Step-by-step guide with a realistic and effective example nursing resume
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Whether you're a new graduate or a seasoned RN, your resume plays a critical role in landing the right nursing job. In today’s competitive healthcare landscape, hiring managers often sort through dozens—even hundreds—of resumes before deciding who to call for an interview. That’s why having a polished, targeted, and well-formatted resume isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential.
In this guide, you'll find a complete example nursing resume, tailored for real-world job applications. We'll walk through each section so you can confidently write your own and stand out from the crowd.
REALISTIC EXAMPLE NURSING RESUME
Claire Matthews
Registered Nurse
Email: claire.matthews@email.com
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Location: Boston, MA
Professional Summary
Compassionate and detail-oriented Registered Nurse with 4+ years of hands-on experience in fast-paced hospital environments. Adept in patient assessment, wound care, medication administration, and electronic health records. Proven ability to collaborate across teams and ensure high-quality patient care. Seeking a challenging RN role in a progressive healthcare facility focused on patient-centered care.
Key Skills
Patient Care & Safety
Medication Administration
EHR Documentation (EPIC, Cerner)
IV Insertion & Phlebotomy
HIPAA Compliance
Emergency Response
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Patient & Family Education
Work Experience
Registered Nurse – Medical-Surgical Unit
Saint Mary’s Hospital, Boston, MA
June 2021 – Present
Provided direct care to 15+ patients per shift, ensuring accurate documentation and adherence to hospital protocols
Assisted physicians during examinations, treatments, and minor procedures
Administered IV therapy, oral medications, and monitored side effects
Educated patients and families on post-discharge care and medication management
Recognized for maintaining 100% medication accuracy rate for 12 months
Staff Nurse – General Ward
Cityview Healthcare Center, Cambridge, MA
July 2019 – May 2021
Delivered holistic nursing care in a 45-bed unit, supporting patients recovering from surgeries and illnesses
Participated in care planning meetings and coordinated with physical therapists and social workers
Implemented fall-prevention strategies that reduced incidents by 30% over one year
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
Graduated: May 2019
Licensure & Certifications
Registered Nurse (RN), Massachusetts State License – Active
Basic Life Support (BLS) – American Heart Association
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) – Certified
Professional Affiliations
American Nurses Association (ANA)
Massachusetts Nurses Association
PRACTICAL RESUME WRITING TIPS FOR NURSES
Tailor your resume – Use keywords from the job description, such as "med-surg," "acute care," or "wound care" depending on the role.
Highlight certifications – Healthcare employers prioritize certifications like BLS, ACLS, and PALS. Always list them in a dedicated section.
Quantify your achievements – Whether it's “reduced medication errors by 15%” or “handled 20+ patients daily,” use numbers to create impact.
Keep it clean and readable – Use a simple layout with clear headings and bullet points. Avoid flashy fonts or graphics.
FAQ – NURSING RESUME QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. How long should a nursing resume be?
Most nursing resumes should be one page, especially for new grads. If you have over 10 years of experience, two pages is acceptable.
2. What should a new graduate nurse include on a resume?
List clinical rotations, relevant coursework, certifications, and a strong summary highlighting soft skills like communication and adaptability.
3. Do I need to include a cover letter with my nursing resume?
Yes. A personalized cover letter can help explain your interest in a specific unit or facility, especially if you’re changing specialties or locations.
4. Can I apply to different nursing roles using the same resume?
It’s better to customize your resume slightly for each role by adjusting the summary and prioritizing relevant experiences or skills.
This comprehensive guide gives you everything you need to write a compelling nursing resume. Use the example nursing resume above as a foundation and tailor it to reflect your own strengths, credentials, and career goals.
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