Registered Nurse Resume Template [Example, Templates and Writing Guide]

What Is A Registered Nurse?

A registered nurse, often known as an RN, is an essential member of the medical community who fulfills an important function in the industry. RNs provide direct patient care, assessing patients’ needs, and working in collaboration with other medical experts to formulate and carry out treatment regimens that are suitable. They work in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home health agencies.

To become an RN, individuals must acquire a nursing degree and pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses). RNs possess strong clinical skills, critical thinking abilities, and compassionate personalities. They often act as patient advocates and work diligently to promote their well-being.

Registered Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

In healthcare, registered nurses (RNs) do many duties to guarantee patient well-being. Some of their key responsibilities include:

• Assessing patients’ symptoms and observing problems or abnormalities: RNs carefully evaluate patients’ symptoms and observe for any signs of problems or abnormalities. They use their expertise to identify potential health issues and take appropriate action.
• Recording patient medical history and symptoms: It is the responsibility of RNs to accurately record patients’ medical history, including any pre-existing conditions, medications, and symptoms. This information is vital for effective diagnosis and treatment.
• Administering medications and treatments: Registered nurses are trained to administer medications and treatments to patients as prescribed by physicians. They ensure that the right dosage is given at the right time, closely monitoring patients for any adverse reactions.
• Providing health promotion, counseling, and education to patients and families: RNs play a crucial role in promoting health and well-being. They provide guidance, counseling, and education to patients and their families on disease prevention, healthy lifestyle choices, and self-care techniques.
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals: RNs work closely with other health care workers, like doctors, experts, and therapists, to make sure that patients get complete and well-coordinated care. They communicate patient needs, participate in care planning, and contribute to the development of treatment strategies.
• Implementing nursing care plans: Registered nurses are responsible for implementing and monitoring nursing care plans tailored to each patient’s needs. They follow established protocols, ensure the delivery of appropriate interventions, and make adjustments as necessary.
• Directing complex nursing care systems: In challenging healthcare settings, such as critical care units or emergency departments, RNs are skilled in directing complex nursing care systems. They manage multiple patients, prioritize care, and make critical decisions to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
• Instructing patients on disease prevention and health maintenance: RNs take the time to educate patients on disease prevention strategies and techniques for maintaining their health. They provide instructions on medication management, lifestyle modifications, and self-care practices.
• Conducting clinical research: Some registered nurses engage in clinical research, contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge. They participate in research studies, collect data, and collaborate with researchers to improve patient care practices.
• Practicing independently in a variety of challenging settings: Registered nurses are skilled professionals who can practice independently in various healthcare settings. They handle complex situations, adapt to challenging environments, and provide compassionate care to patients in need.

What To Include In A Registered Nurse Resume?

When creating your registered nurse resume, certain sections should be highlighted to effectively showcase your skills, qualifications, and experience. These sections include:

Contact Information: At the start of your resume, provide your complete name, professional title (“Registered Nurse” or “RN”), phone number, email address, and any relevant professional social media profiles. Ensure that your contact information is accurate and easily accessible.

Professional Summary: A professional summary provides a concise overview of your skills, experience, and career objectives. It should grab the interest of prospective employers and encourage them to peruse your resume further. Consider including the following elements in your professional summary:

• Years of experience as a registered nurse.
• Areas of specialization or expertise.
• Notable achievements or certifications.
• A strong statement that highlights your commitment to providing quality patient care.

Licenses and Certifications: In this section, list your current and valid nursing licenses, including the state(s) in which you are licensed. Include any applicable certificates, such as ACLS, PALS, or critical care or obstetrics certifications.

Education: Provide details about your nursing education, including the name of the institution, degree earned, and graduation date. If you have additional relevant certifications or training, include them in this section as well.

Professional Experience: Highlight your professional experience, starting with your most recent position. Mention the healthcare facility name, your job title, dates of employment, and provide a concise overview of your responsibilities and achievements. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements whenever possible. Here’s an example:

Registered Nurse, XYZ Hospital, City, State

January 2019 – Present

– Managed a caseload of 20+ patients, providing comprehensive nursing care and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to develop individualized treatment plans.

– Administered medications, monitored vital signs, and documented patient progress, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records.

– Led a quality improvement initiative that resulted in a 30% reduction in patient fall rates within the unit.

Skills: List your key skills and areas of expertise relevant to the nursing profession. Incorporate technical skills like electronic medical record systems proficiency or specific medical procedures, as well as essential soft skills such as communication and teamwork. Tailor this section to align with the requirements of the position you are applying for.

Professional Affiliations: If you are a member of any professional nursing organizations or associations, mention them in this section. Examples include the American Nurses Association (ANA), the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), or specialty-specific organizations like the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS).

References: Incorporate references from former employers or nursing supervisors who can confirm your abilities and dedication. Ensure that you have obtained permission from these individuals before listing their contact information.

Dos and Don’ts for Your Registered Nurse Resume

Dos:

• Use industry-specific keywords and phrases
• Quantify your achievements with numbers and statistics
• Make sure your resume is tailored to the job you want
• Use a clear and visually appealing layout and style
• Include your contact and portfolio information

Don’ts:

• List hobbies or non-nursing activities
• Mention any personal health information
• Say “references available upon request”
• Use clichés or generic corporate-speak
• Include irrelevant information or sections
• Use a formulaic or overly complicated format
• Forget to proofread and correct all errors on the resume

Registered Nurse Resume Objective

A resume objective summarizes career goals and objectives. While not necessary for a registered nurse resume, it can be helpful for recent graduates or career changers. Tips for writing a nurse resume objective:

• Keep it concise and focused.
• Highlight relevant skills and experience.
• Tailor it to the specific job.
• Use industry-specific keywords.
• Avoid clichés or generic statements.

Registered nurse resume objective examples:

• Seeking a nursing position in a hospital to utilize strong clinical skills for high-quality patient care.
• Seeking a registered nurse role in a pediatric clinic, applying knowledge of child development and nursing practices to improve young patients’ health outcomes.
• Highly motivated and compassionate registered nurse seeking a position in a hospice care facility, providing end-of-life care and support to patients and families.

Remember, a resume objective is optional. Consider using a professional or qualifications summary instead to highlight skills and experience.

Registered Nurse Cover Letter: Design and Formatting Tips

When writing a cover letter for a registered nurse position, it’s important to pay attention to the design and formatting to ensure a professional and polished presentation. Here are some tips to help you create an effective and visually appealing cover letter:

• Use a professional format: Start with your contact information at the top, followed by the date and the recipient’s contact details. Use a standard business letter format with a formal tone.
• Choose an appropriate font: Select a clean and easy-to-read font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Utilize a font size ranging from 10 to 12 points for the main text.
• Maintain a consistent style: Ensure that the font type, size, and formatting (such as bold or italics) remain consistent throughout the cover letter. Consistency enhances readability and visual appeal.
• Use white space effectively: Divide your cover letter into paragraphs with ample spacing between them. This makes the content easier to read and helps the document appear less cluttered.
• Use a professional tone: Maintain a formal and professional tone throughout your cover letter. Avoid slang, abbreviations, or overly casual language.
• Keep it concise: A cover letter should generally be one page or less. Be concise and emphasize your pertinent skills, qualifications, and experiences that qualify you for the nursing role.
• Utilize bullet points or numbered lists: Consider using bullet points or numbered lists to showcase your skills, achievements, or key qualifications. This formatting can help make the information stand out and be easily scannable for the reader.
• Incorporate a consistent header: Create a header for your cover letter that includes your name and contact information. This header can match the formatting of your resume for a cohesive application package.
• Proofread and edit: Before finalizing your cover letter, thoroughly proofread it for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. Also, review the formatting to ensure consistency and proper alignment.
• Save as a PDF: When submitting your cover letter electronically, save it as a PDF document. This format ensures that the design and formatting remain intact across different devices and operating systems.

FAQs

What should a registered nurse put on a resume?

A registered nurse should include essential elements on their resume, such as their contact information, professional summary or objective, relevant work experience, education and certifications, skills, and any notable achievements or honors. Additionally, highlighting specific areas of specialization or clinical expertise can be beneficial.

Do nurses use CV or resume?

Nurses typically use a resume rather than a CV (curriculum vitae). A resume is a short document that highlights skills, experience, and qualifications that are important to the job. Most resumes are only one or two pages long. In contrast, a CV provides a comprehensive overview of a person’s academic and professional background, often used for academic or research positions.

How long should a nursing resume be?

A nursing resume should generally be kept to one or two pages. It’s important to provide a concise and focused overview of your qualifications, skills, and experience. Keep the content relevant and avoid including unnecessary details. Employers often appreciate a well-organized and easy-to-read resume that quickly highlights your qualifications.

How to list a registered nurse license on a resume?

When listing a registered nurse license on a resume, include the licensing authority, the license number, and the expiration date. Place this information in a dedicated section, typically under the “Licenses & Certifications” heading. Make sure to keep the information accurate and up to date.

What is a good objective for a registered nurse resume?

A good objective for a registered nurse resume should clearly state your career goals and highlight the qualifications and experience that make you a strong candidate. For example, “Compassionate registered nurse with 5+ years of experience seeking a position in a progressive healthcare facility where I can utilize my clinical skills and passion for patient care.”

Do you capitalize “registered nurse” in a resume?

Yes, “registered nurse” should be capitalized when used in a resume. It is a professional title and should be treated as a proper noun. For example, “Experienced Registered Nurse with expertise in critical care.” Capitalizing it helps give it the appropriate recognition and professionalism.

INCLUDES:

• Cover Letter Template (can also use as a Thank You letter)
• Microsoft Word (.docx) files
• Apple Pages (.pages) files
• Photoshop (PSD) Files
• Illustrator (EPS) Files
• Detailed Instructions file
• A4 Paper Size Included
• Links to free fonts used
• 24/7 hours Fast and friendly customer service