Nursing is more than a profession—it’s a calling. Whether you're a new graduate preparing to enter the field or a seasoned RN seeking advancement, your resume is your first step toward landing the role you want. In today’s competitive healthcare landscape, a clear, compelling, and tailored nursing resume can make all the difference.
This guide offers hand-crafted examples of nursing resumes across experience levels, a full sample resume with dummy details, and expert tips to help you present your skills in the best light.
SAMPLE NURSING RESUME (REGISTERED NURSE – EXPERIENCED)
Jane M. Carter
Los Angeles, CA | (555) 123-4567 | janecarter@email.com
Professional Summary
Compassionate and detail-oriented Registered Nurse with 7+ years of experience in acute care, emergency, and patient education. Proven ability to manage fast-paced environments, ensure quality care, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams. Passionate about improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practice and holistic care.
Certifications
Registered Nurse (RN), State of California – Active
Basic Life Support (BLS) – AHA
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Clinical Skills
Patient assessment and care planning
IV administration and wound care
Electronic Health Records (Epic, Cerner)
Medication administration
Emergency response and triage
Discharge planning and family education
Professional Experience
Registered Nurse – Medical-Surgical Unit
Valley Hope Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
June 2019 – Present
Delivered quality nursing care to a 35-bed med-surg unit with diverse patient needs
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop patient-centered treatment plans
Educated patients and families on post-discharge care and chronic disease management
Reduced patient readmission rates by 18% through proactive follow-up and support
Registered Nurse – Emergency Department
Westside General Hospital, Santa Monica, CA
July 2016 – May 2019
Handled high-pressure trauma cases, cardiac events, and urgent care situations
Triaged and assessed up to 60 patients per shift, ensuring proper care prioritization
Supported physicians during rapid sequence intubation and code blues
Mentored new staff nurses and provided onboarding orientation
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
California State University, Long Beach, CA
Graduated: 2016
Volunteer Experience
Health Fair Nurse Volunteer – LA Community Wellness Events (2018–Present)
TIPS FOR WRITING A NURSING RESUME THAT STANDS OUT
Highlight Licenses and Certifications Early: Nursing managers need to know you’re qualified. Include RN license details and any specialty credentials up top.
Tailor to the Role: Use keywords from the job posting. Whether it’s ICU, pediatrics, or geriatrics, align your resume with the job description.
Quantify Your Impact: Add numbers where you can—patient loads, reduction in readmissions, or efficiency improvements.
Use a Clean, Professional Format: Keep your layout organized and easy to scan. Avoid dense blocks of text.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT NURSING RESUMES
1. Should I include clinical rotations on my nursing resume as a new grad?
Yes! Clinical rotations show hands-on experience. Mention the facility name, unit, and responsibilities.
2. How long should a nursing resume be?
Ideally, keep it to one page if you have under 10 years of experience. Senior nurses may extend to two pages with relevant content.
3. Can I use the same resume for every nursing job?
No. Always tailor your resume. Highlight specific skills or experience based on the role—ICU, ER, long-term care, etc.
4. Is a cover letter necessary for nursing applications?
While not always required, a strong cover letter can set you apart and show your passion for the specific role and facility.
Whether you're a newly licensed RN or looking to transition into a leadership role, these examples of nursing resumes give you a foundation to present your expertise with confidence. Always remember, your resume is more than a list—it’s your professional story. Make it count.
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