How to Make a Good Resume for Nursing (2025 Guide)
Introduction: Why Your Resume Can Make or Break Your Next Nursing Job
In today’s competitive healthcare job market, a well-written nursing resume is your first impression — and often, your only chance to get noticed. Whether you’re a new graduate nurse applying for your first hospital role or an experienced RN exploring travel assignments, your resume speaks before you do.
Hospitals and recruiters receive hundreds of applications for every opening. The difference between landing an interview and getting overlooked often comes down to one thing — how well your resume communicates your skills, experience, and readiness to care for patients.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to make a strong, professional nursing resume that stands out — and at the end, you’ll have the option to get your resume reviewed for free by our expert healthcare recruiters.
1. Start with the Right Format and Structure
A clean, organized layout is the foundation of a professional nursing resume.
Keep it simple, easy to scan, and formatted in a way that highlights your most valuable experience.
Best Resume Format for Nurses (Reverse-Chronological):
- Contact Information
- Professional Summary
- Licenses and Certifications
- Professional Experience
- Education
- Skills and Technical Competencies
- References (optional or “Available upon request”)
Formatting Tips:
- Use a professional font (Lato, Calibri, or Arial, 10–12 pt).
- Keep it 1–2 pages maximum.
- Avoid excessive color, graphics, or tables that confuse Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
- Save and submit your file as PDF (unless the employer specifies otherwise).
2. Craft a Strong Professional Summary
This is the first section recruiters read — think of it as your “elevator pitch.”
It should summarize your experience, specialty, and what you bring to the table in 3–4 concise sentences.
Example Summaries:
Experienced RN:
Compassionate Registered Nurse with 5+ years of acute care experience in ICU and Med-Surg settings. Skilled in patient advocacy, evidence-based care, and multidisciplinary teamwork. Compact-state licensed and available for nationwide travel assignments.
New Grad Nurse:
Recent BSN graduate with strong clinical training in pediatric and surgical units. Quick learner with a patient-centered approach and strong communication skills. Eager to begin a career in hospital-based care.
Travel Nurse:
Adaptable Travel Nurse with 3 years of experience in ER and Telemetry. Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and deliver quality care across diverse healthcare settings.
Pro Tip:
Use keywords related to your specialty — it helps your resume rank higher in ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems).
3. Showcase Your Licenses and Certifications Clearly
Licenses and credentials are critical in nursing — make them easy to find.
Example Format:
- RN License: New York State, Active, Expires Dec 2026
- Compact License: Texas, Active, NLC Member
- Certifications: BLS, ACLS, PALS (AHA Certified), NRP
Bonus Tip:
List your license numbers if the application is hospital-facing; recruiters often verify them during screening.
4. Highlight Your Professional Experience Effectively
This is where most nurses make mistakes — they list job duties instead of showing their impact.
Use action verbs and measurable outcomes to describe what you achieved, not just what you did.
Example Experience Section:
Registered Nurse | Mount Sinai Hospital, NY
June 2021 – Present
- Managed 5+ patients per shift in a 20-bed Med-Surg unit.
- Administered medications and monitored IV therapy using EMR (Epic).
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure timely discharge planning.
- Precepted new nurses and provided mentorship for clinical training.
Registered Nurse | Florida Health System, FL
Jan 2019 – May 2021
- Delivered care to critical patients in a high-volume ICU.
- Assisted with ventilator management and post-op recovery monitoring.
- Recognized for maintaining 100% compliance with safety and charting protocols.
Pro Tip:
Start each bullet with a verb (e.g., Managed, Administered, Led, Coordinated).
Recruiters scan resumes fast — strong action words make your experience stand out.
5. Include Relevant Skills and Technical Competencies
Nursing is both science and compassion — your resume should reflect both hard and soft skills.
Example of Nursing Skills Section:
Clinical Skills: IV Therapy, Wound Care, Patient Assessment, EKG Interpretation, Medication Administration
Technical: Epic, Cerner, Meditech, Pyxis
Soft Skills: Teamwork, Time Management, Empathy, Critical Thinking
Pro Tip:
Avoid generic terms like “hardworking” or “responsible.” Instead, focus on specific, role-relevant abilities.
6. Don’t Forget Education and Training
List your highest degree first, followed by any additional nursing diplomas or certifications.
Example:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) — University of Florida, 2020
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) — Broward College, 2018
If you’re a new grad, also include your clinical rotations (unit name, hospital, hours) — they count as experience for entry-level roles.
7. Make It ATS-Friendly
Most hospitals and staffing companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes.
If your resume isn’t formatted properly, it might never reach a human recruiter.
How to Optimize for ATS:
- Use standard section titles like “Experience” and “Education.”
- Avoid tables, images, or text boxes.
- Include relevant keywords (ICU, telemetry, patient care, BLS, Epic).
- Save your file name clearly: FirstName_LastName_NurseResume.pdf.
8. Add Optional Sections (If Relevant)
If you have room, you can include sections like:
- Professional Affiliations: ANA, AACN, ENA
- Volunteer Experience: Community Health Drives, Vaccination Clinics
- Awards or Recognitions: “Employee of the Month – January 2024”
These humanize your profile and help you stand out among similarly qualified candidates.
9. Review, Edit, and Proofread Carefully
Simple grammar or formatting mistakes can create a poor impression — especially in healthcare, where precision matters.
Before sending your resume:
- Read it aloud or use Grammarly to catch errors.
- Ask a trusted colleague or recruiter to review it.
- Ensure consistent font, spacing, and bullet alignment.
10. Want a Free Resume Review from a Healthcare Recruiter?
If you’re unsure whether your resume is ready for your next opportunity, we can help.
Our experienced healthcare recruiters review hundreds of nurse resumes weekly — and we’d love to offer you a free professional review.
We’ll check your format, content, and keywords, and give you personalized feedback to make your resume stand out.
Click below to submit your resume for a free review — no strings attached.
Conclusion: Your Resume Is Your First Patient — Treat It with Care
Think of your resume as your first patient chart — it needs accuracy, structure, and empathy.
When written thoughtfully, it not only opens doors but reflects the professional and compassionate nurse you already are.
Take time to update it, tailor it for each role, and don’t hesitate to ask for expert help — sometimes, a recruiter’s insight can make all the difference.
Your next great opportunity is waiting — make sure your resume gets you there.
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