Registered Nurse (RN) Resume Examples
RN Intern
This resume works because it showcases the candidate's relevant experience, technical skills, and soft skills, making them a strong fit for the RN Intern position.
Resume Highlights:
- Relevant work experience as an RN Intern
- Strong technical skills in EMRs and patient assessment
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
Staff RN
This resume works because it highlights the candidate's extensive experience in patient care, their strong background in medical-surgical nursing, cardiology, and critical care, and their proven track record of delivering high-quality care. The resume also showcases the candidate's skills in electronic medical records, medication administration, patient assessment, and patient education, making them a competitive candidate for the Staff RN position.
Resume Highlights:
- 5+ years of experience in patient care
- Strong background in medical-surgical nursing, cardiology, and critical care
- Proven track record of delivering high-quality care
RN Charge Nurse
This resume works because it highlights the candidate's leadership and management skills, as well as their excellent communication and interpersonal skills, making them a strong fit for the RN Charge Nurse position.
Resume Highlights:
- Proven leadership and management skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong clinical skills and knowledge
RN Team Lead
This resume works because it highlights the candidate's strong leadership and management skills, as well as their background in patient care and quality improvement. The resume also showcases the candidate's excellent communication and interpersonal skills, which are essential for a RN Team Lead role.
Resume Highlights:
- Proven leadership and management skills
- Strong background in patient care and quality improvement
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Senior RN
This resume works because it highlights my experience and achievements as a Senior Registered Nurse, with a focus on leadership, patient education, and quality improvement. The specific examples and metrics demonstrate my ability to develop and implement effective care plans, lead interdisciplinary teams, and improve patient outcomes.
Resume Highlights:
- Developed and implemented individualized care plans, resulting in a 25% reduction in patient readmissions
- Collaborated with physicians to develop and implement evidence-based practice guidelines, resulting in a 20% reduction in hospital-acquired infections
- Mentored new nurses and provided guidance on best practices, resulting in a 90% decrease in medication errors
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) RN
This resume works because it effectively highlights the candidate's experience, skills, and achievements in the PICU setting. The use of specific examples and metrics demonstrates the candidate's ability to provide high-quality patient care and drive positive outcomes. The inclusion of relevant certifications, education, and hobbies also showcases the candidate's commitment to the field and their well-roundedness as a professional.
Resume Highlights:
- 5+ years of experience as a PICU RN
- Proven track record of developing and implementing individualized care plans
- Excellent leadership and communication skills
- Strong commitment to delivering exceptional patient care and advancing the field of pediatric nursing
Operating Room (OR) RN
This resume works because it highlights the candidate's strong clinical expertise, proven track record of delivering high-quality patient care, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills, making them an ideal candidate for an Operating Room (OR) RN position.
Resume Highlights:
- Strong clinical expertise in perioperative nursing
- Proven track record of delivering high-quality patient care
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Gerontology RN
This resume works for the Gerontology RN position because it highlights my experience and expertise in providing high-quality patient care to geriatric patients, while also demonstrating my leadership and communication skills. The resume also showcases my ability to develop and implement individualized care plans, improve patient outcomes, and reduce hospital readmissions.
Resume Highlights:
- Developed and implemented individualized care plans for geriatric patients, resulting in improved patient outcomes and satisfaction
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide holistic care, including medication management, wound care, and fall prevention
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives, including the development of evidence-based practice guidelines and staff education programs
neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) RN
This resume works because it highlights my strong clinical skills, effective communication, and leadership abilities, making me an ideal candidate for the NICU RN position. The inclusion of specific achievements, metrics, and responsibilities demonstrates my ability to provide high-quality patient care and improve patient outcomes.
Resume Highlights:
- Highly skilled and dedicated NICU RN
- Proven track record of reducing hospital-acquired infections and improving patient satisfaction
Cardiovascular RN
This resume works because it highlights the candidate's experience and skills in cardiovascular nursing, and demonstrates their ability to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. The candidate's achievements and responsibilities are clearly outlined, and their skills and strengths are well-matched to the requirements of the job.
Resume Highlights:
- Improved patient outcomes and satisfaction through evidence-based practice
- Developed and implemented individualized care plans
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams
Registered Nurse (RN), Entry-Level
This resume works for the Registered Nurse (RN), Entry-Level position because it highlights the candidate's strong clinical skills, excellent communication and teamwork skills, and commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth. The resume also demonstrates the candidate's ability to work effectively in a fast-paced healthcare environment and provide high-quality patient care.
Resume Highlights:
- Strong clinical skills and experience in medical-surgical nursing
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
Charge Nurse (RN), 1-3 years experience
This resume works because it highlights my strong leadership skills, excellent communication skills, and proven ability to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction scores. It also showcases my experience in providing high-quality patient care and my ability to work effectively in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
Resume Highlights:
- Strong leadership skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Proven ability to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction scores
Nurse Manager (RN), 3-5 years experience
This resume works because it highlights the candidate's strong leadership skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and proven track record of success in quality improvement and patient satisfaction, making them a competitive candidate for the Nurse Manager (RN) position.
Resume Highlights:
- Strong leadership skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Proven track record of success in quality improvement and patient satisfaction
Clinical Nurse Specialist (RN), 5-7 years experience
This resume works because it highlights the candidate's achievements and experience in a clear and concise manner. The use of specific metrics and statistics demonstrates the candidate's ability to drive process improvements and achieve high patient satisfaction rates. The inclusion of relevant skills and strengths also shows that the candidate is well-qualified for the position.
Resume Highlights:
- Proven track record of achieving high patient satisfaction rates
- Experience in leading cross-functional teams and developing strategic plans
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Nurse Educator (RN), 7-10 years experience
This resume works because it highlights the candidate's experience and expertise in nursing education, as well as their leadership and mentorship skills. The resume also demonstrates the candidate's ability to develop and implement innovative curriculum designs, and their commitment to evidence-based practice.
Resume Highlights:
- 8 years of experience in nursing education
- Proven track record of developing and implementing innovative curriculum designs
- Strong leadership and mentorship skills
- Excellent communication and time management skills
Nurse Administrator (RN), 10+ years experience
This resume works because it highlights the candidate's extensive experience, achievements, and skills in leadership and management roles, making them an ideal candidate for the Nurse Administrator (RN) position.
Resume Highlights:
- 10+ years of experience in leadership and management roles
- Proven track record of improving patient outcomes and reducing costs
- Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
Operating Room Nurse (RN)
This resume works because it is highly detailed and specific, with a strong focus on achievements, metrics, and responsibilities. The skills section is relevant and comprehensive, and the education details are clear and concise. The use of quantifiable achievements and metrics throughout the resume demonstrates the candidate's expertise and impact in the field.
Resume Highlights:
- Highly detailed and specific achievements, metrics, and responsibilities
- Relevant skills section with both technical and soft skills
- Education details with degrees, institutions, and graduation dates
- Quantifiable achievements and metrics throughout the resume
Emergency Room Nurse (RN)
This resume works because it provides a comprehensive and detailed overview of the candidate's experience, skills, and education, making it an ideal fit for the Emergency Room Nurse (RN) position. The use of specific achievements, metrics, and responsibilities demonstrates the candidate's expertise and dedication to the field, while the skills section and education details provide a well-rounded view of the candidate's qualifications.
Resume Highlights:
- Highly detailed and specific achievements and responsibilities
- Relevant skills section with both technical and soft skills
- Education details with degrees, institutions, and graduation dates
- Quantifiable achievements and metrics throughout the resume
- Strong action verbs and industry-specific terminology
Pediatric Nurse (RN)
This resume works because it highlights my experience and skills as a pediatric nurse, with a focus on patient care and teamwork. The summary and experiences sections demonstrate my ability to provide high-quality care and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams. The skills section showcases my technical and soft skills, and the education and certifications sections provide evidence of my education and training.
Resume Highlights:
- 5+ years of experience as a pediatric nurse
- Proven track record of improving patient outcomes and reducing hospital readmissions
- Strong assessment and management skills, with the ability to develop personalized care plans
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience working with interdisciplinary teams
Critical Care Nurse (RN)
This resume works for the Critical Care Nurse (RN) position because it showcases my experience, skills, and achievements in critical care nursing. It highlights my ability to improve patient outcomes, reduce morbidity, and promote a culture of safety and excellence. Additionally, it demonstrates my strong critical thinking skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to educate patients and families.
Resume Highlights:
- Proven track record of improving patient outcomes and reducing morbidity
- Strong critical thinking skills and ability to rapidly respond to changing patient conditions
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a strong ability to educate patients and families
Operating Room Manager (RN)
This resume works because it highlights the candidate's strong leadership and management skills, as well as their ability to improve patient satisfaction and reduce surgical complications. The use of specific metrics and percentages demonstrates the candidate's ability to drive results and improve patient outcomes.
Resume Highlights:
- Strong leadership and management skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Proven track record of improving patient satisfaction and reducing surgical complications
Informatics Nurse Specialist (RN)
This resume works for the Informatics Nurse Specialist position because it highlights my experience and skills in designing, implementing, and evaluating healthcare information systems, as well as my ability to improve patient care and reduce costs through innovative solutions.
Resume Highlights:
- Improved patient outcomes by 25% through the implementation of a clinical decision support system
- Increased patient engagement by 40% through the design and implementation of a telehealth program
Case Manager (RN)
This resume works because it highlights the candidate's experience and skills in case management, care planning, and collaboration. The candidate's proven track record of improving patient satisfaction and reducing hospital readmissions demonstrates their ability to provide high-quality care and achieve optimal health outcomes.
Resume Highlights:
- Proven track record of improving patient satisfaction and reducing hospital readmissions
- Strong care planning and coordination skills, with experience in developing and implementing individualized care plans
- Effective collaboration and teamwork skills, with experience working with interdisciplinary teams
Flight Nurse (RN)
This resume works because it showcases the candidate's strong clinical experience, proven track record of improving patient outcomes, and excellent communication and teamwork skills. The resume is tailored specifically for the Flight Nurse (RN) position, highlighting the candidate's relevant skills and experience.
Resume Highlights:
- Strong clinical experience in critical care and emergency nursing
- Proven track record of improving patient outcomes
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
Occupational Health Nurse (RN)
This resume works because it highlights the candidate's extensive experience in occupational health nursing, with a strong focus on promoting health, safety, and wellness in the workplace. The candidate's proven track record of reducing work-related injuries and illnesses, combined with their excellent communication and leadership skills, make them an ideal candidate for the Occupational Health Nurse (RN) position.
Resume Highlights:
- 8+ years of experience in occupational health nursing
- Proven track record of reducing work-related injuries and illnesses
- Strong passion for promoting health, safety, and wellness in the workplace
Travel Nurse (RN)
This resume works because it highlights the candidate's strong clinical expertise, proven leadership skills, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills, making them a strong fit for the Travel Nurse (RN) position.
Resume Highlights:
- Strong clinical expertise
- Proven leadership skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
What Recruiters Want to See on Your Registered Nurse (RN) Resume
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems is crucial for efficient patient data management and compliance with healthcare regulations.
- Clinical Experience: Demonstrated hands-on experience in acute care settings such as ICU, ER, or Med-Surg units to handle high-pressure environments.
- Certifications: Maintain current state RN license and certifications like BLS, ACLS, and PALS, as they reflect your commitment to quality care.
- Patient Care: Strong focus on patient-centered care, showcasing your ability to develop personalized care plans and improve patient outcomes.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and patient families.
- Critical Thinking: Ability to quickly assess and respond to patient needs or medical emergencies, which is vital for ensuring patient safety.
- Cultural Competence: Experience working with diverse populations to provide equitable healthcare services.
- Education: Highlight ongoing professional development through workshops, seminars, or additional coursework relevant to nursing.
- Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with the latest medical equipment and technology, which aids in efficient patient care and treatment.
- Leadership Skills: Experience supervising other nurses or administrative staff, indicating your potential for advancement into leadership roles.
Resume Optimization Strategies for RNs
- •Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume for each position by including keywords from the job description to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
- •Quantify Achievements: Use metrics and numbers to describe your impact, such as improving patient satisfaction scores by a certain percentage.
- •Highlight Soft Skills: Emphasize soft skills like empathy, adaptability, and teamwork, which are critical in nursing roles.
- •Keep It Concise: Limit your resume to one or two pages, focusing on the most relevant and recent experiences.
- •Proofread Thoroughly: Ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors, as these can detract from your professionalism.
How to write a registered nurse (rn) resume
How to write a registered nurse (rn) summary or objective
What Makes an Effective RN Summary
A compelling Registered Nurse (RN) resume summary effectively showcases your clinical expertise, empathy, and problem-solving skills, while aligning with the healthcare facility's values. It is succinct yet powerful, highlighting your passion and dedication to patient care.
- Begin with a powerful adjective (e.g., dedicated, compassionate).
- Clearly state your role (e.g., Registered Nurse).
- Mention years of experience, if applicable.
- Highlight key skills (e.g., patient care, communication, teamwork).
- Include any relevant specialties or certifications (e.g., pediatric care, ACLS).
- End with a statement that aligns with the job or facility mission.
Key Elements to Include in an RN Summary
- •Job title and experience
- •Clinical specialties
- •Notable skills or certifications
- •Accomplishments in patient care
- •Commitment to healthcare values
Do
- Tailor your summary to the job description.
- Emphasize specialized skills or specialties.
- Use action-oriented language.
- Keep it concise and to the point.
Don't
- Include irrelevant information.
- Use vague language.
- Make it too long or too short.
- Fail to convey your passion for nursing.
Tailor your RN resume summary depending on your experience level. For entry-level candidates, focus on educational achievements and transferable skills. Mid-level RNs should emphasize their career progression and specific areas of expertise or leadership. Senior-level nurses must highlight their extensive experience, problem-solving abilities, and mentoring capabilities.
Resume Summary Examples for Registered Nurse (RN)s
Entry-Level RN Summary
Recent nursing graduate with extensive clinical training. Passionate about providing quality patient care and eager to apply skills in a dynamic hospital environment. Certified in BLS.
Mid-Level RN Summary
Compassionate Registered Nurse with over 5 years of experience providing exceptional patient care in fast-paced environments. Skilled in ICU and ER settings with advanced certification in ACLS. Dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes.
Senior-Level RN Summary
Seasoned RN with 15+ years of experience in critical care and a proven track record in mentoring nursing staff. Recognized for excellent leadership and communication skills. Committed to delivering high standards of care and improving patient satisfaction.
How to write a registered nurse (rn) work experience
The work experience section of a Registered Nurse (RN) resume is crucial in showcasing both your medical skills and your ability to deliver quality patient care. Here are some guidelines to help you create a compelling work experience section.
Best Practices for Structuring Work Experience
- •Use reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position.
- •Include your job title, the name of the facility, and the dates of employment.
- •Keep bullet points concise and focus on key responsibilities and achievements.
- •Use industry-specific terminology that demonstrates your proficiency in nursing.
- •Highlight the relevance of your previous positions to the role you are applying for.
Highlighting Relevant Achievements and Skills
- •Focus on achievements that demonstrate patient care, leadership, and medical skills.
- •Include specific skills such as administering medication, patient assessment, and use of medical technology.
- •Use action verbs like "administered," "coordinated," "assessed," and "implemented."
Tips for Quantifying Accomplishments
- •Include metrics such as patient satisfaction scores, number of patients cared for daily, or reduction in patient readmission rates.
- •Express accomplishments in terms of improvements, cost savings, or efficiency gains.
- •If possible, relate achievements to improved patient outcomes.
Addressing Common Challenges
- •For career gaps, explain them briefly and positively if asked in interviews, focusing on any skills acquired through volunteer work or additional training.
- •When addressing job hopping, emphasize skills acquired at each position and how they are relevant to the job you are applying for.
Work Experience Examples for Registered Nurse (RN)s
Entry-Level RN Example
Registered Nurse, ABC Hospital, June 2023 - Present
- Conduct assessments and administer medications for up to 10 patients per shift.
- Collaborate with healthcare teams to develop and implement patient care plans.
- Assisted in a project to improve patient satisfaction scores by 15%.
Mid-Level RN Example
Registered Nurse, DEF Medical Center, January 2020 - May 2023
- Led a team of 5 nurses in the ICU, managing high-acuity patients and ensuring quality care.
- Implemented a new workflow for patient discharge, reducing readmission rates by 10%.
- Spearheaded a training program for newly licensed nurses.
Senior-Level RN Example
Senior Registered Nurse, GHI Health Group, March 2015 - December 2019
- Oversaw the daily operations of a 20-bed surgical unit.
- Coordinated interdisciplinary team meetings to enhance patient care strategies.
- Developed and implemented a successful pain management protocol, increasing patient satisfaction by 20%.
Top hard skills and soft skills for registered nurse (rn) resumes in 2025
| Hard Skills | Soft Skills |
|---|---|
| Patient Assessment | Communication |
| Medication Administration | Empathy |
| IV Therapy | Teamwork |
| Wound Care | Problem-Solving |
| Monitoring Vital Signs | Adaptability |
| Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Management | Attention to Detail |
| Pediatric Care | Stress Management |
| Critical Care Techniques | Time Management |
| Cardiac Monitoring | Critical Thinking |
| Patient Education | Compassion |
Best certifications for registered nurse (rn) resumes in 2025
- Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN): A valuable certification for RNs working with children, this credential demonstrates specialized knowledge and expertise in pediatric nursing, enhancing professional credibility and career advancement opportunities.
- Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN): Essential for those in intensive care units, the CCRN certification proves advanced skills in critical care, supporting improved patient outcomes and professional development.
- Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN): This certification is crucial for nurses in emergency departments, showcasing the ability to handle acute and life-threatening conditions with efficiency and competence.
- Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN): Important for those specializing in cancer treatment, the OCN certification validates expertise in oncology nursing, contributing to improved patient care and professional growth.
- Certified Nurse Educator (CNE): Ideal for RNs aspiring to teach, the CNE certification highlights proficiency in education and instructional methods, enhancing teaching effectiveness and academic careers.
- Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (FNP-BC): A key certification for nurse practitioners, it underscores the ability to provide comprehensive healthcare to families, boosting career versatility and patient trust.
- Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN): This credential is beneficial for nurses in rehabilitation settings, emphasizing skills in helping patients recover and regain independence after illness or injury.
- Certified Gerontological Nurse (RN-BC): Valuable for RNs working with the elderly, this certification highlights expertise in geriatric care, promoting better understanding and treatment of aging populations.
How to format your registered nurse (rn) resume
Prioritize Clinical Experience
- •Focus on recent and relevant clinical roles.
- •Include detailed descriptions of duties and achievements.
- •Highlight specialized areas of expertise like ICU, ER, Pediatrics, etc.
- •Mention experience with electronic health records (EHR) software.
Showcase Certifications and Skills
- •List all relevant certifications such as BLS, ACLS, PALS, etc.
- •Highlight key skills, including patient care, teamwork, and leadership.
- •Include any specialized training relevant to the job posting.
Quantify Achievements
- •Use numbers to demonstrate impact, e.g., 'Improved patient satisfaction scores by 20%.'
- •Mention any awards, recognitions, or promotions received.
- Use reverse chronological order for work experience and education.
- Maintain a clean, professional layout with consistent font size and style.
- Use bullet points for easy readability.
- Keep to a maximum of two pages.
- Include a professional summary that encapsulates experience and career goals.
- Use action verbs like 'administered,' 'coordinated,' 'managed' etc.
- Ensure contact information is clear and up-to-date.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do
- Highlight certifications and licenses relevant to nursing, such as RN license, BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications.
- Include specific experiences in patient care, such as the number of patients handled daily, types of medical conditions treated, and specific procedures performed.
- Use action verbs and quantify achievements, like 'Reduced patient recovery time by 20% with improved care strategies.'
- Mention any specialized areas of nursing expertise, like pediatrics, oncology, or critical care.
- Showcase experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems and other healthcare software.
- Highlight teamwork and collaboration, as effective communication with colleagues is crucial in nursing environments.
- Include any awards or recognitions received, such as 'Nurse of the Year' or specific commendations from management or patients.
Don't
- Avoid using overly technical jargon that may not be understood by HR specialists who are not in the medical field.
- Don't include irrelevant work experiences that do not contribute to your nursing skills or career path.
- Refrain from using vague statements like 'Responsible for patient care'; instead, be specific about your duties and achievements.
- Don't omit significant gaps in employment; provide a brief explanation if necessary, such as taking time off for continuing education.
- Avoid cluttering the resume with too many personal details; focus instead on professional qualifications and experiences.
- Do not use unprofessional email addresses; maintain a professional tone throughout the document.
- Avoid over-exaggerating job skills and accomplishments as this may lead to credibility issues later on.
Key Takeaways for Your Registered Nurse (RN) Resume
Resume Tips for Registered Nurse (RN) Positions
- •Highlight Specialized Skills: Emphasize any specialized skills such as critical care, oncology, or pediatric nursing that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
- •Certifications and Licenses: Include all relevant certifications and licenses prominently. This includes your RN license, BLS, ACLS, and any other certifications that apply.
- •Showcase Technological Proficiency: Mention your experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems and other healthcare technologies.
- •Emphasize Soft Skills: Highlight essential soft skills like communication, compassion, teamwork, and problem-solving.
- •Quantify Achievements: Use numbers to convey your achievements, such as the number of patients cared for daily or improvements in patient recovery rates.
- •Include Professional Development: List any workshops, seminars, or further educational courses you have attended to keep up with the latest in nursing.
- •Tailor for Each Position: Customize your resume for each job application to align with the specific requirements and keywords in the job description.
- •Include Volunteer Experience: If relevant, include any volunteer nursing experience as it demonstrates initiative and commitment to the community.
- •Use Action Verbs: Start bullet points with strong action verbs like "organized," "managed," "implemented," or "assessed" to convey a proactive approach.
- •Professional Formatting: Maintain a clean and professional layout with consistent fonts and spacing to enhance readability.
Frequently Asked Questions for Registered Nurse (RN) Resumes
Reverse-chronological format is often recommended for Registered Nurses as it shows your most recent experience first, which is typically most relevant. However, if you're a recent graduate or changing careers, a functional format may better highlight your skills and education.
Be specific about your clinical experience by listing the number of beds in the facility, types of units or departments (like ICU, ER, or Pediatrics), and any specialized procedures or equipment you used. Mention specific accomplishments, such as improvements in patient care or safety scores.
Include both hard and soft skills. Hard skills might include patient assessment, telemetry, and intravenous therapy. Soft skills are equally important, such as communication, empathy, and time management. Tailor the skills section to the job description for each application.
Emphasize education, certifications, and any relevant clinical rotations. Highlight volunteer experiences, internships, and any work in healthcare settings, even if not as an RN. Focus on transferable skills like teamwork and attention to detail.
No, only include jobs that are relevant to the RN position. Focus on healthcare-related positions and roles where you've developed skills important to nursing. If you've worked outside of healthcare, identify transferable skills from those roles.
Avoid using generic phrases, listing too many irrelevant details, or having a resume longer than two pages. Ensure there are no grammatical errors or typos. Customize your resume for each job application by aligning it with the job description and keywords.
Share Article