resume objective examples medical nursing

Nursing Resume Objective with Examples

As you apply for a nursing position, the hiring manager will want to learn about your goals and experience and how you will provide value to the position. The best way to communicate this is through your resume objective. It’s often the first impression the hiring manager will get of you when glancing at your resume, and it may influence their decision to keep reading and request an interview with you. This article showcases different resume objectives and explains why each one is an effective nursing resume objective.

What is a resume objective?

A resume objective is a short, targeted statement that appears at the top of your resume. It concisely outlines the direction you would like your career to take and demonstrates to an employer what benefit you can bring them. 

An impressive resume objective should describe your overall career goals and the type of position you’re seeking. It should also explain any skills you possess and how they may provide value to the position.

Nursing resume objective examples 

Below are examples of strong nursing resume objectives: 

RN resume objective examples 

Registered nurses should explain their career goals in relation to the employer’s values. These resume objectives best explain the applicant’s experience as a registered nurse and how they plan to apply it to future positions. 

Here are some effective examples:

Example 1: ‘Committed and motivated Registered Nurse seeking a position working with mental health patients. Providing my ability to handle high-stress, fast-paced situations and effective problem-solving skills.’

Example 2: ‘To obtain a position as a Registered Nurse in a clinical setting. Hoping to bring my extensive experience working with various medical and software tools to a growing and developing practice.’

Example 3:  ‘Seeking a role with Montague Hospital as a Registered Nurse. Aiming to reach my goal of increasing efficiency and providing crisis management solutions to an emergency room setting.’

New graduate resume objective examples 

As a recent graduate, nursing applicants usually have limited knowledge in the medical field. They should communicate their experience using positive verbiage and show how they will use their eagerness to learn new skills in the medical environment. 

This is best demonstrated in the examples below:

Example 1: ‘Motivated nursing college graduate seeking a position in a clinical setting. Looking to bring my passion for helping people, willingness to learn new skills and advanced education to a private practice.’

Example 2: ‘College nursing graduate searching for a nursing position working with special needs children at Fontaine Hospital. Seeking to apply my four years of childcare and mental health education to a children’s hospital developing and shaping the minds of children.’

Example 3: ‘Enthusiastic beginner Nurse excited to apply my Bachelor of Science in Nursing to a fast-paced emergency room. Bringing my time-management and critical-thinking abilities to a hospital setting.’

Resume objective examples for a nurse with three or more years of experience

A nurse with extensive experience will want to detail this in their objective. Many nurses with extensive experience may aim for nursing roles in leadership, which they should express in their objective. 

The following objectives best portray the goals and skills of experienced nurses:

Example 1: ‘Driven and self-motivated professional Nurse searching for a leadership role in a hospital setting. Seeking a role to demonstrate my advanced motivational skills, dedication to efficiency and boosting morale of nursing staff.’

Example 2: ‘Hardworking Nurse with over three years of experience providing care to elderly patients in a variety of nursing homes. Aiming to provide this compassion and attention to detail at Silver Lives Community Center with a committed and passionate staff.’

Example 3: ‘To use teamwork and collaboration skills to lead a team of nurses and train them to provide compassion and understanding to their patients. Extensive skills in medical terminology and technology that I’m willing to teach to nursing staff.’

Resume objective examples for a nurse with clinical experience 

Some employers may search for nurses who have experience in a clinical setting. Your objective should state your experience in a clinical setting and how this will benefit the position you’re applying for. 

Each of these objectives explains their experience in a clinical environment and how it will be applied in future positions:

Example 1: ‘Efficient, experienced Clinical Nurse applying for a position within Harris OBGYN. Hoping to bring my vast knowledge of medical software and women’s health to maintain the clinic’s standards.’ 

Example 2: ‘To apply my personable and communication skills gained in six years in a clinical setting to a hospital environment. Bringing my dedication and compassion to patients while working in a fast-paced emergency room.’

Resume objective examples for a nurse with hospital experience 

Many nurses who work in a hospital setting will possess a strong knowledge of resolving issues in a fast-paced environment. Many nurses will explain this within their objectives and will demonstrate how this will help them in both a hospital and clinical practice setting. 

These objectives effectively portray hospital experience: 

Example 1:  ‘Hard-working Nurse committed to bringing over five years of experience within a hospital setting to clinical practice. Seeking to apply the skills gained from working in an emergency room which include quick problem-solving skills and strong emotional intelligence.’ 

Example 2: ‘Professional Nurse seeking to take eight years of hospital experience and apply it to a teaching clinic. Hoping to use extensive experience to educate and motivate students on best practices when caring for patients.’

Resume objective for a nurse switching careers 

Switching careers can entail showing how your previous experience will relate and benefit the position you’re seeking. 

The nursing resume objectives below clearly explain their desire to switch to a new career and how their current skills can be applied to this position: 

Example 1: ‘Professional and experienced Home Health Aide seeking to expand my skills by pursuing a position as a Registered Nurse with South General Clinic. Planning to bring my attentiveness and knowledge of mental disabilities to an experienced practice.’ 

Example 2: ‘To obtain a position as a Registered Nurse after two years of serving as a Certified Medical Assistant. Bringing advanced knowledge of medical office environments and experience with caring for patients to Long Hospital.’

Example 3: ‘Educated Pharmacy Technician working to transition to Cardiac Nurse. Seeking to bring expert knowledge of medical and pharmaceutical drug terminology to treat and cure the health of patients’ hearts and bodies.’

100+ Nursing Resume Objective Examples + How To Write

Whether you are a new nurse graduate or a nurse with years of experience, applying for a new nursing job can feel a little overwhelming. One of the most important things you can do is prepare a great resume. If you plan to create a resume, you may have wondered, “What are some great nursing resume objective examples?” Nursing resume objectives are important parts of resumes. In this article, I will share 100+ great nursing resume objective examples + how to write them.

What Exactly Is A Nursing Resume Objective?

When should you include an objective on your nursing resume, 5 reasons why a great nursing resume objective makes a difference.

1. A great nursing resume objective gives nurses the opportunity to make a good first impression. 2. A well-written objective on a nursing resume helps demonstrate your written communication skills, which are vital for nursing success. 3. A nursing resume objective can show prospective employers how you have cultivated your career. 4. Resume objectives are an excellent way to briefly showcase your experience. 5. Great Nursing resume objectives offer excellent opportunities to show confidence in your knowledge and skills.

How To Write A Great Nursing Resume Objective?

1. keep it simple:, 2. tell how many years of experience you have:, 3. state the position you want:, 4. mention the facility:, 5. describing yourself:, 6. action verbs are important:, 7. mention hard skills:, 8. mention the type of patients you hope to work with:, 9. mention personal goals which clarify your love for nursing and the role for which you are applying:, 10. mention your degrees/title:, nursing resume objective examples by level of experience, entry-level nursing examples, intermediate-level nursing examples, senior-level nursing examples, nursing resume objective examples by job title, crna examples, clinical nurse specialist examples, er nurse examples, nicu nurse examples, nurse practitioner examples, or nurse examples, pacu nurse examples, aesthetic nurse examples, charge nurse examples, director of nursing examples, flight nurse examples, float nurse examples, home health nurse examples, hospice nurse examples, icu nurse examples, interventional radiology nurse examples, labor and delivery nurse examples, med surg nurse examples, nurse case manager examples, nurse educator examples, nurse manager examples, nurse midwife examples, nursing informatics examples, nursing leadership examples, nursing supervisor examples, oncology nurse examples, pediatric nurse examples, plastic surgery nurse examples, psychiatric nurse examples, school nurse examples, staff nurse examples, stepdown nurse examples, telemetry nurse examples, travel nurse examples, utilization review nurse examples, nursing resume objective examples by situation, nursing internship, career change to nursing, nurse moving to a new geographic area, nurse seeking an advancement, nurse restarting career after a break, 10 bad examples of nursing resume objectives, 1. bad example:, what makes it bad:, 2. bad example:, 3. bad example:, 4. bad example:, 5. bad example:, 6. bad example:, 7. bad example:, 8. bad example:, 9. bad example:, 10. bad example:, my final thoughts, frequently asked questions answered by our expert, 1. what is the difference between nursing resume objective and resume summary, 2. for a nursing job, what is more important, a resume objective or a resume summary, 3. where do i put an objective on my nursing resume, 4. how long should my objective for nursing resume be, 5. do i need a different resume objective for each nursing job i apply to, 6. how often should i update my objective for nursing resume, 7. how much time does it take to write a great objective for nursing resume, 8. how do i submit my nursing resume objective, 9. is it okay if i don’t write an objective for nursing resume.

Top 18 Nursing Resume Objective Examples

Updated July 20, 2023 13 min read

A resume objective is a brief statement of your professional goals for a nursing position. It should be no longer than two sentences and should be tailored to the job you are applying for. To write an effective objective, start by researching the employer’s needs and listing your relevant qualifications. Use keywords from the job description to emphasize your skillset and show that you are a good fit for the role. For example, if you’re applying as a registered nurse, you might write: “Registered Nurse with 5+ years of experience providing compassionate care in acute care settings seeking to use my expertise to improve patient outcomes at ABC Hospital.” By including specific details such as years of experience, skills, and desired position, employers will quickly understand what value you can bring to their organization.

or download as PDF

Top 18 Nursing Resume Objective Samples

• To obtain a position as a Nursing Professional in a healthcare setting where I can utilize my clinical and interpersonal skills to provide quality patient care.
• To secure a challenging position as a Nurse in an environment that promotes professional growth and development.
• Seeking a nursing role with an organization that values patient-centered care, collaboration, and innovation.
• To pursue a career as a Nurse in an environment that allows me to leverage my experience in providing quality healthcare services.
• To use my expertise in nursing to provide the highest level of care for patients while fostering positive relationships with colleagues and staff.
• To work as part of an interdisciplinary team to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
• To join an organization where I can apply my knowledge and skills in providing excellent patient care.
• Seeking employment as a Nurse with an organization that is committed to providing quality healthcare services.
• To contribute my clinical knowledge and expertise to improve the health of individuals within the community.
• Looking for a nursing position where I can make use of my critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail.
• To work as part of an innovative team dedicated to providing exceptional patient care while meeting organizational goals.
• Aiming to use my extensive experience in nursing to provide compassionate care for patients while ensuring their safety and well-being.
• Searching for an opportunity to utilize my strong communication skills, organizational abilities, and commitment to excellence in nursing practice.
• Seeking a role as a Nurse where I can apply my knowledge of evidence-based practice principles and protocols for delivering high-quality care.
• Desiring to join an organization that recognizes the importance of creating positive relationships between nurses and patients through effective communication strategies.
• Looking for a position as a Nurse that will allow me to collaborate with other healthcare professionals on improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practices.
• Motivated to join an organization that values teamwork, innovation, and dedication towards providing quality patient care services.

How to Write a Nursing Resume Objective

Writing a nursing resume objective can be an intimidating task, especially if you are just starting out in the field. However, having a strong and clear objective is essential to setting yourself apart from other applicants and landing the job you want. Here are some tips on how to write an effective nursing resume objective:

1. Identify your key skills and qualifications. Before writing your resume objective, consider what makes you a great candidate for the job. Think about your education, experience, certifications, and any specialties or areas of expertise that make you stand out from other applicants. This will help you craft an effective resume objective that highlights these skills and qualifications.

2. Be specific about what position you are applying for. A great way to do this is to include the exact title of the job in your resume objective statement. This lets employers know exactly what position you are applying for and why you think you’d be a good fit for it.

3. Keep it short and concise. Your resume objective should be no longer than two sentences long. You want to give employers enough information to get them interested in learning more about your qualifications without going into too much detail that could make them lose interest quickly.

4. Showcase your enthusiasm for the job and company culture. Employers want to hire people who are excited about joining their team, so make sure to express this enthusiasm in your resume objective statement by mentioning why working at the company would be beneficial for both parties involved.

By following these tips, you can write an effective nursing resume objective that will help set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of getting hired!

Related : What does a Nursing do?

Key Skills to Highlight in Your Nursing Resume Objective

In the competitive field of nursing, standing out from the crowd is crucial. One way to achieve this is by crafting a compelling resume objective that highlights your key skills. This section not only provides an overview of your career goals but also showcases your unique abilities and experiences that make you the ideal candidate for the job. In this section, we will discuss some of the key skills that you should emphasize in your nursing resume objective to catch the attention of potential employers and secure an interview.

1. Phlebotomy

Phlebotomy is a crucial skill for a nursing job as it involves drawing blood from patients for various tests, transfusions, research, or donations. This skill demonstrates the nurse's ability to perform this task accurately and safely, ensuring minimal discomfort to the patient. It also shows that the nurse has excellent hand-eye coordination, precision, and can handle sensitive procedures. These qualities are essential in providing high-quality patient care. Including phlebotomy in a resume objective can make a candidate more attractive to potential employers in the healthcare field.

2. Catheterization

Catheterization is a crucial skill for a nursing job as it involves direct patient care. This skill demonstrates the ability to perform a complex medical procedure, showcasing technical expertise, precision, and attention to detail. It also indicates the nurse's capacity to maintain patient comfort and dignity during potentially uncomfortable procedures. Including this skill in a resume objective can highlight the candidate's practical nursing abilities, which are critical in providing high-quality healthcare services.

3. Wound care

Wound care is a crucial skill for a nursing resume objective because it directly relates to the primary responsibilities of most nursing roles. Nurses often deal with patients who have various types of wounds, from surgical incisions to pressure ulcers. Proficiency in wound care demonstrates the ability to provide essential patient care, reduce chances of infection, and promote healing. It also shows that the nurse can follow proper protocols and guidelines, which is vital in maintaining patient safety and health. This skill could make a candidate more attractive to potential employers as it showcases their practical nursing abilities.

4. IV insertion

IV insertion is a critical skill for a nursing position as it involves administering medication, fluids, or drawing blood from patients. This skill demonstrates the nurse's technical ability, precision, and patient care capabilities. Including this on a resume objective can show potential employers that the candidate has hands-on experience in essential medical procedures and can effectively contribute to a healthcare team.

5. Medication administration

Medication administration is a crucial skill for nursing as it involves understanding different types of medications, their dosages, and their effects on patients. This skill demonstrates the nurse's ability to ensure patient safety by accurately administering prescribed medications and monitoring for any adverse reactions. Including this skill in a resume objective shows potential employers that the candidate has the necessary knowledge and experience to handle this critical aspect of patient care. It also reflects the nurse's attention to detail, responsibility, and commitment to maintaining high standards of healthcare.

6. Patient assessment

Patient assessment is a crucial skill for a nursing job as it involves evaluating and monitoring the health conditions of patients. This skill is necessary for a resume objective because it shows the potential employer that the candidate can effectively identify changes in patient health, understand their needs, and provide appropriate care. It also demonstrates critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills which are all essential in the nursing profession.

7. CPR certification

A CPR certification is crucial for a nursing resume objective because it showcases the applicant's ability to handle emergency situations and potentially save lives. This skill demonstrates that the nurse is trained and prepared to provide immediate medical care in critical situations, which is an essential part of their job. It also indicates that the candidate has undergone specific training, making them more desirable to employers in the healthcare field.

8. EKG interpretation

EKG interpretation is a critical skill for a nursing job as it involves understanding and analyzing electrocardiograms, which monitor the electrical activity of the heart. This skill is essential in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular problems. Including EKG interpretation in a resume objective demonstrates a candidate's competence in cardiac care, showcasing their ability to provide comprehensive patient care, which is crucial in the nursing profession. It also indicates that the candidate possesses advanced skills, making them potentially more attractive to employers seeking high-level expertise in their nursing staff.

9. Ostomy care

Ostomy care is a crucial skill for a nursing resume objective as it demonstrates the ability to provide specialized care for patients with ostomies. This includes knowledge and experience in managing, cleaning, and changing ostomy appliances, as well as educating patients on self-care techniques. It shows potential employers that the candidate has specific skills in handling complex patient needs, which can be particularly valuable in settings such as surgical units, home health care, or long-term care facilities.

10. Tracheostomy maintenance

Tracheostomy maintenance is a critical skill for a nursing resume objective as it demonstrates the nurse's ability to provide specialized care for patients with respiratory difficulties. This skill shows competence in managing complex health conditions, ensuring patient safety, and improving patient outcomes. It also reflects the nurse's capacity to perform under pressure, communicate effectively with patients and their families about care procedures, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals. This can make the nurse more attractive to potential employers looking for candidates who can handle advanced nursing responsibilities.

In conclusion, the objective section of your nursing resume is an opportunity to showcase your unique skills and strengths that make you the ideal candidate for the job. It's essential to carefully select and highlight key skills that align with the requirements of the position you're applying for. Remember, this section serves as a first impression to potential employers, so make it impactful and reflective of your professional capabilities. Tailoring your resume objective to each specific role can greatly increase your chances of landing interviews and ultimately securing your desired nursing position.

Related : Nursing Home Administrator Skills: Definition and Examples

Common Mistakes When Writing a Nursing Resume Objective

A nursing resume objective can be a powerful tool for job seekers in the nursing field. It provides employers with a quick overview of your qualifications and experience, and it can set you apart from other applicants. However, writing an effective resume objective is not always easy. Many job seekers make mistakes when crafting their objectives that can hurt their chances of getting an interview.

One of the most common mistakes is being too vague or general in the objective statement. A successful resume objective should focus on specific skills and qualities that are relevant to the position you are applying for. For example, instead of saying “I am seeking a nursing position”, say something like “I am seeking a position as an RN where I can utilize my extensive experience in patient care and medical terminology”. This statement shows employers that you have knowledge and experience in the field, which makes you a better candidate than someone who simply states they want a job without showing any qualifications or experience.

Another mistake many people make is including too much information in their resume objective. An effective resume objective should be concise and to-the-point; employers don’t have time to read through long-winded statements about your career aspirations or goals. Instead, focus on only one or two key points that demonstrate why you are qualified for the job and explain what value you will bring to the organization.

Finally, some people may include irrelevant information when writing their resume objectives. For instance, if you are applying for a nursing position at a hospital, it’s not necessary to mention your college degree in English literature or your volunteer work at a homeless shelter; these items do not directly relate to the job description and may distract from your qualifications as a nurse.

By avoiding these common mistakes when crafting your nursing resume objective, you will increase your chances of landing an interview with potential employers. Focus on showcasing your relevant skills and experiences related to the job opening while keeping your statement brief and direct – this will help ensure that recruiters take notice of your application!

Related : Nursing Resume Examples

A right resume objective for a nursing position should focus on the skills and experience that you can bring to the job, while a wrong resume objective may simply state your desire to work in the field without any qualifications or assets that make you an ideal candidate.

Editorial staff

Brenna Goyette

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

Similar articles

• Top 18 Nursing Instructor Resume Objective Examples
• Top 18 Nursing Supervisor Resume Objective Examples
• Top 18 Chief Nursing Officer Resume Objective Examples
• Top 18 State Tested Nursing Assistant Resume Objective Examples
• Top 17 Nursing Assistant Resume Objective Examples
• Top 16 Nursing Attendant Resume Objective Examples

Resume Worded   |  Career Strategy

Nursing resume objective examples.

Curated by hiring managers, here are proven resume objectives you can use as inspiration while writing your Nursing resume.

• Nursing (Career Changer)
• Nursing (Experienced Professional)
• Nursing (Recent Graduate)
• Nursing resume templates
• Similar objective examples

Nursing Resume Objective Example

Power of skill specificity.

Being specific about your nursing expertise, like 'neonatal intensive care,' communicates your specialization to recruiters. It also indicates your readiness to handle similar roles or challenges in the new role.

Highlighting Real Impact

Quantifying your achievements, like 'managed over 50+ high-risk pregnancies,' exhibits your capability to handle complex and risky situations, a critical trait in nursing.

Showcasing Leadership Skills

Mentioning experiences where you've led multidisciplinary teams underlines your leadership skills, which are highly pertinent in healthcare settings where teamwork is pivotal.

Focus on Patient Outcomes

Highlighting your contributions to improved patient outcomes directly speaks to the core of nursing - patient care. It shows your commitment to quality service.

Nursing (Career Changer) Resume Objective Example

Leveraging past experience.

Referencing your past role as a 'Healthcare Administrator' gives you an edge as it shows you understand the broader healthcare system, which could enhance nursing care delivery.

Merging Old and New Skills

Combining 'knowledge of healthcare systems and regulations' with new nursing skills makes you an attractive candidate. It shows you bring more to the table than just nursing skills.

Quantifiable Achievements

Sharing achievements like 'reduced hospital readmission rates by 20%' prove you're results-oriented. It assures potential employers of your ability to contribute positively to their goals.

Applying for jobs is competitive. Give yourself an edge with our resume optimization tool. Get a detailed analysis of your resume and find out exactly what you need to change to stand out to hiring managers. Start optimizing your resume today and land your dream job faster.

Nursing (Experienced Professional) Resume Objective Example

Leverage extensive experience.

Stating your '20+ years of experience in critical care' sets you apart as a seasoned professional, which can be especially relevant for leadership roles.

Evidence of Problem-Solving Skills

Sharing an accomplishment like 'decreased medication errors by 25%' exhibits your problem-solving skills and your commitment to improving care quality.

Leadership Recognition

Mentioning you're 'recognized for leading nursing teams' underlines your proven leadership skills, demonstrating your capability to manage teams in high-pressure environments.

Innovation in Nursing

Highlighting 'innovative problem-solving' shows you're an individual who thinks outside the box. This is an attractive trait, especially in an industry that's constantly evolving.

Nursing (Recent Graduate) Resume Objective Example

Showing special interest.

Mentioning a 'special interest in geriatric care' gives employers a peek into your passion and potential expertise, which could be a deciding factor in specialized roles.

Practicum Experience

Sharing your 'successful practicum in a hospice setting' shows you're not completely green. You’ve had some hands-on experience, even as a recent graduate.

Soft Skills Matter

Highlighting 'excellent patient communication skills' emphasizes your soft skills, which are essential in nursing for patient satisfaction and quality care.

Proactive Patient Safety

Mentioning your 'proactive approach to patient safety' shows you're not just about doing the job, but doing it right, and keeping patients safe is a priority.

Nursing Resume Templates

Dental assistant.

Respiratory Therapist

Medical Resume Summary Examples

• > Case Manager Summary Examples
• > Dental Assistant Summary Examples

Medical Resume Objective Examples

• > Case Manager Objective Examples
• > Dental Assistant Objective Examples

Medical Resume Guides

• > Case Manager Resume Guides
• > Dental Assistant Resume Guides

Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.