Registered Nurse Resume Example & Writing Guide
- Why use this resume example for your registered nurse application?
- How to write a great registered nurse resume
- Which key skills are relevant to a registered nurse resume?
Registered nurses (RNs) are an important part of the healthcare industry. Not only are they instrumental in helping treat patients when they are sick, but they are often the first line of communication between patients, their families, and the hospital staff. If you are ready to break into this industry or are interested in advancing your career, this resume guide will help you stand out among other candidates.
Why use this resume example for your registered nurse application?
This resume guide and example will help you fine tune your resume to include the skills and experience hiring managers are hoping to see in a registered nurse application. You will also discover how best to display your work history, achievements, and skills to catch the attention of a hiring manager. At the bottom of the resume, you will find an education and certifications section, which is perfect for a registered nurse because certifications are valuable in the healthcare industry.
How to write a great registered nurse resume
One of the great things about being a registered nurse is that RNs are in high demand throughout the healthcare industry. However, you will still face stiff competition, so it’s important to build a strong resume.
At the start of your resume, you should include your name followed by your RN title. This helps potential employers see that you hold the necessary certification right from the start. You also need to add your location, as well as your contact information.
The next section is your career summary. This is where you can provide more details about your work experience. The goal here is to tailor your summary to include requirements listed in the description of the job you want. Be sure to list your skills and specialties that align with the specific job you are applying for so that a hiring manager will know you are qualified for the job. Highlighting some of your most valuable skills in a bullet-point list after your summary is another great way to show what you have to offer.
In your professional experience section, provide details about the type of work you completed in your roles. Be sure to list the departments you worked with and the type of work you did for your patients. You should also show what medical specialties you have and how you have used that knowledge in your work.
Which key skills are relevant to a registered nurse resume?
Bringing out your skills on your resume is one of the most important things you can do as a registered nurse. You should also match your skills to the ones listed in the job description of the position you are applying for so a hiring manager can see that your skills align with the position. Here are some of the top skills you should consider putting on your resume if they apply to you:
Patient assessments
Nursing procedures
Medication administration
Patient care planning
Medical equipment operation
Infection control
Emergency and trauma care
Electronic health records
Critical thinking and problem-solving
Written and oral communication
Summary example
Highly skilled registered nurse with proven success communicating and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to provide safe, patient-centred care for a broad range of acute and chronic illnesses. Adept at assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care in accordance with clinical best practices and standards. Lead and mentor nursing team members to continuously improve clinical skills and competencies, including precepting new staff.
Employment history example
Registered Nurse at Multiple Employers, NSW, Australia & Abu Dhabi, UAE
2010 - 2020
Served as RN in multiple clinical settings, including emergency departments, transplant, medical-surgical, oncology, cardiac care, hematology, geriatrics, rehabilitation, and other units. Assessed and triaged patients, compiled medical histories, drew blood, dressed wounds and surgical incisions, performed IV cannulation, and provided live-saving treatments. Cared for PEGs, PICCs/CVCs, chest tubes, ostomies, drains, tracheostomies, VAD dressings, and IVPCAs/EPCAs. Updated electronic medical records. Adhered to all infection control and other requirements.
ABC Hospital, 12/2019 to 5/2020: Treated patients in Emergency Department (ED) in collaboration with ED Triage Nurse. Conducted detailed assessment of patient presentation, collected blood, and performed point-of-care testing. Coordinated transfers to higher-level hospital as needed or at direction of on-call Medical Officer. Provided comprehensive care for general medical inpatients and palliative care patients.
Cleveland Clinic, Pulmonary & Vascular Unit and Medical & Surgical Unit, 2/2017 to 10/2019: Collaborated with multidisciplinary team to achieve optimal healthcare outcomes for patients with various lung diseases, including pre- and post-transplant patients for lungs, heart, liver, and kidney transplants. Attended complex vascular dressings and managed vascular access. Served as preceptor for new nursing staff.
Westend Hospital, NSW, Casual Pool Staff, 5/2015 to 1/2017: Adapted to various workflows and collaborated with diverse staff to care for patients in emergency, high dependency, oncology, cardiac units, haematology, and other non-specialty wards.
St. Augustine Hospital, Transplant, Colorectal Surgery, Immunology & Plastics, Trauma Orthopaedics, Geriatrics, Rehabilitation Units, 3/2011 to 11/2016: Played a key role in enabling liver and kidney transplant patients to achieve holistic recoveries. Provided complex care to pre- and post-colorectal surgery patients. Guided patients through rehabilitation post-acute or post-trauma.
Southwest Patient Care, NSW, Imaging Department, 6/2014 to 9/2014: Provided safe and effective care of patients attending imaging studies. Assisted with radiological diagnostics and interventions.
Various Aged Care Facilities, 1/2010 to 6/2014: Provided basic and technical nursing care to elderly patients to ensure comfort and pain-free experience during final days.
Education example
Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Benguet State University
Registration Bridging Program for Overseas Trained RN at Nurselink Western Australia Department of Health
Graduate Certificate in Public Health at University of Tasmania
Registered Nurse, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency – Australia
Registered Nurse, Health Authority Abu Dhabi – UAE
Skills example
Patient-centred Nursing Care
Patient Assessment & Triage
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Holistic Health Outcomes
Electronic Medical Records
Emergency/Acute/Trauma Care
Pre-/Post-surgical & Transplants
Life-saving Interventions
