Nurse Resume examples & templates

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Adam

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Copyable resume examples

Copyable Nurse Resume examples

Like firefighters who rush toward danger when others flee, nurses stand at the frontlines of healthcare—the first ones in and the last ones out during our most vulnerable moments. But nursing demands a unique blend of technical precision and emotional intelligence that few other professions require. While a firefighter might save you from a burning building once, a nurse might save you repeatedly throughout a 12-hour shift, making split-second decisions while simultaneously documenting every action with meticulous care. This balance of soft skills and clinical expertise has always defined nursing, but post-pandemic, the field has evolved dramatically.

With an estimated shortage of 203,700 nurses annually through 2026 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics), the profession faces both unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Many hospitals are reimagining nurse workloads, with some adopting "team nursing" models where responsibilities are distributed differently. Meanwhile, specialized roles like nurse informaticists—professionals who bridge nursing and technology—are growing at nearly triple the rate of traditional positions. As healthcare transforms in the coming decade, nurses won't just adapt to these changes—they'll be the ones leading them.

Junior Nurse Resume Example

Sarah Martinez, RN

Denver, CO 80202 • (720) 555-8142 • sarah.martinez@email.com • linkedin.com/in/sarahmartinezrn

Registered Nurse with 1+ year experience providing compassionate patient care in fast-paced hospital settings. Strong clinical assessment skills with experience managing 5-7 patients simultaneously. Committed to patient education and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve health outcomes. Recently completed specialized training in wound care management.

EXPERIENCE

Registered Nurse – Medical-Surgical Unit
Rocky Mountain General Hospital, Denver, CO
June 2022 – Present

  • Provide direct patient care to 5-7 adult patients per shift, assessing conditions, administering medications, and documenting care in Epic EMR system
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary team to develop and implement individualized care plans for patients with diverse medical conditions
  • Trained 3 nursing students during their clinical rotations, demonstrating proper IV insertion techniques and medication administration
  • Recognized for 97% compliance rate with patient documentation and timely medication administration
  • Participated in hospital’s falls prevention committee, helping reduce unit falls by 18% over 6 months

Student Nurse Extern
University Hospital, Denver, CO
January 2022 – May 2022

  • Assisted RNs with patient care activities including vital signs, blood glucose monitoring, and mobility assistance
  • Gained hands-on experience with trach care, wound dressing changes, and catheter insertion under RN supervision
  • Improved time management skills while handling up to 4 patients with varying acuity levels
  • Participated in shift handoffs and interdisciplinary rounds to enhance communication skills

Certified Nursing Assistant
Sunshine Senior Living, Boulder, CO
May 2020 – December 2021

  • Provided personal care assistance to 8-10 residents per shift, including bathing, grooming, and toileting
  • Monitored and recorded vital signs, intake/output, and changes in resident conditions
  • Assisted with ambulation and transfers using proper body mechanics and assistive devices
  • Developed strong rapport with residents suffering from dementia, creating personalized approaches to minimize agitation during care

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
University of Colorado College of Nursing, Denver, CO
Graduated: May 2022

  • GPA: 3.8/4.0
  • President’s Honor Roll, 3 semesters
  • Senior project: “Improving Medication Adherence in Elderly Patients”

LICENSURE & CERTIFICATIONS

  • Registered Nurse (RN) License – Colorado, #RN123456, Exp. 2024
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, American Heart Association, Exp. 11/2023
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification, Exp. 03/2024
  • Wound Care Certification, Wound Care Education Institute, Completed April 2023

SKILLS

  • Clinical: IV therapy, wound care, medication administration, phlebotomy, vital signs assessment
  • Technical: Epic EMR, Meditech, Microsoft Office Suite
  • Soft Skills: Patient advocacy, time management, critical thinking, teamwork
  • Languages: English (fluent), Spanish (conversational)

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

  • American Nurses Association (ANA), Member since 2022
  • Colorado Nurses Association, Member since 2022

Mid-level Nurse Resume Example

Jessica Martinez, RN, BSN

Springfield, MA • (413) 555-8976 • jessica.martinez@email.com • linkedin.com/in/jessicamartinez

Professional Summary

Registered Nurse with 5+ years of experience in emergency and critical care settings. Proven track record of providing compassionate, evidence-based patient care while maintaining accuracy in high-pressure environments. Recognized for strong clinical assessment skills and ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams. Looking to leverage my experience in a leadership role within a progressive healthcare organization.

Experience

Charge Nurse – Emergency Department
Mercy Medical Center, Springfield, MA
January 2022 – Present

  • Lead a team of 7 nurses and 4 technicians during evening shifts in a Level II trauma center with 42 beds and approximately 68,000 annual visits
  • Coordinate patient flow and bed management, reducing wait times by 17% through implementation of a modified triage system
  • Serve as preceptor for 9 new graduate nurses, developing a structured orientation program that improved retention rates from 76% to 91%
  • Function as resource nurse during critical situations including code blues, traumas and pediatric emergencies
  • Collaborate with ED physicians to revise stroke protocols, contributing to the hospital earning Primary Stroke Center certification

Staff Nurse – Emergency Department
Mercy Medical Center, Springfield, MA
June 2019 – December 2021

  • Provided direct patient care to diverse adult and pediatric populations in a fast-paced emergency setting
  • Administered medications and treatments per physician orders while maintaining 100% compliance with medication reconciliation protocols
  • Developed expertise in trauma care, cardiac monitoring and stabilization of critically ill patients
  • Participated in hospital-wide sepsis initiative, helping to reduce sepsis mortality by 22%

Registered Nurse – Medical-Surgical Unit
Springfield Community Hospital, Springfield, MA
May 2018 – June 2019

  • Managed care for 5-6 patients per shift with various medical conditions including post-surgical, cardiac and respiratory
  • Coordinated discharge planning with case managers to ensure appropriate follow-up care and reduce readmission rates
  • Documented patient assessments, interventions and outcomes using Epic electronic health record system
  • Recognized as “Rookie of the Year” (2018) for exceptional patient satisfaction scores and clinical judgment

Education & Certifications

Bachelor of Science in Nursing
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
Graduated: May 2018 – GPA: 3.8/4.0

Certifications:

  • Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) – 2021
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) – Current
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) – Current
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) – Current
  • Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) – 2019

Skills

  • IV insertion & management
  • Wound care & assessment
  • Medication administration
  • Critical care monitoring
  • Ventilator management (basic)
  • Electronic Health Records (Epic, Meditech)
  • Triage protocols
  • Crisis intervention
  • Patient & family education
  • Spanish (conversational)

Professional Memberships

  • Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)
  • American Nurses Association (ANA)

Senior / Experienced Nurse Resume Example

Lisa M. Jacobson, RN, BSN

Seattle, WA 98112 | (206) 555-1472 | lisa.jacobson@email.com | linkedin.com/in/lisajacobsonrn

Dedicated Registered Nurse with over 9 years of progressive clinical experience in emergency medicine and critical care. Known for calm decision-making during high-pressure situations and building rapport with both patients and interdisciplinary teams. Recognized twice for exceptional patient care and mentored 14 new nursing graduates. Looking to leverage my clinical expertise and leadership skills in a Nurse Manager role.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Providence Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA
Critical Care Nurse, ICU | May 2019 – Present

  • Provide comprehensive care for a 4-patient assignment in a 28-bed medical/surgical ICU with 73% trauma cases
  • Serve as Charge Nurse for 8-12 shifts monthly, coordinating staff assignments and managing bed flow for unit
  • Implemented new staff onboarding protocol that reduced orientation time from 12 weeks to 9 weeks while maintaining quality metrics
  • Precept new graduate nurses (3-4 annually) and developed ICU skills checklist now used department-wide
  • Sit on hospital-wide Sepsis Response Committee; helped revise protocols resulting in 31% faster antibiotic administration

Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA
Emergency Department RN | June 2016 – April 2019

  • Managed care for patients in Level I trauma center with 92,000+ annual ED visits
  • Functioned as Triage Nurse 1-2 shifts weekly, accurately assessing patient acuity and prioritizing care
  • Responded to Code Blue and trauma activations as part of rapid response team
  • Led implementation of new medication scanning system that reduced medication errors by 17%
  • Received Patient Care Excellence Award (2018) based on patient feedback and peer nominations

Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA
Medical-Surgical Nurse | August 2014 – May 2016

  • Provided direct care for 5-6 patients on 24-bed medical-surgical floor specializing in post-operative care
  • Coordinated discharge planning with case management team, reducing readmission rates for unit by 8%
  • Managed central line care and maintenance; went 11 months without a CLABSI on unit
  • Volunteered for hospital’s community health screening program (4-7 events yearly)

EDUCATION & LICENSURE

Bachelor of Science in Nursing
University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle, WA | 2014
GPA: 3.76/4.0 | Dean’s List: 5 semesters

Licensure & Certifications:

  • Registered Nurse, Washington State License #RN60721943 (Active)
  • BLS/ACLS/PALS – American Heart Association (Current)
  • Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) Certification (Current)
  • Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) Certification (2020)

SKILLS & EXPERTISE

  • Clinical Expertise: Critical care, emergency medicine, trauma, post-surgical care, ventilator management
  • Technical Skills: Epic EMR, Meditech, Pyxis MedStation, cardiac monitoring systems, IV therapy
  • Languages: English (native), Spanish (conversational – medical terminology)
  • Leadership: Charge nurse experience, precepting, committee participation, conflict resolution
  • Specialties: Advanced wound care, central line management, end-of-life care, rapid response

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  • Emerging Nurse Leaders Workshop, Providence Health System (2022)
  • Ventilator Management Advanced Course, Swedish Medical Center (2021)
  • Quality Improvement Project Leadership – “Reducing Catheter Days” team lead (2019-2020)
  • Preceptor Development Program, Providence Swedish Medical Center (2019)

How to Write a Nurse Resume

Introduction

Your nursing resume isn't just a list of jobs—it's the first impression you'll make on potential employers in a competitive healthcare market. As someone who's helped hundreds of nurses land interviews at top hospitals, I can tell you that the difference between getting called back and getting overlooked often comes down to how effectively you showcase your clinical expertise, patient care philosophy, and technical skills. The average hospital job posting receives 118 applications, and hiring managers typically spend just 7.4 seconds scanning each resume. Let's make sure yours stands out for all the right reasons.

Resume Structure and Format

Keep your nursing resume clean and scannable—both for human eyes and applicant tracking systems (ATS). Most nursing resumes should be 1-2 pages, depending on your experience level.

  • Use a clean, professional font like Calibri or Arial (10-12pt)
  • Include clear section headings (Experience, Education, Certifications, etc.)
  • Incorporate white space to prevent a cluttered appearance
  • Save your file as a PDF (unless specifically requested in another format)
  • Name your file professionally: "FirstName_LastName_Nurse_Resume.pdf"
When applying to large healthcare systems, remember that your resume might be stored in their database for future openings. Make it comprehensive enough to match multiple positions, but targeted enough to show you're serious about the specific role.

Profile/Summary Section

Your professional summary should be 3-4 lines that spotlight your nursing specialty, years of experience, and most impressive credentials. This isn't where you tell them what you want—it's where you tell them what you offer.

For example: "Compassionate RN with 6+ years in pediatric critical care at Level I Trauma Centers. PCCN certified with experience managing ventilator patients and coordinating care for complex cases. Recognized for reducing medication errors by 31% through implementation of bedside verification protocols."

Professional Experience

This section carries the most weight! For each position, include:

  • Hospital/facility name and location
  • Your exact title and employment dates (month/year)
  • Unit type, bed count, and patient population (when relevant)
  • 5-7 bullet points highlighting clinical skills, achievements, and impact

Start each bullet with a strong action verb (Administered, Coordinated, Implemented) and include metrics wherever possible. Instead of "Provided patient care," try "Managed care for 5-7 high-acuity patients per shift, reducing average length of stay by 1.3 days through proactive discharge planning."

Education and Certifications

List your nursing degree(s), school name, graduation year, and GPA if it's above 3.5. For certifications, include:

  • Full certification name and abbreviation (e.g., "Basic Life Support (BLS)")
  • Certifying organization
  • Date of certification and expiration (if applicable)

New grads: If your experience is limited, expand this section with relevant clinical rotations, capstone projects, or simulation lab experience.

Keywords and ATS Tips

Many hospitals use ATS software that screens resumes before a human sees them. To get past these digital gatekeepers:

  • Match keywords from the job description (skills, certifications, equipment)
  • Use standard section headings the ATS can recognize
  • Spell out acronyms at least once, then use the abbreviation (e.g., "Electronic Medical Record (EMR)")
  • Don't use headers/footers or text boxes that might confuse the system

Industry-specific Terms

Sprinkle your resume with nursing terminology that shows you speak the language. Depending on your specialty, consider including:

  • Charting systems you've used (Epic, Cerner, Meditech)
  • Specific procedures you're competent in (central line management, titrating drips)
  • Specific equipment (PCA pumps, ventilators, CRRT machines)
  • Quality improvement methods (PDSA cycles, Lean, Six Sigma)

Common Mistakes

Avoid these resume pitfalls that I see too often:

  • Using vague descriptions instead of specific clinical skills
  • Forgetting to update your license number and expiration date
  • Listing every continuing education course you've ever taken
  • Using the same resume for every application without customization
  • Including personal information like age, marital status, or photos

Before/After Example

Before: "Responsible for patient care on med-surg floor. Administered medications and documented in charts."

After: "Provided comprehensive care for 6 post-surgical patients per shift on a 32-bed medical-surgical unit. Administered IV medications through central and PICC lines while maintaining zero CLABSI incidents over 14 months. Implemented bedside shift reporting that improved patient satisfaction scores by 17%."

Your nursing resume should reflect not just what you do, but how well you do it. Focus on patient outcomes, safety improvements, and the specific ways you've made a difference in your units. Good luck with your job search—your perfect nursing position is out there!

Soft skills for your Nurse resume

  • Patient advocacy – fighting for proper care while navigating complex healthcare systems (especially when short-staffed)
  • Crisis management under pressure – maintaining composure during code blues, rapid responses, and unexpected patient deterioration
  • Cross-functional collaboration with doctors, techs, and social workers who sometimes have competing priorities
  • Emotional intelligence – reading between the lines when patients can’t articulate their needs or concerns
  • Conflict de-escalation with distressed family members and occasionally combative patients
  • Mentorship of newer nurses while juggling full patient loads (including orienting travel nurses)

Hard skills for your Nurse resume

  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification
  • IV insertion and management (including PICC lines)
  • Medication administration via multiple routes (PO, IV, IM, SubQ)
  • Proficient with Epic EMR and Meditech charting systems
  • Ventilator management and tracheostomy care
  • Wound care techniques (negative pressure therapy, debridement)
  • Telemetry monitoring and rhythm interpretation
  • Central line maintenance and blood draws
  • Proficient with infusion pumps (Alaris, Baxter)