With the rising population of people across the world and the recent outbreak of deadly diseases, comes the need for more nursing jobs in the healthcare sector.
This means two things for you as a nursing student.
First, there will always be available jobs and secondly, you'll have to compete with a huge crowd of nursing candidates for the available jobs. So to stand out from the crowd you need to be the best at what you do. But it is not enough to have the best results or certificates, you also need to learn how to create the perfect resume.
Being a nursing student is hard enough on its own without the added stress of creating a "job-worthy" resume. Fortunately, this post is all you need.
Here, we'll share tips on how to create the perfect nursing resume and things to include in your resume even if you have no experience.
You'll also get practical examples and templates, which you can model to create your customized resume in less than 10 minutes.
Ready? Let's get into it!
As a nursing student, you have not graduated yet so you do not have a nursing certificate. What then are you supposed to put on your resume? They are:
Your name, address and phone number
Relevant course work with an emphasis on observational methods, quantitative analysis, pharmaceutical oncology and principles of teaching applied to nursing.
Licenses and certifications ( if you have them).
Clinical experience including clinical rotations and other work experience.
Soft and hard skills. Examples of hard skills include patient transport, wound dressing, recording patients' vitals, Electronic Health Records (EHR), medicine administration etc. Examples of soft skills include communication, compassion, teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving etc.
Other certifications or awards of recognition.
As a nursing student or new graduate, your resume will be different from that of a professional. This is because you just started developing your skills and probably do not have any other work experience besides clinical rotations.
View CV Templates for Graduates and Entry-level Medical and Health Jobs
Notwithstanding the no experience thing, you can still showcase your unique abilities, talk about the different technologies you were exposed to at different facilities and emphasize important details of your clinical experience. This will enable the hiring manager to tell if you're adaptable or a quick learner and decide whether to hire you.
So how exactly do you write a nursing resume with no experience? We've simplified the process with the following steps.
The first thing the recruiter should see at the top of your resume is your full name, followed by your home address, phone number and professional email address.
Writing a summary is not compulsory, but if you want your resume to stand out we suggest you include a summary right after your name and contact information. Your summary should highlight your most important skills and qualifications, career goals and what you intend to contribute to the facility and your employer. The summary should be brief and straight to the point. Ideally, it should not be more than two sentences.
Once you have passed your board exams and have received your RN license number, make sure to write it out including other additional certificates you have such as Basic Life Support (BLS), Basic EKG Interpretation certification etc.
This is where you highlight those hard skills you mastered in nursing school e.g sterile dressing changes, oxygen titration, head-to-toe assessments etc. And do not forget to include those essential soft skills like therapeutic communication, critical thinking, and time management. To further demonstrate that you have a well-balanced set of skills, make sure to list the same number of both soft and hard skills.
Write out your educational qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent degree, followed by the name of the school, location, degree level and years attended. You can also list out some important courses you took, and highlight a group project or assignment that impacted your nursing program. This shows the employer that you're interested in collaborating with others in the nursing unit.
You may not have a standard working experience as a nursing student, but you have clinical experience and this is where you get to highlight your skills and how you implemented them in a clinical setting. Each person's clinical experience is different and the hiring manager knows this. Sharing your experience offers you the opportunity to sell yourself. Do not just list out stuff, rather describe how you participated in various clinical activities. For example- "Removed sutures on abdominal incisions per facility protocol" shows that you're willing to follow and learn the protocols used at any facility.
If you are a member of any nursing association, you can include that here. You're also free to include other organisations or events you've participated in, even though they're not nursing-related as these can help add credibility to those soft skills you listed earlier. For example, if you were the treasurer of your school's annual science fair, mention it. This shows the employer that you're organized and good with calculations, all of which are essential skills for nursing. Lastly, if you have any awards, academic recognitions, scholarships or nominations, you can also include them in this section.
We've explained the process and steps you should take to achieve the perfect nursing resume but it won't be complete without a practical example. Below is a nursing student resume example that you can model when writing your first nursing resume.
Nursing Student Resume Sample:
Mariam Adams
Warri, Delta State. | 08076891245. | Mariamadams@gmail.com
RN and BSN upcoming graduate, committed to providing patient-centred care with fundamental knowledge of medical terminology, and health care policies. Interested in combining ongoing nursing education and experience in securing internships in professional healthcare settings.
Certifications and Licensure
Registered Nurse, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, (NMCN), License Number 12345677
Basic life support
Basic EKG interpretation certification
IV therapy training
Key Skills
IV placement and assessment
Sterile dressing changes
Vital signs and intake & output documentation in EPIC
Patient-centred care
Therapeutic communication
Critical thinking
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing candidate, 4.2 / 5.0 GPA
Delta State University, Abraka 2022 - Present
Completed Coursework:
Pharmacology including dosage calculations
Anatomy and physiology
Community and environmental nursing
Clinical Experience:
Student Nurse, Federal Medical Centre, Asaba.
January 2024 - May 2024
Developed skills in placing catheters and intravenous lines in pediatric patients.
Performed wound vac dressing change under the supervision of RN.
Provided direct care for patients in the pediatric unit.
Applied the use of observation, examination and interviewing skills to assess patients' well-being and recipes 90% positive feedback from my patients for my compassion.
Administered topical and oral medications under the supervision of a clinical preceptor.
Patient care attendant ER, ST. Luke's Hospital, Asaba
April 2023 - August 2023
Assisted with bedside procedures requiring conscious sedation.
Recorded patient intakes and outputs in the Cerner EMR system.
Reported patient concerns to the RN and appropriate members of the care team. Spot checks of my results by my preceptor returned 99% correct findings.
Assisted with wound stitching under the supervision of RN.
Administered CPR during patient codes.
Achievements and Affiliations
Member of The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).
Actively participated in the Ebola sensitisation rally organised by the council chapter in my school, Delta State University, Abraka.
Vice-President For Department of Nursing, 20223 - Present.
Received an undisputed election/appointment for the post of Vice President for the Department of Nursing in November 2023 after emerging as the overall best student with the highest CGPA of 4.2 / 5.0.
Do you know you don’t have to create your CV from scratch? Use our CV builder to get started fast.
Sharing your clinical experience on your resume is very important, but you have to keep in mind the following before you start writing.
List 3 or 4 of the most relevant clinical experiences. Add only those that correlate to the job description.
Include the job title or position held, specifying whether it's an internship title, a part-time job or a preceptorship.
Quantify your experience by using numbers when listing achievements and responsibilities such as the number of procedures, and patients.
Write out acronyms if you're not 100% sure that the reader will know their meanings.
Avoid the use personal pronouns such as "My" and "I".
Add experiences where you showcased transferable skills like communication, management or organisation skills.
Do not include too many non-relevant bullet points.
Make use of relevant action words like Administered, applied, treated, reported, measured, observed etc.
Medical-Surgical Nurse Resume:
This resume focuses on foundational nursing skills used in general hospital units. It typically includes experience in patient assessments, wound care, IV therapy, and managing multiple patients. It's great for students who have completed clinical rotations in med-surg settings. Many hospitals consider this the “entry-level” nursing specialty.
Download Medical-Surgical Nurse Resume Template
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Resume:
This type of resume highlights experience in mental health settings like in-patient psych units, addiction centers, or behavioral clinics. Key skills include therapeutic communication, de-escalation techniques, and knowledge of psychiatric medications. It’s ideal for students who want to work with patients experiencing mental illness or emotional crises. Compassion and patience are critical qualities to showcase.
Download Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Resume Template
Military Nurse Resume:
A military nursing resume reflects discipline, trauma care experience, and often deployment or field hospital experience. Nursing students with active duty experience can tailor resumes this way.
Download Miltary Nurse Resume Template
International Nurse Resume:
This resume is tailored for nursing students or graduates aiming to practice abroad. It emphasizes transferable skills, clinical experience, English proficiency, and international readiness. It’s ideal for candidates pursuing licensing pathways such as NCLEX, UK NMC, or AHPRA registration.
Download International Nurse Resume
Emergency Room (ER) Nurse Resume:
This resume targets fast-paced environments where triage and critical thinking are vital. It emphasizes trauma care, quick decision-making, and emergency procedures like CPR and defibrillation. Students with clinicals or volunteer experience in ER settings will benefit most. It also helps to list certifications like BLS, ACLS, or TNCC.
Download Emergency Room (ER) Nurse Resume
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurse Resume:
This is for aspiring ICU nurses. This resume emphasizes experience with critically ill patients, ventilator management, and complex monitoring systems. It showcases advanced technical skills and a strong grasp of pharmacology. Clinicals in critical care or preceptorships in ICU settings should be detailed here. It's also good to mention your ability to handle high-pressure, life-or-death situations.
Download Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurse Resume
Labor and Delivery Nurse Resume:
This resume showcases experience with childbirth, prenatal care, and postpartum assessments. Key skills include fetal monitoring, assisting during deliveries, and educating new parents. Students who loved OB rotations or worked in maternity units should tailor their resumes accordingly. Empathy, patience, and attention to detail are crucial traits to emphasize.
Download Labor and Delivery Nurse Resume
Pediatric Nurse Resume:
For those who enjoy working with children, this resume focuses on child-centered care in hospitals, clinics, or schools. It includes developmental assessments, vaccinations, and family communication. Pediatric nursing requires gentleness, emotional intelligence, and play-based interaction. Students should highlight any clinicals in children’s hospitals or summer camp nursing programs.
Download Pediatric Nurse Resume
Geriatric Nurse Resume:
This resume highlights experience with older adults, often in long-term care facilities or geriatric clinics. It focuses on chronic disease management, dementia care, fall prevention, and patient dignity. Compassion and patience are vital, as well as good communication with family members. It’s perfect for students who enjoyed working in nursing homes or home care with elderly clients.
Download Geriatric Nurse Resume
Public Health Nurse Resume:
Public health nursing is community-focused and often involves prevention, health education, and outreach. This resume might highlight work with underserved populations, vaccination drives, or health screenings. It's ideal for students interested in government, nonprofit, or school-based roles. Cultural competency and community engagement are strong points here.
Download Public Health Nurse Resume
Oncology Nurse Resume:
This resume emphasizes cancer care, including chemotherapy administration, emotional support, and pain management. Students should highlight rotations in oncology units or palliative care settings. Compassion and endurance are key traits in this field. Knowledge of symptom control and patient-family communication is also essential.
Download Oncology Nurse Resume
Family Nurse Practitioner Student Resume:
For students planning to enter FNP programs, this resume blends clinical experience across the lifespan with diagnostic and primary care skills. It often includes experience in family practice clinics, health promotion, and chronic disease management. It should highlight autonomy and decision-making abilities. Emphasis on leadership and education experience is a plus.
Download Family Nurse Practitioner Student Resume
Rehabilitation Nurse Resume:
This type of resume focuses on supporting patients in recovery after surgeries, strokes, or injuries. It includes work with physical therapists and occupational therapists, pain management, and patient mobility. Clinical rotations in rehab centers are important to include. Patience, encouragement, and care plan coordination should be highlighted.
Download Rehabilitation Nurse Resume
Home Health Nurse Resume:
A home health resume emphasizes independence, time management, and one-on-one patient care in the home setting. Duties often include wound care, medication administration, and caregiver education. Students with experience in home visits or hospice care should tailor their resume this way. Reliability and trustworthiness are vital characteristics.
Download Home Health Nurse Resume
Clinical Research Nurse Resume:
This resume highlights involvement in research studies, data collection, and working with investigators on clinical trials. It’s perfect for students with academic research experience or an interest in evidence-based practice. Attention to detail, strong documentation skills, and ethics training are all important.
Download Clinical Research Nurse Resume
Creating your first nursing student resume might seem a bit challenging but with the information in this article, we believe you're going to create the perfect resume for you with zero stress. Just follow the steps we've listed. Start with your contact information, followed by certifications, skills, and education, with much emphasis on describing your relevant clinical experience.
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