Registered Nurse Resume Sample and Writing Guide

Updated on: August 12, 2025

In today’s competitive healthcare job market, having a standout registered nurse resume is essential for success. Beyond just listing qualifications and experiences, a compelling resume reflects your commitment to patient care and your ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.

This guide will help you craft a professional registered nurse resume that captures your unique value and makes you shine in the eyes of prospective employers.

Sample Resume for Registered Nurse Position

Jane Doe, RN
Belleville, NY
(000) 123-4567
[email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janedoern


Summary

Registered Nurse with 8+ years of clinical experience, specializing in ICU and emergency care at Level I trauma centers. Excel at delivering high-quality patient care, effective team coordination, and driving process improvement initiatives. Known for enhancing patient safety and streamlining workflow, resulting in a significant reduction in medication errors and increased compliance with health protocols. Passionate about mentoring new staff and advocating for patient needs.

Licenses and Certifications

  • Registered Nurse (RN) License, State of New York #1234567
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, American Heart Association
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification, American Heart Association
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification, American Heart Association

Professional Experience

Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York, NY

Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
June 2018 – Present

  • Provided expert care to an average of 8 critically ill patients per shift. These conditions required complex interventions such as hemodynamic monitoring and continuous renal replacement therapy.
  • Pioneered a double-check system for medication administration that reduced errors by 30%, ensuring safer patient care practices.
  • Successfully managed and led a team of 10 nurses as a charge nurse. Boosted department efficiency. Fostered an environment of collaboration and respect.
  • Developed and executed a continuing education program for nursing staff. This led to a 100% pass rate for the team on mandatory clinical competency evaluations.
  • Managed comprehensive care for an average of 12 post-operative patients per shift. The effort yielded a post-surgical infection rate that was 30% below the national average.

City General Hospital, Brockville, NY

Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
September 2016 – June 2018

  • Delivered prompt and efficient care to an average of 20 patients per shift in a high-volume level I emergency department.
  • Instrumental in revising and implementing new hand hygiene protocols, achieving an increase in staff compliance from 70% to 95%.
  • Played a key role in patient education initiatives, resulting in a 40% decrease in post-emergency related follow-up visits due to better in-home care.
  • Identified and recommended changes to the inventory management system for medical supplies, cutting costs by 18% annually without impacting the quality of patient care.

Education

University of New York, New York, NY
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
September 2012 – May 2016
GPA: 3.8/4.0

Honors and Awards

  • Dean’s List for 6 consecutive semesters.
  • Clinical Excellence Award, 2016

Skills

  • Proficient with Epic and Cerner EHR systems.
  • Exceptional clinical judgment and patient advocacy.
  • Calm and effective in high-stress situations.
  • Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, facilitating improved patient relations.

Professional Memberships

  • American Nurses Association (ANA)
  • New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA)

References

Available upon request.


How to Create an Outstanding Registered Nurse Resume

  1. Contact Information: Begin with your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile.
  2. Professional Summary: Write a concise summary that highlights your nursing experience, key skills, and dedication to patient care.
  3. Licenses and Certifications: Clearly list your nursing licenses and relevant certifications to verify your qualifications.
  4. Professional Experience: Present your work history in reverse chronological order, focusing on impactful responsibilities and accomplishments.
  5. Education: Include your nursing degree, institution, graduation date, and any honors received.
  6. Skills: Emphasize both technical nursing skills and soft skills that are crucial in a patient-centric role.
  7. Professional Associations: Mention your involvement in relevant nursing organizations, showing your investment in professional development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What elements should my registered nurse resume include?

Your resume should feature contact information, a professional summary, licenses, work experience, education, skills, and any relevant memberships.

How long is an ideal RN resume?

Aim for a one-page resume if you have fewer than 10 years of nursing experience.

Should I customize my resume for each nursing position?

Yes, tailoring your resume to align with the job description can significantly improve your chances of being noticed.

What should I highlight if I lack extensive nursing experience?

Focus on clinical rotations, volunteer experiences, and relevant skills you’ve developed during your education.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a well-structured registered nurse resume is key to unlocking doors in the healthcare industry. By showcasing your strengths and experiences effectively, you enhance your chances of landing the nursing position you desire.

Comments

Jessica Brown: “Great tips! I never thought to include my volunteer experiences on my resume.”
Sam (Post author): “Thanks, Jessica! Volunteer work can really make your resume stand out and show your commitment!”

David Clark: “This guide was very helpful! Any advice on what to do with gaps in my employment?”
Sam (Post author): “Absolutely, David! Be honest about gaps and use that space to highlight any professional development or skills you gained during that time.”

Sarah Lee: “I love the format suggestions! It made everything clear.”
Sam (Post author): “I’m glad to hear that, Sarah! A clean format can truly make a difference in readability.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *