sample resume for new graduate lpn nurse

6 New Grad Nursing Resume Examples + How To Write

Are you a new grad nurse or about to complete your nursing degree? If so, congratulations on your impressive accomplishment! At this point, you may be wondering what is your next action in the strategy to secure a job. If so, read on for vital information to help you successfully navigate the unchartered territory of finding employment as a nurse. Preparing a top-notch resume is an essential step in securing a position after graduation. When thinking about how to compose a resume, you might ask, what are some exceptional examples of new grad nursing resumes? This article, 6 best new grad nursing resume examples, will guide you through the process of creating a professional new grad nursing resume that is sure to impress. Additionally, well-structured resume examples will visually aid you in designing your resume that is sure to catch the eye of your future employer.

What Exactly Is A New Grad Nursing Resume?

How is a new grad nursing resume different from an experienced nursing resume, 4 reasons why an exceptional resume makes a difference to new grad nurses, 1. you may be competing with experienced nurses-, 2. there may be many candidates-, 3. highlights new skills-, 4. helps to get your foot in the door-, what are some exceptional examples of new grad nursing resumes, example #1: resume of diane joyner, diane joyner, licenses and credentialing, clinical experience, student nurse.

• Performed new mom, baby and labor and delivery patient care duties on a 12-bed obstetrics unit. • Team leader for student nurse rotation on 2 occasions. • Developed nursing care plans on 2-3 patients each week. • Completed 75 clinical hours in obstetrics.

• Performed patient care duties on a busy 28-bed pediatric unit. Commended by clinical instructor, preceptor, and unit nurses for ease of adaptation, enthusiasm, and expert nursing care of children on unit. • Team leader for colleagues on 4 occasions. • Developed nursing care plans on 3-10 patients per week. • Developed and instituted engaging quiet activity lessons and entertainment boxes for children while in the hospital. • For children in quarantine, developed exercises to promote circulation and heart health while recovering in isolation, if applicable. • Completed 75 clinical hours in Pediatrics.

• Provided nursing care in a busy inner-city ER, ICU, and CCU. • Completed 90 hours total of critical care clinical hours. • Evaluated at 100% by the instructor for competence in critical care skills.

• Completed 30 outpatient hours as a public health nurse, either traveling for home visits or at a community clinic. • Evaluated and developed plans of care for patients from 7 months to 70 years old. • Completed 30 additional outpatient hours in a public elementary and middle school.

• Performed basic nursing care in a 400-bed community hospital with 2-4 adult patients daily. • Administered nursing services to seniors and disabled patients in community rehab and nursing facilities. • Completed 100 hours total of med-surg clinical hours.

Work History

Certified nurses aid.

• Performed basic hygiene and health aide services in a 300-bed nursing facility during vacations and summer.

Secretary to Bloomsburg University Department of Nursing

• Performed basic office duties such as filing, answering phones, and typing reports.

Babysitter for 2 diabetic sisters

• Hired to babysit and carefully monitor 2 diabetic children where carb counting, blood sugar monitoring, and insulin injections were necessary.

• Hostess, waitress, cook, and dishwasher duties as needed in a bustling restaurant.

Volunteer Work

• Mother of a newborn • Candy striper • Campus Catholic Organization • Church nursery worker • St Francis Soup Kitchen • Campus blood drive

What Makes This An Exceptional New Grad Registered Nurse Resume:

Example #2: resume of jan beck, licenses and credentialing.

1/2021-4/2021 Boseman, Montana

• Performed new mom, baby, and labor and delivery patient care duties on an 8-bed birthing center. • Developed nursing care plans on 1-2 patients each week. • Completed 75 clinical hours in obstetrics.

9/2020-11/2020 Boseman, Montana

• Performed patient care duties on a busy 20-bed pediatric unit. • Developed nursing care plans on 2-4 patients per week. • Completed 75 clinical hours in Pediatrics.

1/2020-5/2020 Boseman, Montana

• Provided nursing care ER, ICU, and CCU. • Completed 90 hours total of critical care clinical hours. • Evaluated at 99% by the instructor for competence in critical care skills. • Selected consistently by the staff and clinical instructor to work on Covid and burn units along with special cases.

11/2019-12/2019 Boseman, Montana

• Completed 30 psychiatric clinical hours at a 150-bed psychiatric hospital. • Completed psychiatric evaluations and instituted and monitored mental health treatment plans on 2 patients per day.

9/2019-10/2019 Boseman, Montana

• Completed 30 outpatient hours in a high school health clinic.

1/2019- 5/2019 Boseman, Montana

• Performed basic adult nursing care in a 200-bed community hospital with 2-4 patients daily. • Completed 100 hours total of med-surg clinical hours.

WORK HISTORY

University lab assistant.

5/2019-Present Boseman, Montana

• Selected by nursing faculty to assist in Anatomy and Physiology labs along with Microbiology lab.

Student Tutor

1/2020-Present Boseman, Montana

• Tutored students in course work for science, health, computer technology.

HONORS AND AWARDS

• Graduated second in nursing class with a 3.96 GPA • Received 4.0 in all clinical rotations • Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society • Award for future nurse in excellence and scholarship

Example #3: Resume of Joan Zimmerman

Joan zimmerman.

1/2021-4/2021

• Completed 60 clinical hours rotating between urgent care and family health clinic. • The preceptor stated she felt very confident in all skills and knowledge to independently care for patients under her supervision.

9/2020-11/2020

• Performed patient care duties on a busy 60-bed pediatric unit. • Developed nursing care plans on 2-4 patients per day. • Completed 75 clinical hours in Pediatrics.

1/2020-5/2020

• Provided nursing care ER, ICU, and CCU. • Completed 90 hours total of critical care clinical hours. • Evaluated at 100% by the instructor for competence in critical care skills. • Team head 3 out of 10-week rotation. • Nurses on the unit commented daily on my advanced knowledge of cardiovascular conditions and ability to handle patient care efficiently.

11/2019-12/2019

• Completed 30 psychiatric clinical hours at a 241-bed psychiatric hospital. • Completed psychiatric evaluations and instituted and monitored mental health treatment plans on 2 patients per day.

9/2019-10/2019

• Completed 60 outpatient hours rotating between units for women’s health, labor and delivery, NICU, PICU, and newborn nursery.

1/2019-5/2019

• Performed basic nursing care on adults in a busy 600-bed hospital with 2-4 patients daily. • Completed 100 hours total of med-surg clinical hours.

Walmart Cashier

5/2017-Present

Honors and Awards

• Graduated first in nursing class with a 3.99 GPA • Received 4.0 in all clinical rotations • Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society • Future Nurse Leader Award • School of Nursing Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award

Volunteer and Leadership Experience

• President of Student Nursing Association • Captain of the high school basketball team

Example #4: Resume of Lizzie Arndt

Lizzie arndt.

1/2021-5/2021 Jersey City, New Jersey

• Completed 60 clinical hours performing home health services on patients of a variety of ages and conditions, including prenatal and postnatal care. • Developed new mom instructional videos on breastfeeding and bathing.

9/2020-11/2020 Eastman, New Jersey

• Performed patient care duties on a busy 62-bed pediatric unit. • Developed nursing care plans on 2-4 patients per day. • Completed 75 clinical hours in Pediatrics. • Rotated onto pediatric burn unit.

1/2020-5/2020 Eastman, New Jersey

• Provided nursing care ER, ICU, CCU, and adult burn unit. • Completed 90 hours total of critical care clinical hours.

11/2019-12/2019 Eastman, New Jersey

• Completed 30 psychiatric clinical hours at a state prison on both men’s and women’s units. • Completed psychiatric evaluations and instituted and monitored mental health treatment plans on 1-3 patients per day.

9/2019-10/2019 Eastman, New Jersey

• Completed 60 outpatient hours rotating between units for women’s health, labor and delivery and NICU, PICU, and newborn nursery. • Achieved 100% on clinical skills and knowledge testing. • Developed competency checklist for pre- and post-natal teaching of pregnant women and new moms. • Established support reference material for new mom packet.

1/2019- 5/2019 Eastman, New Jersey

• Performed basic adult nursing care in a busy 575-bed hospital with 2-4 patients daily. • Completed 100 hours total of med-surg clinical hours in the hospital and adjoining rehabilitation center.

Swim Instructor and Lifeguard

5/2017-Present Jersey City, New Jersey

• Graduated first in nursing class with a 3.95 GPA • Received 4.0 in all clinical rotations • Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society • Outstanding Nursing Student Award • Scholarship for swimming • Scholarship for academic excellence

Extra-Curricular Activities

• Division I swimming all 4 years in college

Example #5: Resume of Lynn Horton

Lynn horton.

• Performed new mom, baby and labor and delivery patient care duties on a 50-bed women’s health unit. • Completed 75 clinical hours in obstetrics.

• Performed patient care duties on a busy 20-bed pediatric unit. • Developed nursing care plans on 2-4 patients per week. • Rotated onto pediatric oncology unit to care for 1-2 oncology patients per day. • Completed 75 clinical hours in Pediatrics.

• Provided nursing care in ER, ICU, and CCU units. • Completed 96 hours total of critical care clinical hours.

• Completed 30 psychiatric clinical hours at a 40-bed detox and substance abuse facility. • Completed psychiatric evaluations and instituted and monitored mental health treatment plans on 2-3 patients per day. • Assisted nursing and psychiatric staff with detox and substance abuse treatment and therapy.

• Completed 30 outpatient hours in a home health agency to include care for adults and children with cancer.

• Performed basic nursing care in a 600-bed community hospital with 2-4 patients daily. • Completed 100 hours total of med-surg clinical hours.

Certified Nurse Assistant

• Provided comfort and basic care to adult patients with cancer.

• Graduated Magna Cum Laude • Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society • Award for future nurse in excellence and scholarship

Volunteer and Extra-curricular Activities

• Served as a companion and nurse’s aide to a friend dying of cancer • Division III university softball player

Example #6: Resume of Paul Linney

Paul linney.

1/2021-4/2021 Tampa, Florida

• Performed new mom, baby and labor and delivery patient care duties on a 30-bed birthing center. • Performed basic nursing and prenatal care to walk-in women’s health center. • Completed 75 clinical hours in obstetrics and women’s health.

9/2020-11/2020 Tampa, Florida

• Performed patient care duties on a busy 38-bed pediatric unit. • Developed nursing care plans on 2-3 patients per week. • Completed 75 clinical hours in Pediatrics.

1/2020-5/2020 Tampa, Florida

• Provided nursing care in ER, ICU, and CCU units. • Completed 90 hours total of critical care clinical hours.

10/2019-12/2019 Tampa, Florida

• Completed 30 psychiatric clinical hours on a 62-bed psychiatric unit, which included detox and substance abuse treatment. • Completed psychiatric evaluations and instituted and monitored mental health treatment plans on 2-4 patients per day. • Assisted nursing and psychiatric staff with detox and substance abuse treatment and therapy. • Achieved 100% for clinical rotation. • Selected as team leader 5 out of 8 weeks on unit. • The Nurses and the preceptor remarked weekly about comfort level and ease with working with psychiatric patients.

9/2019-10/2019 St. Pete, Florida

• Completed 30 outpatient hours in a community center for at-risk youth. • Held group sessions for abused and traumatized teens. • Met individually with 2 patients per week for individual counseling and psychiatric sessions and care.

1/2019-5/2019 Tampa, Florida

• Performed basic nursing care in a 300-bed community hospital with 2-4 patients daily. • Completed 100 hours total of med-surg clinical hours.

VOLUNTEER AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

• Boys Club of Clearwater • Paxton Ministries Soup Kitchen • Special Olympics

HOW TO WRITE AN EXCEPTIONAL NEW GRAD RN RESUME?

1. proper format.

• Your name and contact information at the top of the page • Easy to read (not fancy) fonts such as New Times Roman, Arial, and Calibri • Font size 11 or12 • Stay consistent in fonts and style types • Be concise • No abbreviations or slang

2. Summary or objective

• Professional goals • Name of unit and institution where you are applying • Nursing skills and qualities pertinent to the position • Degrees and professional certifications

3. Licenses and credentialing

• The full name of your license or certification • Institution or body that issued license

4. Education

• Official school name • Location of the school • Dates you attended or graduated • Degree that you completed

5. Clinical rotations

• The type of the clinical rotation • Dates of the rotation and total hours completed • Name of institution (and city/state) of clinical • Name of unit you worked on

6. Work history

• Position held, then the name of the company/organization where you worked and the city and state with starting and ending date of hire • In a few words, describe the job

7. Volunteerism

• Church bake sales, nursery work, chicken BBQ worker, soup kitchen, and vacation bible school assistant • Hospital candy striper • Homecoming committee • Musical lighting and props • Prepped dinners for a homeless shelter • Assistant to professor • Staffed nursing department booth for college fairs • Blood pressure checks for health fairs • Assisted with blood drives on campus

8. Honors and awards

9. skills/language summary, 10. appropriate length, 11. match your resume to the job, 12. proofread, 7 common mistakes to avoid when writing your new grad nursing resume, 1. not including non-work experience-, 2. being too modest-, 3. too wordy-, 4. not personalized-, 5. leaving out accomplishments-, 6. not customizing-, 7. not proofing-, 3 consequences of a poorly written new grad rn resume, 1. you may never get an interview-, 2. your resume sets the stage-, 3. you may receive lower compensation-, my final thoughts, frequently asked questions answered by our expert, 1. what is the difference between new grad nurse resume and new grad nurse cv, 2. as a new grad nurse, when should i write my resume, 3. do i need a different resume for each new grad nursing job i apply to, 4. how long is my new grad nursing resume good for, 5. how many words should a resume be for a new graduate nurse, 6. how much time does it take to write an exceptional resume for a new grad nurse, 7. what is the best resume format for new grad nurses, 8. should i put my gpa on my new grad nurse resume, 9. should skills be on my new grad nurse resume, 10. what is a good objective for a new grad nursing resume, 11. how to list registered nurse license on my new grad nursing resume.

• Full name of nursing license • The body that issued the license • Expiration date

12. Should I Put Clinical Experience On My New Grad Nursing Resume?

13. should i include preceptorship on my new grad nursing resume, 14. can i ask someone else to write my new graduate nurse resume, 15. is it a good idea to use ready templates to write my new graduate nurse resume, 16. are there any online apps or tools that make writing a good resume for a new graduate nurse easy.

New Grad Nurse Resume Example (W/ Templates & Tips!)

You're an aspiring nurse, and you just graduated!

You've mastered the art of patient care, so now you’re out and looking for your first job as a registered nurse.

But when it comes to writing your resume, you're self-diagnosed with writer's block.

It's ironic that after so many detailed reports you've tackled during nursing school, you just can’t seem to show off your skills and experience.

Just take a deep breath.

Preparing a resume might not be as exciting as your first clinical rotation, but it doesn’t have to be difficult.

With the right pointers, you can create the perfect new grad nurse resume!

And guess what? We're here to guide you every step of the way.

In this article, we’re going to cover:

• What an Amazing New Grad Nurse Resume Example Looks Like
• 8 Steps to Writing a Job-Winning Resume as a Recently Graduated Nurse
• The 67 Top Nursing Skills for 2024

...and so much more!

Ready to begin? Let’s jump right in.

New Grad Nurse Resume Example

That’s a spot-on example of a resume for a recently graduated nurse.

Here’s what it gets right:

• Uses the reverse-chronological resume format. This recent nursing grad has a resume that shows their newest experience first and then works its way back, so hiring managers can have a clear look at their experience.
• Starts with a strong resume objective. The nursing resume example above includes a brief paragraph in the header that catches employers’ attention and lets them know the candidate’s top skills, achievements, and professional aspirations.
• Only includes relevant contact information. Social media profiles aren’t appropriate for a nurse job application, so this candidate only lists her full name, phone number, email address, and location.
• Quantifies achievements. The candidate backs up their achievements with relevant data, which lets employers immediately see the benefit of hiring them.
• Expands on education. Since the candidate has just recently graduated, they elaborate on their education and how well-prepared they are for the role.
• Shows off in-demand skills. This new grad nurse resume makes sure the most relevant hard skills are in plain view, so hiring managers can easily see just what the candidate can do.
• Adds optional sections. The candidate leverages sections such as conferences and languages to make their resume stand out from other recently graduated nurses with similar skills and experience.
• Fits everything on one page. This new grad nurse resume uses every bit of space available to fit all the sections on one page.

8 Steps for a Great New Grad Nurse Resume

You know what a spot-on new graduate nurse resume includes, and now it’s your turn to write one.

Luckily, you just need to follow these easy steps:

#1. Choose a Resume Format

Before you can fill in the contents of your resume, you have to decide how it’s going to look.

Start by choosing the right resume format .

You have three main resume formats to choose from:

• Reverse-chronological (sometimes called chronological)
• Functional (sometimes called skill-based format)
• Combination (which blends elements of both)

For the vast majority of nursing graduates, the reverse-chronological resume format is the best choice.

This format shows your most recent work experience, skills, and accomplishments, which are what healthcare employers will want to see first.

It’s also hiring managers’ favorite resume format worldwide, so that should make it your first choice. 

Here's a quick glance:

Next, it’s time to perfect your resume layout .

Before a hiring manager reads your resume, they’re going to look at it. But if your resume is chaotic and hard on the eyes, it’ll probably get tossed aside.

Here’s how to make sure your new grad nurse resume leaves a great first impression:

• Adjust the margins. The margins on your document should be set to one inch on all sides so it doesn’t look too cluttered.
• Choose an appropriate font. Your resume’s font should be easy to read and stylish, but not overused. Skip Times New Roman and opt for something like Roboto instead.
• Set the font size. If the hiring manager has to squint to read your resume, they might just stop altogether. Use 10-12 pts for the body of your text and 14-16 pts for headings and section titles.
• Change the line spacing. To make sure your text isn’t too spaced out or overlapping, set the line spacing to 1.0 between text and 1.15 after subheadings.
• Send it in the right file format. Your new grad nurse resume should always be sent as a PDF. This way, your layout stays intact regardless of what device or software the hiring manager uses to open it.

Or Use a Professional Resume Template Instead

Starting your nurse resume from scratch takes a lot of effort.

You have to tweak the margins, adjust the line spacing, pick the best font, and make sure the sizes are uniform throughout your whole resume.

What if there was another way?

Just give any of our free resume templates a go and spare yourself the hassle.

Each of our templates is designed hand-in-hand with hiring managers from around the world, all to make sure your resume meets industry standards easily fits on one page, and lets you show off your personality.

Check for yourself how one of our resume templates compares to a standard text editor template:

#2. Fill In Your Contact Details

Once you’ve taken care of your resume format and layout, you can start filling in its contents.

Your contact information is the easiest section to fill out. All you need to do is make sure it’s factual – this isn’t the place to be inattentive. A single typo in your phone number or email address could cost you an opportunity.

Here’s what you need to include in this section:

• Full Name. (E.g. Jessica Smith)
• Professional Title. Make sure your resume’s professional title matches the specific nursing job you’re applying for. (E.g. Pediatric Nurse)
• Phone Number. If you're aiming for a job abroad, don't forget to include the dial code at the front of your number.
• Email Address. Ideally, use a combination of your first and last name. Quirky email addresses from high school won't cut it. (e.g. [email protected] is great, but [email protected] isn’t.)
• Location. List your city and state/country. If you’re willing to relocate for a job, specify it somewhere in your resume.

Jessica Smith - Registered Nurse +1 234 567 8910 [email protected] San Francisco, CA

Jessie Smith, Nurse 1234 567 8910 [email protected] Cali, USA

#3. Write a Convincing Resume Summary (or Objective)

Hiring managers go through hundreds of resumes daily, and they rarely spend more than a few seconds looking at a single resume . So if you want your new grad nurse resume to make an impression, you need to have an elevator pitch ready.

That would be the brief paragraph in your resume’s header, where you summarize some of your top skills, achievements, and other qualifications that make you right for the role.

Depending on your level of experience, here’s what you can write:

• Resume summary. If you have any clinical experience or internships from your time at university, a resume summary is the ideal choice. It provides a snapshot of your hands-on experience, primary nursing skills, and academic achievements.
• Resume objective. For fresh nursing graduates with limited experience, a resume objective is the way to go. This focuses on your nursing skills, relevant academic accomplishments, and your passion for patient care.

Here's a sample for a new grad nurse with some hands-on experience:

• Committed and compassionate Registered Nurse, seeking a position with Hospital X. With over two years of clinical experience during studies, skilled in patient care, medical documentation, and emergency response. CPR and First Aid certified. Eager to support a team in delivering patient-centered care.

For those just stepping into the nursing profession, here's a resume objective for a student with no experience :

• Dedicated Nursing Graduate, eager to join Hospital Y. Proficient in patient assessments, foundational nursing procedures, and effective communication. Motivated to contribute positively to patient outcomes and grow professionally in a dynamic healthcare environment.

#4. List Your Work Experience

The work experience section of your new grad nurse resume is what hiring managers will pay attention to, even if you're fresh out of school.

Presentation is key, so let's make sure yours is on point.

Here’s how to structure this section:

• List in reverse chronological order. Since you're newly graduated, start with your most recent clinical rotations or internships and then any related roles.
• Add the name of the facility. Specify the name of the hospital, clinic, or healthcare facility, and then its location.
• Include dates. Stick to the mm/yyyy format for clarity.
• Describe responsibilities and achievements. Highlight five to six key examples from your most recent experience in bullet points. Older roles might only need two to three.

But if you’re a recent nursing graduate, just listing your experience the right way isn’t enough.

You need to make it shine. Here’s how:

• Tailor your experience to the job. Look at the job ad and compare it to your experience so far. Your recent pediatric rotation might be more relevant for the position of school nurse than that summer you spent as a lifeguard.
• Focus on your impact. The hiring manager knows what a typical nursing student does, so you won’t impress them that easily. Instead, wow them by focusing on the difference you made during your rotations, such as improving patient outcomes or boosting morale.
• Quantify whenever possible. Put numbers next to any achievement you can. Quantifying your achievements can change the generic "assisted with patient care," into the more impressive "aided in the care of 10-15 patients daily under supervision."
• Use strong verbs. Instead of just "helped" or "worked", use powerful words like "administered", "collaborated", or "monitored" to show you as a proactive worker.

Check out this example for a nursing graduate:

Nursing Intern

St. Peter's Hospital

Seattle, WA

05/2022 - 09/2022

• Collaborated with a team of 5 registered nurses in the cardiac unit, assisting in the care of 10-12 patients daily.
• Administered medications under supervision, achieving a 100% accuracy rate throughout the internship.
• Assisted in patient documentation, updating medical histories and vital signs for over 250 patients during the rotation.
• Monitored and reported changes in patient conditions, resulting in timely interventions on several occasions.
• Received commendation from the head nurse for dedication and keen attention to detail during high-pressure situations.

What If I Don’t Have Work Experience?

Entering the world of healthcare as a fresh graduate nurse might seem overwhelming, especially if your resume feels light on professional experience.

However, your nursing resume can absolutely reflect your dedication and skills, even as you’re entering the field!

It's all about highlighting relevant experience, even if it isn’t professional.

Here are some examples you can choose from:

• Volunteering at health camps or local clinics
• Personal projects related to healthcare
• Academic projects related to patient care
• University health drives or campaigns

For example, if you volunteered at a health camp during your summer break, that’s an invaluable hands-on experience that can elevate your resume as a recently graduated nurse.

Here's an example:

Nurse Intern & Health Educator

Springfield Health Camp

06/2022 - 08/2022

• Volunteered in patient care, assisting registered nurses in administering basic treatments and wound care.
• Educated local community members about preventive healthcare measures, receiving positive feedback for clear communication.
• Assisted in organizing health seminars, ensuring informative sessions on nutrition, and hygiene.
• Collaborated with fellow interns to gather patient feedback, leading to improved patient education materials.
• Partnered with local schools to conduct health check-ups, providing basic healthcare knowledge to students.

#5. Add Your Most Vital Nursing Skills

Nursing is more than just administering medication or checking vitals. The job requires a broad range of skills , and the ones you add to your new grad nurse resume should align with the specific nursing position you're after.

Your skills section shows potential employers your clinical competencies and the depth of your training. If you tailor this section right, they’ll see how prepared you are to step into the role.

Here are some tips for writing a great skills section:

• Tailor them to the ad. Does the job description mention certain requirements for candidates? Whether it's wound care, patient education, or managing specific health conditions, add the skills you have to your resume.
• Research what skills you need. The world of healthcare is ever-evolving and the key to success is ongoing learning. Stay updated on patient care guidelines, innovative treatment methods, or emerging healthcare technologies.
• List hard and soft skills separately. Your new grad nurse resume should keep soft skills and hard skills neatly separate. This way, employers can find exactly what skills they’re looking for at a glance.

You've got the know-how to list your nursing skills.

All that’s left is to figure out which you should include on your resume.

Take a look at this list of the 67 most in-demand hard and soft skills for recently graduated nurses to get started!

67 Most In-Demand New Grad Nurse Skills

51 new grad nurse hard skills.

• Aseptic technique
• Electronic Health Records (EHR)
• EPIC Systems
• Record keeping
• Patient assessment
• Wound dressing
• IV insertion and management
• Medication administration
• First Aid and CPR
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Catheter insertion and care
• Infection control
• Vaccination administration
• Pain management
• Patient education
• Care and discharge planning
• ECG interpretation
• Emergency response
• Surgical assistance
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
• Oxygen therapy
• Endotracheal intubation
• Fluid and electrolyte balance
• Palliative care
• Ventilator management
• SOAP note documentation
• Patient charting
• Patient transport
• Tracheostomy care
• Gastrostomy feedings
• Diabetes management
• Hemodynamic monitoring
• Sterilization techniques
• Seizure precautions
• Ostomy care
• Orthopedic casting and splinting
• Isolation procedures
• Defibrillation
• HIPAA compliance
• Manual blood pressure measurement
• Nasogastric (NG) tube placement
• Critical care
• Telemetry monitoring
• Mobility assistance

16 New Grad Nurse Soft Skills

• Communication
• Adaptability
• Critical thinking
• Time management
• Problem-solving
• Active listening
• Self-awareness
• Stress management
• Interpersonal skills
• Organizational skills
• Conflict re solution

#6. Elaborate on Your Education

In any resume, work experience and skills speak louder than academic credentials. Usually, this section only gets a passing mention.

However, when you’re a newly graduated nurse, you might want to dive into more details.

If you don’t have as much hands-on experience as your peers, your education section is where your resume can shine.

Here’s how you should format the basics:

• Degree Name. (E.g. Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
• University Name. (E.g. Metropolitan University of Health Sciences)
• Location. (E.g. Los Angeles, CA)
• Years Attended. If you haven’t graduated yet, don’t worry about it. Over 74% of new graduate nurses have a job offer lined up before graduation. Instead of using the yyyy - yyyy format, you can specify your expected graduation date. (E.g. Expected graduation: May 2024)
• Optional Details. List any relevant coursework, such as classes, projects, or clinical rotations, that’s relevant to the nurse position you’re applying for.

The goal here is to paint a clear picture of how your studies have prepared you for the hands-on work in the world of nursing. Everything you add should be relevant, so you should skip your high school education.

Here’s an example of how your education section might look:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Metropolitan University of Health Sciences

Los Angeles, CA

08/2019 - 06/2023

• Relevant Coursework: Pediatric Nursing, Critical Care Nursing, and Nursing Ethics.
• Research Project: "The Impact of Patient-Nurse Ratios on Care Quality."
• Clinical Rotations: Completed practical training in Pediatric, ICU, and Emergency Nursing departments.

#7. Leverage Optional Sections

Once you’ve come to the end of your new grad nurse resume, you have some leftover space.

This is a great opportunity for you to add optional sections, which can take your resume to the next level. These sections can be the cherry on top, giving potential employers deeper insight into who you are both professionally and personally.

Here are some sections you can choose from:

• Licenses and certifications. The more qualifications you have, the more commitment and readiness for nursing your resume shows.
• Awards. Any scholarships, academic honors, or nursing-related competitions you've won are good for showing off on your new grad nurse resume.
• Memberships. Being a part of professional nursing organizations gives you credibility and shows your drive to stay updated with industry trends.
• Languages. Hospitals and clinics appreciate nurses who can communicate with diverse patient populations, so speaking multiple languages is a huge plus.
• Publications or conferences. If you've written healthcare-related articles or created presentations for nursing school or even conferences, list them! It shows expertise and enthusiasm for particular subjects.
• Hobbies and interests. This section gives a glimpse into your personality. Activities like team sports can show teamwork skills and physical stamina, while interests like medical literature or meditation can show an interest in continuous learning and stress management.
• Florence Nightingale Academic Scholarship State Nursing School - 2022
• Top Performer American Red Cross First Aid Competition - October 2021

Memberships:

• National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA) Member - 2020

Always be sure to keep the optional sections you add to your new grad nurse resume relevant. Your interests in cooking or experience in the university drama club probably won’t do.

If you’re based in the USA, you should always include your nursing license number on your resume. But in countries where Nursing graduates are automatically registered with the board, there’s no need to add this credential.

#8. Attach an Equally Well-Made Cover Letter

Once you’ve completed your resume, your work isn’t done yet.

The last step on your resume-writing journey is writing a cover letter .

In reality, not writing a cover letter can significantly lower your chances of getting an interview since hiring managers expect to get cover letters .

There’s no need to worry, though! Your new grad nurse resume can be paired with a matching cover letter in no time.

Just take a look at what a great cover letter for a recently graduated nurse looks like:

You know the drill - you’ve seen a great cover letter, so now it’s time to make one yourself.

Follow our cover letter tips to nail it:

• Include the right contact information. Your new grad nurse cover letter should have the exact same contact information as your resume. Your full name, phone number, professional email address, and general location are enough, followed by the hiring manager’s contact information.
• Address your cover letter. Don’t skip the greeting or use something generic like “To whom it may concern”. Instead, do a bit of research and address the hiring manager by name to make a strong impression.
• Start with a strong opening. Your first paragraph should always include why you’re writing and what skills you can offer the employer, so they’ll want to read more.
• Expand on the details. This is the place to get creative! Elaborate on anything that makes you perfect for the job, but don’t just repeat what’s on your resume. Offer the hiring manager insight they wouldn’t get from just reading your new grad nurse resume.
• Finish it appropriately. Once you’re ready to wrap it up, invite the hiring manager to do something, like contact you. Then add an appropriate closing line and sign your name.

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap!

Now you’ll be well on your way to delivering extraordinary patient care.

But before you pick out your new scrubs, let’s recap what we talked about:

• Always add an eye-catching paragraph at the top of your new grad nurse resume. A resume summary is a great way to catch the hiring manager’s attention.
• Don’t worry too much about not having enough professional experience. Hiring managers won’t expect a fresh graduate to have Dr. House’s list of achievements.
• List your soft skills separately from your hard skills so hiring managers can easily find what they’re looking for, and make sure to tailor any skills on your resume to the job ad.
• While your education is usually less important than your hands-on experience, don’t be afraid to give more detail if you’re very inexperienced. It still shows off your medical know-how and it’s better than having blank space.
• Any licenses and certifications are a great addition to your resume as a newly graduated nurse, so make sure to add them right after your most important sections are filled in.

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The Ultimate Guide to Nursing Resumes in 2024

How to write a nurse resume, nurse resume research, nursing resume readers & robots, choose a nurse resume format, nurse resume format & design, writing your nursing resume, common resume mistakes, nursing resume templates, nurse resume faqs.

Expert Reviewed by: Amanda Guarniere, NP, Founder of the Resume RX

In 2024, a vague, uninspiring nursing resume just won't cut it. Recent years have fostered growing competition for the best nursing jobs , creating a greater need for nurses to learn how to write exceptional nursing resumes. With vast opportunities and diverse requirements from various employers, every nurse must put their best foot forward to market themselves for the best positions. 

However, this ever-changing world of online applications and robotic resume readers makes it more complex for nurses to get to the first rounds of interviews. This article will help you tackle the daunting task of writing a nursing resume that stands out. We'll help you build a better nursing resume by giving you an inside look at how robotic resume readers work and providing tips on how to make your resume, things you should and shouldn't include, and provide examples and templates.

Think of your job search as your own personal marketing campaign. And the product is you! Your resume is an advertisement for your professional nursing brand. A brand is more than a logo - it’s the overall impression you give your audience. In this case, your audience is a potential employer. 

As with any advertisement, the goal of your nursing resume is to pique your audience’s interest in a limited amount of time. It’s commonly said that hiring managers will spend less than ten seconds reading your resume. And in many cases, it has to first be screened by a resume-reading robot before it reaches human hands.

So, you must carefully curate your brand for these employers. Captivate them with your professionalism, unique skillset, experience, and personality using your nursing resume. These tactics may help get your foot in the door for an interview, where you can close the deal by impressing them in person.

The first and most important step in any marketing campaign is the research phase. The more you learn about potential employers, the better you can tailor your registered nurse resume to their requirements.

Initial Employer Research for Nursing Resumes

Before you begin tailoring your resume for specific jobs, take some time to answer the following questions about each company:

• Who are they?
• What is their company culture?
• What do they struggle with as an organization?
• What qualities are they looking for in a potential candidate?
• Which of their desired qualities do you possess?

Researching Company Culture and Values

The internet has made it fairly easy to hop online and start your research right now from your mobile device. Employers' websites and social platforms will give you an inside glimpse at their culture and values.

Instead of simply reading a job posting, take a few extra steps to investigate the employer's online presence:

• Check out the company website - what does their mission statement say?
• See what they tweet about
• Investigate what photos they post on Instagram
• Learn about the articles they share on Facebook
• Check their LinkedIn - do you have any connections at the company?
• Look at their Google ratings

Examine Required vs Preferred Nursing Qualifications

The research phase isn't just about investigating the company - you also need to understand the job description. Specifically, understanding the difference between "required" and "preferred" qualifications will help you build a tailored resume for each job:

Required Qualifications

These are just what they say - requirements. Those who do not possess these qualifications will not be considered. 

Preferred Qualifications

Skills that are desired but are not deal-breakers for the employer. You may still be considered even if you do not possess these. 

As you personalize your nursing resume to different opportunities, these qualifications will, in part, guide what you do and do not include. You should include any and all required qualifications if you want an employer to consider your candidacy. 

If you do not possess some or all of the preferred qualifications, you can apply anyway and still be in the running. However, including the ones you do possess on your tailored nursing resume is always the best practice.

Build a Master Resume

You may want a solid starting point from which you can use your research to build a dedicated resume for each position you apply for. Queue the "master resume," a comprehensive working document that highlights everything you've accomplished and every skill you've fostered as a nurse thus far. 

We recommend starting with a foundational nurse resume so that you can alter it for each role you apply to. This way, you won't be rewriting a new resume for every single position. But you'll also avoid submitting "cookie-cutter" resumes that employers won't bother looking at twice.

Use Research to Personalize Your Nursing Resume

Dale Carnegie once said that “A person’s name is, to that person, the sweetest and most important sound in any language.” Personalizing your RN resume matters, with both how you mention and address the future employer and how to include your specific qualifications that match what they are looking for.

Using your research and leveraging your professional brand and personality to target your nurse resume could lead to the interview of your dreams. Not targeting it, however, could lead you on the fast track to nowhere.

The internet revolution transformed the hiring process, impacting the entire labor market in a very short time. 15 years ago, printing your resume on off-white linen paper and hand-delivering it to employers was the status quo. But as little as five years later, doing so might only get you some perplexed looks and urges to apply online.

Technological advances will continue shaping the job market in 2024.  USC Annenberg reports that up to 55% of companies are making investments in AI recruiting measures. But even now, many employers screen online applicants using resume-reading robots. 

This section explores how these bots impact the hiring process and how to get your nursing resume past them and into a real person's hands.

What Is a Resume Reading Robot?

ATS systems are highly technical but can only do what their program says, unable to come close to human discretion. So, knowing how ATS systems work can help you write a resume that passes their screening.

Here's a brief overview of how employers use ATS software to screen nursing applicants:

1. Knockout Questions

Recruiters can use an ATS to scan for keywords or "knockout questions" like "Do you have an active Washington State Nursing License?" These functions help them swiftly eliminate unqualified candidates.

2. Disqualifying Statements

They may also configure the ATS to include “disqualifying statements.” An ATS searching for these statements will automatically reject nursing resumes with certain keywords or phrases. 

For example, an ATS screening for bachelor's-trained nurses might reject resumes that mention an associate's degree. If you have both, consider listing only your BSN.

3. Keyword Screening

Finally, recruiters may use the ATS to find resumes with exact keywords or phrases. These may include qualifications listed in the job description, degrees, or skills. They can program the ATS to reject any application that does not include their specified keywords.

How Does ATS Work?

Not all ATS systems are created equally. They vary greatly in their functionality and behavior. Most ATS systems are programmed to score resumes according to keywords. However, they can be configured to search and score resumes based on various other criteria.

The results are imperfect. Some ATS systems can't differentiate between titles, such as Clinical Nurse II and Registered Nurse, or distinguish between the terms BLS and Basic Life Support. So how do you navigate these intricacies in your nursing resume?

Best Practice:   R ead the job description and use the exact wording for the qualifications listed that you possess.

If you use acronyms and abbreviations, make sure to spell out the entire word, followed by the shortened version. It would be disappointing to have all the requested qualifications but be filtered out by the ATS because you used only the acronyms when the robot was programmed for the full phrases spelled out.

What Are the Shortcomings of ATS?

The problem is that ATS does not ‘read’ a resume as a human would - it simply collects data. It doesn’t care about aesthetics, either. It is programmed by an employer to search for the right keywords, in the right order, on the right part of the resume.  

Also, the system can get confused pretty easily. For example, if the font is too fancy or if it encounters unrecognizable symbols, it may score the resume as ‘unqualified’ and move on to the next resume. It does what it is configured to do, nothing more and nothing less.

While ATS has streamlined the hiring process for employers, it’s also made job search extremely challenging for the job seeker. In fact, 94% of hiring professionals say that ATS has positively influenced their hiring goals, while 80% of job seekers say that their online job search is stressful.

What Other Hiring Technology Might I Encounter?

Recently, some employers have started to use artificial intelligence in a different way - during the interview process. Rather than having strict ATS filters, they offer more candidates the opportunity to interview, but there is a catch.

You don't interview with the employer but with a computer. In these one-way or “on-demand” interviews, you essentially get the opportunity to record your video response to interview questions. After you submit it, hiring managers or recruiters review the video responses before choosing the candidates for formal interviews.

Does Every Employer Use ATS?

While many employers use ATS, there are definitely employers who still rely on human resource professionals to screen resumes. In those instances, a human resources professional usually skims the resumes and invites the most qualified candidates in for an interview.

The problem here is that most employers will receive hundreds of resumes for a single opening. To get through the resumes quickly, the HR professional may resort to a simple scan of the resumes knowing that even qualified applicants may not make it. It’s simply a way to reduce the number of applicants.

In either case, the goal of the modern resume is to ‘sell’ yourself in an organized, targeted manner for a specific role. The best way to design an effective, attention-grabbing resume is by making strong assertions in the beginning followed by supporting evidence.

How to Get Past the ATS

• Target your resume to the specific position. Do this by reading job descriptions and selecting keywords noted in the descriptions - competencies, skills sets, education, and experience.
• Match individual experiences to keywords/key skill sets found within the job posting.  
• Research the employer and target the resume based on the facility's values and culture. 
• Make strong assertions within the top ⅓ of the resume.
• Follow those assertions with supporting evidence.
• Include a “ Professional Summary ” if you are an experienced Nurse.
• Only apply to roles that you match 100% of the “Required Qualifications.” 
• Use simple fonts such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri.
• Never use smaller than 10-point font. See Part 5 for more styling suggestions. 
• Use simple black bullet (dots) points, not special bullet symbols.
• Save your resume as a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format.
• If using an abbreviation, always spell out the words followed by the abbreviation or acronym. You never know how the abbreviation was entered into the ATS. 
• Use standard, simple section headers such as “Work History” or “Education.”
• Settings you’ve worked in 
• Patient demographics
• Policies/procedures
• EMR/EHR used
• Medications administered
• Equipment used
• Don’t use the same title as at your current employer if it is different from the title in the job description. Use the title in the job description. 
• Don’t overload your resume with keywords. Use them appropriately. Overusing keywords will flag a resume and could cause the ATS to lower your score.
• Don't forget to support the keywords you use with evidence throughout your resume.
• Do not put your contact information in the header section because ATS will not see it.
• Do not include tables because most ATS can’t read them. Other ATS can only read them if their operator programmed them to do so. 
• Do not use creative section headers such as “Where I’ve Worked” because the ATS likely doesn’t understand what that means.
• Don’t include a headshot, graphics, special fonts, photos, colored fonts, or unique bullets. 
• Do not state, “References available upon request.” It takes up too much space and is unnecessary. If employers want references, they’ll ask. 
• Don’t place skills at the bottom of the resume. Many ATS systems only scan the top ⅓ of the resume for keywords. If you have important keywords at the bottom, the ATS may not see them and could disqualify your resume. 
• Don’t use “I” statements; resumes should be written in the third person. 
• Do not rely on resume builder software. Stay in control of your registered nurse resume.

How to Spot an ATS

If you’ve ever visited a job posting and seen an “APPLY NOW” button, you’ve encountered the elusive resume-reading bot. ATS requires candidates to enter data on the front end. 

Maybe you’ve gone through the steps to create a login, complete the application and upload your resume. Perhaps you didn’t realize at the time that you were entering your information into an applicant tracking system.  

Raise your hand if you never heard back from an employer after applying online. Raise your other hand if you received an automated response “thanking” you for your interest and never heard back!

Now, keep in mind that it can be difficult to stand out when you are applying for a job online, especially when there is an ATS involved. As you consider your overall job search strategy, try to think of other ways that can increase your chances of getting a job. Don’t be afraid to ask your network connections for referrals and recommendations, or let friends and family know what type of position you are looking for and where. While your resume is absolutely important, it isn’t the only tool that can lead to you getting a job.

Prior to ever typing words onto your resume, it’s important to first decide on a resume format. There are three types of resume layouts. While we highly recommend the reverse-chronological layout for most nursing professionals, we’d encourage you to make the best choice for yourself.

Here’s a breakdown of the three most popular types of resume layouts: 

1. Reverse Chronological Nursing Resume

This layout focuses on career history and lists jobs in reverse chronological order. We recommend this type of registered nurse resume for the majority of healthcare professionals and will focus the details of this article on the format. It is best suited for:

• New nursing graduates
• Nurses with fewer than 5 roles within the past 5-7 years. 
• Travel Nurses with <10 completed assignments
• Nurses with experience in only 1-2 specialties
• Nurses applying for a similar role
• Nurses wanting to show vertical career progression 

2. Functional Nursing Resume

This nurse resume layout places emphasis on skills and deemphasizes work history. However, it does not pass the ATS test well, and hiring managers overall do not prefer it. We recommend against this layout for the majority of nursing professionals. Typically, people who use this format are: 

• Changing careers
• Have large gaps in employment
• Do have years of experience in the role in which they are applying

3. Combination Nursing Resume

This layout is a mixture of the reverse chronological and the functional resume. While it places emphasis on skill sets, abilities, and accomplishments, it also highlights applicable work history. We recommend combination resumes for nursing professionals with the following background, goals, and barriers: 

• Nurses with experience in multiple specialties and/or medical professions
• Seasoned travel nurses with >10 completed assignments
• Nurses with multiple small gaps in employment
• Nurses looking to change specialties
• Nurses interested in changing careers

Writing a nursing resume can feel overwhelming. It’s no easy task! Nowadays, nursing resumes must be able to pass through resume reading software before it even reaches a recruiter. That’s why we’ve put together THREE nurse resume templates to cater to your unique professional needs and employment situation.

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The first formatting and design consideration you should make when creating your nursing resume is how well an  ATS will read them. We recommend the following comprehensive design and formatting guidelines to appease common ATS systems:

Many experts believe you can achieve the perfect balance of text to white space in your nursing resume using the following margin settings:

• Top Margin: 1"
• Side Margins: .63"

Left alignment is standard since that’s how most people (and robots) read. You may think a justified alignment looks tidier, but it can leave uneven gaps between words and ultimately make text harder to read. 

In the nursing profession, length should not be the focus of the resume. While we recommend 1-2 pages, some nurses may have resumes with 3 (or more) pages.

Don’t stress over length too much. If the resume is slightly over the page amount by a few lines try changing the margin, font style, font size, or shortening statements. The bottom line is it should look visually appealing and should include keywords.

We recommend  Times New Roman or Arial to best utilize the functionality of the ATS. However, this is your personal preference. Take note that Times New Roman can be difficult to read if it is smaller than 11pt.

If you are striving for a resume that looks visually appealing when printed, there are great ways to achieve that without going overboard with design. For example, you could use the “small caps” feature for headings, which keeps the font the same but adds a bit more character and differentiation. Or, you could try a font pairing, using serif fonts for headers and sans serif for body text.

Important Note: Different font styles will take up different amounts of space. See how these identical statements look vastly different despite both being in 11 pt font:

Experienced Travel Nurse with 8 years experience in critical care nursing.

Throughout the resume, there should be different-sized fonts. We recommend the following for each section: 

It’s important to note that 10-point font should be the smallest size on the resume. 

While some ATS systems claim to read colors, we encourage you to simply use black. 

Special Characters

We recommend keeping the resume very simple. Basic bullet points (black dots) may be used when desired. Simple lines are acceptable as well. 

Design Features to Avoid

The following design features are best left off the resume: 

• Multiple font styles
• Special characters

As you’ve learned, ATS systems skim resumes and locate specific information in the correct order. We’d suggest using the following categories and section headers to optimize your nursing resume for ATS scoring.

Contact Information

This is the first section of the resume and does not require a title. Your name should be front and center. Don’t make the recruiter search for it. Make sure it’s the largest font on the page. While there are varying opinions on the exact placement of the name, we recommend a simple classic version in the following format:

Your name should be the first thing a recruiter, hiring manager, or ATS system sees on your nurse resume. It should share a line with your nursing credentials and be in a bold, readable, 18-22 pt font. If you go by a different name, make sure to list both in this section.

Nursing Credentials

Your nursing credentials should directly follow your first and last name on a nursing resume. The preferred order to list these in is Highest degree earned, Licensure, then National Certifications.

We've included a  credential quick reference guide below to help you fill out your resume perfectly.

The days of listing your home address on a resume are over - most employers don't need this information, and we advise against including it on your resume as a security precaution. However, this is a personal decision you can make at your own discretion.

You should never leave your location off completely because many employers have location parameters set in their ATS systems. Ensure you include your city and state in the contact information portion of your nursing resume.

Phone/Texting Number

Oh, technology! Yes, some employers will actually text their candidates. Make sure to indicate if you receive texts and whether the phone number is a cell phone or a home phone. This is a great time to make sure your voicemail message states your full name and is professional.

Email Address

It is in your best interest to ensure that you have a professional email address that does not reveal your age. Age discrimination is real, and listing your birth year or using an antiquated email service like AOL can definitely trigger it.

Your email address should include a variation of your name and some numbers if necessary. You can even make a totally separate email account and use it only for your job search.

LinkedIn Profile

If you have a LinkedIn profile definitely include it. If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, you could be missing out on opportunities. Now is the time to create one!

In your settings, you can easily create a shortened LinkedIn URL that doesn’t have a bunch of random numbers and letters.

How Your Digital Footprint Impacts Your Nursing Job Search

Though you may not list it, you should consider your social media and online presence when you complete the contact information portion of your resume. Potential employers will likely look you up online. Many Recruiters tell us that looking a candidate up on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter is one of the first things they do. So, make sure everything you post online is what you would want an employer to see. 

Additionally, online behavior can benefit you. Do you have a nursing-related website or blog? Are you an Instagram celebrity? Maybe you created a successful YouTube channel when you were a newbie nurse. Include all this on your resume if it relates to nursing. This is all part of your unique brand!

Nursing Resume Credential Quick Reference Guide

According to the American Nurses Credentialing Center (AACN), the preferred order is Highest degree earned, Licensure, and National Certification.

Educational degrees include doctoral degrees (Ph.D., DrPH, DNS, EdD, DNP), master’s degrees (MSN, MS, MA), bachelor’s degrees (BS, BSN, BA), and associate degrees (AD, ADN).

Licensure credentials include RN, LPN, CNA, and APRN.

National certification , which is occasionally voluntary for nurses and obligatory for advanced practice nurses, is awarded through accredited certifying bodies such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), includes RNBC (Registered Nurse-Board Certified) and FNP-BC (Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified).

You may also choose to include awards and honors:

Outstanding achievements in nursing, such as FAAN (Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing).

Other certifications that recognize additional skills, such as the EMT-Basic/EMT, awarded by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

Here is an example of contact information on a nursing resume that puts it all together:

Penny Lite, BSN, RN   Los Angeles, CA | Text/Call: (987) 654 - 3210 | [email protected] | www.linkedin.com/pennylitern

Professional Summary

Don’t make an employer (or ATS) search your entire resume for reasons to invite you to an interview. Tell them right off the top exactly why you are the best candidate for the role.

Every position is unique, and this is your first opportunity to optimize the resume for ATS and to also catch the employer’s eye. Spend a little time to target it and let your qualifications and accomplishments shine. 

While there is some debate about how to introduce your resume, we suggest using a professional summary as opposed to a career objective. The professional summary can be formatted in either a short paragraph or a bulleted list asserting qualifications and providing a concise career snapshot.

How to Write a Professional Summary for a Nursing Resume

Think of your resume summary as an “elevator pitch” - a quick, attention-grabbing, loaded statement that entices the reader to want to continue on. Your professional summary is unique to you and should be targeted to a specific role, just like the cover letters career counselors used to tell us about.

However, it could definitely include the following information: 

• Number of years of experience in a specialty 
• Common keywords found in nursing job descriptions e.g., excellent patient care, acute care, family education, compassionate
• Facility designations or info about facilities 
• Supervisory experience and number of subordinates
• Special certifications or awards
• Language abilities
• Soft skills such as patience, compassion, and a cooperative spirit

Nursing professional summary example: 

4+ years nursing experience with strong clinical background in critical care (CCU) and intermediate care nursing (IMCU). Proactively streamlines operations, initiates tasks, and supports the healthcare team while prioritizing excellent patient care. Champions patient and family education by providing compassionate, inclusive care that encourages self-sufficiency. Recipient of the Daisy Award. Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Nursing Skills and Areas of Expertise

List your nursing skills within the top ⅓ of the resume - Don't make the common mistake of adding them last. With the popularity of ATS, this mistake could cost you an interview. This is especially true in nursing, as the profession requires very specific skills. 

Additionally, your hard skills should be directly targeted to the role as expressed in the job description. Is the employer asking for a specific EMR that you are experienced with? List it! Are you an expert at starting IVs because of your five years of experience in the emergency room? List it!

This should not be a generic list of skills but a specific list that is as quantified as possible. It’s possible that if you are a newer nurse or are making a specialty pivot you may not have hard skills to include. In that case, it’s okay to omit this section and highlight your transferable  soft nursing skills within your job history.

While most nurses list their license titles on their resumes, it’s been our experience that they leave off a few very important details - most notably, whether the license is active and the expiration date. 

Why is this important? Including this information lets potential employers know that you are ready to start work ASAP. They don’t have to wait for the licensing process. Including your license number is optional, and you can make this decision based on your privacy comfort. The employer will likely be verifying your license online anyway (this is all public information).

If you are an advanced practice nurse, you may decide to leave off license numbers for privacy purposes, especially your DEA number or controlled substance registration number.

Here’s an example of how to list your licensure:

Registered Nurse - California, #RN00101, expires 4/17/2024.

Certifications and Credentials

This is another key section where some important details are typically missing on the nursing resumes we’ve seen. While most nurses list their credentials, it’s important to list them in a specific manner.

Don’t simply list acronyms, as some ATS systems may not be programmed to read shortened versions. Make sure to list the accrediting body, credential/certification number (where applicable), and expiration date. 

Here’s an example of how to list your certifications and credentials: 

Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association, expires: 12/1/2021

Work History

Employers want to know what you can do for them, period.  Nurse recruiters we’ve talked to will zero in on this section. What are they looking for? Evidence, facts, quantifiable points - proof to support the assertions made in your resume summary.

Vague work histories are particularly frustrating to employers - especially when applicants copy and paste job descriptions. To avoid falling into those pitfalls, try incorporating these tips: 

Use simple section headers such as “Work History” or “Relevant Experience,” these are ATS friendly. “What I’ve Done” is not. 

List your experience in reverse chronological order.  If you have a lengthy employment history, you may consider only including the most recent 10-15 years of experience. This will shorten your resume and also limit the chances that you’ll encounter age discrimination. Looking at the big-picture experience from 25 years ago doesn’t necessarily speak to your recent nursing experience because employers care about what you can do for them now.

Work History Format

Adding your work history in a logical format can help your nursing resume beat the ATS and impress recruiters. We recommend using the following format for each work history segment:

1. Job Title and Specialty

This is a controversial subject, but we believe employers care more about what you’ve done than who you’ve worked for. Use the job title as it is listed in the job posting, or use a more industry-wide job title. Registered Nurse as opposed to Clinical Nurse II. 

2. Facility Name

Add the name of the facility or company you worked for after your job title. You can add this on the same line or a different line, but using the same line will optimize space.

3. Employment Dates  

These are important and can be listed in a number of ways. However, it’s been our experience that specific dates are not necessary for a resume. On an application, yes, on a resume, not so much. You can simply list the months and years (mm/yy - present).

4. Facility-Specific and Unit-Specific Information

This information is helpful and important to employers but is left off the majority of resumes we’ve seen, it includes: 

• Trauma level: level I, II, III
• Facility Designations 
• Total Hospital beds
• Total unit beds

Primary Duties and Accomplishments

This section looks best in a bulleted list of no more than six points and should include duties, noteworthy accomplishments, and achievements. It’s important to emphasize specific duties and not be too vague.

Also, try your best not to simply regurgitate basic nursing duties that would be assumed of your role. This will take up valuable space on your resume and not really tell the reader much about you !

Wondering what specifics to include? Here are a few questions to get those wheels turning:

• What illnesses, injuries, or traumas do you care for? 
• What cases do you work on? 
• What type of medications do you administer and how? 
• What therapies do you perform? 
• What equipment do you use? 
• How have you improved processes? 
• When have I been first or best?
• No. 1 achievement in each position?
• Which achievements have the most impressive numbers?
• When have I been publicly recognized?

Write Strong Nursing Resume Bullets

Wondering how to order your bullets and what to include? Try this: start with a verb leading to quantifiable data or a specific point and include a relevant duty.

Use our comprehensive tables to build compelling nursing resume bullets that make your achievements shine:

Here is a brief work history resume example for nurses that puts it all together:

Registered Nurse, Acute Care - Example Medical Center 09-19 - Present

• Supervised staff of 15 registered nurses, 8 certified nursing assistants, and 7 paramedics while multitasking excellent patient care. 
• Cared for up to 4 patients per shift with acute neurological disorders, including strokes, spinal cord injuries, and head trauma.

Education and Training

In the nursing profession, education and training are of utmost importance. If you have work experience, this section can be fairly brief.  You should list your relevant degrees in chronological order. 

There are varying opinions regarding the specific ordering of education. However, we believe that the degree or certification title should be listed first. Employers care firstly that you have the education requirement they need and secondarily where you obtained the requirement. 

We suggest the following format:  Degree or Certification Title (acronym), Institution Name 

Here’s an example: 

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN), University of Washington 

Should I Include Graduation Dates on a Nursing Resume?

You are not required to include your college or high school graduation dates on your nursing resume , as it could reveal your age. Age discrimination is the top form of employment discrimination and affects all age groups. If you graduated more than 10-15 years ago, it may be a good idea to omit the date.  But this is a personal decision you should make at your own discretion.

Should I Include My GPA on a Nursing Resume?

Including your GPA in your nursing resume is optional. If you are particularly proud of your GPA, by all means, add it! However, it is not required. If you graduated with honors that you are proud of, you can definitely include that as well. Again the resume is a unique snapshot of you!

Should I Include my Non-Nursing Degrees and Credentials?

If you possess other degrees not related to nursing, it is not necessary to include those on your nursing resume. Some second-career nurses like to list this information, especially if there has been an interesting career pivot or one that brings a lot of value to your role as a nurse. Remember, you are telling your personal, unique story, and you get to decide what to include.

How Do I Add In-Progress Advanced Education Programs?

If you are currently enrolled in higher education to advance your studies within the nursing field, that should be listed on your resume and state that the degree is pending or in progress. However, if you started a graduate degree program, never finished, and do not plan on finishing, it is unnecessary to include it on the resume. 

Should I Include my High School Education?

Nurses do not need to include their high school diplomas on their resumes. The nursing profession requires completion of higher education, and therefore, your higher degree trumps your diploma. 

Awards, Accomplishments, and Affiliations

Though this section is not required, we encourage including awards and accomplishments that are relevant to the nursing profession. These details will provide the potential employer with more proof and evidence of who you are as a nurse. 

In this section, you can include: 

• Awards and recognitions that are specific to the hospital or facility where you work, e.g. the Daisy Award, Employee of the Month, and Nursing Excellence Award
• Professional memberships and affiliations relating to nursing and/or healthcare
• Volunteer work, if it relates to nursing

We suggest the following format: Title, organization, year

Here are a couple of examples:

• Recipient, Nursing Excellence Award, Washington Medical Center
• Volunteer, American Red Cross - Haiti - 2012

Naming Your Nurse Resume Save File

One last thing, saving! Don’t just give your resume any old name! Hiring professionals sometimes receive multiple documents from candidates, and they don’t want to waste time sorting through every document to find the resume. Some prefer to organize resumes by specialty. Tell them exactly which document is your resume. 

We suggest the following format: firstlast_specialty_resume.doc

Here’s an example:

PennyLite_ICU_resume.doc

We’ve seen a lot of resumes over the years, and you might be surprised by the amount of strange information people have included on them. So, here are the top mistakes we’ve seen:

Woot! If you’ve made it this far you should have an excellent understanding of how to write a great nursing resume. We know it’s a lot of information right now, and we hope that you’ll use the information to advance your career.

For a little more help, try using our free resume templates. And when you’ve landed your next interview, check out the next part in this series, The Complete Guide to Nursing Job Interviews .

>> Download free nurse resume templates!

What should be included in a nursing resume?

• A nursing resume should include your education, experience, including clinical, work, and volunteer, any certifications you have, and skills. 

How do I write a nurse resume?

• You can use a template to fill out your nursing resume or fill out your own. 

How do I list my nursing skills on my resume?

• List skills that are in the job description or outline on the facility’s website. For instance, common nursing skills include critical thinking, teamwork, communication, team management, and high ethical standards. 

Do you put RN after your name on a resume?

• You can include "RN" or "RN, BSN"  if you have other credentials. If you haven’t passed your NCLEX yet, you can put G.N. for Graduate Nurse.

How long should a nurse's resume be?

• A nursing resume should be no longer than 1-2 pages. 

What is your greatest skill as a nurse?

• The most valuable skill you have as a nurse may depend on your exact role and specialty, but in general, communication, kindness, empathy, and critical thinking are highly valued traits as a nurse. 

How far back should a resume go?

• If you’re a recent graduate, you don’t need to go to high school, just include your college experience and degree. For experienced nurses, include all relevant experience. 

Amanda is an Ivy-league-educated nurse practitioner and career mentor who helps nurses find and land their dream jobs. She founded The Résumé Rx  in 2018 to help nurses with career and résumé strategy  Learn more about Amanda and her products at  www.theresumerx.com  and follow her on Instagram  @theresumerx.

Angelina has her finger on the pulse of everything nursing. Whether it's a trending news topic, valuable resource or, heartfelt story, Angelina is an expert at producing content that nurses love to read. She specializes in warmly engaging with the nursing community and exponentially growing our social presence.

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New Grad Nurse Resume Examples: Proven To Get You Hired In 2024

Jump to a template:

• New Grad Nurse
• Nursing Graduate
• Junior Registered Nurse
• Entry-Level RN
• Registered Nurse
• Entry Level Registered Nurse

Get advice on each section of your resume:

Jump to a resource:

• New Grad Nurse Resume Tips

New Grad Nurse Resume Template

Download in google doc, word or pdf for free. designed to pass resume screening software in 2022., new grad nurse resume sample.

As a new grad nurse, you're entering an ever-evolving healthcare field with unique challenges. Your resume should not only showcase your nursing skills but also emphasize your adaptability and eagerness to learn. Employers are looking for candidates who can adapt to changes in the industry and effectively communicate with patients and colleagues alike. Healthcare organizations are increasingly focusing on patient satisfaction and outcomes, so highlighting your clinical experience and ability to work in various settings will position you as a strong candidate for such roles. When writing your resume, it’s vital to be specific about your nursing education, clinical rotations, and any relevant certifications.

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Recruiter Insight: Why this resume works in 2022

Tips to help you write your new grad nurse resume in 2024,    highlight clinical rotations and experiences.

Detail the clinical rotations you completed during your nursing program, describing the type of units you worked on and the skills you gained. Showcase any experiences in diverse or high-acuity settings to demonstrate your adaptability and competence.

   Emphasize soft skills and teamwork

Since new grad nurses often work in interdisciplinary teams, emphasize your soft skills, such as communication, empathy, and collaboration. Use specific examples from clinical rotations or team projects to showcase your ability to work effectively with others.

As a new graduate nurse, you're entering a highly competitive job market where employers are seeking the best candidates to fill their open positions. In recent years, the nursing industry has seen an increasing demand for skilled nurses, but also a higher number of job applicants. To stand out, it's crucial that your resume effectively showcases your education, clinical experience, and key strengths. Crafting a tailored resume will not only help you land interviews, but also demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to a career in nursing. Resumes are particularly important in the nursing field, as hiring managers need to assess your clinical competencies, ability to work under pressure, and adaptability. Both tactical and strategic recommendations can help you create a resume that highlights your skills and makes you an attractive candidate for potential employers.

As a new grad nurse, you might lack extensive work experience, so it's important to emphasize your clinical rotations and any hands-on experiences you've had during your education. Include the facility's name, department, and a brief description of the patient population and any specialized skills you practiced.

   Focus on soft skills and certifications

While technical skills are essential, nursing is also about communication, empathy, and teamwork. Highlight your soft skills, such as active listening, problem-solving, and time management, throughout your resume. Additionally, mention any relevant certifications (e.g., BLS, ACLS) that showcase your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

As a new graduate nurse, you’ll face a steep learning curve, so be prepared to learn and adapt on the go. Without much professional work history on your resume, you should highlight any nursing experience you’ve gained during your studies, including student nursing placements, clinical practicums, and any experience as a technician or extern.

   Includes student nursing and practicum experience

As a new grad, hiring managers aren’t expecting you to have extensive work experience. Any experience you’ve gained as a nursing student or early in your career can go on your resume in place of paid work experience. Simply list your practicums and student nursing experience the same way you would any job, using action verbs to highlight your accomplishments.

   Lists specific skills relevant to nursing

Even graduate nurses need a firm grounding in essential skills. When it comes to your skills section, be explicit about the skills you’re proficient in, but don’t feel the need to list every skill you’ve ever learned — choose the top ten or so skills that fit the specific job you’re applying for and list those.

Nursing Graduate Resume Sample

Junior registered nurse resume sample, entry-level rn resume sample, registered nurse resume sample, entry level registered nurse resume sample.

As a hiring manager who has recruited nurses at top healthcare organizations like Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Cleveland Clinic, I've reviewed hundreds of resumes from new grad nurses. In this article, I'll share insider tips on what makes a strong new grad nurse resume stand out. These tips come from my firsthand experience and conversations with other hiring managers in the field.

   Highlight your clinical experience

As a new grad nurse, your clinical experience is one of the most important things to showcase on your resume. This includes any clinical rotations, internships, or externships you completed during your nursing program.

When describing your clinical experience, be specific about:

• The units you worked in (e.g. ICU, ER, pediatrics)
• The number of patients you cared for per shift
• Any specific skills or procedures you performed (e.g. wound care, medication administration)
• Any notable accomplishments or positive feedback you received

By providing concrete details and metrics, you give hiring managers a clear picture of your hands-on experience and capabilities as a new nurse.

   Emphasize your licensure and certifications

In addition to your nursing degree, be sure to prominently feature your RN license and any relevant certifications on your resume. This shows employers that you have met the necessary requirements to practice as a registered nurse.

Some examples of certifications to include:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC)

If you have any specialty certifications, such as in critical care or emergency nursing, definitely highlight those as well. They demonstrate your expertise and commitment to professional development.

   Showcase your leadership and teamwork skills

As a nurse, strong leadership and teamwork abilities are essential. Employers want to see evidence of these soft skills on your resume.

Think about experiences where you:

• Collaborated with a multidisciplinary care team
• Took on a leadership role in a group project
• Mentored or precepted fellow nursing students
• Participated in quality improvement initiatives

Even if you don't have formal leadership titles, you can still showcase your leadership potential through your actions and accomplishments. Avoid simply listing soft skills without context, like this:

• Strong leadership skills
• Excellent communicator
• Team player

Instead, provide specific examples that illustrate those qualities in action.

   Include relevant volunteer and extracurricular experience

As a new grad, you may not have extensive paid work experience in nursing yet. However, any relevant volunteer work or extracurricular activities can still strengthen your resume.

Some examples to consider:

• Volunteering at a local clinic or health fair
• Participating in a medical mission trip
• Serving as a board member for a student nursing organization
• Organizing community health education events

These experiences showcase your passion for healthcare and your ability to make a positive impact outside of a formal work setting. They can also help you develop valuable skills that transfer to your nursing career.

   Tailor your resume to the specific job

One mistake I often see new grad nurses make is using the same generic resume for every job application. To really catch a hiring manager's attention, you need to customize your resume to the specific role and employer.

Before applying, carefully review the job description and research the organization. Then, look for ways to tailor your resume content accordingly:

• Mirror the language and keywords from the job posting
• Emphasize any skills or experience that directly match the job requirements
• Mention any connections or interest in the employer's mission and values

For example, if applying to a pediatric nursing position, you might include a tailored resume summary like: "Compassionate and dedicated new grad nurse with a strong foundation in pediatric care. Experienced in caring for children of all ages through clinical rotations at X Children's Hospital and volunteer work with Y Youth Organization. Committed to providing family-centered nursing care that promotes optimal child health and development."

By taking the time to customize your resume, you show employers that you are truly interested in and qualified for that particular opportunity.

   Highlight your nursing education and academic achievements

Your nursing education is the foundation of your qualifications as a new grad nurse. Make sure to feature your nursing degree prominently on your resume, including:

• The full name of your degree (e.g. Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
• The name and location of your nursing school
• Your graduation date (or expected graduation date)
• Any honors or distinctions (e.g. magna cum laude, Dean's List)

In addition to your degree, you can also showcase other academic achievements, such as:

• Relevant coursework or specialized tracks
• Research projects or publications
• Scholarships or awards
• Study abroad or international nursing experiences

These details paint a fuller picture of your nursing education and demonstrate your academic excellence. Just be sure to keep the focus on achievements that are directly relevant to your nursing career.

Writing Your New Grad Nurse Resume: Section By Section

  summary.

A resume summary for a new grad nurse is optional, but it can be a great way to provide context and highlight your most relevant skills and experiences. While an objective statement is outdated and should be avoided, a well-crafted summary can help you stand out from other candidates and showcase your unique value proposition.

When writing your summary, focus on the key qualifications and traits that make you an ideal fit for the nursing role you're targeting. Avoid repeating information that's already covered in other sections of your resume, and keep it concise – aim for no more than 3-4 sentences or bullet points.

To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your New Grad Nurse resume, or figure out if you need one, please read New Grad Nurse Resume Summary Examples , or New Grad Nurse Resume Objective Examples .

1. Tailor your summary to the nursing job

When crafting your new grad nurse resume summary, it's crucial to align it with the specific requirements and preferences of the healthcare facility you're applying to. Research the organization's mission, values, and the type of patients they serve, and incorporate relevant keywords and phrases into your summary.

For example, if you're applying to a pediatric nursing position, you might write:

Compassionate and detail-oriented new grad nurse with a passion for providing high-quality care to pediatric patients. Experienced in assessing vital signs, administering medications, and collaborating with healthcare teams to develop personalized treatment plans. Committed to creating a positive and nurturing environment for children and their families.

In contrast, a generic summary that fails to target the specific nursing role might read:

Hardworking and dedicated new grad nurse seeking an entry-level position in a healthcare facility. Skilled in patient care, communication, and teamwork. Eager to apply my knowledge and learn from experienced nurses.

2. Highlight your clinical experience and skills

As a new grad nurse, your clinical rotations and any relevant work experience are valuable assets to showcase in your summary. Emphasize the specific skills and knowledge you've gained that are most applicable to the nursing position you're seeking.

Strong examples might look like:

• Completed clinical rotations in med-surg, pediatrics, and emergency care, honing skills in patient assessment, wound care, and medication administration
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement patient care plans, ensuring optimal outcomes and patient satisfaction

On the other hand, weak examples that lack specificity and relevance might include:

• Gained experience in various healthcare settings through clinical rotations
• Worked well with others to provide patient care

  Experience

As a new grad nurse, your work experience section may feel light. But with the right approach, you can still showcase your skills and potential. Use these tips to write a compelling work experience section that will catch the eye of hiring managers.

1. Highlight your clinical rotations

Your clinical rotations are a goldmine of relevant experience. Treat each rotation as a separate 'job' entry.

Instead of just listing your responsibilities, highlight your achievements and the skills you developed:

• Completed 12-week rotation in pediatric ICU, caring for up to 5 patients per shift
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to develop and implement patient care plans
• Educated patients and families on post-operative care, improving patient satisfaction scores by 10%

Quantify your experience where possible. Metrics help hiring managers understand the scope of your responsibilities and achievements.

2. Showcase your non-clinical experience

Don't neglect your non-clinical experience. Jobs like server, tutor, or volunteer can be relevant if you frame them right.

Avoid a laundry list of duties like:

• Took customer orders
• Delivered food to tables
• Handled cash transactions

Instead, emphasize the transferable skills you gained:

• Provided excellent customer service in fast-paced restaurant, memorizing menu items and making personalized recommendations
• Resolved customer complaints tactfully, de-escalating tense situations
• Trained 5 new servers on POS system and service standards

Think about skills like communication, teamwork, and attention to detail which are valuable in nursing too.

3. Use strong nursing action verbs

Start each bullet point with a strong action verb that showcases your nursing skills. Avoid bland, overused verbs like 'assisted' or 'helped'.

Some powerful nursing verbs include:

• Collaborated

Monitored vital signs of post-operative patients, alerting physician to signs of complications.

These verbs paint a picture of you actively contributing to patient care.

  Education

The education section is a critical component of your new grad nurse resume. It's where you showcase your academic achievements and nursing-specific training. Here are some key tips to make your education section stand out to potential employers.

1. Put your education section at the top

As a new grad nurse, your education is likely your strongest selling point. Place your education section at the top of your resume, just below your contact information and resume summary (if you have one).

Here's an example of what your education section might look like:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Graduation: May 2023 GPA: 3.8

2. Include relevant coursework and clinical rotations

As a new grad, you may not have a lot of professional nursing experience yet. That's okay! You can bolster your education section by including relevant coursework and clinical rotations.

Bad example:

• Completed coursework in various subjects

Instead, be specific and highlight courses and rotations that are directly applicable to the nursing role you're seeking:

• Relevant Coursework: Advanced Health Assessment, Pharmacology, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing
• Clinical Rotations: Completed 800+ clinical hours in diverse settings, including acute care, long-term care, and community health

3. List your nursing license and certifications

If you've already obtained your nursing license, be sure to list it in your education section. You can also include any relevant certifications you've earned.

Registered Nurse (RN), California Board of Registered Nursing License Number: 123456 Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, American Heart Association Expiration: May 2024

If you haven't taken your NCLEX yet, you can list your anticipated license:

Registered Nurse (RN), California Board of Registered Nursing NCLEX-RN scheduled for June 2023

4. Keep it concise if you're an experienced nurse

If you're a more seasoned nurse, your education section can be brief. Employers will be more interested in your professional experience at this stage in your career.

Poor example for a senior nurse:

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Specialization in Nurse Leadership Georgetown University Graduation: May 2012 GPA: 3.9 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) University of Virginia Graduation: May 2008 GPA: 3.7 Relevant Coursework: ...

Instead, keep it concise:

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Georgetown University Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), University of Virginia

  Skills

When writing your skills section as a new grad nurse, focus on the hard skills and technical proficiencies that make you qualified for the role. Hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) will scan this section to ensure you meet the basic requirements. Keep it concise and highlight your most relevant and impressive skills.

1. List your nursing credentials and certifications

As a new grad nurse, your skills section should prominently feature your nursing degree, licensure, and any specialty certifications you've earned. These are the core qualifications that demonstrate you meet the legal requirements to practice as a nurse.

Here's an example of how to list your credentials:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Registered Nurse (RN), Florida, License #12345 Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification

2. Highlight your clinical skills and specialties

Recruiters want to see the specific clinical skills you've developed through your nursing education and any internships or practicums. Focus on skills that match the job description and showcase your areas of expertise.

Avoid simply listing 'Clinical Skills' with no details, like this:

Clinical Skills

Instead, provide specific examples of your clinical proficiencies:

Patient assessment and triage Medication administration Wound care and dressing changes Inserting and monitoring IVs Telemetry and vital signs monitoring Assisting with diagnostic procedures

3. Include any healthcare technologies you're proficient in

Modern healthcare relies heavily on technology, from electronic health records (EHR) systems to patient monitoring devices. Showcase your comfort with these tools to stand out to employers.

Organize your technical skills into categories to make them easy to scan:

Electronic Health Records: Epic, Cerner, Meditech Medical Devices: Infusion pumps, Ventilators, Defibrillators Diagnostic Tools: 12-lead EKG, Bladder scanner, Doppler ultrasound

If you have experience with older or less common technologies, consider leaving those out. Focus on current, widely-used tools that demonstrate you're prepared to hit the ground running in a new role.

4. Optimize your skills section for Applicant Tracking Systems

Many healthcare employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to automatically screen resumes for relevant skills and keywords. To pass these filters, make sure your skills section includes terms from the job description.

For example, if a job posting mentions 'patient education,' don't just list 'patient care' as a skill. Match the language from the job ad as closely as possible, like this:

Patient and family education Discharge planning and instructions

However, avoid keyword stuffing or listing skills you don't actually have. Hiring managers can tell when a candidate is just trying to game the system.

Skills For New Grad Nurse Resumes

Here are examples of popular skills from New Grad Nurse job descriptions that you can include on your resume.

• Nursing Management
• Customer Service
• Patient Education
• Healthcare Information Technology (HIT)
• Clinical Research
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Healthcare Management
• Emergency Nursing

Skills Word Cloud For New Grad Nurse Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on New Grad Nurse job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more likely you should include it in your resume.

How to use these skills?

Similar resume templates.

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Resume Guide: Detailed Insights From Recruiters

• Nursing Resume Guide & Examples for 2022

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New Grad Nurse Resumes

• Template #1: New Grad Nurse
• Template #2: New Grad Nurse
• Template #3: New Grad Nurse
• Template #4: Nursing Graduate
• Template #5: Junior Registered Nurse
• Template #6: Entry-Level RN
• Template #7: New Grad Nurse
• Template #8: Registered Nurse
• Template #9: Entry Level Registered Nurse
• Skills for New Grad Nurse Resumes
• Free New Grad Nurse Resume Review
• Other Medical Resumes
• New Grad Nurse Interview Guide
• New Grad Nurse Sample Cover Letters
• Alternative Careers to a Nursing Manager
• All Resumes
• Resume Action Verbs

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Nurse LPN Resume Example

The Nurse LPN Resume Example was written for a job seeker that was a 30-year Supervisor in a role as a Licensed Practical Nurse. This nursing professional was looking to move into a more profitable position within her realm of experience.

The resume was a challenge because as a longstanding LPN, the candidate had quite a lot of technical knowledge and experience, which needed to be written in an easy-to-read way. It was also pertinent to illustrate the candidate’s evident leadership abilities and the amount of responsibility they had for many years.

Combining these valid transferrable management skills alongside medical jargon was done by containing the medical terminology to the Expertise and Areas of Treatment sections. The writer incorporated transferrable achievements and qualities to the Core Competencies section.

In addition, while the candidate had held multiple earlier positions in the same field, we narrowed down the Professional Experience section to only the two most recent posts held in order to keep the resume to one page.

If the second page will be redundant of the first with similar duties, it is not necessary to delineate all of this information. Because the candidate was looking to change to a different type of facility, it was imperative to include the Areas of Treatment they were equipped to handle, even if these seemed to “go without saying.”

Nurse LPN Resume Example Statements

• Evaluate new clients by diagnosing physical condition and health status.
• Provide basic nursing care and personal care assistance to patients.
• Record vital signs and chart testing of patients.
• Assists physicians with examinations, procedures and administrative processes.
• Maintain medical records of all patient interactions.
• Ensure patients and families receive a comfortable and therapeutic environment.
• Help create procedures to assess patients and identify health risks.
• Deliver health care instructions to patients and family members.

LPN Resume Writing Guide

Are you a licensed practical nurse (LPN) looking to take the next step in your career? A well-crafted LPN resume is crucial for catching the attention of recruiters and landing your dream job. But where do you start?

With a strategic approach, you can highlight your accomplishments and skills in a way that sets you apart from other candidates. The key to crafting a successful resume is tailoring it to the job offer. By presenting your responsibilities as achievements and quantifying where possible, you can show recruiters you have the skills and experience they seek.

What Do Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) Do?

As an LPN in 2023, you’ll monitor patients, take their vital signs, and perform routine assessments.

You’ll also be responsible for changing bandages and inserting IVs or catheters when necessary.

Your main priority will be ensuring that your patients are comfortable and their needs are met. This may include helping them wash or dress.

Monitor Patients

When monitoring patients as an LPN, it’s crucial to remain attentive and responsive to any changes in their condition. Prompt medical attention can be the difference between life and death. As an LPN, your primary responsibility is compassionate care, including monitoring vital signs, administering medications, using charts, and providing wound care.

Your LPN resume should highlight your years of experience and ability to respond quickly and effectively to patient condition changes. In your LPN job, you may monitor patients in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and private residences.

Your LPN resume summary should clearly outline your skills and abilities in this area. Your skills section should also highlight your organizational, teamwork, and communication skills, all critical components of the job.

By emphasizing your ability to monitor patients and respond quickly to changes in their condition, you can position yourself as a top candidate for any LPN position.

Take the Patient’s Vital Signs

You must be vigilant in taking your patient’s vital signs, which can be crucial in determining their overall health and well-being.

In your resume, highlight your ability to accurately take and document vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. This section of your resume should showcase your attention to detail and that you have the necessary skills to maintain a high level of patient care.

Include any relevant certifications or training you have received in this area. You’ll stand out as a top candidate for LPN positions by showcasing your expertise in taking vital signs.

Perform Routine Assessments

Performing routine assessments is a crucial aspect of nursing care that showcases your ability to monitor and document patient condition changes. As an LPN, this skill is vital to include in your resume and job description.

In the experience section, highlight your experience performing routine assessments, including documenting vital signs, assessing patient information, and administering medication. This will show potential employers you have the practical nursing experience and the technical skills necessary to succeed.

It’s essential to showcase your ability to create and implement treatment plans. This involves understanding the patient’s medical history, consulting with doctors and other healthcare professionals, and administering medication. By emphasizing your medication administration and treatment planning skills, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the knowledge and expertise to provide patients with the best possible care.

Change Bandages

Changing bandages is a crucial aspect of nursing care, and emphasizing this skill in your resume can demonstrate your ability to promote healing and prevent infection. Did you know improper wound care can increase the risk of disease by up to 50%?

As a nurse practitioner, your professional experience performing routine wound care and changing bandages can be showcased through bullet points in your work experience section. Make sure to highlight your soft skills, such as being compassionate towards patients and paying attention to detail regarding wound care.

Insert Ivs or Catheters

Inserting IVs or catheters is a crucial nursing skill that can be highlighted in a professional healthcare resume to showcase the ability to provide adequate medical care.

As an LPN, you’ve likely received IV therapy and catheterization training, making it an important skill to include in your resume. When writing about this skill, mention any relevant experience and certifications in the education section of your resume.

To make your resume stand out, consider using resume templates or seeking the advice of a professional resume writing service.

Ensure Patients Are Comfortable

As an LPN, one top priority is ensuring your patients are comfortable. This involves more than just inserting IVs or catheters; it requires a compassionate approach to nursing that includes both hard and soft skills.

When crafting your resume, highlight your experience providing quality care and your ability to prioritize patient comfort in all patient care activities. In addition, LPNs work collaboratively with clinical and support staff to maintain high staff morale and professionalism.

Your ability to communicate effectively and work as part of a team will be just as important as your clinical skills. Ensure that your resume includes concrete examples of your ability to work well with others and your commitment to providing high-quality care.

When you demonstrate your clinical and interpersonal skills, you will be well on your way to securing your next LPN position.

Help Patients Wash or Dress

When helping patients with tasks like washing or dressing, LPNs bring compassion to their care, ensuring patients feel comfortable and supported throughout their treatment.

As an LPN, you have the skills and experience to provide this care to patients in nursing homes or other healthcare settings. It’s important to highlight your interpersonal skills and any previous experience working with patients in this capacity on your CV.

Consider including skills examples that showcase your ability to provide compassionate patient care. This might include your ability to assist with bathing, dressing, or other personal hygiene tasks and your experience communicating with patients and their families to address their concerns and ensure their care needs are met.

Should I Write an Objective or Summary for My LPN Resume?

Suppose you’re unsure whether to include an objective or summary section on your resume. In that case, you can quickly determine the best approach by considering your experience level and the information you want to convey to potential employers.

An objective statement is best for LPNs with limited experience who want to highlight their skills and show how they can contribute to the organization. On the other hand, a summary statement is more appropriate for LPNs with extensive experience who want to showcase their accomplishments and provide a snapshot of their professional life.

When writing your resume objective or summary, it’s essential to remember the job search and the specific job you’re applying for. Look for certified nursing job descriptions and LPN resume examples online to understand what recruiters are looking for in a candidate.

Focus on your critical skills and achievements, and tailor your statement to the job requirements. Highlight how your skills and experience match the employer’s needs, and make sure your information is concise and easy to read.

In summary, whether you write an objective or summary section on your resume depends on your experience level and the type of information you want to convey to potential employers. Both options have benefits, so choose the one that best suits your needs and the job you’re applying for.

Write a concise statement highlighting your key skills and achievements, and tailor it to the job requirements to maximize your chances of getting hired.

How To Add Your LPN Skills on a Resume

Ready to showcase your top-notch skills as an LPN? Let’s dive into how to add them to your resume effectively!

Whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced LPN, highlighting your skills can make all the difference in landing your dream job.

To start, consider incorporating a key skills section in your resume. This section should focus exclusively on relevant skills and be limited to a maximum of 10. Use examples to help support your skills, such as post-surgical care, basic care, patient monitoring, administering medications, and O2 treatment.

It’s also essential to include organizational, teamwork, and communication skills, as these are essential in this kind of role.

When tailoring your resume to the job offer, identify crucial skills listed by the employer. These skills should be emphasized and listed near the top of your resume, and this will help recruiters quickly see that you have the skills they are looking for.

How To Impress With Your LPN Work Experience

Impress recruiters with your LPN experience by highlighting specific patient care achievements, collaborative success stories, and technical skills on your resume. Your experience or work history section is crucial for showcasing your abilities as an LPN.

Be sure to include basic care and patient care activities that you’ve performed and any support staff that you’ve supervised. Highlight any specialized skills you possess, such as tracheostomy or wound care. Consider working with a certified professional resume writer to create a strong resume.

Use action verbs to describe your accomplishments, and quantify your achievements whenever possible. This’ll help recruiters understand your impact in previous roles and why you’re a strong candidate for an LPN position. In addition to showcasing your LPN work background, don’t forget to highlight your collaboration and teamwork skills.

LPNs work closely with other healthcare professionals, so it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a team. Use specific examples when collaborating with others to achieve positive patient outcomes. By highlighting your LPN work experience and teamwork skills, you can create a strong LPN resume that catches the attention of potential employers.

What Makes a Great LPN Resume

Crafting a winning LPN application that captures the attention of hiring managers requires a combination of solid skills, achievements, and teamwork examples that leap off the page. Your resume is your ticket to securing an interview and needs to be polished, professional, and tailored to the job.

To make the best resume, start with a strong resume header that includes your name, job title, address, and email. Use a professional email address that’s easy to remember, and avoid using nicknames or unprofessional usernames. Choose a format that highlights your experience, skills, and education.

Use bullet points to make your job application easy to read and scan by recruiters.

Your LPN resume should showcase your achievements and skills, especially those related to the position. Use action verbs to describe your duties and accomplishments, and quantify where possible.

Use a reader-friendly font and embrace white space to avoid cramming too much information on the page. Use a proven formula for the summary section.

By following these tips, you can create the best resume possible and increase your chances of landing the LPN job of your dreams.

The Best LPN Job Description for Your Resume

You’re on the hunt for your dream job, and the key to success lies in crafting a job description section that showcases your achievements, quantifies your responsibilities, and highlights your relevant skills.

The LPN job description is the part of your resume that gives recruiters a better understanding of your experience and capabilities. Start with your most recent job and list your job title, company name, and dates worked. Then, present your responsibilities as achievements and quantify them where possible.

If you’re applying for a home health position, emphasize your skills in post-surgical patient care, primary patient care, patient monitoring, administering medications, and O2 treatment. Use resume action words to highlight your skills, and list critical achievements below responsibilities if quantifying is difficult.

Following these resume tips can increase your chances of landing your dream job.

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the end of this informative article on crafting a winning resume. By now, you should have a solid understanding of what LPNs do and how to present your LPN skills and work experience in a way that catches the eye of recruiters.

But wait, there’s more! Don’t forget the importance of a well-crafted LPN cover letter to showcase your communication skills and stand out from other candidates.

So, what are you waiting for? Start crafting your LPN resume and cover letter today, tailor them to the job offer, and get ready to impress recruiters with your skills and achievements.

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3 New Grad RN Resume Examples Proven to Work in 2024

New Grad RN Resume

Clean new grad rn resume, modern new grad rn resume.

• New Grad RN Resume Writing 101

That new diploma is looking nice and shiny, and so are your basic medical skills! You’re in the position to perform all the usual duties of a Registered Nurse, including patient exams, routine procedures and treatments, and offer assistance to more experienced medical personnel.

But what  resume template  will let you turn your fresh graduate experience into something that appeals to recruiters so that you can start drawing samples and completing patient questionnaires ASAP?

Don’t worry! We’ve spent years helping people in medical roles, including aspiring graduates like you, and our three New Grad RN  resume examples  are bound to help you get things rolling!

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Related resume examples

• Med surg RN
• Nursing student

What Matters Most: Your Skills & Experience Sections

Your  job skills  section should include all kinds of stuff, from blood sample collection to patient documentation and note checking. Recruiters want to see that you’re equipped to do it all, whether you’re a new grad RN or not!

Keep each skill specific to your profession. Avoid generic terms like “communication” and instead go for something like “patient education” or “active listening” to convey your efficiency within  your  job role.

Being extra precise helps you avoid sounding bland in comparison with other candidates! After all, you want to stand out, and showing off your knowledge of vitals and essential life support will do that.

9 best new grad RN skills

• Patient Documentation
• Patient Education
• Blood Drawing
• IV Management
• Clinical Records
• Preventative Care
• Sample Processing
• Emergency Response

Sample new grad RN work experience bullet points

You’ve got some great  job skills —but how can you show your ability to apply them in a medical setting? This part can sometimes be tricky for new graduates, but you probably have more  relevant experiences  than you think.

Did you get the opportunity to shadow a doctor or LPN? Did you complete a related internship? You can also refer to unrelated jobs.

Unrelated jobs, such as that after-school stocking job you worked last semester, still build up skills that transfer well to the RN role. Think customer/patient service, stocking shelves vs. managing medical supply inventory, etc.

Just make sure you back your accomplishments with quantifiable data! Here are some examples of bullet points with good metrics for your impact:

• Visited patients, rotating wings weekly to spend at least 15 minutes with each patient, elevating personal rating to 4.8/5 stars
• Assisted patients with mobility, helping them follow physical therapy protocols under the supervision of three CNAs, improving recover results by 14%
• Answered patient call lights within 15 seconds and tended to patients’ needs or located an RN or doctor, depending on the intensity of the situation, achieving a 3 minute decrease in wait times
• Turned and positioned immobile patients safely with 0 incidents, maintaining proper body alignment and preventing 100% of bed sores

Top 5 Tips for Your New Grad RN Resume

• Sometimes, new grads get the urge to spruce up their resumes with fancy fonts and bright colors. Keep that to a minimum. You want to convey professionalism and prioritize legibility!
• We can’t stress enough that applicable RN-related skills can come from anywhere. You don’t have to have  job experience  in the medical field to launch your career! Think of transferable skills, like a cheerful bedside manner, that you gained from an internship, outreach initiative, or college project that relate to patient care.
• We have three new grad RN  resume templates  for you to try, and the one you pick should depend directly on the most impressive section you’re presenting. Got lucky with some relevant mentorship experience? Experience section to center stage! Are your skills and certifications jaw-dropping? Give them their own column.
• Don’t even think about leaving them out! If you have Basic Life Support (BLS), Certified Wound Treatment Associate (WTA-C), or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) credentials, spotlight those. Certifications demonstrate your capabilities even if you haven’t had relevant  work experience  yet.
• A lot of people use a  cover letter generator  to reflect on experience points that don’t fit on their resumes. How does that time you assisted with a critical situation while volunteering at a nursing home make you a better fit for the company today?

Recruiters only have a few seconds to spare for each resume. So, keep to a  one-page resume ! And don’t worry about filling the page to the brim. Focus on leveraging your most powerful points instead of pulling in fluff.

Yes! Having more experienced professionals or college professors vouch for your promise as a new grad RN can bolster your credibility. Just make sure you attach them separately instead of trying to puzzle them into the resume.

You can include an especially impressive GPA, Dean’s List achievement, and any other academic awards you’ve obtained. Including these thoughtful details alongside your Bachelor’s in Nursing shows ambition!

New Grad RN No Experience Resume Examples [+4 Samples]

Discover our complete guide and selection of new grad RN resume examples with no experience to use to create your own resume with our easy-to-use resume builder.

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s taught us the importance of the work done every day by registered nurses, or RNs. If you’re a new grad hoping to work as a RN, you could have an amazing career ahead of you. As a RN, you’ll spend your working life helping those in need, improving people’s lives, and providing crucial public services in your community.

What’s more, the number of RN jobs available in the US is projected to keep growing. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that RN jobs will increase by 9% by 2030, which means that you can expect a long-lasting and stable career.

RNs enjoy consistent, full-time employment, with a great rate of pay and plenty of opportunities to use the education they have gained. But if you want to stand a chance of finding work as a new grad RN, you’ll need to make sure your resume is up to scratch. Thankfully, the VisualCV team has your back – we’ve prepared an in-depth guide to building a new grad RN resume that will give you an edge as you look for your first job.

Read on for advice and examples that will help you build your first resume!

What is a RN?

A registered nurse is a critical part of the US healthcare system. RNs are licensed medical professionals who provide direct, hands-on care. They can be found working in a wide range of settings, including:

• Doctors’ offices
• Nursing homes and care facilities
• Individual patients’ homes

From day to day, RNs work with doctors and other healthcare professionals to deliver specialized medical care to patients. They might have to administer medicines or other treatments, analyze the results of patient examinations, record patients’ symptoms or medical histories, or develop comprehensive patient care plans. While some of these tasks can only be performed with a doctor’s order, RNs aren’t exactly subordinate to doctors; they have their own specialist training, and often need to make high-impact decisions under pressure.

As RNs progress through their career, they may choose to specialize in a particular field of nursing. Medicine is a wide world, and RNs can specialize almost anywhere. Some of the most popular options include pediatric nursing, emergency room or intensive care nursing, and medical-surgical nursing.

Further down the line, RNs may wish to specialize even further. If they choose to pursue a master’s or a doctoral degree, they could become an advanced practice registered nurse, or APRN. APRNs can specialize in even more focused areas, like midwifery or anesthesia.

But if you want to embark on this long and highly varied career path, you will need to start with the right education. Most new grad RNs have either a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an associate’s degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. They also need to have a nursing license, valid in the state where they want to work, in order to find a job.

How to Write a New Grad RN Resume

As a new grad hoping to work as a RN, your resume needs to demonstrate two things. The first is that you have the qualifications and certifications needed to work as a registered nurse. The second is that you have the skills, both hard and soft, to thrive in the role of your choice.

Having only just graduated, you may not have much in the way of direct work experience. However, depending on your degree or diploma program, you should have acquired some combination of clinical training and residency- or internship-based experience. You may also have built some relevant experience through volunteering or hobbies while you were studying.

All of this should be included on your resume. But as a new graduate, employers may be less concerned about your experience than your education and training. Keep that in mind, and make sure that your qualifications are front and center.

In general, a RN resume written by a new graduate should contain the following:

• Your education
• Any experience you have
• Your skills, including any certifications or licenses you have

The Best Format for a RN Resume

When choosing your professionally-designed new grad RN resume template from our selection, think about what hiring managers are looking for from you. Because nursing jobs require a broad combination of education, skills and relevant experience, you may not need a resume format that prioritizes one element over another.

However, as a new graduate, you may want to consider foregrounding your education and certifications on your resume. Look for a format that will allow you to lead with your strongest assets – specifically, the training you’ve invested so much time and money into pursuing.

Later in your career, once you’ve acquired more direct work experience as a RN, you may want to consider a format that balances your education and training with your experience in previous roles.

It’s also important to remember that these days, many hiring managers use an applicant tracking system (or ATS) to sift through resumes. Although this helps companies streamline and speed up the hiring process, it does create some frustration for applicants – many of whom submit great resumes which are simply never seen by a real person. If your resume doesn’t make it past the ATS software, which usually looks for specific keywords based on the job description, it will usually be put aside.

Thankfully, all of VisualCV’s resume templates are built to beat ATS software. When you use one of our templates, you can be sure that your resume’s layout won’t confuse the software and undermine your chances of success. All that matters is the strength of your resume – and with our advice, your resume will be in front of a real hiring manager in no time.

3 New Grad RN Resume Examples

When working on your resume, it’s a good idea to start with your summary – which needs to be a short, to-the-point encapsulation of your best qualities. However, it should also reflect the requirements of the job description, so you will need to tailor it for every role you apply for. Remember, this is the first thing a recruiter will see about you!

As a new graduate, your summary should focus on your educational achievements. Later in your career, you should focus your summary more heavily on your past experience and the qualities that experience proves you possess. 3 summary examples:

• Recent graduate Registered Nurse with 3.7 GPA and extensive clinical training. Licensed to work in New York State. I’m looking for the first step in my nursing career!
• Recent graduate RN, licensed in the state of California, with internship-based experience in a busy clinical setting. Strong communication skills and proven ability to thrive under pressure.
• Licensed RN recent graduate with training and volunteering experience in a variety of clinical setting. Driven to succeed under pressure while delivering the highest standard of care.
• How Not to Write a New Grad RN Resume Summary

Your summary needs to be clear and concise, and it should be focused on what you have to offer. If your summary is too wordy or personal, it could jeopardize your chances of getting the job. You can use your cover letter to tell the story of why you want the job – your summary is about providing a snapshot of why you fit the requirements.

In fact, not all recruiters agree that a summary on your resume is necessary. If you’re struggling to write a summary that gets right to the point, it’s not the end of the world: you can choose to leave it out. Don’t Do This:

• I love helping people, so I studied hard for many years to qualify for a bachelor’s degree program in nursing. During my time in college, I took on as many volunteering opportunities as possible to improve my experience. Now that I’ve graduated with a 3.8 GPA, I’m excited to finally become a registered nurse and change people’s lives!

Do You Need a Resume Objective?

For non-entry-level positions, a resume objective is usually considered unnecessary. However, as a new graduate, your resume could benefit from the inclusion of an objective, as well as your resume summary.

If you’re not sure about the difference between the two, it’s simple! A summary is a short description of the qualities and skills you have that make you suitable for the job you want. An objective is an even shorter statement about your career goals, like the industry or the type of job you’re hoping to work in. New Grad RN Resume Objective Example:

• Licensed Registered Nurse with a BS in Nursing, seeking to apply my training in a new career as a RN.

How to Describe Your Experience on Your New Grad RN Resume

New graduates are often intimidated by the Experience section on their resume. But as a new grad RN, you actually have an advantage over new graduates hoping to enter other professions. You’re much more likely to have received relevant clinical training – as well as opportunities for volunteering work or even internships – as part of your degree program.

All of this can and should form part of your new grad RN resume.

• Describe Your Experience Effectively

Even when writing about experience that doesn’t come from direct employment, make sure you approach it in a way that reflects the effort you put into it. Don’t just list the tasks you carried out! Write about what you accomplished while carrying out those tasks.

In general, recruiters look for hard facts about your success in any given role – even a volunteering role or an internship. What did you do that made your work stand out? If you can show that you were able to succeed in the past, recruiters are more likely to believe that you can do it again. New Grad RN Resume Experience Example: Volunteer Care Assistant, Shady Pines Nursing Home | 2018-2019

• Supported home staff in delivering enrichment activities to residents, and achieved consistently high enrichment attendance rates
• Took responsibility for cleaning and maintaining common areas, ensuring a comfortable and healthy home environment for residents
• Worked closely with home staff to appraise residents’ health and wellbeing, and to intervene where needed
• How Not to Describe Your Experience

The worst thing you can do when describing your experience on your resume is write a simple list of the tasks you performed. Hiring managers are likely to know what you did in your previous role! Your job is to show that you were able to do it all well. Don’t Do This: Volunteer Care Assistant, Shady Pines Nursing Home | 2018-2019

• Delivered enrichment activities
• Cleaned common areas
• Monitored residents’ wellbeing

How to List Skills on Your New Grad RN Resume

Knowing which skills to list on your resume can be a challenge. While the job description can act as a useful guide, there are some skills that recruiters will expect you to have by default – and those skills may not be included in the job posting.

For general information about skills on your resume, check out our resume skills guide here!

• Top New Grad RN Resume Skills in Demand

Professional Certifications for New Grad RNs

Certifications can be a great way to help your resume stand out. They show hiring managers that you can take the initiative to further your career, and that you take your work seriously. In the medical field, it’s vital for hiring managers to have the confidence that you can perform the tasks necessary to help your patients – certifications are a way to show that you’re truly capable.

With a certification on your resume, you may be able to aim for more specialized positions with higher salaries. Here are a few common certifications for RNs!

• Basic Life Support (BLS)

This certification proves your ability to perform CPR, as well as your ability to use Automated External Defibrillators. It’s valid for two years at a time, and will need to be renewed after that point has passed. However, it’s a fairly straightforward certification, and you can obtain it from a variety of sources – including the Red Cross.

• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)

This certification is recommended for new graduates looking to enter the world of nursing. It builds on the foundation laid in the BLS certification, and will confirm to a hiring manager that you can recognize and respond to a cardiovascular emergency.

• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

Whether or not you’re planning to specialize in pediatrics, the PALS could be a great addition to your resume. It certifies your ability to resuscitate and stabilize infants and children in critical condition.

The Most Important Soft Skills for Your RN Resume

Most of what you’re taught during your nursing degree is likely to focus on hard skills. However, hiring managers are likely to be interested in your soft skills, too. These skills will help you out during your day-to-day work as a RN, and will enable you to perform more technical tasks more effectively. And for new graduates, who may be lacking in work experience, soft skills are further evidence that you can do the work you will be asked to do if you get the job.

Here are some of the most important soft skills to include on your new grad RN resume!

• Communication

Can you talk to practically anyone? Can you explain complex information in a way that people can understand? Can you take the right tone for the situation at hand, to ensure that people listen to what you’re saying?

If so, you have a vital skill that will help you immensely as a RN. You’ll need to communicate complicated and potentially upsetting information to patients, as well as liaise effectively with other medical professionals. Strong communication skills will make these challenging tasks a breeze for you.

First and foremost, working as a RN is about helping patients. If you’re the kind of person who cares about the wellbeing of others, or who is prepared to step in to help those who need it, you will find that the work you do is incredibly rewarding.

On the other hand, if you prefer a job where you don’t have to take responsibility for others’ happiness and comfort, nursing may not be the career for you.

• Organization

As a RN, you will be asked to balance multiple competing responsibilities every day. Between maintaining medical records, responding to emergency situations, delivering routine patient care, and keeping up a liaison with other medical staff, you’ll always be busy as a nurse! Being able to stay on top of yourself and your workload is a crucial part of the job.

If you highlight your organizational skills on your resume, you’ll be showing hiring managers that you understand the rigors of the job. It’s a good way to show that you’re prepared for the demands of nursing, and it will improve your chances of making it to interview.

New Grad RN Salaries

Nursing is considered to be a respectable and stable career path, with great earning potential. But how much can you expect to make as a new graduate RN?

According to Indeed, new grad RNs can expect to make an average of $38.72 per hour. But check out how you can expect your salary to increase over time:

• 1 to 2 years: $41.62/hour
• 3 to 5 years: $43.68/hour
• 6 to 9 years: $45.26/hour
• 10 years or more: $50.60/hour
• Final Thoughts

RNs do incredible work day in, day out. As a new grad RN, you’ll be embarking on a career that will change your life – as well as the lives of all your patients. If you thrive on helping others and relish working under pressure, consider training as a RN!

And when the time comes to start applying for jobs, VisualCV has you covered. Help your resume stand out from the crowd with a VisualCV Pro membership, which will allow you to customize every aspect of your resume. However you choose to present yourself, we’ll give you the tools you need to do it right.

Copyright © 2024 VisualCV

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NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing graduate programs ranked among best in Nation by U.S. News & World Report

April 09, 2024.

NYU Meyers is the eighth best nursing school in the nation for master’s programs, up five spots over last year, according to the 2024  U.S. News & World Repor t Best Graduate School rankings.

The rankings, released today, assessed both master's programs and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs on their research activity, faculty resources, and student excellence. The rankings also include the results of surveys of nursing school deans and healthcare professionals.

NYU Meyers’ overall master’s degree ranking was the highest among nursing schools in New York State. In addition, several master’s specialty programs earned top recognition: Meyers came in at #7 in the Best Acute Care Nurse Practitioner category and #12 for Best Family Nurse Practitioner programs.

At the doctoral level, NYU Meyers ranked #15 overall in Best Nursing Schools for doctor of nursing practice programs, and for the Best DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program.

“NYU Meyers has long been one of the best nursing schools in the country, and I’m very proud of our continued ascent in the US News rankings,” said Dean Angela Amar. “Most of all, I’m proud of the way students and faculty keep patients at the center of everything they do, from education to research to practice. These rankings reflect their commitment to service, innovation and excellence.”

About NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing 

NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing is a global leader in education and research, producing nurses who are compassionate and committed to patient-centered care that improves lives and transforms communities.

Consistently ranked by  U.S. News & World Report as one of the top nursing schools in the nation, Meyers College of Nursing is diverse, vibrant and entrepreneurial, offering world-class BS, MS, DNP and PhD programs to prepare the next generation of nursing leaders.

U.S. News Releases 2024 Best Graduate Programs Rankings

Find the top-ranked graduate schools in business, education, law, nursing and other fields.

U.S. News Ranks Best Graduate Schools

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To help prospective graduate students find a school that fits their needs, U.S. News released the 2024 rankings for multiple graduate fields.

Depending on the job or field, earning a graduate degree may lead to higher earnings, career advancement and specialized skill development.

But with several types of degrees and hundreds of graduate schools, it can be difficult to narrow down the options. To help prospective graduate students find a school that fits their needs, U.S. News released its 2024 Best Graduate Schools rankings today. They evaluate business, education, fine arts, health, law, library studies, nursing, public affairs, science, and social sciences and humanities graduate programs. Medical school and engineering rankings are not being released at this time.

A notable methodology change includes a new salary indicator based on profession in the business rankings.

Additionally, for the first time in four years, there are new rankings for a blend of doctoral and master's programs in audiology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, pharmacy, nurse midwifery and speech-language pathology. Graduate programs in nurse anesthesia and social work are also ranked for the first time since 2016 and 2022, respectively. Those and other specialty rankings are based on reputation ratings from scholars at other surveyed schools.

Read each program's specific methodology for the most detailed explanations of all the changes. The rankings are one source of information among many that prospective college students can use to inform their college decision. Below is a summary of the top-ranked schools in four major graduate program areas:

Best Law Schools

Best business schools, best nursing schools, best education schools.

Among the top 10 law schools . Yale Law School in Connecticut and California-based  Stanford Law School shared the top spot again. The  University of Chicago Law School in Illinois maintained its No. 3 rank, followed by a four-way tie at No. 4: Duke University School of Law in North Carolina, Harvard Law School in Massachusetts, the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and the University of Virginia School of Law .

Columbia Law School in New York ranked No. 8 again, while there was a three-way tie for No. 9: New York University School of Law , Northwestern University's Pritzker School of Law in Illinois and the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor Law School .

Looking beyond the top 10, multiple law schools moved up in the rankings. William & Mary Law School in Virginia, for instance, jumped nine spots from a tie at No. 45 to a five-way tie at No. 36.

U.S. News also ranked 13 law specialties: business/corporate, clinical training, constitutional, contracts/commercial, criminal, dispute resolution, environmental, health care, intellectual property, international, legal writing, tax and trial advocacy. (You can filter by specialty on the  main ranking page .)

Meanwhile, in the  part-time law school rankings – which consists of law schools with at least 20 part-time students enrolled in fall 2022 and fall 2023 – the top three stayed the same. The  Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., is once again at the top while D.C.-based  George Washington University Law School , now No. 3, switched places with the  Fordham University School of Law in New York City, which claimed second place.

Previously ranked at No. 3 and No. 6 respectively, the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and Stanford Graduate School of Business took the top spot in this year's full-time MBA program rankings . Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management and the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business moved down from their previous places in the top two to tie at No. 3.

While the top 10 mostly consists of the same schools as last year, both the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business joined those ranks this year. UC Berkeley rose from a three-way tie at No. 11 to a three-way tie at No. 7, while UVA moved up four spots from No. 14 to a tie at No. 10.

Farther down the full-time MBA rankings, there were some big changes. For example, Pitt's Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business soared 39 spots from a tie at No. 86 to a tie at No. 47.

Meanwhile, the very top of the part-time MBA rankings looks similar to last year, with the same schools in the top 5: UChicago, UC Berkeley, Northwestern, NYU's Leonard N. Stern School of Business and the Anderson School of Management at the University of California—Los Angeles. But UChicago took the No. 1 spot from UC Berkeley this year.

Moving up from No. 2, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in Maryland tied with Emory University's Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing in Georgia to claim the top spot in this year's nursing master's program rankings. Duke University School of Nursing in North Carolina climbed up by one to claim the third spot.

Johns Hopkins ranked No. 1, as it did last year, in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program rankings. George Mason University School of Nursing in Virginia – which reported more graduates and resources per faculty – soared from a four-way tie at No. 39 to take the No. 2 spot. Duke tied with the University of Washington School of Nursing to round out the top three.

Duke also ranked No. 1 in all of the ranked nursing master's nursing practice specialties, including administration, family, both acute and primary care adult gerontology, and mental health.

Once again, Teachers College, Columbia University in New York was No. 1 in the graduate education schools rankings. This year, however, it tied with the University of Wisconsin—Madison School of Education , which climbed two spots.

The University of Michigan—Ann Arbor's School of Education dropped from the top position to tie with the UCLA School of Education and Information Studies at No. 3. UCLA was previously tied at No. 7.

U.S. News also ranks nine education specialties, with the College of Education at Michigan State University claiming the top spot in the following categories: curriculum and instruction, educational administration, elementary teacher education, higher education administration and secondary teacher education.

Searching for a grad school of education? Access our  complete rankings  of Best Graduate Schools.

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UR Nursing Lands at No. 21 in National Ranking of Master’s Programs

  By Nora Williamson   Monday, April 8, 2024

The University of Rochester School of Nursing has been ranked No. 21 among U.S. nursing schools for its master’s programs, according to the 2024-25 Best Graduate Schools guide produced by U.S. News and World Report. Designed for prospective students looking to advance their nursing education, the Best Graduate Schools rankings evaluate programs based on academic quality and research success.  

“We are incredibly proud of the recent rankings that highlight the excellence of our master’s programs,” said Dean Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN . “While we are pleased with these results, they are just one measure of our ongoing progress and dedication to shaping the future of nursing. We continue to focus our efforts on equipping our students with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive in their careers while providing flexible ways to study as practicing nurses.”  

The No. 1 program in Upstate New York for five years, the UR School of Nursing is one of only two institutions in the state — and the only one outside of New York City — ranked in the top 30 for its master’s programs. It features one of the oldest and most prominent nurse practitioner programs in the country and currently enrolls nearly 300 students across six NP specialties and degree concentrations in nursing education and leadership . 

The recent rankings feature an increased emphasis on program size, research activity, student excellence, and faculty resources while reducing emphasis on reputation from previous year’s rankings.   "Our faculty's expertise and the high quality clinical and experiential learning that our programs offer have been instrumental in the success of our master's nursing programs,” said Lydia Rotondo, DNP, RN, CNS, FNAP, associate dean for education and student affairs. “Our faculty’s commitment to educational excellence combined with strong academic-practice partnerships enriches our learning environment. Working closely with our students and an extensive network of clinical partners, we are redefining nursing education to prepare our master’s graduates for the challenges of tomorrow's health care." 

Other metrics considered in the rankings include student to faculty ratio and percentages of faculty with important academic achievements in the nursing profession and who are active in nursing practice. About 86 percent of faculty at the UR School of Nursing actively practice in various clinical settings.

In addition to smaller class sizes and guaranteed clinical placements – in the UR Medicine system and other health care facilities across New York – master’s students can access one-on-one faculty support on career planning, writing, or test-taking through the school’s Center for Academic & Professional Success. UR Nursing master’s students hold an average 3.74 GPA from their undergraduate program and, in 2022, more than 90 percent of students successfully passed their national certification exam on the first try.    Prospective students can review master's programs offered by the UR School of Nursing, and read how the school compares to other institutions and how the rankings are calculated on USNews.com .  

Categories: Nursing Education , Nursing Leadership , Accelerated Programs , Nurse Practitioner Programs , Outcomes

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UB schools among the best in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools rankings

Photo: Douglas Levere

By David J. Hill

Release Date: April 9, 2024

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Several schools within the University at Buffalo, New York’s flagship, are ranked among the top nationwide in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools rankings , released this morning.

The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is among the top 20 in the country, coming in at No. 19 overall and 18th among public universities.

“This achievement is a testament to our relentless pursuit of groundbreaking research, transformative discoveries, and unwavering commitment to the success of our students,” said Gary Pollack, PhD, dean of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. “Our top 20 ranking reaffirms our steadfast commitment to cultivating the next generation of pharmacy and pharmaceutical science leaders who will push the boundaries of scientific inquiry, drive innovation in patient care, and elevate the standards of pharmaceutical research on a global scale.”

The School of Social Work is once again in the top 25, coming in at 24th nationally and No. 13 among public universities.

The School of Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program moved up 11 spots to 34th in the country and No. 24 among public universities. In addition, the nursing anesthesia program was ranked 22nd.

“We are immensely proud to rank among the best DNP programs in the United States,” says School of Nursing Dean Annette Wysocki, PhD. “Our commitment to exceptional nursing education cultivates discipline of the mind to educate highly discerning nurse practitioners, who are indispensable in addressing the nation’s critical shortage of primary care providers. Quality nursing education remains paramount in safeguarding the health and wellness of our community.”

UB’s Graduate School of Education moved up four spots to No. 54 in Best Education Schools. Among public universities, the Graduate School of Education ranks 42nd. “Our steady climb in the rankings over the years is a testament to the hard work and high-quality research of GSE faculty,” says dean Suzanne Rosenblith, PhD.

The School of Public Health and Health Professions moved up four spots, to No. 46 nationally and No. 29 among public universities. Its programs in occupational therapy (41) and physical therapy (74) were also ranked, as was biostatistics (22).

Meanwhile, the School of Law moved up 17 places to No. 108 among Best Law Schools nationwide and 56th among public universities.

The School of Management’s MBA program came in at No. 74 in Best Business Schools and 38th among public universities, making it the highest rated business school within SUNY.

In addition, UB’s graduate programs in audiology (22) and speech language pathology (32) were also ranked this year.

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Lincoln University grads now have a new path to nursing careers after the HBCU’s nursing program closed last spring

L incoln University students pursuing a career in nursing can advance after graduation to a 15-month program at the Community College of Philadelphia through a new partnership between the institutions.

Lincoln, a historically Black university in Chester County, shut down its nursing program last spring due to poor performance by its graduates on the licensing exam for registered nurses. Lincoln was the only HBCU with a nursing program in Pennsylvania.

A new agreement signed Monday provides Lincoln students with new route to a nursing career. Lincoln students interested in nursing will complete their science requirement and one math course as part of their four-year bachelor’s degree.

Upon graduating, they will matriculate to CCP, where they will be able to obtain an associates in the science of nursing in four additional semesters. The degree qualifies graduates to take the registered nurses’ licensure exam, or NCLEX .

CCP offers a number of health-related professional programs at its main campus on Spring Garden Street in Philadelphia, including nursing courses for first-time students and those who already completed a four-year degree.

Both schools are will offer advising to students throughout the process.

Lincoln president Brenda Allen compared the partnership to the traditional path toward medical school. Students get the necessary background in college, and complete their professional training after graduation.

“We’ve done that in premed for 170 years,” Allen said at a signing ceremony at the community college. “Why not think about nursing as also a preprogram?”

Eighty-seven percent of the nearly 130 CCP nursing graduates who took the licensure exam last year passed in their first attempt, according to the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, which regulates nursing programs.

Diversity and affordability

Last year’s loss of the Lincoln nursing program left a hole in the pipeline of Black nurses, and the new agreement is an effort to plug that hole.

The partnership builds on a longstanding affinity between Lincoln and CCP, which is also a predominantly Black institution, said Donald Guy Generals, CCP’s president.

“We are not an HBCU, but we are kind of kissing cousins,” Generals said jokingly of his institution.

The accelerated nursing program’s affordability appealed to Gaza Tumaini, a Lincoln graduate who is now completing an accelerated associates degree in nursing at CCP.

Tumaini planned to complete the nursing program at Lincoln, but changed majors because the program struggled. Upon graduation, he matriculated at CCP on his own, without the formal partnership. The path represented the most affordable way to fulfill his dream career in nursing.

The partnership between the institutions help future students save more in tuition expenses by allowing them to take most requirements toward their college degree at Lincoln, and then pay tuition for only four extra nursing classes at CCP.

“This agreement will give other compassionate students of color an opportunity to become nurses without taking even more massive amounts of debt,” Tumaini said.

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