Professional nurse resume examples with tips and a complete sample

Nursing is one of the most trusted and in-demand professions in the world. Whether you’re applying for a position in a hospital, clinic, long-term care facility, or specialty practice, your resume is the first step toward landing your ideal role. This guide on nurse resume examples will show you exactly how to present your qualifications, skills, and experience effectively—so you can make an impression that hiring managers won’t forget.

Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced RN, creating a strong nursing resume that communicates your patient care abilities, medical knowledge, and professionalism is key. Below, you’ll find a complete nurse resume example and practical advice tailored to nursing roles across various specialties.

COMPLETE NURSE RESUME SAMPLE

Jessica M. Turner
New York, NY • (555) 123-4567 • jturner@example.com
Licensed Registered Nurse | Compassionate • Detail-Oriented • Patient-Focused

Professional Summary
Empathetic and licensed Registered Nurse with over 6 years of experience in fast-paced hospital environments. Proven ability to provide high-quality patient care, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and maintain accurate documentation in accordance with HIPAA and hospital protocols. Adept at managing emergency cases and supporting post-operative recovery with a human-first approach.

Certifications

Registered Nurse (RN), New York State

BLS (Basic Life Support), American Heart Association

ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)

Core Skills

Patient Assessment & Monitoring

IV Therapy & Medication Administration

Wound Care & Infection Control

EMR Documentation (Epic, Cerner)

Care Plan Development

Team Collaboration

Post-operative Care

Patient Education

Professional Experience

Staff Registered Nurse
Lenox Hill Hospital – New York, NY
April 2020 – Present

Deliver care to a 25-bed surgical recovery unit, monitoring vital signs, managing pain protocols, and assisting with discharge planning.

Administer IV medications, manage wound dressings, and support post-operative rehabilitation.

Communicate effectively with physicians and families to ensure continuity of care and patient satisfaction.

Precept and mentor 5+ new nurses annually, providing guidance and orientation.

Medical-Surgical Nurse
St. Joseph’s Medical Center – Brooklyn, NY
June 2017 – March 2020

Managed 4:1 patient ratio, focusing on cardiac and diabetic patient populations.

Played a key role in reducing patient falls by implementing a new monitoring system.

Participated in interdisciplinary rounds and developed individualized care plans.

Recognized with the “Nurse Excellence Award” in 2019.

Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Hunter College – New York, NY
Graduated: May 2017

Clinical Rotations Included: Pediatrics, Emergency, Surgery, and Geriatrics

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR WRITING A NURSING RESUME

Lead with a powerful summary: This should reflect your experience level, core competencies, and your dedication to patient care.

Use action verbs: Start each bullet point with strong verbs like “administered,” “coordinated,” or “evaluated” to clearly show your contributions.

Tailor your resume to the job description: Highlight relevant skills based on whether you're applying for ICU, pediatrics, med-surg, or another specialty.

Highlight certifications and compliance: In the medical field, up-to-date licensure and certifications are non-negotiable—make them easy to find.

Quantify where possible: Show measurable impact like improved patient outcomes or reduced hospital readmission rates.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT NURSE RESUMES

1. What should a new graduate nurse include on their resume?
Include clinical rotations, internships, certifications, relevant coursework, and any volunteer work in healthcare settings. Even without formal job experience, you can show readiness for the role.

2. How long should a nurse resume be?
Ideally, one page for entry-level nurses and up to two pages for experienced RNs. Prioritize quality and clarity over length.

3. Should I list every job I’ve had in healthcare?
Only include jobs that are relevant to the role you're applying for. Focus on roles where you had direct patient care responsibilities or developed critical nursing skills.

4. How do I make my resume stand out for hospital jobs?
Focus on skills hospitals value: triage, emergency response, patient advocacy, and EHR familiarity. Tailor your summary and experience to show your ability to thrive in high-pressure settings.

With the right formatting and focus, your nursing resume can be the key to landing interviews and advancing your career. Use the above nurse resume examples and tips to craft a document that reflects your dedication, skills, and passion for patient care.