Registered Nurse (RN) Resume Examples & Templates for 2026

Richard Shelton

Resume writing expert.

Unlike general nurses, Registered Nurses are reviewed with higher expectations, for much more detailed duties and much more responsibilities. The same should be reflected in RN resumes.

Trust me with this article, I have written it with my own experience of helping hundreds of nurses in making their resume and scanning thousands of resumes while hiring for years.

This article will provide you everything you need for their resume. Be it registered nurse resume examples, templates, and step-by-step guidance for new grad and experienced RNs applying to hospital, clinic, and outpatient roles.

Registered Nurse Resume Examples (By Specialty)

ATS-optimized experienced Registered Nurse Resume Example.

Best for RNs with 7 years+ experience.

Use this template

New Graduate Registered Nurse Resume Example.

Best for New Grad RNs.

Use this template

Med-Surg Registered Nurse resume example.

Best for Med-Surg RNs.

Use this template

Med-Surg Registered Nurse resume example.

Best for Med-Surg RNs.

Use this template

What Hiring Managers Look for in a Registered Nurse Resume?

Clinical readiness, experience, accountability, and judgment. Registered nurse resumes are reviewed with a detailed lens to filter out apt candidates for the role. Unlike entry-level healthcare roles, RN hiring decisions directly impact patient safety, regulatory compliance, and staffing efficiency..

Below is what nurse managers and recruiters actively look for when reviewing a registered nurse resume.

Clear RN Licensure and Credentials

Most important. RN licensure is the first qualification hiring managers verify. If licensure details are unclear, incomplete, or difficult to find, the resume is often rejected immediately.

For a strong RN resume, you should:

• Clearly state Registered Nurse (RN) status
• Include state licensure information
• List active certifications such as BLS or ACLS
• Place licensure near the top of the resume for easy scanning

This reassures employers that you meet legal and regulatory requirements to practice safely.

Clinical Experience and Unit Exposure

Hiring managers and ATS both are looking for one thing - how closely your resume matches the job description. In the nursing world, it is about the clinical environment they are staffing. They want to see familiarity with patient populations, workflows, and acuity levels.

Effective RN resumes:

• Specify units worked in (Med-Surg, ICU, ER, Telemetry, etc.)
• Describe hands-on clinical responsibilities rather than vague duties
• Show progression or consistency in similar care settings

Patient Care Responsibilities

Patient care is the core of registered nursing. Hiring managers look for evidence that you can manage patient needs safely and independently or not plus they are interested in learning your past experience in handling situations and your communication capabilities.

They prioritize resumes that demonstrate:

• Patient assessments and monitoring
• Medication administration and safety awareness
• Care coordination and prioritization
• Response to changes in patient condition

Documentation and Compliance Awareness

Accurate documentation is a legal and clinical responsibility for registered nurses. No head nurse would want a team member in their team who is not accurate and reliable when it comes to documentation.

Strong RN resumes should highlight:

• Experience with electronic health records (EHR)
• Accurate charting and documentation practices
• Adherence to safety protocols and infection control standards
• Awareness of healthcare regulations and policies

Communication and Teamwork

As you are well aware, Nursing is not a coding job in a tech firm where you can sit in a silo and do your stuff. Registered nurses rarely work in isolation. Hiring managers value candidates who communicate clearly and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

High-quality RN resumes should always reflect:

• Collaboration with physicians, therapists, and support staff
• Patient and family communication
• Handoffs and care coordination
• Professional behavior under pressure

Consistent, ATS-Friendly Formatting

Most RN resumes will be screened through Applicant Tracking Systems before reaching a human reviewer. These softwares read thousands of applications at once and filters out top 10-20 for the HR to read and finally land in front of hiring nurse. Poor formatting will stop you from getting calls for an interview. Period.

ATS prefer resumes that:

• Use standard headings (Summary, Experience, Skills)
• Avoid graphics, tables, or columns
• Present information in a clean, logical structure
• Are easy to scan quickly

How to Write a Registered Nurse Resume (Step-by-Step)

Look, I've coached nurses long enough to recall when charting meant paper records, 12-hour shifts quickly stretched into 15, and their "self-care" was a stolen bite of a granola bar at 3 AM.

So believe me when I say, crafting a Registered Nurse resume is far simpler than managing a shift where three call lights, one admission, and a newly disoriented patient simultaneously need attention.

The problem? Most RNs—whether new grads or seasoned warriors—treat resumes like afterthoughts. They throw in what all comes in their mind as a highlight of their current job which they are currently doing from last 3 years, list every skill since the invention of stethoscopes, and pray the hiring manager is in a good mood.

But here's the truth no one tells you:

A strong RN resume isn't a list. It's a story. A clinical story told with data, clarity, and confidence. From top to bottom, your resume should flow like a story.

Let's break this down step-by-step so you can write a resume that says:

Start With a Strong RN Resume Summary

Your resume summary is basically your elevator pitch—think of it like giving a report, but to someone who doesn't know you yet. It should be short, confident, and packed with relevant information. If you have a concise, well structured summary, there is seldom the chance that the recruiter will not read further. So summary is something which makes or breaks your chance.

Examples of Strong RN Resume Summaries

New Grad RN Summary

"Compassionate BSN graduate with 750+ hours of clinical rotations in ICU, Med-Surg, and Emergency care. Seeking an RN role where I can apply strong assessment skills, patient advocacy, and a passion for evidence-based practice while continuing to develop as a professional nurse."

Experienced RN Summary:

"Registered Nurse with 5+ years of acute care and med-surg experience, skilled in managing high-volume patient caseloads, reducing medication errors, and improving patient satisfaction metrics. Proven ability to work in fast-paced environments with strong clinical judgment and compassionate bedside care."

Specialty RN Summary (ICU):

"Critical Care RN with 3 years of experience managing ventilators, titrating drips, and supporting high-acuity patients in Level I trauma ICU settings. Adept at rapid stabilization, interdisciplinary communication, and evidence-based interventions.".

2. Add Your RN Licensure, Certifications & Credentials

If you take nothing else from this guide, take this: The #1 thing recruiters and ATS systems search for is your RN license. No license → No interview → Do not pass Go. Clearly mention details about your license -

• Registered Nurse (RN) — State
• License Number: #######
• Expiration: MM/YYYY

Certifications That Matter (List Them Separately)

Recruiters love seeing these front and center:

• BLS – Basic Life Support
• ACLS – Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support
• PALS – Pediatric Advanced Life Support
• TNCC – Trauma Nursing Core Course
• NIHSS – Stroke Certification

• ICU: CCRN
• ER: CEN
• OR: CNOR
• L&D: RNC-OB

3. Write a Strong RN Experience Section

Instead of just listing daily tasks, start each bullet point with strong action verbs like - "coordinated," "administered," or "stabilized." Whenever possible, quantify your results—for example, mention managing a high-acuity 1:2 patient ratio or reducing medication errors on your unit. .

This helps recruiter understand your past experience and shifts the focus from what you were supposed to do to what you actually achieved.
Hiring managers want impact, not tasks.

Examples of perfect RN resume Experience Bullet Points

• "Managed 5:1 patient ratios in a high-acuity med-surg unit while maintaining a 98% documentation accuracy rate."
• "Reduced medication errors by 17% through implementation of double-check systems and improved MAR workflows."
• "Provided pre- and post-op care for 30+ orthopedic surgical patients weekly, improving patient satisfaction scores by 12%."
• "Led rapid response activations, ensuring timely intervention and improved patient stabilization outcomes."

New Grad Nurse Resume Experience Section Tip

Don't panic. You still have experience—just not paid experience. Use clinical rotations and highlight responsibilities like:

• Administered medications
• Performed assessments
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams
• Documented patient progress
• Assisted in wound care, IV starts, Foley insertion

How to Format Clinical Rotations

Include all the information and make this your strongest point.List them like real jobs:

• Hospital Name — Unit
• Hours Completed: ###
• Key Responsibilities:
• Performed head-to-toe assessments
• Administered PO/IV medications
• Assisted with wound care
• Documented in EMR systems (Epic, Cerner, etc.)
• Educated patients on post-discharge care

• Preceptorships
• Capstone projects
• Senior practicum
• Leadership or delegation experience

4. Highlight Clinical Skills for Registered Nurses

Nursing is a unique where great mix of soft skills and technical skills are required to complete the job efficiently. If you are great at taking data from the reports but cannot convey symptoms and your observation to a doctor, you know you are in a pickle. .
Your skills section should combine soft skills, hard skill (clinical competencies) and professional traits.

Hard Clinical Skills for Registered Nurses Resume

These should be specific and relevant:

• Patient assessment
• IV therapy & line management
• Medication administration
• Wound care
• Telemetry monitoring
• Catheterization
• Tracheostomy care
• Tube feeding
• Post-op care
• Pain management
• Vitals & monitoring

Soft Skills for Registered Nurses Resume (a.k.a. Survival Skills)

• Communication
• Critical thinking
• Empathy
• Time management
• Crisis management
• Patient education
• Attention to detail

Pro Tip Don't list every skill known to mankind. Tailor skills to the job description. ATS bots eat that up.

5. Add Education for RN Students & Graduates

Education is straightforward—mostly.

How to List It Properly?

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• University Name — Graduation Year
• Honors: Cum Laude (if applicable)
• GPA: Only if above 3.5 (and if you're a new grad)

BSN vs ADN, should you mention differences?

If you have a BSN, yes—highlight it. If you have an ADN, that's fine too. Many strong RNs came through ADN programs, but highlight clinical excellence to bolster your profile.

New Grads Should Add :

• Relevant coursework (Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, etc.)
• Capstone project title
• Simulation lab experience
• Student nurse leadership roles

6. Add RN Technical Skills & EHR Systems

If you've ever spent an entire shift fighting with Epic after a new update, congratulations—you have technical skills. But on your resume, you need to list them clearly and in a specific manner which reflects your knowledge.

EHR Systems to Include in your Registered Nurse Resume

• Epic
• Cerner
• Meditech
• Allscripts
• eClinicalWorks

EHR systems are huge ATS keywords—don't skip them.

Additional Technical or Equipment Skills for Registered Nurses Resume

• Infusion pumps
• Ventilators
• Telemetry monitors
• Glucometers
• Portable oxygen devices
• Automated medication dispensing systems (Pyxis/Omnicell)

The more relevant your technical skills, the faster a hiring manager can place you into a specialty or unit..

Registered Nurse Resume Format (ATS-Friendly)

Resume example for ICU Nurse.

Best for ICU RNs.

Use this template

Registered Nurse Resume Example for Online Application.

Best for Job Boards.

Use this template

Registered Travel Nurse Resume Example.

Best for Travel RNs.

Use this template

So assume you are sending your resume and as soon as it lands on the hand of the recruiter, it’s your first professional handshake. .

In a highly competitive job market, your past experience, clinical skills and career wins are what qualify you for the role, but the formatting is often what determines if you actually get the interview. All thanks for ATS ( we will discuss ATS in detail further).

Sometimes, something as small as a messy layout can bury a great candidate's potential. A truly effective resume doesn't just list your history; it presents your story in a way that is clean, professional, and most importantly - easy to scan in seconds.

Best Resume Format for Registered Nurses

The most effective nurse resume format is reverse-chronological. A successful nurse resume should have these high level check points ticked –

• Prioritize Readability: Use plenty of white space so the recruiter doesn't feel overwhelmed.
• Guide the Eye: Place your most impressive achievements where they are impossible to miss.
• Maintain Professionalism: Stick to a structure that looks as organized as your clinical practice.

Recommended structure for RN nurse resume:

• Header (Name, credentials, location, contact info)
• Professional summary
• Licensure & certifications
• Clinical experience
• Education
• Skills (hard + soft)

ATS formatting rules

ATS stands for applicant tracking system. It’s a type of software that helps employers manage every step of the hiring process, from posting a job to choosing the right candidate. More on this below. Few tips for ATS –.

• Use standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills)
• Avoid tables, graphics, columns, and text boxes
• Stick to clean fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
• Save as PDF or DOCX (based on employer preference)

Ideal Resume Length, Font, and Layout for RN Jobs

• Resume length: 1–2 pages
• Font: Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman
• Font size: 10.5–12 pt
• Layout: Clean sections, no graphics or icons
• File type: PDF or DOCX (per job posting)

Professional simplicity is preferred in RN hiring.

Registered Nurse Resume Summary (With Examples)

Summary is the first thing any hiring nurse will read in your resume. It is crime to not write a good summary, it is a simple way to impress the hiring manager and reflect your personality.

Below are some RN Resume Summary Example

1. Registered nurse with hands-on clinical experience and a strong foundation in patient-centered care. Skilled in patient assessment, documentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration with commitment towards delivering safe, high-quality nursing care in clinical environments.

2. Self motivated and patient-oriented registered nurse with 3 years’ clinical experience with team player abilities and leadership instinct. I am a detail-oriented nurse with excellent interpersonal skills, compassion, and dedication towards providing excellent patient care.

3. Experienced registered nurse (RN) and responsible problem solver with excellent multitasking skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently or as a team. I am calm and reliable leader with strong empathy and motivation to provide utmost care.

4. As a reliable medical professional with more than 5 years of experience, I pride myself on delivering high-quality nursing care through meticulous treatment monitoring and collaborative teamwork. I am highly proficient in managing complex responsibilities—ranging from IV maintenance to secure patient transfers—while maintaining strict adherence to HIPAA standards and professional communication protocols..

Registered Nurse Resume Skills (With Examples)

Clinical & Technical Skills for Registered Nurses Resume

• Patient Assessment & Triage
• Specimen Collection & Lab Coordination
• Post-Operative Care
• IV Insertion & Venipuncture
• Pain Management
• Vital Signs Monitoring
• Cardiac Monitoring & Telemetry
• Ventilator Management
• Code Blue Response & ACLS
• Catheterization & NG Tube Placement
• Infection Control & Prevention
• Diabetic Care & Insulin Administration
• Medication Administration (IV, PO, IM, Subcutaneous)
• Wound Care & Dressing Changes

EMR & Technology Skills for Registered Nurses Resume

• Epic Systems
• Electronic Documentation
• Meditech
• CPOE (Computerized Physician Order Entry)
• Medication Barcode Scanning
• Telehealth Platforms
• Cerner PowerChart

Soft Skills & Competencies for Registered Nurses Resume

• Critical Thinking & Clinical Judgment
• Patient Advocacy
• Cultural Competence
• Communication (Patient, Family, Interdisciplinary Team)
• Time Management & Prioritization
• Stress Management in High-Pressure Environments
• Compassionate Care
• Leadership & Mentorship
• Problem-Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Emotional Intelligence

How to List RN License, Certifications, and Credentials

Certifications builds credibility and showcase specialized expertise. List them in a dedicated section with name, issuing organization, and expiration date..

Required Certifications for Registered Nurses Resume

• RN License: State Board of Nursing (include state and license number)
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support): American Heart Association
• BLS (Basic Life Support): American Heart Association

Specialty Certifications for Registered Nurses Resume

• CEN - Certified Emergency Nurse (BCEN)
• OCN - Oncology Certified Nurse (ONCC)
• TNCC - Trauma Nursing Core Course (ENA)
• CNOR - Certified Nurse Operating Room (CCI)
• CMSRN - Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (AMSN)
• RNC-OB - Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (NCC)
• PCCN - Progressive Care Certified Nurse (AACN)
• SANE - Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
• ECMO Specialist - Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
• CHPN - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (HPCC)
• PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support (AHA)
• CCRN - Critical Care Registered Nurse (AACN)

How to List Certifications for Registered Nurses Resume

Certifications

• Registered Nurse License (IL #041.123456) - Active through 2026
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) - AHA, Expires 2024
• Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) - ENA, 2023
• Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) - AACN, Expires 2025
• Basic Life Support (BLS) - AHA, Expires 2024

Specialty-Specific RN Resume Tips

When you are a specialized RN, you need to write down your domain specific duties, expertise and skills. Below are some speciality specific tips.

ICU Registered Nurse Resume Tips

Always highlight:

• Critical care exposure
• Monitoring and safety awareness
• Team coordination
• Simulation or ICU rotations (if applicable)

ER Registered Nurse Resume Tips

• Fast-paced care
• Triage support
• Stress management
• Communication under pressure

Med-Surg Registered Nurse Resume Tips

• Managing multiple patients
• Time management
• Patient education
• Documentation accuracy

Common Registered Nurse Resume Mistakes to Avoid

• Using outdated or complex formatting. Please avoid these!
• Burying down RN license information. Highlight it!
• Listing duties without outcomes. Use metrics, always!
• Submitting generic resumes for all roles. Always customize.
• Overloading skills sections. Keep it simple and clean.
• Skipping a summary. Never ever think of skipping this
.
• Weird resume file name. Keep it simple - firstname_lastname_nurse_domain.pdf
• Using too many graphics or design elements. Simple and clean is the way to go!
• Inconsistent formatting. This kills your chances more than anything.
• Minimal whitespace and gaps. Have breathing space in the resume so the hiring manger can read.

Registered Nurse Resume FAQs

How Long Should an RN Resume Be?

1 pages, depending on experience. Expand to 2nd page only when you have more than 10+ years experience.

Should RNs Include Clinical Rotations?

Yes, especially for new graduates.

Do Hospitals Use ATS for RN Hiring?

Yes, most hospitals and healthcare systems use ATS software.

What Skills Matter Most on an RN Resume?

Clinical competence, documentation, communication, and safety awareness.

How can I tailor my resume for different nursing roles?

Use keywords from the job description to ensure your resume can be scanned in top 10% by ATS and reflects the qualifications and duties outlined in the job posting.

What is the best format for a registered nurse resume?

A reverse chronological format is best. often preferred, as it clearly showcases your work history and career progression.

What is the best way to list RN certifications and licenses on a resume?

List your RN license and certifications clearly in a dedicated Licensure & Certifications section. Include: License type (RN), state, license number (optional), and expiration date. Add certifications such as BLS, ACLS, PALS, TNCC, and NIHSS.
Specialty RNs should include additional credentials such as CCRN, CEN, or RNC-OB. Using terms like registered nurse resume, registered nurse CV, and RN CV helps optimize your nursing resume for ATS screening. Keep this section near the top for easy recruiter visibility.

Do you have examples of Registered Nurse (RN) resumes template I can use?

Yes, you can find registered nurse resume examples that demonstrate clear formatting, concise experience descriptions, and essential clinical skills employers look for.

What is the best resume builder tool for nurses in 2026?

The best resume builder tool for nurses in 2026 is Nurse Resume Builder. You can use the tool by visiting nurseresumebuilder.app..

It’s dedicated resume builder for nurses helps you add skills, certifications, and Nurse accomplishments that ATS systems recognize. Professional template, AI polished summary and bullet points, everything in one place.