RN Resume Writing Tips
The need for nurses is not going away anytime soon. While technology is changing many careers, there are just some things you cannot hand over to AI.
This means that there are plenty of jobs out there for you, and the key to securing that dream job comes down to your RN resume. With so many application processes completely online, your resume can be the make-or-break factor to getting your application in front of a human’s eyes.
Nursing is both an art and a science. Employers want to know that you can insert that IV and listen with empathy. Basically, they want to know that you can provide safe patient care and keep your patients happy.
A good nursing resume shows evidence of your hard and soft skills. It shows that you’re fit for the job both physically and mentally and that you are competent, safe, and up to date on best practices. In addition to your RN cover letter, it should also show that you’re kind, caring, motivated, and sympathetic.
What to Include in Your RN Resume
Ask yourself: Why should the hiring manager consider you? When they see your resume, why should they keep reading? How does your experience line up with the job requirements?
Your resume should highlight how you can fulfill the most important requirements for the job. Tailor your nursing resume to the job posting. Mirror their language.
When writing your registered nurse resume, be sure to include these components:
- Key qualifications
- Professional experience
- Education
- Skills
- Certifications
RN Resume: Sample Skills
Take a look at these key concepts for writing an RN resume and learn how to list an RN license on your resume or add RN skills on a resume. For a complete example and RN resume template, check out the sample resume at the bottom of this section.
Examples of Hard Skills
- Medication administration
- Wound care
- Taking vital signs
- Titrating medication drips
- Providing patient care
- Performing CPR
Examples of Soft Skills
- Dedication
- Patience
- Stress management
- Conflict resolution
- Problem solving
- Teamwork
Quantify When You Can
When you are describing your amazing skills and achievements, make sure that you are including numbers to quantify it. Don’t just state you are experienced — prove it. Did you work in the intensive care unit for seven years? Say that.
Be precise. Were you the charge nurse of a unit? For how many beds and how many nurses? Be specific.
Use Action Verbs
When describing your responsibilities of previous jobs, make your bulleted lists start with action verbs. Great examples include:
- Administered
- Cared
- Created
- Demonstrated
- Developed
- Educated
- Performed
- Provided
- Screened
- Taught
Make It Skimmable
The reality is that a hiring manager will probably not have the time to read every single line of your RN resume upon first glance. Make it easier for them by leaving plenty of white space.
In terms of resume length, keep it as long as necessary and as short as possible. Generally, a one-page resume will suffice. If you’re finding yourself with a two- or three-page resume, that could mean you have irrelevant information to cut out or you aren’t being precise.
RN Resume Example
MARY SMITH
Richmond, Virginia firstlast@email.com +1 (555) 555 – 5555
Registered nurse devoted to providing competent, safe nursing care to pediatric patients.
Key Qualifications
- Collaborates with multidisciplinary healthcare team of nine professionals to treat and manage complex pediatric diagnoses
- Utilized evidence-based practices and cross-cultural communication to develop over 200 pediatric patient care plans
- Possess an active registered nurse license in Virginia
- Received the Daisy Award in 201x, 202x, and 202x for empathetic, compassionate, competent bedside care
Education
1234 School of Nursing, Richmond, Virginia 20xx
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Professional Experience
ABCD Children’s Hospital, Registered Nurse, 20xx – present
- Provided comprehensive hands-on care for five patients, performing detailed assessments, creating individual daily care plans, and implementing complex treatments.
- Served as a charge nurse in an 30-bed unit, creating nurse assignments, facilitating effective communication amongst the healthcare team, and assisting nurses in safe, quality care.
- Administered medications and implemented a variety of nursing interventions, including inserting IVs, monitoring vital signs, tube feedings, and providing wound care.
ABC Pediatric Primary Care, Registered Nurse, 20xx – 20xx
- Collaborated with physician and three other nurses in creating a safe, relaxing environment for parents and their children.
- Administered ASQ’s, obtained patient measurements, and provided high quality patient and parent education.
- Organized lactation support groups for mothers in the community, leading and facilitating groups of eight mothers at a time.
Skills
Organized; Attentive to detail; Flexible; Empathetic; Time management; Communication; Critical Thinker
Licenses and Certifications
- BLS/PALS
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Certified pediatric nurse (PNCB)
Remember to take time writing your credentials — download this RN resume template for free and make changes where needed.
RN Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be about 200,000 RN job openings for nurses each year for the next decade. Not too shabby.
The median salary for a RN is $77,600, with earning potential reaching $120,000. As you may guess, job type and location accounts for some of this variation. The top five states with the highest percentage of nurses employed are:
Put Your Resume to Work
You now have all the tools you need to create your best RN resume and secure that ideal role. Ready to get started? Check out all the great RN jobs available on IntelyCare right now.