Breaking into nursing as a recent graduate can feel both exciting and nerve-wracking. You’ve put in the work—completing your nursing degree, mastering clinical rotations, and passing your licensure exam—but now it’s time to convince employers you’re ready to deliver compassionate, competent patient care. That’s where a well-crafted resume makes all the difference. In this guide, I’ll walk you through new grad nursing resume examples, show you a complete sample you can adapt, and share practical advice to help your application stand out in a competitive healthcare market.
Realistic New Grad Nursing Resume Sample
Name: Jessica Taylor
Address: 456 Oak Street, Springfield, IL 62704
Phone: (555) 987-6543
Email: jessica.taylor@example.com
Professional Summary
Compassionate and detail-oriented new graduate nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and over 800 hours of clinical rotation experience in diverse healthcare settings. Adept at patient assessment, medication administration, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to deliver exceptional care. Eager to contribute to a dynamic healthcare facility while growing professional nursing skills.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Springfield College of Nursing, Springfield, IL
Graduated: May 2025
Licensure
Registered Nurse (RN), State of Illinois — License Pending (NCLEX passed, awaiting issuance)
Clinical Experience
General Medical-Surgical Unit – Springfield General Hospital (320 hours)
Performed patient assessments, documented care plans, and administered medications under supervision.
Assisted with wound care, IV insertion, and discharge education for patients recovering from surgery.
Pediatric Ward – Riverside Children’s Hospital (240 hours)
Supported pediatric nurses in providing compassionate care to children and families.
Monitored vital signs, recorded intake/output, and maintained accurate patient charts.
Intensive Care Unit – Mercy Health Center (240 hours)
Collaborated with ICU nurses to care for critically ill patients.
Observed ventilator management and participated in emergency response situations.
Skills
Patient assessment and documentation
Vital signs monitoring
Medication administration
Infection control protocols
Electronic health records (EHR)
Team collaboration and communication
Certifications
Basic Life Support (BLS) – American Heart Association (Valid through 2027)
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) – American Heart Association (Valid through 2027)
Professional Affiliations
Student Nurses’ Association of Illinois – Member (2023–Present)
Practical Resume-Writing Tips for New Grad Nurses
Highlight Clinical Rotations: Employers know you don’t have years of experience, so your hands-on training is your strongest selling point.
Emphasize Licensure Status: If your license is pending, clearly state that you’ve passed the NCLEX to reassure recruiters.
Tailor Skills to the Job: Read the job posting closely and incorporate matching skills—especially patient care, charting, and teamwork.
Keep It Concise: One page is ideal for a new grad nursing resume. Focus on relevant and impactful experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I include my GPA on my new grad nursing resume?
If your GPA is 3.5 or higher, it can help show academic excellence, especially for competitive programs. If it’s lower, focus on clinical skills and experience instead.
2. How do I format my clinical rotations?
List each rotation separately with the hospital name, hours completed, and key responsibilities. This shows the depth of your training.
3. Can I apply to specialties I haven’t rotated in?
Yes, but highlight transferable skills such as patient communication, adaptability, and technical competency. Employers often provide specialty training for new grads.
4. Do I need a cover letter as a new nursing graduate?
Yes. A cover letter lets you express enthusiasm, explain why you’re a good fit, and address any gaps or special interests that don’t fit neatly into a resume.
If you want, I can also create a second alternate new grad nursing resume example with a slightly different tone and layout to give you more variety for publishing. That way, you’ll have two unique examples targeting the same keyword for SEO advantage. Would you like me to prepare that?
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