Whether you're an experienced nurse who wants to pursue an advanced role or a recent graduate looking for an entry-level job in the healthcare industry, customizing your resume to reflect the job description of the position you're applying for can improve your chances of being hired. Reviewing resume samples can also help you craft a professional-looking document that impresses employers. In this article, we provide step-by-step instructions to help you create a successful nursing resume, provide two resume examples you can refer to for inspiration and share some common certifications and skills hiring managers look for when reviewing candidates. Once you're done creating your professional application materials, upload a resume file or build an Indeed Resume to connect with potential employers.To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file.
How to write a nursing resume
Here are some step-by-step instructions you can follow to craft a successful nursing resume:
1. Share your primary contact information
At the top of your nursing resume, clearly state your primary contact information to make it easy for hiring managers to reach you. Include your full name, phone number and email address. If you have a professional website or social media platform you would like to share, you can also include the link in this section so potential employers can learn more about your medical experience and background.Read more:How To Write Contact Information That Gets Your Resume Noticed
2. Write a professional summary
Craft a professional summary to introduce yourself to hiring managers and share a bit about your accomplishments in the healthcare industry. You may choose to highlight what types of medicine you specialize in, how many years of experience you have or what style of bedside manner you provide to your patients. You can also review the job description of the nursing role you're applying for to identify what specific skills the employer is seeking.Read more:How To Write a Resume Summary Plus 5 Strong Examples [Video + Transcript]
3. Highlight your education
Provide an overview of your academic history by listing any degrees you've earned, beginning with the highest level of education you've completed. Include the name of the school you graduated from underneath each degree. It's also optional to share relevant academic achievements in this section. For example, if you recently graduated as the valedictorian of your class, you may want to highlight this so employers can see how dedicated you are to learning the necessary skills to succeed as a nurse.Read more:How To Write a Resume Education Summary (With Examples and Tips)
4. Discuss your work experience
Organize the work experience section of your resume by listing each relevant job in reverse chronological order, starting with your current or most recent position. Include your job title, the name of the organization you worked for, the city and state it is located in and the dates of your employment. Then include a bulleted list underneath each job that highlights your most impressive job duties or accomplishments. Try to include statistics or facts to show how you had a positive impact on your patients, your team members or your employer.Related:How To Gain Work Experience in Nursing
5. List your relevant nursing skills
Review the job description for the nursing role you're applying for again to identify which skills you haven't mentioned yet that the hiring manager may be seeking. Then create a list that features some of these skills. This can help you make the most of the space you have while ensuring your resume includes the specific keywords employers may be looking for when reviewing applications.Read more:5 Must-Have Skills for Your Nursing Resume
6. Mention your nursing licenses and certifications
At the bottom of your resume, create a bulleted list of your nursing licenses and certifications. Include your board-certified licenses and any special certifications you've received as a medical professional to set yourself apart from other job candidates who may have similar degrees and work experience. Behind each license and certification, include the year you received or renewed it so hiring managers can see that your credentials are current.Read more:How To Display Nursing Credentials (With Tips and Examples)Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.
