Marisol Murphy

Building a Strong Registered Nurse Resume to Land Your Dream Job

A well-crafted Registered Nurse (RN) resume is essential for catching the attention of hiring managers in the competitive healthcare industry. It serves as a professional snapshot of your qualifications, experience, and expertise. This guide will walk you through the key components of a standout RN resume to help you secure interviews and take the next step in your nursing career.

1. Contact Information

Ensure that your contact information is clearly listed at the top of your resume so that hiring managers
Skills for registered nurse resume.

can reach you easily. Include the following details:

  • Full Name
  • Phone Number
  • Professional Email Address
  • LinkedIn Profile (optional)
  • Personal Website/Portfolio (optional)
    • 2. Professional Summary

    The professional summary should briefly highlight your experience, key skills, and career goals. This section sets the tone for the rest of your resume and should encourage employers to read on.

    Example:
    "Dedicated Registered Nurse with over 8 years of clinical experience in emergency care and medical-surgical nursing. Passionate about providing high-quality patient care and fostering strong relationships with patients and families. Seeking to leverage my expertise and leadership abilities to contribute to a dynamic healthcare team at [Hospital Name]."

    3. Key Skills & Competencies

    This section allows you to showcase your nursing expertise and highlight the specific skills that align with the job you are applying for. Use a bulleted list to make this section easy to read.

    Example of Key Skills:
  • Patient Care & Assessment
  • Medication Administration & IV Therapy
  • Critical Care & Emergency Response
  • Team Leadership & Collaboration
  • Patient Education & Advocacy
  • Clinical Documentation & Electronic Health Records (EHR)
  • Infection Control & Wound Care
  • BLS, ACLS, PALS Certified
    • 4. Professional Experience

    Your professional experience section is where you will detail your previous nursing roles. For each position, include the job title, healthcare facility, employment dates, and key responsibilities. Use bullet points to list specific duties and accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and impact.

    Example:
    Registered Nurse
    City Hospital, New York, NY
    March 2019 – Present

  • Provide high-quality nursing care to patients in the critical care unit (ICU), ensuring patient safety and comfort.
  • Administer medications and IV treatments based on physician orders.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of individualized care plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Perform thorough patient assessments and monitor vital signs, promptly addressing any changes in condition.
  • Led a team of 5 nurses and achieved a 95% patient satisfaction rate.

    • Registered Nurse
    Green Valley Medical Center, New York, NY
    June 2016 – February 2019

  • Delivered exceptional care in the surgical unit, preparing patients for surgery and monitoring recovery post-operation.
  • Conducted pre- and post-operative assessments and administered pain management interventions.
  • Educated patients on recovery procedures and lifestyle modifications to promote long-term health.
    • 5. Education

    List your nursing education in reverse chronological order. Include the degree you earned, the school or institution you attended, and the year of graduation.

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • Institution: New York University, New York, NY
  • Year of Graduation: 2016
    • 6. Licensure & Certifications

    This section highlights your nursing licensure and any relevant certifications. Make sure to include the issuing state and the expiration dates for each certification.

  • Registered Nurse (RN) – New York, License #98765432
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) – American Heart Association, Exp. 2025
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) – American Heart Association, Exp. 2025
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) – American Heart Association, Exp. 2025
    • 7. Continuing Education & Professional Development

    Registered Nurses are expected to pursue ongoing education to stay current with the latest developments in healthcare. Highlight any relevant courses, workshops, or certifications that demonstrate your commitment to professional growth.

    Example:

  • Pain Management in Acute Care – Online Certification, 2023
  • Critical Care Nursing – American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), 2022
  • Advanced Wound Care – Workshop, 2021
    • 8. Volunteer Experience (Optional)

    If you have volunteer experience in the healthcare field, especially in underserved communities, this section is a great way to show your commitment to patient care and community service.

    Example:
    Volunteer Nurse
    Community Health Clinic, New York, NY
    January 2018 – Present

  • Assist in providing basic healthcare services to underserved populations.
  • Conduct health screenings, offer immunizations, and provide education on disease prevention.
  • Help organize and implement community health outreach programs.
    • 9. Awards & Recognition (Optional)

    If you have received any awards or recognition for your work as a nurse, consider including them in this section. This can help validate your professional accomplishments and distinguish you from other candidates.

    Example:

  • Employee of the Year, City Hospital, 2021
  • Nursing Excellence Award, Green Valley Medical Center, 2019
    • 10. Tailoring Your Resume for the Job

    To stand out, tailor your resume to each position you apply for. Carefully read the job description and match your skills, experience, and qualifications with what the employer is seeking. Customizing your resume to reflect the specific requirements of the job can increase your chances of getting noticed and landing an interview.

    Conclusion

    A well-organized, polished Registered Nurse resume is key to making a great first impression with hiring managers. By emphasizing your clinical skills, experience, and commitment to patient care, you can create a resume that effectively showcases your qualifications. Whether you’re applying for your first job or seeking to advance in your nursing career, a strong resume will help you achieve your professional goals.