With the increasing competition for the best nursing jobs, an outstanding resume is what you need to land your dream job.

Writing a strong nursing resume that portrays your skills and accomplishments will be your best bet for landing a job, but that’s not the only thing you need to consider.

So we’ve compiled a list of what you’ll need to create an eye-catching resume that will certainly help you land that dream job of yours!

• How to Navigate Online Applications
• Choosing Resume Format 
• Resume Design
• How to List Nursing Credentials 
• Professional Summary Information
• Education
• Work History
• Awards and Affiliations 
• List of Resume Mistakes to Avoid
• FAQs About Nursing Resumes

How to Navigate Online Nursing Job Applications

In today’s technology-driven world, in today’s technology-driven world, many companies hiring processes are ruled by applicant tracking systems. These automated systems scan resumes for key terms and phrases that match the job description and eliminate any that don’t.

It can be discouraging as a qualified candidate to think that an actual human might never see your impressive resume. However, here are a few tips to help you navigate your online application and land that dream job!

Put your resume or cover letter in print, explain that you applied online but wanted to double-check that it was received, and mail it—yes, the mail. You’ll be surprised at how much feedback you can get after that one simple tip.

Concentrate on tailoring your resume to the role by incorporating keywords from the job description and demonstrating how your experience is a good fit for the position. Make the connections clear so that your qualifications, whether human or computer-based, stand out from the crowd.

Introducing ATS (Applicant Tracking Software)

You might have heard about the ATS when you tried to apply before and wondered why we use it on online applications.

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is a personnel management system that serves as a database for job applicants. ATS, like your CRM (customer relationship management) program, functions similarly but with a focus on sourcing and managing potential job applicants.

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is typically used to manage cover letters, resumes, and other candidate documents. The ATS also manages the hiring process by managing interviews, offers, and onboarding new employees. To search, manage, and communicate with a large number of applicants, both small and large businesses use applicant tracking software.

How Does ATS Work

To understand how an applicant tracking system works, you should first understand what ATS software is and why so many businesses rely on it. Applicant tracking systems are a type of software used by human resources departments to help with the hiring process. 

They are set up and programmed to screen candidates before their resumes reach a corporate recruiter. These systems can sort and organize thousands of resumes, bringing the best and brightest to the top of the list of candidates for interviews.

Why Employers Use ATS

The primary reason most employers use ATS is to improve efficiency. Recruiters perceive a lack of workers with current skills to fill an increasing number of job postings. As a result, they use automation to broaden their search for potential candidates and increase diversity. As a result, the large number of applicants is now reduced to manageable numbers thanks to ATS.

ATS software streamlines the hiring process by reducing the number of applicants who are actively considered based on very specific parameters and criteria. Recruiters and HR professionals have come to rely heavily on technology to maximize efficiency as more organizations shift their focus to worker productivity. 

ATS narrows the applicant pool so that recruiters can focus on the most qualified candidates. This saves recruiters time and money by avoiding going through the 98% of less qualified resumes, filtering out the undesirable, and ranking those who remain.

Tips to Bypass ATS

The disadvantage of ATS is that it can reject great candidates who do not properly fill out their CVs, which can be frustrating not only for candidates but also for employers. So here are a few pointers to help you succeed.

• Mirror the wording of the job description in your CV, including the tense. Do not copy and paste the job description verbatim; you may be penalized by the ATS.
• Take care of those keywords. Every profession or industry has its own jargon. Software, skills, certifications, licenses, responsibilities, or procedures may be involved. The words that are important in your field should be included in your CV or resume. Use both acronyms and full titles.

Choosing Your Resume Format 

Because hiring managers and other staffing professionals spend so little time on your resume in their first pass, it is critical that it make the best first impression. One method is to select the resume format that best reflects your experience, education, and skills. 

You won’t have to work hard to catch the attention of a hiring manager if you present a well-written resume. Once you’ve accomplished that, the remaining steps to finding work will be a breeze.

Types of Resume Format 

We’ve listed the five most common types of resumes to help you land your dream job. Of course, each has advantages and disadvantages, and you can use this information to help you choose the best resume format for you.

CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME 

A chronological resume is one that lists your work and educational experiences chronologically, from most recent to oldest. On your resume, you would list all of your degrees in the education section.

This resume is best suited for individuals who have a consistent, extensive work history with no gaps in employment. It should also include your personal and contact information, as well as a brief summary of your employment and educational history. 

However, only job experiences from the last 15 or 10 years should be listed on your resume. Hiring managers aren’t interested in your high school part-time job, but don’t forget to include any relevant skills.

REVERSE-CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME

A reverse-chronological resume is a resume format that emphasizes relevant work experience. Because it lists your most recent job first, it is called reverse-chronological. All other jobs are then listed in chronological order, from most recent to least recent.

Three key factors contribute to the strength of this type of resume:

Relevance: It is critical to emphasize the significance of your previous jobs. The greater the relevance of your previous work experience to the job you’re applying for, the better. ‍

Recency: In this format, your most recent job will be listed first in the work experience section. Recent jobs will allow an employer to see the skills and experience you’ve gained over the last 1–5 years. ‍

Longevity: Job applicants may have held previous positions for an extended period of time. It is critical to emphasize longevity in this case. It demonstrates to employers your willingness to commit to a company and a position.

Simply put, this resume format highlights your professional experience.

FUNCTIONAL RESUME 

The functional resume is another resume format that emphasizes your skills and expertise rather than your work experience. If you have little to no work experience, this can be extremely beneficial. Recent graduates with skills but little to no experience will benefit from this type of resume.

This resume organizes your experience by skills rather than jobs. A functional resume can include a work history, but it should not go beyond your job title, employer, and work dates. Your personal and contact information, a summary of your relevant skills, and a list of your categories and preferences must still be included.

COMBINATION OF RESUME

As the name implies, a combination resume combines other resume formats to highlight both your chronological work history and your skills and expertise. If you have transferable skills from previous jobs or relevant technical skills that you’ve used throughout your career, this is the resume format for you. Of course, your personal information, contact information, and a brief summary of your work and educational history should all be included.

MINI RESUME

You may be unfamiliar with the mini resume format because it is a less common resume format, but you may be able to use it to your advantage. Mini resumes, on the other hand, are a condensed version of full resumes that highlight your work experience in the form of a brief bio. Mini resumes do not even need to be printed on full-size paper. It could be printed on a business card or included in a handout of notecards.

This type of resume is useful to have on hand in case of an unexpected encounter where you need to hand out something, as well as when attending networking events and conferences where people exchange business cards. This is a very useful format because it gives you something to hand out that is more than just your name, contact information, and a brief summary of your experience and certifications.

TARGETED RESUME

Now for the final one. This format is distinctive because, as the name implies, it is tailored specifically to the position you are seeking. Every aspect of your resume, from your work experience to your education, history, and skills, is relevant to the job requirements. 

This format is essential if you’re looking for a specific position within the company. It is not the type of resume you can send to a slew of companies in the hopes of landing a job. If you want to use this format, you should carefully read the job posting and pay attention to the skills that the company is looking for. 

Include information that will assist you in crafting this resume, such as keywords from the job description. You should research the company’s values and use them to your advantage. You have a good chance of getting the job if your skill set matches the job description.

Why Choosing The Right Format Matters 

As previously stated, the proper format can be extremely beneficial when applying for a specific job. Some formats can be extremely beneficial when used in a specific job or company.

If you present a well-written resume, you won’t have to work hard to catch the attention of a hiring manager. Once you’ve done that, the rest of the steps to finding work will be a breeze.

Formatting is essential for creating a logical and professional resume. It is important to note that formatting should not only include proper alignment and font selection. While these elements are important, your primary focus should be on structuring your resume properly. 

Nursing Resume Design

When job hunting, one of the most important decisions you will make is how to design your resume.

A good resume design adds personality and flair to your application, effectively communicates information, and makes your application stand out.

A poorly designed resume, on the other hand, will make you appear inexperienced, make a negative impression on recruiters, and reduce your odds of landing an interview.

Resume Length

Most people should keep their resumes to one page, especially if they are recent graduates or have less than five years of work experience.

Hiring managers are typically busy, and one page allows you to summarize your main qualifications and achievements without taking up too much of their time.

If you have more than ten years of relevant work experience, a two-page resume can be used to communicate the breadth of your experience and skills.

When it comes to resume length, the most important thing to remember is that all of the information you include is relevant and concise.

A two- to three-page resume is only problematic if it contains irrelevant information or old jobs that no longer reflect your current skill set.

Resume Font Style

Some of the best resume tips include suggestions for the best resume font because the font that you use on your resume has an overall effect on its appearance. You must use ATS-friendly fonts that are easy to read; not only the type of font matters but also the size and color.

A team of experts with over 20 years of experience presented their top 9 best resume fonts of 2022.

Here are some of the best fonts for your resume:

1. Calibri
2. Cambria
3. Garamond
4. Helvetica
5. Georgia
6. Tahoma
7. Verdana
8. Trebuchet MS
9. Book Antiqua

Resume Font Size

Resume font size and style have a greater impact than you might think. While your skills and experience will ultimately determine whether or not you get the job, it is critical that you present your information in a professional and readable manner.

Resume font size and style are critical components of a great resume.

To ensure that your resume font is clear and professional, use:

• 10 point font size or 12 pt.
• A legible typeface, such as Open Sans, Raleway, or PT Serif
• Font colors: black or dark gray

When your resume is well-designed, the hiring manager can concentrate on your qualifications without being distracted by formatting issues.

How to List Nursing Credentials 

Now that we’ve talked about the different types of format and the different types of fonts, as well as the right font size, we will now list your nurse credentials; this is a crucial point because a small mistake can affect your job application. 

But we’ve got you covered! Here are the things you need to consider and do when listing a nurse’s credentials:

Begin by stating your highest level of education. You want your highest degree in nursing to be visible when an employer looks at your resume and scrolls down to the credentials section; for example, if you’ve earned a doctorate, write, “Your name, PhD.”

• You can also include a baccalaureate degree unless the nurse has completed any higher education.

Follow the education credential with the nurse’s license.

Licenses are permanent except in a case of extreme professional misconduct, so they should follow immediately behind the education level. It’s required that nurses list their license behind their names when filling out prescriptions or medical charts. This might be an RN (Registered Nurse), LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), NP-C (Certified Nurse Practitioner), or APRN, BC (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Board Certified).

• If you are a registered nurse, your certification to this point should read, “Your name, PhD, RN.”

Write any state designations or specialties next.

These indicate that the nurse has the authority to practice more advanced medicine within a state. These might include NPs (Nurse Practitioners), CNSs (Clinical Nurse Specialists), and APRNs (Advanced Practice Registered Nurses). Not all nurses will have this designation.

• If you have completed the licensing requirement in her state to be a clinical nurse specialist, then your credentials should be, “Your name, PhD, RN, CNS.”

Follow the state designation for any national certifications.

Certifications usually have to be renewed, so they come near the end in order of permanence. A national certification is obtained through an accredited organization and might include RN-BC (Registered Nurse-Board Certified), FNP-BC (Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified), CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse), or NEA-BC (Nurse Executive Advanced-Board Certified).

• If you have completed the requirements with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to be board-certified as a registered nurse, your credentials would be “your name, PhD, RN, CNS, RN-BC.”

End the credentials with any awards and honors, followed by non-nursing certifications.

Awards and honors might include recognition such as the distinguished FAAN, or Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, which is given to nurses who have made outstanding contributions to the health and nursing fields. Other fellowships would be listed here as well. Finish with non-nursing certifications, such as EMT.

If you were recently awarded the FAAN but have no non-nursing certifications, your final credentials will appear as “your name, PhD, RN, CNS, RN-BC, FAAN.”

What to Include 

If you’re wondering what credentials you should include in your resume, here are the things you should include in your credentials when writing a nurse’s resume: 

List the highest level of education first.

A lower degree would usually not be included unless it was in a different field and was relevant to the nurse’s work. For example, if a nurse with a PhD works in administration and has a graduate degree in business, their credentials could be “PhD, MBA.”

List your highest non-nursing degree, then your highest nursing degree. 

For example, if a nurse holds both a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Nursing, the credential would read MBA, MSN.

List nursing certifications in either chronological order or relevance order.

If a nurse has multiple certifications, the order in which they are listed is personal preference. They can be listed in the order in which they were obtained or in the order in which they are relevant to the nurse’s profession.

Professional Summary Information

A resume summary is a professional statement that appears at the top of a resume. It provides information about the candidate’s relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments. 

The goal of this career summary is to convince the manager to read the entire resume document by explaining your qualifications for the job in 3-5 sentences.

Remember that a professional summary serves as an introduction to the rest of your resume. As a result, it’s critical that it’s both clear and concise. To write a professional summary for your resume, follow these steps:

• Begin by listing a few of your most prominent personality traits.
• Give a brief overview of your professional work experience. You can also include your current position and company.
• Explain how you would benefit the company you’re applying for and how you would help it achieve its goals.
• Check your professional summary for grammar and spelling errors.

Use numbers to quantify your achievements whenever possible. Consider all of your relevant experiences, such as volunteer work, freelance work, or hobbies, that can attest to your knowledge of the job you’re applying for. Focus on your strongest skills and assets, and keep your summary to three to five sentences in total.

But why do we need a professional resume summary?

Well, recruiters are busy people, and they go through dozens, if not hundreds, of resumes before they can find a few qualified candidates. Because of their time constraints, they don’t have the luxury of going through every resume in depth, which is why a resume summary is important. 

Instead of reading your resume throughly, recruiters will skim for specific keywords and phrases that align with what the company is searching for.

That is why you should include the best resume summary you can think of, because a good summary section consists entirely of these juicy bite-size phrases and keywords that a recruiter can spot at a glance. In short, a professional summary allows you to leverage a recruiter’s time constraints.

“Elevator Speech”

Elevator speeches can be frightening, whether you’re looking for a job or just want to be able to speak confidently in public. An elevator speech equips you with the tools you need to breeze through any presentation.

Have you ever been asked to write an elevator speech for someone? 

Everyone seems to want to know what they should say in their next job interview. You see, an elevator speech is a brief description of your professional background that explains why the person standing below you should hire you. 

Whether you’re applying for a new job or pitching a client on a project, an elevator speech can help you land the job and close the deal. A good way to introduce yourself to potential employers is with an elevator speech, but it’s not just focused on job seekers. Emotional speech can be used when pitching clients, giving presentations, and disclosing sales.

Examples 

The first thing in your elevator speech should be a brief greeting and introduction. A friendly greeting demonstrates professionalism and can set the tone for your interaction with the listener.

After greeting them, tell them your name and a little bit about your current job or professional goals. If you’re a recent graduate, for example, tell the listener when you graduated and what school you attended. If you work in a specific nursing specialty, such as pediatrics or emergency care, please describe it. 

Here are some examples of nurse elevator speeches that can help you land your dream job!

Recent graduate

“Hello, my name is Dime Domingo, and I’m a recent graduate of the Nursing University of North Carolina’s nursing program. Although I’m still in my early professional career, I’m a motivated and passionate nurse who is always looking for new opportunities to learn and grow. As a member of your nursing team, I hope to apply my compassion and team-oriented approach to serve ER patients seeking care through your hospital.

I hope to advance into an administrative position within your psychiatric department after graduation. I intend to use my experience and education to guide the department by developing policies that support our patients’ care and transitional needs. “As a nurse manager, my goal is to serve as a mentor and support figure for my team members as they face challenges while encouraging their growth and development.”

Moderate experience

“Hello, my name is Cedric Francia, and I have seven years of professional experience working as a psychiatric nurse for Good Health Hospital. I enjoy helping people, and my job allows me to make a difference in the lives of others every day. “I’m currently pursuing my master’s degree in nursing administration, and I’m looking to fill a nurse manager position at your hospital so I can apply my leadership skills while developing my administrative skills in preparation for completing my degree.”

After graduation, I hope to advance into an administrative position within your psychiatric department. I intend to use my experience and education to direct the department by crafting policies that support the care and transitional needs of our patients. “As a nurse manager, my goal is to act as a mentor and support figure to assist the members of my team through challenges while promoting their growth and development.”

Experienced nurse

“Greetings! My name is Rem Ibarra, and I’m a senior pediatric nurse with over 15 years of industry experience. I have my master’s degree in pediatric nursing, and I’ve worked for the Children’s Hospital of the South for the last 10 years, serving children and their families through some of the most difficult times in their lives. I believe my compassion, industry knowledge, and dedication to professional development make me an exceptional candidate for a position as a part of your pediatric team.

Having worked in this industry for many years, I am aware of the difficulties that my patients, their families, and members of the medical care team face on a daily basis, and I strive to be a source of support for those around me. My years of experience have allowed me to hone my communication and leadership skills in the field. 

I’m enthusiastic about mentoring less experienced members of the nursing team, offering advice and guidance as they advance in their careers. “As a senior leader and care provider at your pediatric facility, my goal is to promote professional excellence.”

Education

If you’re wondering what to include in your resume’s education section, we’ve got you covered!

Hiring managers scan your education section for a few key pieces of information, including:

• Your school’s name
• Your school’s address
• The degree you earned (if applicable)
• Your field of study
• The year of graduation (if applicable)
• Your GPA 

Any relevant honors or academic recognition, coursework, activities, or other achievements obtained during your education

Though different jobs require different levels of detail, the education section is often the shortest section of the resume. Try to keep it between 15 and 30 words.

Certifications

Certifications are documents or certificates issued by accredited organizations or boards. Having one of these documents demonstrates that you have a certain level of professional experience or are skilled in a specific skill.

Most professionals must pay a fee, meet certain qualifications, and pass an exam or assessment to obtain certification. Because certifications are often difficult and time-consuming to obtain, certified individuals are thought to be more qualified for competitive jobs and have a better reputation in their industry.

Another reason to include your certifications on your resume is if they demonstrate you have years of industry experience. Many certifications are only given to people who have worked as professionals for a certain number of years. Listing your certifications can be an effective way to demonstrate your level of experience in the industry.

In some cases, your certifications may demonstrate that you have valuable skills that go beyond what the job description requires. You may have the necessary skills for the job but lack the necessary experience to be considered for an interview. 

Listing a certification that verifies your relevant skillset and commitment to the industry may compensate for your lack of practical experience in this case. Many employers are eager to hire employees who have already invested in their professional development through certification.

Credentials 

It’s easy to become perplexed when it comes to resume credentials. In fact, when it comes to your job search, the term “credentials” has two different meanings.

First, there are formal credentials, which are professional qualifications and designations that allow you to add letters to the end of your last name ( PhD or MD, for example). According to Merriam-Webster,

 “Testimonials or certified documents demonstrating that a person is entitled to credit or has the authority to exercise official power; a doctor’s credentials.”

But there are also your less rigid credentials, a term that can refer to any skill, expertise, or characteristic that qualifies you for a specific role. Merriam-other Webster’s definition is:

“Something that lends credibility or confidence to a title; the applicant with the best credentials.”

But why are credentials important?

It is an undeniable fact that credentials are important and play an important role in our educational system. While it is a common misconception that a college degree is the only way to a successful career, the construction industry demonstrates that credentials pave the way for lucrative careers, job satisfaction, and high skills.

Trainings Attended 

The training you receive can also aid in your professional development. You will develop skills that will make you an asset to other companies as time goes on.

Workshops and training you attend, whether or not they include a certification, look good on your resume. They demonstrate to employers that you are eager to learn and apply new skills. You should include your training certifications to boost your chances of landing that dream job of yours.

Nursing Resume Work History

Why does your work history matter?

Your work and employment history is one of the most important sections of a resume, as it shows the detail of your previous accomplishments and provides proof of your skills. It helps your resume stand out from the crowd and leave a lasting impression on the recruiter.

Your employment history tells hiring managers many things, including:

• How long do you typically stay in one job?
• Whether you’ve been consistently promoted
• What tasks do you have experience with?
• The quantifiable benefits that you’ve brought to previous employers

An example of a nurse’s work history that can be included in a resume is shown below.

• As a patient-centered medical home, I ran a 25-bed clinic with a focus on personalized patient care and comfort.
• used evidence-based nursing care to achieve optimal health outcomes while providing excellent service.
• I’m in charge of training new nurses on Q&C policies and standards, as well as coaching them on BDPs in patient approaches.

Action Verbs to Use on Resume 

One of the main reasons we use action verbs in resumes is that they give our resume life. As previously stated, if you want your resume to stand out from the crowd, action verbs can be a huge help in catching a recruiter’s attention. So here are a few action verbs you can use to spice up your resume and land that dream job:

When you created something or wrote something…

Acted, adapted, created, customized, designed, combined, composed, conceptualized, condensed, and developed

When you manage a project or group,…

Accomplished, assigned, attained, administered, advanced, analyzed, appointed, approved, authorized, and chaired

When numbers and figures are your thing…

Administered, adjusted, budgeted, allocated, analyzed, appraised, assessed, audited, balanced, and calculated

When you creatively bring an idea to life…

Acted, Adapted, Customized, Combined, Composed, Conceptualized, Condensed, Created, and Designed

When you helped with a project….

Adapted, Coached,  Advocated, Aided, Answered, Arranged, Assessed, Assisted, Clarified, and Collaborated

When you were required to explain technical knowledge…

Adapted, Applied, Constructed, Assembled, Built, Calculated, Computed, Conserved, Converted, and Debugging

When you were the teacher…

Adapted, Advised, Clarified, Coached, Communicated, Conducted, Coordinated, Critiqued, and Enabled

Adjectives to Use on Resume

Why do we use adjectives in our resumes? Well, adjectives are descriptive words that add depth to your application. These words can help in the creative description of your experience, skills, and personality.

When appropriate adjectives are included on your resume, it helps employers understand where you excel and how you can fit into the organization. Implementing these words can make your resume interesting and unique, helping you stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of landing that job.

Adjectives enable you to be more precise in your communication. They can assist you in using more powerful language on your resume, which may increase its impact. Using adjectives also allows you to be more deliberate in how you describe your previous responsibilities. This allows you to more properly reflect your skills and experience.

Here are a few examples of adjectives you can add to your resume:

Adjectives for creativity

• unique
• progressive
• innovative
• Unconventional
• productive
• expressive
• clever

Adjectives for problem-solving

• perceptive
• collaborative
• insightful
• analytical
• investigative
• flexible
• innovative

Adjectives for efficacy

• fluent
• influential
• advanced
• significant
• profitable
• skilled
• cost-effective

Adjectives for a positive attitude

• optimistic
• supportive
• friendly
• enthusiastic
• amicable
• positive

Awards and Affiliations 

When applying for a job, affiliations and awards are extremely valuable. They go into greater detail about your experience and the organizations you’re involved with, making your resume much more competitive.

Affiliation sections on resumes provide valuable information to hiring managers. They may look for affiliations to determine if you have additional relevant experience or if you’re dedicated to your industry. 

You can increase the value of your affiliations by including the skills you learned while participating in these organizations. Expand on these sections by detailing any seminars you attended or training you received as a member.

Awards or honors

Include any scholarships, honors, or other accomplishments you have received for your outstanding work in the Awards section. This includes competitions, college-related awards, and work-related honors. In competitive job markets, listing awards and achievements helps your resume stand out. 

Employers frequently prefer candidates who have received work-related recognition because it demonstrates dedication.

List of Resume Mistakes to Avoid

Here is a list of resume mistakes that job seekers make when writing a resume. Make sure to look at this section and avoid these mistakes.

Including a resume objective instead of a professional profile

You should include a professional biography if you have little work experience. Include your career goals, but explain how achieving them will benefit the company you want to work for.

Unrelated work experience

List work experience and skills that are measurable and specifically related to the position you are applying for on your resume. Your work experience should demonstrate the skills and accomplishments that the hiring manager sees you bringing to their organization.

When listing professional experience on a resume, three to five details that demonstrate how you were successful in your previous role should be included. Inclusion of less detail than this may cause a potential employer to skip over your resume because it may not provide enough evidence to show why you are a good fit for their organization.

No references or too many references

Neglecting professional references may cause employers to reject your application, but having too many references may also have an impact on how your employer views your resume. Most employers will typically request two to three professional references. Past colleagues, supervisors, or clients who can provide positive feedback about your work ethic or other information should your potential employer contact them may be included.

Irrelevant skills for the job role

Listing skills that are irrelevant to the job, similar to listing unrelated work experience, may result in a hiring manager ignoring your application. You can avoid this blunder by including skills that are directly applicable to the job role. For example, if you have computer skills that can be applied to a data entry job, you should emphasize that in your resume.

Outdated or missing contact information

Check that all of your contact information is up-to-date. Your phone number should be accessible, and your address should be your current address. If you return to a previous resume after some time has passed, make sure to update your contact information to reflect any changes you have made, such as moving or switching cell phone carriers.

Grammatical and formatting errors

Before submitting your resume, you must scan it and correct any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Similarly, you should make certain that your resume is formatted professionally, with clean lines and a clear and readable font, and that it is not overly elaborate. You should also avoid using bright colors, which can draw attention away from the content of your resume.

Using an unprofessional email address

Use a professional-looking email address, such as one that includes your first and last name or a variation thereof. If the email address contains profane or provocative language, it is highly inappropriate. If you haven’t already created a professional-looking email address, you should think about doing so just for correspondence about job applications. 

Your resume will appear more formal and professional if you include your current professional email address.

Listing hobbies unrelated to the job

You could include a brief section highlighting your hobbies if they are relevant to the job role, such as participating in weekly fundraiser events for a nonprofit organization. However, if your weekends are spent playing golf, you might want to avoid listing hobbies altogether. 

In any case, potential employers will look past your hobbies, but mentioning how you like to collect stamps may result in a hiring manager rejecting your application entirely. It may be best to leave these out unless you can demonstrate how your personal interests relate to and benefit your career path.

FAQs About Nursing Resumes

What should a nursing resume include?

There are several key details that must be included in a nursing resume. Include any professional affiliations as well as any honors, awards, or volunteer work, for example. Include specific nursing education information, such as where you went to college and the degrees you’ve earned.

What is the best resume format for nurses?

The reverse-chronological resume format is the most commonly used and accepted. This format is appealing to recruiters because it allows them to quickly scan through your information and makes a strong first impression. It showcases your skills and professional experience.

How can a nurse stand out on a resume?

Following the steps outlined above, including the appropriate format as well as your certificates and awards, credentials, and work history, can help your resume stand out from the crowd. You can be confident that if you follow the steps stated above, your resume will stand out from the crowd!

How many skills should I list on my resume for nursing?

When writing a resume for nursing skills, keep in mind to be truthful in every item you write and to provide practical solutions to problems. You must demonstrate your ability to perform various procedures in a hospital, as well as your ability to work under pressure and professionally. You can list all the skills that can help and that are relevant to the job.

What are your strongest skills as a nurse?

Perhaps one of the most important registered nurse skills that a candidate must have is an eye for detail. In the hospital, there is a lot of paperwork, such as patient reports, diet charts, medications, and hospital forms.

What skill should every nurse have?

One of the essential skills for a nurse is effective communication. They must communicate clearly with patients, family members, and the medical team. in order to understand the patients’ concerns, as well as in evaluating conditions and treatment plans

What are the 5 core values of nursing?

Caring is best demonstrated by a nurse’s ability to embody the five professional nursing core values. Human dignity, integrity, autonomy, altruism, and social justice are among the core nursing values required for baccalaureate education. These values are incorporated into clinical practice by the caring professional nurse.

What are 10 roles of a nurse?

To become a registered nurse, a student nurse must be able to become acquainted with the various roles and functions of a nurse. A nurse plays ten roles: caregiver, communicator, teacher, client advocate, counselor, change agent, leader, manager, case manager, and research consumer.