Looking to land your next registered nurse job? Whether you’re a new graduate or a seasoned RN, having a strong, well-structured resume is key to getting hired. With healthcare employers reviewing hundreds of applications, your resume must showcase not just your qualifications, but also your ability to provide high-quality care, communicate effectively, and adapt in fast-paced environments.
In this post, you'll find professionally written registered nurse resume examples, expert advice tailored to the nursing field, and practical tips to help your application stand out.
What Makes a Registered Nurse Resume Stand Out?
Registered nurses work in diverse environments—hospitals, clinics, home care, and specialty units—so tailoring your resume to your experience and the specific job you're applying for is essential. Employers look for clinical skills, patient care expertise, certifications (like BLS or ACLS), and soft skills such as teamwork and empathy.
Let’s take a look at a complete, realistic RN resume sample you can draw inspiration from.
Sample Registered Nurse Resume
Jane Doe
San Diego, CA | janedoe@email.com | (555) 555-1234
Professional Summary
Compassionate and detail-oriented registered nurse with 5+ years of experience in acute care and surgical units. Proven ability to assess patient needs, administer medications, and work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams. Adept in electronic health record (EHR) systems and committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.
Licensure & Certifications
Registered Nurse (RN), California Board of Nursing
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certified
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certified
Key Skills
Patient Assessment & Monitoring
Wound Care & Medication Administration
Electronic Health Records (Epic, Cerner)
Team Collaboration & Communication
Emergency Response Preparedness
Professional Experience
Registered Nurse – Medical-Surgical Unit
Mercy General Hospital, San Diego, CA
May 2020 – Present
Deliver comprehensive care to post-operative patients, including pain management and wound care.
Monitor vital signs and respond rapidly to changes in patient condition.
Collaborate with physicians and care teams to develop and implement care plans.
Trained new hires and led quality improvement initiatives.
Registered Nurse – Telemetry Unit
St. Joseph Medical Center, San Diego, CA
June 2018 – April 2020
Provided cardiac monitoring for up to 5 patients per shift.
Interpreted EKG results and alerted physicians to abnormal findings.
Ensured timely documentation and patient education on medications and procedures.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
University of California, Los Angeles — Graduated 2018
Expert Resume Tips for Registered Nurses
Quantify Your Impact: Include metrics like “cared for 5–7 post-op patients per shift” or “reduced medication errors by 20%.”
Customize Each Resume: Tailor your summary and skills to match the specific job description.
Highlight Certifications: Include CPR, BLS, ACLS, or any specialized training prominently.
Use Action Verbs: Words like "administered," "monitored," "collaborated," and "led" make your experience more dynamic.
Keep it Clean & Easy to Read: Use clear headings and bullet points; avoid clutter.
FAQs About Registered Nurse Resumes
1. What should I include in a registered nurse resume summary?
A strong summary should briefly highlight your experience, specialty, and key strengths like patient care, teamwork, or critical thinking.
2. How long should my RN resume be?
Keep it to one page if you have under 10 years of experience. Two pages are fine for more seasoned professionals.
3. Should I list clinical rotations as a new graduate nurse?
Yes, clinical rotations are crucial for new grads. Detail the units, hospitals, and specific tasks or skills you gained.
4. Is it necessary to include a cover letter with my RN resume?
Absolutely. A well-written cover letter tailored to the hospital or clinic shows initiative and helps make a memorable first impression.
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