When it comes to landing a job as a Registered Nurse (RN), having a strong resume can be the difference between getting an interview or being passed over. The nursing industry is fast-paced and competitive, and healthcare employers are looking for candidates who can clearly demonstrate both their clinical competence and compassion in patient care.
In this guide, we’ll walk through a realistic sample RN resume and break down how to tailor your resume to showcase the qualifications that matter most. Whether you're a newly licensed RN or have years of bedside experience, this article will help you understand how to structure your resume and what to include for maximum impact.
REALISTIC SAMPLE RN RESUME
Angela Thomas
123 Wellness Street, Springfield, IL 62704
angela.thomas@email.com | (555) 123-4567
Licensed Registered Nurse | CPR & ACLS Certified
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Compassionate and detail-oriented Registered Nurse with 5+ years of experience providing exceptional patient care in high-volume hospital environments. Skilled in acute care, post-operative recovery, patient education, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Proven ability to manage emergency situations with a calm, efficient approach. Seeking to contribute clinical expertise and patient-centered care at a leading healthcare facility.
LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
Registered Nurse (RN), State of Illinois — License #RN123456
Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
NIH Stroke Scale Certified
CORE SKILLS
Patient assessment & monitoring
Wound care and IV therapy
Medication administration
EMR (Epic, Cerner)
Care planning & documentation
Family and patient education
Interdisciplinary teamwork
Infection control compliance
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Registered Nurse – Med-Surg Unit
Springfield General Hospital, Springfield, IL
March 2020 – Present
Deliver direct patient care to 6–8 patients per shift in a 30-bed medical-surgical unit
Collaborate with physicians and care teams to develop individualized care plans
Monitor patient vitals and administer medications in accordance with physician orders
Educate patients and families on discharge instructions and post-hospital care
Recognized with the “Excellence in Patient Care” award, 2023
Staff Nurse – Emergency Department
Mercy Regional Medical Center, Bloomington, IL
June 2017 – February 2020
Managed critical patient situations in a Level II trauma center
Performed triage assessments and assisted with emergency procedures
Participated in code blue and rapid response teams
Maintained accurate charting and documentation using Epic EMR
Trained and mentored 3 newly hired nurses
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
University of Illinois at Chicago, IL
Graduated: May 2017
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Health Fair RN Volunteer — American Red Cross, Springfield Chapter (2022 – Present)
TIPS FOR WRITING A STRONG RN RESUME
Highlight Clinical Experience: Use bullet points to outline your direct patient care responsibilities. Be specific about the settings you worked in—ICU, ER, Med-Surg, etc.
List Licenses Up Front: RN licensing is non-negotiable. Make sure your license and certifications (like ACLS or BLS) are easy to find at the top or in a dedicated section.
Quantify Achievements: Mention patient ratios, performance metrics, or any awards. Numbers stand out and help hiring managers quickly grasp your impact.
Tailor for the Role: Read the job description closely and mirror the language they use when appropriate. Use keywords like "acute care," "post-op recovery," or "EMR systems" to match their needs.
Be Concise but Thorough: Hiring managers spend seconds skimming resumes. Make your strongest points easy to find with clear formatting and bullet points.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RN RESUMES
1. Should I include clinical rotations on my RN resume?
Only if you're a new grad or have limited work experience. Once you gain more hands-on experience, focus on paid roles and core nursing responsibilities.
2. How long should my RN resume be?
Ideally one page for new nurses, and no more than two pages for experienced professionals. Keep it relevant and avoid unnecessary fluff.
3. What format is best for a nursing resume?
A reverse-chronological format works best. It clearly highlights your most recent experience and growth over time.
4. Do I need to include a cover letter with my RN resume?
Yes, whenever possible. A tailored cover letter shows initiative and gives you a chance to elaborate on why you're a great fit for the specific facility or role.
This sample RN resume and guide were crafted to help nurses confidently apply for roles with clarity and professionalism. Follow these strategies, personalize your content, and you’ll be one step closer to landing your next nursing job.
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