Nurse recruiters check three things first: your license, your certifications and your specialty. Put them where they can't be missed. After that, show the setting you work in, your patient ratios and results such as fewer falls, better scores or smooth EHR rollouts.
This example belongs to an RN with six years of experience in medical-surgical and emergency nursing. It keeps licensing in the title line, lists certifications in their own section and turns daily care into measurable outcomes.
Below you'll find summary examples for different levels, the skills to include, bullet points you can adapt and tips from the way recruiters read registered nurse resumes.
Two or three sentences at the top of your resume: who you are, your strongest result and what you're looking for. Pick the one closest to your level and make it yours.
New graduateNew graduate RN with a BSN and 480 clinical hours in medical-surgical and pediatric units. BLS and ACLS certified, calm under pressure and eager to join a supportive residency program.
ExperiencedRegistered nurse with 4 years of experience in telemetry. Monitors up to 5 cardiac patients per shift and is known for strong patient education and teamwork.
SeniorNurse manager with 12 years of experience, including 5 leading a 40-person ICU team. Improved staff retention by 25% and led the unit to Magnet recognition.
Screening software compares your resume with the job ad, so use the same words the employer uses, but only for skills you really have. Put the most relevant ones first.
Show soft skills in your bullet points rather than listing them alone: "trained 6 new hires" proves leadership better than the word itself.
Start with a strong verb, say what you did and end with the result, ideally a number. Adapt these to your own work and never claim results you can't back up.
Put "RN, BSN" next to your name and list BLS, ACLS, PALS and specialty certifications in their own section, with the issuing body.
Unit type, number of beds, trauma level and patient ratios help recruiters understand your experience quickly.
Falls, infections, readmissions and satisfaction scores are measurable ways to show great care.
Nurse recruiters review many resumes. Short bullets and standard headings help them find what they need.
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Contact SupportMany nurses list the license type and state; the number is optional. Employers verify it anyway, so include it only if the job ad asks.
Your degree, licensure status, certifications, clinical rotations with unit types and hours, and any healthcare jobs such as CNA or tech roles.
One page for new graduates and most staff nurses. Two pages is fine for experienced nurses with leadership roles, publications or many certifications.
See all resume examples, check yours with the free ATS resume checker, browse resume templates or read how resumes differ by country.
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