A well-written registered nurse resume will help you impress recruiters and get more invites to interview.
Your resume should be tailored to the health center and team in question, highlighting your experience, skills, and education. It must also be machine-readable and professionally presented.
Writing a stellar resume isn’t easy, which is why we recommend using a template. A good template provides the ideal registered nurse resume format. You can quickly update it with your details and start applying for jobs.
Keep reading as we explain what to include in your registered nurse resume and how to adapt a template, along with essential registered nurse resume tips.
General Tips for Registered Nurse Resumes
Tailoring Your Resume
Your resume needs to be tailored to the job posting to stand out from other applicants. Use keywords from the advert to make it past the applicant tracking system (ATS).
Conciseness
Keep your experience and education sections brief. Include only the most relevant information to avoid overwhelming recruiters with unrelated details.
Formatting
Good formatting is essential. Use standard margin sizes and spacing, along with a conservative font such as Times New Roman or Arial in size 11 or 12.
Essential Components of a Registered Nurse Resume Template
Whether you’re using a resume template for registered nurses or building your resume from scratch, it must include these key sections:
Header
Ann Example
ann.example@gmail.com
(012) 345-6789
Objective Statement
Experienced registered nurse with excellent triaging and clinical skills, seeking to transition into ER nursing.
Skills
- Triaging
- Clinical documentation
- Vital signs measurement
- Patient education
Education
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), 2021
Experience
Registered Nurse
Pennsylvania Hospital
September 2021 – Present
- Triaged patients.
- Administered medications and treatments.
- Educated patients on care plans and health management.
Certifications and Licenses
Registered Nurse (RN) License
Philadelphia State Board of Nursing
License Number: 0100000000, Expiry Date: 06-30-2025
Volunteer and Extracurricular Activities
Blood Service Volunteer
American Red Cross
2023 – Present
- Took donors’ medical histories.
- Performed venipuncture.
Tips for Writing Each Section of the Registered Nurse Resume Template
Objective Statement
The registered nurse resume objective statement should summarize your qualifications and career goals in 2-3 sentences. It’s sometimes referred to as a “professional summary” in templates.
Skills Section
The skills section demonstrates your abilities required for the role. Include 4-8 skills in a bullet-point list. Review registered nurse resume skills examples and the job advert for guidance.
Education Section
List your qualifications in reverse chronological order. Include the school name and degree title. Skip mentioning your GPA unless specifically requested.
Experience Section
Include bullet points detailing responsibilities and accomplishments for each role. Begin each point with strong verbs like “advocated” or “monitored.”
Certifications and Licenses
List your license and certifications, including the title, awarding body, license number, and expiry date.
Volunteer Section
Highlight relevant volunteer activities such as working in vaccination drives or sexual health clinics. Skip this section if the activities aren’t relevant to the role.
How to Customize Your Registered Nurse Resume Template for Specific Jobs
Adjust for Specializations
- For an ICU registered nurse resume, include “working well under pressure” in the skills section and highlight critical care experience.
- For a medical-surgical nurse resume, emphasize surgical intervention expertise and patient care.
Tailor Your Experience
Highlight specific accomplishments or duties that match the job posting. Use exact phrasing from the advert to increase ATS compatibility.
Additional Tips and Tricks for Crafting a Strong Registered Nurse Resume
- Proofread Thoroughly: Ensure contact details are correct and eliminate typos.
- Quantify Achievements: Include metrics such as “Reduced patient wait times by 20%.”
- Use Consistent Formatting: Maintain clean, professional visuals with white space and larger headings for readability.
- Follow Up: Reach out to employers after submitting your application to stand out.
How to Apply for Registered Nurse Jobs
- Search for Roles: Browse platforms like LinkedIn and Nurse.com for job postings.
- Customize Applications: Use tailored resumes and cover letters for each job.
- Prepare for Interviews: Practice common nurse interview questions and prepare your outfit in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Registered Nurse Capitalized in a Resume?
Capitalize “Registered Nurse” when it’s part of a job title or license name but not elsewhere in the resume.
How to List Registered Nurse License on Resume
Include it in the certifications and licenses section. State the title, license number, awarding body, and expiry date.
What is a Good Objective for a Registered Nurse Resume?
A strong objective summarizes your key qualifications, skills, and career goals in 2-3 sentences.
What to Put on a Registered Nurse Resume
Include contact information, skills, experience, education, and certifications. Add volunteer activities if relevant.
What to Write in Skills Section
Key skills include triaging, clinical documentation, vital signs measurement, patient education, teamwork, and communication.
With the right structure and customization, your registered nurse resume can make a powerful impression. Start crafting yours today to stand out in the competitive healthcare job market.
