Starting your career as a nurse can be both exciting and intimidating, especially when you’re entering the job market with little to no hands-on experience. As a new graduate, your resume is your first opportunity to showcase your training, clinical experience, and enthusiasm for the profession. Whether you're applying to a hospital, clinic, or long-term care facility, having a polished and compelling nursing resume is essential to getting noticed.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to write a job-winning resume tailored for new nursing graduates. We’ll walk you through a real example of a well-crafted resume, offer targeted advice for the nursing industry, and answer your most common questions.
SAMPLE NURSING RESUME FOR NEW GRADUATES
Emily Johnson
1234 Riverbend Drive, Boston, MA 02115
(555) 123-4567 | emily.johnson@email.com
Objective
Compassionate and dedicated recent BSN graduate with over 800 hours of clinical rotations in fast-paced hospital environments. Seeking a Registered Nurse position at Boston Medical Center to apply evidence-based care, strong communication skills, and a patient-centered approach.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA
Graduation: May 2025
GPA: 3.8/4.0
Licensure & Certifications
NCLEX-RN (Expected July 2025)
Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), AHA (Certified May 2025)
Clinical Experience
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Massachusetts General Hospital – Boston, MA
Jan 2025 – Apr 2025 (160 hours)
Managed care for 4–6 patients per shift under supervision
Administered medications, monitored vitals, and documented care
Collaborated with RNs and interdisciplinary teams for patient discharge planning
Pediatrics
Boston Children’s Hospital – Boston, MA
Sep 2024 – Dec 2024 (140 hours)
Assisted with patient assessments, immunizations, and parental education
Supported nursing staff with treatments and emotional support strategies
Mental Health Nursing
McLean Hospital – Belmont, MA
May 2024 – Aug 2024 (120 hours)
Observed group therapy sessions and supported patients in crisis
Gained experience in psychiatric evaluations and therapeutic communication
Skills
Patient assessment & documentation
Medication administration
Wound care & infection control
EMR systems (Epic, Cerner)
Culturally competent care
Communication & teamwork
Leadership & Activities
President, Student Nurses’ Association, 2023–2024
Volunteer, Boston Health Fair Outreach, 2023
Peer Tutor, Nursing Skills Lab
References
Available upon request
PRACTICAL RESUME WRITING TIPS FOR NEW GRAD NURSES
Lead with Clinical Experience: Even if unpaid, your rotations count. Detail the types of units, number of hours, and responsibilities you handled.
Include Licensure and Exam Dates: If you’re awaiting NCLEX results, be transparent with expected dates to avoid confusion.
Customize for Each Job: Tailor your objective and skills to match each hospital’s job posting. Look for keywords like “patient care,” “multi-disciplinary teamwork,” or “EMR experience.”
Emphasize Soft Skills: Hospitals want nurses who can communicate, think critically, and show empathy. Add these in your objective or skills section.
Keep It One Page: Unless you have extensive healthcare experience outside your degree, aim for a clean, one-page format.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What should a new grad nurse put on a resume with no experience?
Focus on your clinical rotations, education, certifications, and soft skills. Employers know you're just starting out, so emphasize your training and eagerness to learn.
2. How long should a new graduate nursing resume be?
One page is ideal for recent graduates. Prioritize clarity and relevance—recruiters only take seconds to scan.
3. Can I include part-time jobs unrelated to nursing?
Yes, especially if they demonstrate transferable skills like communication, time management, or leadership. For example, working as a barista or customer service rep can show interpersonal strengths.
4. Should I add a summary or an objective?
For new grads, an objective works better—it highlights your career goals and how your training fits the job you’re applying for.
Crafting your first resume doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right structure and focus, your new grad nursing resume can make a powerful first impression—and open the door to the start of a rewarding nursing career.
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