Professional Nurse Resume Example with Writing Tips and Advice

Whether you're a registered nurse, a recent nursing graduate, or transitioning into a new specialty, having a strong resume is essential to stand out in the competitive healthcare industry. A nurse’s resume isn’t just a document—it’s your first chance to show hospitals, clinics, and care facilities that you have the compassion, qualifications, and clinical experience they need.

In this article, we’ll walk you through a complete nurse resume example tailored to the real demands of the healthcare industry. You’ll also find practical writing tips and answers to common questions about how to craft a winning resume for a nursing position.

REALISTIC NURSE RESUME EXAMPLE

Name: Priya Sharma
Phone: (000) 123-4567
Email: priya.sharma@email.com
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/priyasharma-nurse

Professional Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse with over 5 years of clinical experience in hospital and outpatient settings. Proven ability to provide high-quality patient care, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and maintain calm in high-pressure environments. Skilled in emergency response, medication administration, and patient education. Seeking to leverage experience at a progressive healthcare facility focused on excellent patient outcomes.

Key Skills

Patient Care & Advocacy

Medication Administration

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Wound Care & IV Therapy

Critical Thinking & Clinical Judgment

HIPAA Compliance

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

BLS & ACLS Certified

Professional Experience

Registered Nurse
Lotus Care Hospital, Mumbai | January 2021 – Present

Provide direct care to patients in a 25-bed medical-surgical unit with a 1:5 nurse-patient ratio.

Administer medications, monitor vital signs, and document patient status in EHR (Cerner).

Collaborate with physicians and specialists to implement care plans and improve recovery time.

Trained two junior nurses and organized monthly safety protocol workshops.

Staff Nurse – ICU
CityCare Multispecialty Hospital, Pune | July 2018 – December 2020

Delivered critical care to post-surgical and trauma patients in a 10-bed intensive care unit.

Operated ventilators, cardiac monitors, and infusion pumps with precision.

Participated in emergency codes and rapid response team procedures.

Maintained strict infection control practices in compliance with hospital standards.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.Sc Nursing)
Maharashtra University of Health Sciences | Graduated: 2018

Certifications

Basic Life Support (BLS) – American Heart Association

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) – American Heart Association

NURSE RESUME WRITING TIPS

Tailor Your Resume to the Role
Hiring managers are looking for nurses who meet specific needs. If you're applying to a pediatric ward, emphasize experience with children. For ICU roles, highlight your critical care expertise.

Use Keywords from the Job Description
Scan the job ad for relevant terms like “patient triage,” “medication administration,” or “infection control.” Incorporate these organically into your resume.

Include Measurable Achievements
Instead of saying “Provided quality care,” write “Managed care for 20+ patients daily with a 98% satisfaction rating.”

Show Your Soft Skills
Empathy, communication, and time management are crucial for nurses. Make sure these come through in your summary and job descriptions.

Keep the Format Clean and Readable
Use clear headings, bullet points, and consistent formatting. Avoid long paragraphs and overly decorative fonts.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT NURSE RESUMES

1. What should a nurse include in a resume summary?
A nurse resume summary should briefly highlight your experience level, areas of expertise, and what makes you a strong candidate for the role you're applying to.

2. How long should a nurse resume be?
Ideally, 1 page for less experienced nurses, and no more than 2 pages for those with over 5 years of clinical work or leadership roles.

3. Should I include clinical rotations on my resume?
Yes, especially if you are a recent graduate or have limited work experience. Mention the departments, hospitals, and types of care you provided.

4. Do I need to customize my resume for each job?
Absolutely. Tailoring your resume to the job description helps you stand out and ensures that applicant tracking systems (ATS) pick up the right keywords.

Creating a resume as a nurse isn't just about listing your duties—it’s about telling your story and showing why you're a great fit for the position. Use the nurse resume example above as a guide to structure your own and take your job search to the next level.