest achievement is my compassion for the patients in my care, who have inspired me to continue on my path of becoming a nurse. I believe that helping people has given my life purpose and I look forward to the opportunity to continue developing my ability to provide for patients.

What are the 5 Cs of nursing personal statement? ›

Demonstrate that you represent the Trust's values

From my experience they want you to be the 6 Cs of Nursing; Care, Compassion, Commitment, Courage, Competence, Communication.

What are 3 things you should include in a resume summary? ›

An effective resume summary follows this formula: Professional Title (if relevant) + Key Experiences (with the total number of years worked) + Top Achievements (preferably measurable results) + Top Skills/Expertise/Unique Values (relevant to the job and industry).

What is the opening paragraph of a resume? ›

There are basically three options for opening your resume: an objective statement, a summary statement or an offering statement. An "objective statement" explains, usually in one sentence, what you're seeking in a job as a job applicant. It briefly describes your personal interests.

What is a good summary statement? ›

Your summary statement should be three to five lines describing your strengths, the position/industry you are seeking, and what you will bring to the job. Strengths and traits should be focused on the direction you are moving, not where you are coming from.

How many pages should a resume be 2023? ›

A resume in 2023 should be either one-page or two-pages long, it will depend on your years of experience. Typically, a one-page resume is the most commonly submitted to a job application but it's normal for senior-level or managerial positions to receive professional resumes that are two-pages long.

What is replacing the resume? ›

Recruiters can look into social media accounts, personal blogs and online portfolios for a snapshot of a candidate just as easily as they can skim a resume.

Which format do most employers prefer for resumes? ›

1. Reverse-Chronological Resumes. The most widely used resume format among job seekers today, reverse-chronological resumes are also probably the easiest for recruiters and hiring managers to understand at a glance—which is itself an advantage.

What is the new resume called? ›

A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a longer document that details the whole course of your career. A resume is used for job search, a CV—for academic purposes.

What are the worst resume mistakes? ›

The 10 Worst Resume Mistakes to Avoid
  • Typos and Grammatical Errors. ...
  • Lack of Specifics. ...
  • Attempting the "One–Size–Fits–All" Approach. ...
  • Highlighting Duties Instead of Accomplishments. ...
  • Going on Too Long or Cutting Things Too Short. ...
  • Bad Summary. ...
  • No Action Verbs. ...
  • Leaving Off Important Information.

Should resume be one or two pages 2023? ›

How long should your resume be in 2023? There is no perfect answer. Depending on the job description and your work experience, your resume should be one or two pages long. If you have over 10 years of relevant experience, a multi-page resume works better than a one-page.

What is the rule of thumb for resume length? ›

As a general rule of thumb, you can get away with one page for every 5-10 years of relevant experience you have. Which means that as an entry-level or early career hire, you'll want to stick to one page. If you're a mid-career or more experienced applicant, you may need to expand your resume to two pages.

What is the greatest resume mistake? ›

1. Having spelling errors and bad grammar. Whether you proofread it yourself, or get somebody else to, checking over your CV from start to finish can be the difference between being accepted and being rejected.

How can you tell the difference between a resume and a resume? ›

Resume is correct since English doesn't usually borrow accents from foreign words. In Resumé, the accent indicates that the “e” is not silent, while résumé simply retains the accents taken from French.

What word replaces responsible for on resume? ›

What is another word for Responsible for on a resume? Instead of passive phrases like Responsible for, use other words like Accumulated, Diverted, Collected, Officiated, Audited or Masterminded. Using these verbs will help your accomplishments and bullet points stand out on your resume.

What should the first thing on a resume be? ›

Your opening statement should start with one sentence about who you are and what you bring to the job, then describe the skills and attributes you have that suit you to the job. For some examples of opening statements, check out our Sample resumes and Sample cover letters pages.

What are the 6 things that should be included on a resume? ›

Key Elements of a Resume
  • Personal Information.
  • Objective.
  • Education.
  • Work and Related Experience.
  • Awards and Honors.
  • Activities/Hobbies.
  • Skills.
  • References (3-5 people)

Which is the most commonly used resume format answer? ›

The chronological, or reverse chronological, resume is the most commonly used resume format among job applicants.

What is a red flag on a resume? ›

One of the biggest red flags on a resume is bad spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Even though not everyone is great at these things, it's important for job applicants to show that they care enough to make sure their resume is well-written and polished.

What is the first line of a resume called? ›

There are basically three options for opening your resume: an objective statement, a summary statement or an offering statement. An "objective statement" explains, usually in one sentence, what you're seeking in a job as a job applicant. It briefly describes your personal interests.

What do you call the letter that comes before your resume? ›

The cover letter is usually the first item an employer reads from you. Your letter should immediately indicate what position you are applying for and then give information that demonstrates why you should be considered for the position.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Aracelis Kilback

Last Updated: 10/26/2023

Views: 5866

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Aracelis Kilback

Birthday: 1994-11-22

Address: Apt. 895 30151 Green Plain, Lake Mariela, RI 98141

Phone: +5992291857476

Job: Legal Officer

Hobby: LARPing, role-playing games, Slacklining, Reading, Inline skating, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Dance

Introduction: My name is Aracelis Kilback, I am a nice, gentle, agreeable, joyous, attractive, combative, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.