How To Write A Registered Nurse Resume (With Example)

Updated 18 September 2023

Working as a registered nurse can be a fulfilling career for those who want to take care of people's medical needs. Typically, these jobs require an application and a resume. Learning how to write a strategic resume can help you impress a recruiter and increase your chances of getting a job. In this article, we explain what a registered nurse resume is, list the steps for writing one and supply a template and an example to help you write yours.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are associated with Indeed.

Find registered nurse jobs

What Is A Registered Nurse Resume?

A registered nurse resume is a document that summarises a nurse's education, experience, skills and qualifications. It is a significant element of a job application because it allows nurses to showcase their suitability for a specific nursing position. A resume includes your contact information, a professional summary, education details, relevant experience and skills. You can customise your resume to the job description to show how your relevant experience and skills align with the position. By presenting a clear overview of your qualifications, you show your suitability to prospective employers.

How To Write A Resume As A Registered Nurse?

Here are steps you can follow to write a convincing resume when applying for a registered nurse position:

1. Follow a professional resume format

Follow a professional, consistent format throughout your resume. Use the same font for your headings and the body. You can differentiate between these elements by changing the text size. For example, you can set the heading font size to 12 points and the body to 10. Keep the margins consistent as well. Consider using a one-inch margin on each side of the page. This step can make your resume look more structured and professional.

2. Write your contact details

Include your full name and degree in bold at the top left corner of the document. Below this, add your phone number, email address and location. You can also include your website if you have one. Ensure all the information you include on your resume is correct and current. Recruiters may use these details to contact you about updates to your application.

3. Write a professional summary

Write a professional summary below your contact details. This paragraph consists of two or three sentences that explain your experiences, skills and suitability for the job to the recruiter. This statement is often the first thing the recruiter reads about you, so ensure you draft a summary that explains your experience adequately. Read the job description thoroughly and find specific keywords and skills the employer wants in a candidate. Use these words and one or two of the skills in your summary. This step can help the recruiter recognise your abilities.

4. Include your work experience

List your jobs in reverse chronological order starting from your latest role. Write your job title and the employment dates on a single line in bold. If you are a registered nurse, write that as your job title. Below it, write the employer's name and location on the same line. Finally, underneath, provide your job duties as an unordered bullet list. Write five for your latest job and three for the earlier ones.

Your duties may vary depending on your experience and employer. If you were a junior nurse in your previous job, your responsibilities may include helping senior nurses prepare medication. At your most recent position, you may perform more advanced duties such as monitoring patients and administering medication yourself. Ensure to list your responsibilities according to the position.

5. List your skills

After listing your experience, create a separate section to provide your skills. Ensure you only include the skills relevant to the job. Refer to the job description to learn the skills the employer wants, and then find the ones that match your abilities and list them on your resume. You can list them in a single section or divide them by type.

For example, you may want to divide the skills into hard and soft skills. Some examples of hard skills are monitoring vital signs, tracking symptoms and knowledge of pain management techniques. Examples of soft skills are communication, leadership and time management.

6. Include your education details

The last section of the document lists your educational details. While you can often work as a junior nurse with a bachelor's degree, you typically require a master's degree from an accredited institute to work as a registered nurse. Write the name of your degree and the school or university you attended. Beneath this information, state the institution's location. List all your relevant educational credentials in reverse chronological order.

You can also list any relevant certifications you obtained. This section is optional, but including it may increase your suitability for the job. Some certifications that may increase your credibility as a nurse are the Advanced Certificate in Nursing Administration and the Certificate in Maternal and Child Health Nursing.

7. Edit and proofread the document

Once you finish drafting your resume, read it thoroughly. Look for spelling, grammar, formatting and factual errors and correct them. Reading your content aloud may help you find errors easier. You can also ask a friend, family member or mentor to proofread the document. This step helps ensure you send an error-free resume to your potential employers.

Resume Template For A Registered Nurse

Here is a template you can use to write your resume:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State or Union territory]

Professional Summary
[Two to three sentences that highlight your years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications, and achievements as a professional.]

Experience

(For the most recent role, list 5 experience items. For previous roles, list 3.)

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State or Union territory]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State or Union territory]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

Education
[Degree], [Name of School or University]
[City], [State or Union territory]

Certifications (optional)
[Certification Name], [Host Organisation] - [Year completed or expiration date]

Example Resume For A Registered Nurse

Here is an example resume you can use as a reference when creating your own:

Raj Shah, Master of Science in Nursing +91 82824 34112 | shahraj@email.com | Bengaluru, Karnataka

Professional Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse with over three years of experience providing high-quality patient care in various healthcare settings. Skilled at assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating nursing care plans, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and maintaining accurate medical records.

Experience

Registered Nurse | November 2019–Current GlobalMed Hospital | Bengaluru, Karnataka

Assess and monitor patient health status, including vital signs, symptoms and overall well-being
Administer medications, treatments and therapies based on the physician's prescription
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement comprehensive care plans for patients
Provide direct patient care, including wound management, injections and assistance with medical procedures
Educate patients on disease management, treatment options and preventive care

Nurse | August 2017–October 2019 GlobalMed Hospital | Bengaluru, Karnataka

Documented patient information, medical histories and treatment plans accurately
Conducted health screenings, immunisations and health promotion activities to support community wellness
Responded to emergencies, assessed critical situations and initiated appropriate interventions

Skills

Education

Master of Science in Nursing | Bangalore Nursing School Bengaluru, Karnataka

Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Bangalore Nursing School Bengaluru, Karnataka

Certification

Advanced Certification in Modern Nursing, MedStar Professional - June 2022