How to write new grad nurse resume

Creating a strong new grad nurse resume can help you land your first nursing job. Here’s how to write one;

Start with Your Contact Information

1. Name, mobile number, email, and LinkedIn.

Add a Short Summary

1. Write 2–3 sentences about your nursing skills, career goals, and why you’re a good fit for the role.

List Your Education

1. Mention your degree, the school you attended, your graduation date, and any special honors.

Highlight Clinical Rotations

1. Describe the units you trained in, the hospital names, and the tasks you performed.

Include Licenses and Certifications

1. Add details about your NCLEX status, nursing license, and certifications like BLS or ACLS.

Show Your Skills

1. Add technical skills (like patient care or charting) and personal skills (like teamwork and communication).

Add Work Experience

1. List any healthcare jobs or roles where you used transferable skills, such as working with people.

Mention Volunteer Work

1. Include unpaid work related to healthcare or helping others.

Show Achievements

1. Add awards, scholarships, or anything else you’ve been recognized for in nursing school.

Use a Simple Format

1. Keep your resume easy to read, professional, and no longer than one page.

What key information should be included in a new grad nurse resume?

A new grad nurse resume should include all the important details to show your skills and potential. Here’s what to include:

1. Contact Details: Your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn (if you have one).
2. Summary: A short statement about your nursing skills, career goals, and strengths.
3. Education: Your nursing degree, school name, graduation date, and any honors or important courses.
4. Clinical Experience: Details about your hands-on training, including the unit, location, and tasks you performed.
5. Licenses and Certifications: Mention your NCLEX status, state license, and certifications like BLS, ACLS, or PALS.
6. Skills: Add both technical skills (like patient care and using EHR systems) and personal skills (like teamwork and communication).
7. Work Experience: List any jobs, especially those in healthcare or roles where you worked with people.
8. Volunteer Work: Include unpaid work related to healthcare or helping the community.
9. Awards and Achievements: Highlight any awards, scholarships, or recognition you’ve received.
10. Professional Groups: Mention nursing associations you are a part of, like the ANA.

What should the professional summary focus on for a new grad nurse?

The professional summary for a new grad nurse should highlight your education, skills, and passion for nursing. Here’s what to include;

1. Your Education: Mention your nursing degree, school, and any achievements.
2. Key Skills: Focus on skills like patient care, teamwork, and communication.
3. Clinical Experience: Briefly share the units you worked in and the tasks you performed.
4. Certifications: Include certifications like BLS or ACLS.
5. Career Goals: Show your enthusiasm for nursing and how you want to help patients.

Example: "Dedicated nursing graduate with a BSN and hands-on experience in patient care from clinical rotations in pediatric and medical-surgical units. Skilled in medication administration and electronic health records, certified in BLS and ACLS. Excited to provide compassionate care and support to patients."

How can I highlight my clinical rotations in a new grad nurse resume?

To showcase your clinical rotations effectively on a new grad nurse resume, organize and present them. Here's how;

Create a Separate Section

1. Title it "Clinical Rotations" or "Practical Experience" for easy visibility.

List the Details

1. Include the unit name (e.g., Pediatrics, Medical-Surgical), the healthcare facility, and its location.

Add Timeframes

1. Include the start and end dates for each rotation to show your timeline.

Highlight Your Duties

1. Use bullet points to describe tasks like patient care, medication administration, or record-keeping.

Include Skills

1. Mention skills like teamwork, problem-solving, or specific procedures you performed.

Use Numbers

1. Add details like the number of patients you cared for daily to provide measurable results.

Should I list non-healthcare-related work experience in a new grad nurse resume?

Yes, it can be useful to include non-healthcare jobs on a new grad nurse resume, especially if they involved skills you can transfer to nursing. Here's why:

1. Shows Transferable Skills: Jobs in customer service, retail, or office work often involve skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, which are important in nursing.
2. Highlights Work Ethic and Dependability: These roles can show that you are responsible, reliable, and able to handle tasks—qualities that are valuable in nursing.
3. Fills Experience Gaps: If you have limited clinical experience, listing non-healthcare jobs can show you’ve been active and gained helpful skills.

When adding these jobs, focus on the skills and duties that relate to nursing, such as helping people, multitasking, or working in fast-paced settings.

What certifications should be included in a new grad nurse resume?

For a new grad nurse resume, include these important certifications;

1. NCLEX-RN: Mention if you’ve passed the NCLEX exam and your certification status.
2. Basic Life Support (BLS): This is a must-have for all nurses, covering CPR and emergency care.
3. Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS): Include this if you’ve completed it, showing you're prepared for cardiac emergencies.
4. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS): If you’ve taken this course, include it, especially if you want to work with children or in emergency care.
5. Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP): This is important if you plan to work in areas like labor and delivery or care for newborns.
6. First Aid: Include it if you have it, as it shows you're ready for emergency situations.

How can I showcase soft skills like communication and teamwork on a new grad nurse resume?

To highlight soft skills like communication and teamwork on a new grad nurse resume, here are some detailed strategies;

Incorporate Soft Skills into Your Experience

1. When describing your clinical rotations or work experience, explain how you applied soft skills in practical settings. Focus on how you collaborated with other healthcare professionals, communicated with patients, and contributed to patient care. This shows you can work well with others and handle patient interactions effectively.

Create a Skills Section

1. Dedicate a section to your skills where you can list both hard and soft skills. For soft skills, mention key attributes like communication, teamwork, and empathy. This section serves as a quick reference for employers looking for essential personal qualities.

Mention Soft Skills in Your Professional Summary

1. In your resume summary, highlight your communication and teamwork skills and technical abilities. This allows employers to quickly see that you possess the interpersonal skills needed to work in a healthcare setting.

Include Relevant Volunteer or Extracurricular Activities

1. If you have been involved in volunteer work or extracurricular activities, mention how they helped develop your communication or teamwork skills. These activities can demonstrate your ability to work in a group and communicate effectively, even if they aren’t directly healthcare-related.

Should I include my GPA in a new grad nurse resume?

Including your GPA on a new grad nurse resume is optional, but it can be beneficial under certain circumstances. Here’s when you should consider adding it;

1. Include If It's High: If your GPA is 3.5 or higher, it can show strong academic performance and dedication.
2. Include If Requested: Some employers or job postings may specifically ask for your GPA, in which case it should be included.
3. Include If You Have Limited Experience: If you don’t have much work or clinical experience yet, a good GPA can help strengthen your resume by demonstrating your ability to succeed academically.

What’s the best way to format a new grad nurse education section?

To format the education section of your new grad nurse resume and professionally, follow these steps;

Start with Your Degree

1. Write your degree (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Associate Degree in Nursing) first.

Include the School Name

1. Add the name of the school you attended.

Add Graduation Date

1. Include the month and year you graduated. If you’re still finishing your degree, mention your expected graduation date.

Mention Honors

1. If you graduated with honors, include this to highlight your achievements.

List Relevant Courses

1. Mention courses related to nursing, like pharmacology or patient care.

How do I add relevant volunteer experiences to a new grad nurse resume?

To include relevant volunteer experiences on your new grad nurse resume, follow these steps;

Create a Separate Section

1. Name it "Volunteer Experience" or "Community Involvement" to make it easy to find.

Include the Organization Name

1. Write the name of the organization or program where you volunteered.

Add Your Role

1. List the position you held while volunteering, like Volunteer Health Assistant or Community Health Advocate.

Include Dates

1. Add the start and end dates to show how long you volunteered.

Highlight Relevant Tasks

1. Describe the tasks you did, especially those related to nursing or healthcare, like helping with patient care, health screenings, or educating others about health.

Showcase Skills Gained

1. Mention the skills you developed, like communication, teamwork, or leadership, and explain how they connect to your nursing career.

What are some tips for writing bullet points under clinical experiences in a new grad nurse resume?

Here are some tips for writing bullet points under clinical experiences on a new grad nurse resume;

Use Strong Action Words

1. Begin each point with strong action words like "assessed," "helped," "collaborated," or "monitored" to show you were active in your tasks.

Be Clear and Detailed

1. Mention specific tasks you did, such as patient assessments, procedures, or treatments you were involved in.

Highlight Your Skills

1. Focus on the skills you used, like patient care, time management, or teamwork.

Add Numbers

1. Include numbers to show how many patients you cared for or types of tasks you performed, if applicable.

Tailor to the Job

1. Customize your bullet points to match the job description, using keywords from it.

Show Results

1. Explain how your actions helped improve patient care or supported your team.

How can I tailor my resume to specific nursing positions or facilities in a new grad nurse resume?

To customize your resume for specific nursing jobs or facilities, follow these steps;

Review the Job Specification

1. Look closely at the job description to find important skills, qualifications, and responsibilities. Take note of any keywords used.

Use Important Keywords

1. Include keywords from the job requirements in your resume, especially in the skills and experience sections. This makes your resume match the job better.

Adjust Your Resume Summary

1. Change your summary to focus on the skills and experiences most important for that specific job. For example, if it's a pediatric role, mention any related experience or interest.

Focus on Relevant Experience

1. Highlight your clinical rotations or volunteer work that matches the job you're applying for. For instance, if it’s an ICU role, emphasize your critical care experience.

Highlight Relevant Skills

1. Update your skills section to include the skills required for the job, like communication or teamwork, if those are emphasized.

Learn About the Facility’s Values

1. Research the facility’s mission and culture. Adjust your resume to show how your skills and experience fit with their values.

What keywords should I include in a new grad nurse resume to pass ATS?

To pass an ATS with your new grad nurse resume, include relevant keywords from the job specification. Some common keywords for a nursing role include;

Nursing Skills

1. Patient care
2. Medication administration
3. Clinical assessments
4. Vital signs monitoring
5. Wound care
6. IV therapy
7. Pain management

Certifications

1. CPR
2. BLS (Basic Life Support)
3. ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)
4. PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
5. RN (Registered Nurse)

Soft Skills

1. Communication
2. Teamwork
3. Compassion
4. Critical thinking
5. Problem-solving
6. Time management
7. Adaptability

Nursing Specialties

1. Pediatrics
2. Geriatrics
3. ICU (Intensive Care Unit)
4. Med-Surg (Medical-Surgical)
5. ER (Emergency Room)
6. Oncology
7. Labor and Delivery

Other Relevant Skills

1. Electronic Health Records (EHR)
2. HIPAA compliance
3. Patient education
4. Infection control
5. Documentation

Is it important to mention my nursing licensure exam (NCLEX) status in a new grad nurse resume?

Yes, it’s important to mention your NCLEX status on your new grad nurse resume, especially if you’ve passed it or are about to take it. Here’s why;

1. Shows You’re Ready: Mentioning your NCLEX status tells employers that you’re ready to start working once you’re licensed.
2. Clarifies Your Status: If you're still waiting to take the NCLEX, saying so lets employers know you’re in the process of getting licensed.
3. Builds Employer Confidence: Employers will know when you’ll be fully licensed, which helps them with their hiring decisions.

How do I address a lack of professional nursing experience in a new grad nurse resume?

To handle a lack of professional nursing experience in your new grad nurse resume, focus on the skills and experiences you do have;

1. Highlight Clinical Rotations: Emphasize your clinical rotations where you gained hands-on experience. Mention the tasks you performed and the skills you learned.
2. Show Transferable Skills: If you have non-nursing job experience, highlight skills like communication, teamwork, and time management, which are useful in nursing.
3. Focus on Education: Include any relevant courses or certifications, like CPR or BLS, to show you have a strong foundation in nursing.
4. Mention Volunteer Work: If you’ve volunteered in healthcare settings, include this to show you’ve been involved in patient care or related activities.
5. Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job, focusing on the skills and experience that are most relevant to the role.

What sections should be prioritized on a new grad nurse resume?

For a new grad nurse resume, focus on these sections to highlight your qualifications;

1. Professional Summary: This should give a brief overview of your skills, education, and excitement about starting your nursing career.
2. Clinical Experience: If you don’t have much work experience, focus on your clinical rotations. Mention the units you worked in and the skills you learned.
3. Education: List your nursing degree, the school you attended, your graduation date, and any relevant courses or honors. If you're still finishing your degree, include your expected graduation date.
4. Licensure: Include your nursing license status, such as “NCLEX-RN passed” or “NCLEX-RN pending.”
5. Skills: Mention key nursing skills like patient care, teamwork, and any technical skills.

How can I demonstrate a commitment to patient care in a new grad nurse resume?

To show your commitment to patient care in a new grad nurse resume, focus on these points;

1. Clinical Experience: Talk about the patient care tasks you did during your clinical rotations, like checking vital signs, giving medications, or helping with daily activities.
2. Volunteer Work: Include any healthcare-related volunteer work, like assisting in hospitals or clinics. It shows you care about helping others.
3. Skills: Highlight important skills for patient care, such as communication, teamwork, and empathy, to show you understand their importance.
4. Education and Training: Mention relevant courses or certifications, like patient safety or patient education, to show you’ve been trained to provide good care.
5. Professional Summary: In your summary, express your passion for patient care and your desire to make a positive difference in patients’ health.

What mistakes should I avoid while formatting a new grad nurse resume?

When formatting your new grad nurse resume, avoid these mistakes;

1. Using a Complicated Layout: Keep the layout simple and easy to read. Avoid overly complex designs or hard-to-read fonts.
2. Not Using Clear Headings: Use clear section titles like "Education," "Clinical Experience," and "Skills" so employers can quickly find what they need.
3. Including Unnecessary Information: Only add details relevant to the nursing job. Skip personal hobbies or jobs that don’t relate to nursing.
4. Writing Too Much: Keep your descriptions short and use bullet points. Avoid long paragraphs that are hard to read.
5. Leaving Out Important Sections: Don’t forget sections like Licensure and Certifications, which are important for nursing jobs.
6. Using the Same Resume for Every Job: Customize your resume for each job to match the specific skills and experience the employer is looking for.
7. Having an Unprofessional Email: Use a professional email address, like yourname@email.com, rather than something informal.
8. Ignoring Keywords for ATS: Include relevant keywords from the job description to help your resume get noticed by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

What is the ideal length for a new grad nurse resume?

The ideal length for a new grad nurse resume is one page. Since you may have limited professional experience, one page is enough to highlight your key skills, clinical experience, education, and certifications. Keep it concise and focused on the most important details that align with the job you're applying for.

If you have relevant volunteer work, special projects, or certifications, include them, but make sure everything fits neatly on a single page. This ensures that employers can quickly review your qualifications without feeling overwhelmed.