A nurse resume needs to signal safe, competent patient care and pass hospital applicant tracking systems that screen for credentials and clinical keywords. This example shows how to present licensure and certifications clearly, frame clinical experience around patient outcomes and documentation accuracy, and keep the layout clean for busy nurse managers.
Sample resume
Maria Gonzalez
Registered Nurse (RN) · Med-Surg · BLS/ACLS Certified
Phoenix, AZ
Professional summary
Registered Nurse with 5 years of medical-surgical experience focused on safe patient care, accurate documentation, and calm communication in high-acuity settings. Known for thorough handoffs and strong patient education.
Experience
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
2021 – Present
Valley Regional Hospital · Phoenix, AZ
- Managed care for up to 6 patients per shift, coordinating with physicians, specialists, and families.
- Maintained accurate EHR documentation of assessments, medications, and care-plan changes.
- Precepted new graduate nurses on unit protocols, charting, and safe medication administration.
Registered Nurse, Float Pool
2019 – 2021
Desert Care Network · Phoenix, AZ
- Adapted quickly across med-surg, telemetry, and observation units during staffing needs.
- Supported patient education and discharge readiness with clear, written instructions.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) — Arizona State University2015 – 2019
Skills
Sample resume summary
Registered nurse focused on safe patient care, accurate documentation, and calm communication in fast-moving clinical settings.
Achievement bullet examples
- Coordinated patient care plans with physicians, specialists, and family members.
- Documented assessments, medication administration, and care changes with accuracy.
- Supported patient education and discharge readiness through clear instructions.
Skills to highlight
ATS keywords
How to write this resume
Put licensure and certifications up top
List your RN license, state, and certifications (BLS, ACLS, specialty certs) near the header. Recruiters and ATS filters look for these first — do not bury them.
Frame experience around safe outcomes
Describe patient load, coordination with the care team, and documentation accuracy. Clinical employers value reliability and safety over flashy phrasing.
Use clinical keywords honestly
Include the unit types, EHR system, and procedures named in the posting where they match your experience — this helps both ATS screening and the hiring manager.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Omitting or hiding license number, state, and certifications.
- Writing generic duties instead of patient load, unit type, and coordination detail.
- Leaving off the EHR system (Epic, Cerner) when postings often screen for it.
- Using a decorative template unsuited to clinical hiring.
Frequently asked questions
What should be on a nursing resume?
A summary, active RN license and certifications, clinical experience framed around patient care and documentation, education, and clinical skills including your EHR system.
How do I list nursing certifications on a resume?
Place them in a dedicated section near the top (or in the header) with the certifying body and, where relevant, expiration. Common examples include BLS, ACLS, PALS, and specialty certifications.
Should a new grad nurse resume be one page?
Yes. New graduate nurses should keep to one page, leading with clinical rotations, the NCLEX/licensure status, and any relevant certifications.