How to Write a Nursing Resume: Step by Step

How to Write a Nursing Resume: Step by Step

By: Olivia Fallen, Career & Industry Specialist, ASU's Career and Professional Development Services

A nursing resume, similar to other resumes, should be a snapshot of experiences most relevant to the position. It should be tailored to the specific tasks you’ll be expected to perform in the new role, as well as thoughtfully organized based on the hospital or clinic’s mission and values. This blog will walk you through how to write your nursing resume step-by-step.

Step 1: Contact Information

At the top of your document, you should list your name, (RN) certification with your contact information underneath including your email, phone number, and LinkedIn URL. Only list (RN) after your full name once you’ve passed the NCLEX.

Example:

                                                      Jane Doe, (RN)     

(864) 123-4567 | JaneDoe@asu.edu | Linked.com/JaneDoe

Step 2: Education

In this category, write out your full degree, i.e. Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Underneath, write Arizona State University. On the right-hand side of the margin, list the month and year of your anticipated graduation and the city and state of ASU.

Example:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing                                                                                       May 2021

Arizona State University                                                                                                       Tempe, AZ

Step 3: Certifications & Training

This is an excellent category to showcase any additional certifications you’ve received including your RN certification, CPR training, first responder training, and things of that nature.

Example:

CPR Certified                                                                                                    January 2020- Present

Nursing Certification                                                                                         August 2018- Present

Step 3: Nursing Experience

After you’ve listed your qualifications, list any nursing experience you’ve gained. Try to tailor this information to the job description as much as possible.

Example:

Nurse Extern                                                                                                               Summer 2019

Mayo Clinic                                                                                                                       Phoenix, AZ

• Took vital signs, performed catheterizations, and recorded intakes and outputs
• Maintained patient hygiene, applied rehabilitation devices, and effectively communicated patients and colleagues

Step 4: Community Experience

Volunteer and community experiences are great ways to showcase your commitment to service outside of your profession. You can showcase the opportunities just as you would full-time jobs.

Example:

Lead Volunteer                                                                                                August 2019- Present

Red Cross                                                                                                                          Phoenix, AZ

• Organize and lead over 20 volunteers to ensure event is well-coordinated and staffed
• Assist with the annual food drive by soliciting donations from local grocery stores

In conclusion, a nursing resume should contain education, relevant experience, and leadership experience, among other categories that qualify you for the role. Other common categories include research and project experience. Once you’ve created your resume, get it reviewed by Career and Professional Development Services to ensure it’s polished. A resume typically takes around five rounds of editing, so make sure you give yourself enough time to get your professional documents updated and ready to go.