Embarking on a new career as a graduate nurse is both an exciting and challenging journey.
Your resume is your first opportunity to make a lasting impression on potential employers and stand out in the competitive healthcare field.
Crafting the perfect resume can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance and examples, you can highlight your skills, education, and experiences effectively.
In this guide, we provide a comprehensive new graduate nurse resume sample that showcases best practices in resume writing.
You’ll learn how to structure your resume, what essential elements to include, and tips for emphasizing your unique qualifications.
Whether you’re applying for your first nursing job or looking to refine your existing resume, this resource is designed to help you present your best professional self and secure the position you’re aiming for.
Let’s begin crafting a resume that will open doors to your future in nursing.
New Graduate Registered Nurse Resume Sample
Your Name
City, State
(000) 555-5555
[email protected]
linkedin.com/in/yourprofile
OBJECTIVE
Compassionate and dedicated recent nursing graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from XYZ University, seeking a Registered Nurse position at ABC Hospital. Bringing comprehensive knowledge of nursing principles, aseptic techniques, and excellent patient-care skills. Eager to contribute to a reputable healthcare team to further develop practical experience and provide top-notch patient care.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
XYZ University, City, State
Expected Graduation: Month Year
GPA: 3.6/4.0
- Received the “Outstanding Undergraduate Nurse” award
- Completed 500+ clinical hours in various departments
- Member of the XYZ University Nursing Student Association
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Student Nurse Practitioner
ABC Medical Center, City, State
January 2023 – May 2023
- Rotated through the ER, Pediatric, and Oncology departments, providing direct care under supervision.
- Performed initial assessments, monitored vital signs, and assisted with daily living activities.
- Educated patients and family members on discharge plans and home care procedures.
Nursing Intern
DEF Clinic, City, State
June 2022 – August 2022
- Delivered patient-centered care for an average roster of 30 patients per week.
- Administered medication, injections, and immunizations as directed by supervising RN.
- Assisted in minor surgical procedures and followed infection control protocols.
CORE SKILLS
- CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) Certified
- Proficient in electronic health records (EHR) systems: EPIC and Cerner
- Strong clinical judgment and critical thinking abilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Fluent in English and Spanish
CERTIFICATIONS
Registered Nurse (RN) License
State Board of Nursing, State
License Number: 123456789 (once passed NCLEX-RN)
CPR Certified
American Heart Association, Valid until Month Year
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
Inducted Member, XYZ University Chapter
2022 – Present
HONORS AND AWARDS
Dean’s List
XYZ University
Fall 2019 – Spring 2023
Outstanding Undergraduate Nurse Award
XYZ University
2023
VOLUNTEERING
Volunteer Nurse
GHI Nursing Home, City, State
September 2023 – December 2023
- Collaborated with a team to provide health screenings and basic care to elderly residents.
- Organized recreational activities and participated in health education seminars.
AFFILIATIONS
- American Nurses Association (ANA)
- National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Committed to ongoing professional development and education
- Adaptable team player recognized for a positive attitude and solution-oriented approach
Please note that the above sample is fictional and is intended as a guide/template for creating a new graduate nurse resume. Customize it further based on your personal details, experiences, educational background, and achievements.
How to Write a New Grad RN Resume With No Experience?
Writing a resume as a new graduate nurse can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you lack professional experience. However, with the right approach and emphasis on your education, clinical experiences, skills, and other relevant activities, you can create a compelling resume that stands out to employers.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Start with a Strong Objective or Summary
- Begin with a clear and concise objective or summary that highlights your eagerness to start your nursing career, your educational qualifications, relevant skills, and certifications. Emphasize your commitment to patient care and your enthusiasm for learning and growing in a hands-on healthcare setting.
2. Highlight Your Education
- List your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree prominently. Include the university, location, graduation date, and GPA if it’s above average.
- Mention any honors, such as making the Dean’s List or any awards you may have earned during your education.
3. Emphasize Clinical Rotations and Experiences
- If you have no professional nursing experience, your clinical rotations are your biggest asset. Detail each rotation, the department you worked in, and the skills you used or learned.
- Describe any specific situations or projects you were involved in that demonstrate your abilities and readiness for a nursing role.
4. Showcase Your Skills
- Create a section for ‘Core Skills’ that includes any medical or technical skills you’ve acquired. These can include proficiency in CPR, knowledge of electronic health records (EHR) systems, or any other relevant nursing skills.
- Don’t forget to include soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are highly valuable in the nursing profession.
5. Certifications Matter
- List any certifications you have, including those for CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS). If you’re awaiting results for your NCLEX-RN exam, you can state your expected licensure date.
6. Leveraging Professional Memberships
- Include memberships in professional organizations, even as a student member, which show your commitment to the nursing profession and staying current in the field.
7. Include Honors and Awards
- Any recognition for your academic or clinical performance is noteworthy and should be included on your resume.
8. Volunteering Can Show Experience
- Volunteer work can be extremely relevant, especially if it’s healthcare-related. It shows a commitment to community service and provides additional context for your practical skills.
9. List Affiliations
- Mention any affiliations with professional organizations, as it can be indicative of your dedication to the field and ongoing professional development.
10. Don’t Forget Additional Information
- Here, you can add any other pertinent information such as proficiency in languages, computer skills, and any other notable achievements.
11. Formatting and Proofreading Are Crucial
- Make sure your resume is well-organized, using bullet points for readability and ensuring that the font and layout appear professional.
- Proofread carefully to eliminate any spelling or grammatical errors. It may help to have someone else review your resume as well.
Starting a new career in nursing is exciting, and your resume is an important tool to help you land that first job. By focusing on what you have learned and how you've applied it in clinical settings, you can create a resume that effectively showcases your potential as a new nurse.