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If you want to make a career move in the nursing world, you need to know how to write a nurse resume. Writing a solid resume that stands out isn’t always easy, but if you do it right, it can make all the difference. In this ultimate guide to writing a nursing resume, we’ll give you insight into employer expectations and show you the best practices for crafting a resume that will get you noticed and win you an interview. You’ll learn how to write powerful descriptions of your experience, tips for your skills section, action words to effectively showcase your accomplishments, cover letter guidelines, and much more!
Steps to Formatting a Professional Nursing Resume
Choose the right template
When it comes to formatting a professional nursing resume, the first thing you should do is choose a template that best suits your needs and the job you’re applying for. A template should make it easy for an employer to quickly see your qualifications and strengths without having to sift through a lengthy document. Start by looking for templates that have a simple aesthetic, intuitive structure, and design elements such as icons or illustrations that are relevant to healthcare.
Try to avoid templates with garish fonts, overwhelming color combinations, and overly ornate graphics, as these elements can be distracting. Also, you may want to include sections that go beyond the basics, such as awards and recognitions, or specialized skills like clinical research. This is where special templates can be very helpful. In addition, many of these templates include helpful design cues such as percentages and bullet points that can be of great use in showing the impact of your work. Properly combined, these should result in a unique and attractive nursing job resume that stands out from the crowd.
List relevant work experience
When putting together your resume for a nursing job, you must include your work experience. Be sure to list relevant duties you performed in previous nursing positions, such as direct patient care, administering medications, and updating patient records. Depending on the facility where you have worked in the past, previous jobs may include research and data processing. Don’t forget to mention accomplishments such as the successful implementation of new procedures and patient satisfaction surveys. The fact that you’re familiar with appropriate safety protocols is always a plus in healthcare. Be thorough and descriptive when mentioning what unique skills you brought to each position so that key details aren’t overlooked by potential employers or recruiters.
Expand correctly nursing skills on the resume
With the right combination of research and skill, you can create a registered nurse resume that highlights both your qualifications and nursing experience. It’s also important to add soft nursing skills to the resume. These include communication skills, customer service orientation, problem-solving skills, empathy and compassion towards patients/clients/colleagues, etc. Once you have identified these elements, it’s time to expand on them and include action words (such as “managed” or “supervised”) to highlight your accomplishments and skills. Also, do not forget to include verified information such as certifications, licenses, and references whenever possible so potential employers can see everything in one place. This will leave a lasting impression!
Education section
When it comes to nursing, education is everything! Be sure to highlight your education and credentials on your nurse resume. Include what school/university you attended, what educational achievements/awards you have earned, and the special education programs you have completed, among other things. Although required coursework may be listed in a separate section of the nurse job resume, be sure to include any unique or specialized courses that demonstrate your commitment to mastering the profession. If you value continuing education, employers can be assured that you are always up-to-date on the latest technology and trends, making you an even more desirable candidate for a nursing position!
Languages
Focusing on how you showcase your language proficiency can be an easy way to stand out from the crowd. As a nurse, this can be anything from fluency in fluency in multiple languages (like Spanish or French) to basic patient-handling skills and understanding. When listing languages on your resume for a nursing job, be sure to clearly outline your language skills. This way, employers can get a better idea of what to expect from you. Whether there might be any language barriers during your work as a nurse.
What You Should Include in Your Contact Section
When creating a nurse’s resume, the “Contact” section needs to be comprehensive. Make sure the information in your contact section is accurate and up-to-date. Outdated or incorrect information can mislead employers and cause you to miss out on a job. Be sure to include the following:
- Your full name. This may seem obvious, but be sure to include your name and professional title (if applicable) on your CV.
- Email address. This is the easiest way to get in touch with you, and also provides the opportunity for potential employers to ask more detailed questions or requests. Make sure that the email address provided is checked regularly. This will ensure that all inquiries are answered quickly and efficiently.
- Mailing address. For most nurses, this should be their current address. If you’re applying for a remote position or have moved since completing your nursing degree. You can also add a “Current Residence” line. Enter the city where you currently live (without revealing your exact address).
- Phone number. It’s important to provide a number that you check regularly. Potential employers may call you if they cannot reach you via email or online forms. If possible, try to include both a cell phone number and an alternate landline number so employers have multiple ways to contact you.
- Social media accounts, such as LinkedIn or Twitter, that you use for professional networking. These allow employers to access additional information about you outside of the job. For example, special projects you have been involved in or awards/honors/certifications you or other colleagues in the field have earned.
Additional Sections to Add to Nursing Resumes
If you want to make a good impression on potential employers, your nursing resume must stand out from the rest. To help you get started, we’ve put together some additional sections you can add to your experienced nurse resume to make it shine:
- Conferences and courses
If you have attended nursing conferences or courses, be sure to list these on your nursing resume. This will show that you keep up with the latest trends and technologies in the industry, and show employers that you take your profession seriously. Be sure to include where and when you attended these conferences and courses.
- Hobbies
Believe it or not, listing hobbies on your CV can increase your chances of getting hired. The section about your hobbies doesn’t have to be too long. Just write down a few of your favorite things that are related to the job you’re applying for. If you’re applying for a position at a hospital, it can be beneficial to mention that you enjoy volunteering. It shows that you have an altruistic nature.
- Include keywords
Be sure to use keywords related to nursing to provide employers with the best nurse resume. Additionally, this will ensure that the resume is captured by an Applicant Tracking System when you apply for a job online. If you are applying for a specific nursing position or specialty, you should also use those terms in your summary and the rest of your document. This will allow you to highlight your expertise in that area. It will also make it easier for employers to find you when they search online for applicants who have the skills and qualifications they are looking for.
- Include volunteer work
Volunteering is an excellent way to show potential employers that you care about people and health care beyond what is expected of them as an employee. It demonstrates initiative, compassion, and commitment – all qualities that are essential to working as a nurse! In this way, recruiters gain a better insight into your professional and personal personality.
Resume Of A Nurse FAQs
Can someone write my nursing resume for me?
Yes, you can find a service that creates a customized and personalized nursing resume that meets the requirements of your desired position and will wow any potential employer. The resume writer can help you highlight your unique experiences and accomplishments as a nurse so that even if you have less work experience, the quality of your experience will be noticed.
How long should my resume for a nursing job be?
Your nurse’s resume should be no longer than two pages. The longer it is, the more likely potential employers are to skim it or lose interest before getting to all the important information. Keep it brief and make sure all of the content is relevant and up-to-date.
Should I list my nursing school GPA?
It is not necessary (nor recommended) to list your nursing school grade point average (GPA) to create the best nursing resume. Unless it was particularly impressive (e.g., 3.5 or higher). If it’s lower than that, it’s best to leave it off, since employers probably will not care about GPA from a few years ago anyway.
Should I list references on my resume for nursing?
No. References should never appear on nurse resumes. Only include them if a prospective employer asks for them during the application process.
How do I make sure my resume stands out?
To ensure your nursing job resume stands out from other candidates, include relevant keywords related to nursing jobs along with metrics. Show how successful you have been in previous positions (e.g., the percentage increase in patient satisfaction). Also, consider adding visual elements. These can be charts or graphs that break up text-heavy sections like skills or achievements.
What font size should I use?
It is agreed that 12 point font size is ideal for nursing job resumes. It is easy to read and still looks professional. Avoid anything larger than 12 points as it can look unprofessional or too “wrinkled”. Additionally, avoid anything smaller than 11 points.
Conclusion
Now that you have reached the end of this guide, you should be able to write the best nursing resume. It’ll help you get the job you want. Make sure to include all the important information we have discussed, from your professional summary to your skills and experience. With a little time and effort, you’ll be able to create a nursing resume that accurately reflects your qualifications and makes it clear why you’re the best candidate for the job.
