Embarking on a nursing career right after graduation can be daunting, but having a well-crafted resume can make a significant difference.
Below is a comprehensive sample of a new graduate nurse resume, which highlights relevant skills, education, clinical experience, and certifications.
Utilize this sample as a template to showcase your qualifications and make your application stand out.
New Graduate Nurse Resume Sample
Emily Johnson
Address: 123 Maple Street, Springfield, IL 62704
Phone: (123) 456-7890
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emilyjohnson
Objective
Compassionate and dedicated graduate nurse seeking a position at Springfield General Hospital to utilize clinical skills, provide high-quality patient care, and continue professional growth in a supportive environment.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
University of Illinois, Chicago, IL
Graduated: May 2024
- GPA: 3.8
- Relevant Coursework: Nursing Fundamentals, Adult Health Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing, Pharmacology, Community Health Nursing
Clinical Experience
Student Nurse Intern
Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL
June 2023 – August 2024
- Assisted in patient care, including administering medications, wound care, patient assessments, and documentation.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive patient care.
- Educated patients and families on discharge instructions and health management.
Nursing Practicum
Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
January 2024 – April 2024
- Conducted comprehensive patient assessments and developed individualized care plans.
- Monitored patient progress and updated patient records ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations.
- Supported patients in managing chronic illnesses and recovery post-surgery.
Skills
- Clinical Skills: Patient Assessment, IV Therapy, Medication Administration, Wound Care, Vital Signs Monitoring, EHR Documentation
- Technical Skills: Proficient in Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems, Microsoft Office Suite
- Soft Skills: Effective Communication, Teamwork, Time Management, Adaptability, Empathy
Certifications
- Registered Nurse (RN) License, Illinois, License Number: RN123456, 2024
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, American Heart Association, Expires: May 2026
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification, American Heart Association, Expires: May 2025
Professional Affiliations
- Member, American Nurses Association (ANA), 2024 – Present
- Member, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, 2024 – Present
Volunteer Experience
Health Fair Volunteer
American Red Cross, Springfield, IL
June 2020 – June 2021
- Provided health screenings, basic first aid, and health education to community members.
- Assisted in organizing and setting up health fair events.
Community Outreach Volunteer
Springfield Community Health Center, Springfield, IL
September 2019 – September 2020
- Participated in community health programs and initiatives, educating the public on health and wellness topics.
References
Available upon request.
Emily Johnson

Tips for Writing a Great Resume as a New Graduate Nurse
Launching your nursing career begins with crafting a compelling resume. Here are some essential tips to make your new graduate nurse resume stand out:
1. Tailor Your Resume
Customize your resume for each job application. Highlight your skills and experiences that align with the specific position you’re applying for.
2. Use a Professional Template
Choose a clean, professionally designed template. Avoid excessive graphics or colors that can distract from the content.
3. Include a Strong Objective Statement
Start with a clear and concise objective statement that outlines your career goals and what you bring to the position.
4. Highlight Your Education
As a new graduate, your education is one of your most significant assets. Include your degree, the name of the institution, graduation date, and relevant coursework.
5. Showcase Your Clinical Experience
Detail your clinical rotations or internships. Focus on your responsibilities and the skills you developed during these experiences.
6. List Relevant Skills
Include a skills section where you list both clinical and soft skills. Be specific about your competencies, such as patient assessment, medication administration, and teamwork.
7. Certifications Matter
Mention any certifications you have earned, such as BLS or ACLS. This can give you an edge over other candidates.
8. Include Volunteer Experience
Volunteer work can demonstrate your commitment to healthcare and community service. Include any relevant volunteer roles and responsibilities.
9. Professional Affiliations
List memberships in professional organizations, such as the American Nurses Association or nursing honor societies. This shows you are engaged in the nursing community.
10. Keep it Concise
Your resume should be clear and concise, ideally one page long. Use bullet points and avoid lengthy paragraphs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How should I format my new graduate nurse resume?
Your resume should be clean and professional. Use a simple, easy-to-read font, and organize the content into clearly defined sections such as Objective, Education, Clinical Experience, Skills, Certifications, Professional Affiliations, and Volunteer Experience. Avoid excessive graphics or colors that may distract from the content.
2. What should I include in my objective statement?
Your objective statement should be clear and concise. Focus on your career goals and what you aim to contribute to the organization. Highlight your strengths and relevant experiences that make you a suitable candidate for the position.
3. How can I make my clinical experience stand out?
Detail your clinical rotations or internships, emphasizing the responsibilities you had and the skills you developed. Use specific examples to illustrate your achievements and what you learned during these experiences.
4. Should I include my GPA on my resume?
Including your GPA is optional. If you graduated with a high GPA (generally 3.5 or above), it can be a valuable asset to include, especially as a new graduate. However, if it is lower, you might choose to leave it out.
5. What kinds of skills should I list?
Include both clinical and soft skills. Clinical skills might include patient assessment, IV therapy, medication administration, and wound care. Soft skills could include effective communication, teamwork, time management, adaptability, and empathy.
6. How long should my resume be?
Your resume should ideally be one page long, especially as a new graduate. Be concise and use bullet points to make the information easy to read and digest.
Comments
Maria Rodriguez:
“This resume template is incredibly helpful for new nurses like me! I feel more confident about my job applications now. Thank you for the detailed tips and sample!”
James O’Connor:
“Great article! The emphasis on showcasing clinical experience and tailoring the resume for each job application is spot on. It really helps to have a clear structure to follow.”
Anika Patel:
“I appreciate the inclusion of volunteer experience. I’ve always wondered if it’s relevant enough to include, but this guide makes me realize its importance in demonstrating commitment to healthcare. Well done!”
Liam Chen:
“Fantastic resource! As a career advisor, I find this guide very useful for my clients who are new nursing graduates. The FAQs at the end are a nice touch and address common concerns effectively.”
Sofia Martinez:
“Thank you for this comprehensive guide! The objective statement examples and the focus on skills both clinical and soft are very practical. I’ve already started tweaking my resume using these tips.”