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Join the Most Trusted Staffing Network! ★★★★★
Join the Most Trusted Staffing Network! ★★★★★
Join the Most Trusted Staffing Network! ★★★★★
Join the Most Trusted Staffing Network! ★★★★★
📋 Facilities scan your resume for just 6-7 seconds — Make credentials, relevant experience, and reliability indicators immediately visible
✅ Three non-negotiables get you past the first cut — Active licenses, relevant clinical experience, and proven reliability are must-haves
🤖 75% of resumes never reach human eyes — Optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems with keywords, simple formatting, and standard section headings
💪 Show, don't just tell — Replace generic statements like "responsible for patient care" with specific examples: "Managed 5-6 med-surg patients per shift including medication administration and wound care"
🎯 One size doesn't fit all — Customize your resume for each care setting (ICU vs. LTC vs. home health) by emphasizing relevant skills and experience
🔧 Your resume is never finished — Update it after every certification, achievement, or job change—not just when you're job hunting
📱 Technology proficiency matters — List specific EMR systems (Epic, Cerner) and highlight how quickly you learned them to show you can hit the ground running
You're a skilled nurse who provides excellent patient care every shift. You know how to manage critical situations, comfort anxious patients, and work seamlessly with interdisciplinary teams. But when it comes to putting all that on paper, where do you even start?
Here's the reality: the average hiring manager spends just 6-7 seconds on an initial resume scan. Healthcare facilities receive dozens of applications for every open position. Your resume is your first impression—and often your only shot at landing an interview for your dream job.
What makes healthcare resumes different from other industries? Clinical competencies matter more than flowery language. Certifications and credentials can make or break your application before a human even reads it. And facilities want to see specific, measurable impact—not generic statements about "providing quality care."
After 22 years of connecting thousands of nurses with outstanding healthcare facilities, we've seen what works and what doesn't. This comprehensive guide will give you insider knowledge on what facilities actually look for, specific examples you can adapt, common mistakes that get resumes rejected immediately, and the skills and certifications that make you stand out in 2025.
Whether you're a new graduate crafting your first nursing resume, an experienced RN looking to transition specialties, or a CNA ready to showcase your value, this guide will help you create a resume that opens doors.
Let's start from the hiring manager's perspective. After reviewing thousands of nursing resumes and placements, we can tell you exactly what facilities screen for first—and it might surprise you.
1. Active, Valid Credentials
This is non-negotiable. Before anything else, facilities verify that you have current, valid credentials for the position. Your resume needs to make this crystal clear:
If a hiring manager can't immediately confirm you're legally qualified to work, your resume goes in the "no" pile regardless of how impressive your experience might be.
2. Relevant Clinical Experience
Facilities want to know if you've worked in similar settings with comparable patient populations. Be specific about:
A nurse with five years of ICU experience looks very different from a nurse with five years of outpatient clinic experience—both are valuable, but facilities need to know which one you are.
3. Reliability and Professionalism Indicators
Healthcare runs 24/7, and reliability is everything. Facilities look for signs that you're dependable:
Once you've cleared the basic requirements, these elements help you stand out from other qualified candidates:
Specialized training or certifications beyond the basics. That wound care certification or stroke certification shows initiative and expertise.
Technology proficiency with specific systems. If you're experienced with Epic, Cerner, or whatever EMR the facility uses, you'll require less training time.
Bilingual abilities. In many communities, Spanish fluency or other language skills are incredibly valuable for patient care and communication.
Leadership experience. Have you served as a charge nurse, preceptor, or committee member? These experiences demonstrate capability beyond bedside care.
Awards or recognition. Employee of the month, perfect attendance, patient satisfaction scores—these validate your claims of quality care.
Here's what you can skip or minimize:
Fancy design or colors. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can't read complex formatting, and most healthcare facilities use these systems to screen resumes before human eyes see them.
Objective statements. These are largely outdated. A strong professional summary that highlights what you offer is far more effective than stating what you want.
Unrelated work history. Your retail job from a decade ago doesn't strengthen your nursing resume—it just takes up valuable space.
Personal information. Hobbies, marital status, photos (in the U.S.), and other personal details don't belong on professional nursing resumes.
Let's build your resume from the ground up, section by section.
This format lists your most recent experience first and works backward. It's the gold standard for healthcare resumes because:
Exception: If you're making a career change into nursing, have significant employment gaps, or are a recent graduate with limited experience, a functional format that emphasizes skills over timeline might work better. But for most nurses, stick with reverse-chronological.
Include:
Skip:
Example:
MARIA GONZALES, LPN
Houston, TX | (555) 123-4567 | maria.gonzales@email.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mariagonzaleslpn
Forget objective statements that focus on what you want. Instead, write a summary that showcases what you offer.
The formula: [Years of Experience] + [License/Credentials] + [2-3 Key Specialties] + [1 Measurable Achievement or Strength]
Example for Experienced RN: "Compassionate Registered Nurse with 7+ years of acute care experience in fast-paced medical-surgical and telemetry units. Skilled in patient assessment, medication administration, and care coordination for patient loads up to 6 patients. Recognized for mentoring new nurses and maintaining 100% medication administration accuracy rate."
Example for New Grad RN: "Newly licensed Registered Nurse with clinical rotations in pediatrics, medical-surgical, and ICU settings. Strong clinical assessment skills and proficiency in Epic EMR system. Passionate about patient education and earned 'Most Compassionate Care' award during senior practicum."
Example for Experienced CNA: "Certified Nursing Assistant with 5 years of skilled nursing facility experience providing compassionate care to geriatric patients with dementia, Alzheimer's, and complex medical needs. Proven ability to assist with ADLs, vital sign monitoring, and accurate documentation while maintaining patient dignity."
Example for Entry-Level CNA: "Certified Nursing Assistant with hands-on clinical training in long-term care and acute care settings. Completed 120-hour state-certified training program with focus on patient safety, infection control, and ADL assistance. CPR/BLS certified and eager to provide quality patient care."
This section often comes early (right after your summary) because it's one of the first things facilities verify. Make it easy for them.
Format:
LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
Registered Nurse, Texas License #123456 (Active through 12/2026)
BLS Certification, American Heart Association (Expires 06/2025)
ACLS Certification, American Heart Association (Expires 06/2025)
Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) (Expires 03/2027)
Pro tip: If you're pursuing a certification, you can list it as "ACLS Certification (In Progress, expected completion March 2025)" but never list certifications as complete if you haven't earned them yet.
This is where you prove your value with specific examples. Each position should follow this format:
Job Title | Facility Name, City, State | Month Year – Month Year
• Bullet describing key responsibilities and achievements
• Bullet with measurable impact when possible
• Bullet highlighting specific skills used
The formula for powerful bullets: Action Verb + Specific Task + Measurable Result (when possible)
Compare these examples:
❌ Weak: "Responsible for patient care"
✅ Strong: "Delivered comprehensive nursing care for 5-6 medical-surgical patients per shift, including medication administration, wound care, and patient/family education"
❌ Weak: "Worked in the emergency room"
✅ Strong: "Triaged and assessed an average of 25 patients per shift in high-volume Level II trauma center, prioritizing critical cases and coordinating with interdisciplinary teams"
❌ Weak: "Helped patients with daily activities"
✅ Strong: "Assisted 8-10 long-term care residents with ADLs including bathing, dressing, ambulation, and feeding while maintaining dignity and documenting observations in EMR"
Strong action verbs for nursing: Administered, Assessed, Collaborated, Coordinated, Documented, Educated, Evaluated, Implemented, Monitored, Prioritized, Supervised, Trained, Triaged, Mentored, Advocated
Complete position example:
Registered Nurse | Memorial Hospital, Austin, TX | June 2020 – Present
• Provide direct patient care for 4-5 ICU patients requiring ventilator support, hemodynamic monitoring, and critical medication titration
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team including physicians, respiratory therapists, and case managers to develop individualized care plans
• Serve as preceptor for 6 new graduate nurses, providing mentorship and clinical skill development
• Maintain proficiency in Epic EMR system with 98% documentation compliance rate
• Recognized as "Nurse of the Quarter" Q2 2024 for exceptional patient advocacy and clinical excellence
Keep this straightforward:
What to include:
Example for BSN:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX | Graduated May 2020
Dean's List: 2018, 2019, 2020
Example for CNA:
Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program
Austin Community College, Austin, TX | Completed January 2023
120-hour state-approved program
Note: If you have your BSN, you don't need to list an earlier ADN unless it's recent or particularly relevant.
Organize your skills into categories that make sense for your role:
Clinical Skills: IV insertion and medication administration | Wound care and dressing changes | Catheterization | Phlebotomy | Patient assessment and monitoring | Vital signs and telemetry monitoring | Tracheostomy care | Feeding tube management
Technical Skills: Epic EMR | Cerner | Pyxis medication dispensing system | Volumetric IV pumps | Telemetry monitors | Ventilator management
Soft Skills (choose 2-3 most relevant): Patient advocacy | Critical thinking | Interdisciplinary collaboration | Crisis management
Example skills section:
CORE COMPETENCIES
Clinical: IV insertion & management • Wound care • Patient assessment • Medication administration • Telemetry monitoring • Post-operative care • Infection control
Technical: Epic EMR • Pyxis medication system • Volumetric IV pumps • Vital sign monitors
Additional: Bilingual (English/Spanish) • Preceptor experience • STABLE program trained
Professional Memberships:
Volunteer Work (healthcare-related):
Awards & Recognition:
Let's get specific about what makes your resume competitive in today's market.
For Registered Nurses:
For Licensed Practical Nurses:
For Certified Nursing Assistants:
For Med Techs:
Facilities want nurses who can hit the ground running. If you're experienced with their specific systems, you immediately become more attractive.
EMR Systems to highlight:
Other valuable tech skills:
Pro tip: If you learned a system quickly at a previous job, mention it: "Achieved proficiency in Epic EMR within 2 weeks of onboarding"
Beyond your basic BLS certification, these credentials demonstrate commitment to excellence:
Critical Care:
Emergency:
Medical-Surgical:
Oncology:
Geriatrics:
Universal Value:
Don't just list soft skills—prove them with examples in your experience section.
❌ Weak: "Strong communication skills"
✅ Strong: "Educated Spanish-speaking patients and families on post-discharge care, contributing to 15% reduction in readmission rates for assigned patient population"
Key soft skills facilities value:
Communication: Patient and family education, interdisciplinary collaboration, difficult conversations, conflict resolution
Critical Thinking: Clinical judgment under pressure, prioritization with competing demands, creative problem-solving
Emotional Intelligence: Compassion and empathy, cultural competency, stress management, self-awareness
Leadership: Charge nurse responsibilities, preceptor/mentor roles, committee participation, project leadership
Stay ahead of the curve by developing these increasingly valued competencies:
Telehealth Competency: Virtual patient triage, remote monitoring, tele-ICU experience
Informatics: Data analysis for quality improvement, EMR optimization, clinical decision support
Population Health: Chronic disease management, care coordination, value-based care models
Cultural Competency: Language skills (Spanish particularly valuable), LGBTQ+ health awareness, health equity understanding
Enhanced Infection Control: PPE protocols, isolation procedures, outbreak management (post-COVID awareness remains high)
Learn from others' mistakes—avoid these resume killers.
The impact: Instant credibility loss. Healthcare requires attention to detail, and errors on your resume suggest you might make errors in patient care.
The fix: Use Grammarly or similar tools, have someone else proofread, read it aloud to catch awkward phrasing.
Commonly misspelled healthcare terms:
The problem: "Responsible for providing quality patient care" could describe any nurse anywhere. It tells the hiring manager nothing about YOU.
The fix: Be specific about your experience, your setting, your achievements. Use numbers, describe your patient population, explain what made your contribution unique.
What to leave out:
The problem: Inconsistency looks unprofessional and suggests lack of attention to detail.
The fix:
The temptation: Claiming certifications you're "about to get," inflating your responsibilities, or extending employment dates.
The reality: Healthcare facilities WILL verify licenses, certifications, and employment. Many use national databases that flag discrepancies immediately.
The consequence: Instant disqualification, potential legal issues, and burning bridges in your professional community.
The problem: Sending the same generic resume to ICU, pediatrics, and long-term care positions.
The fix: Emphasize relevant experience for each role:
You don't need to completely rewrite your resume, but adjust your summary and emphasize different experiences based on the specific role.
What ATS does: Automatically scans resumes for keywords and qualifications before a human ever sees them. Up to 75% of resumes never reach human eyes due to ATS screening.
How to optimize for ATS:
The sweet spot:
If you're struggling to fill one page:
If you're going over two pages:
Different care environments value different skills. Tailor your resume accordingly.
Emphasize acuity levels, rapid assessment, critical thinking, and team collaboration.
Keywords to include: Acute care, telemetry, medical-surgical, critical care, emergency department, high acuity, rapid response, code situations, protocols, interdisciplinary team
What to highlight:
Emphasize continuity of care, relationship-building, chronic disease management, and regulatory knowledge.
Keywords to include: Long-term care, skilled nursing, geriatric nursing, ADLs, rehabilitation, chronic disease management, restorative care, dementia care, hospice, MDS, care plans
What to highlight:
Emphasize independence, clinical judgment, patient teaching, and time management.
Keywords to include: Home health, patient education, independent practice, care coordination, OASIS documentation, chronic disease management, family dynamics, community-based care
What to highlight:
Emphasize patient flow, efficiency, specific procedures, and patient communication.
Keywords to include: Outpatient care, ambulatory care, clinic nursing, patient education, care coordination, chronic disease management, preventive care, specialty clinic (if applicable: cardiology, orthopedics, etc.)
What to highlight:
Emphasize adaptability, quick onboarding, diverse experience, and reliability.
Keywords to include: Per diem, flexible scheduling, multi-facility experience, rapid integration, self-directed, adaptable, diverse patient populations, quick learner
What to highlight:
Insight from 22+ years of placements: Nurses who position themselves as adaptable professionals with proven reliability consistently get placed faster in per diem and contract positions. Facilities value nurses who demonstrate they can hit the ground running with minimal orientation.
Short answer: Not always required, but can help you stand out in competitive situations.
When to include a cover letter:
What makes a good nursing cover letter:
Template structure:
Who to include:
Who NOT to include:
Reference format:
Jane Thompson, RN, MSN
Nurse Manager, Medical-Surgical Unit
Memorial Hospital, Austin, TX
(555) 123-4567
jane.thompson@memorialhospital.com
Relationship: Direct Supervisor, 2020-2023
Best practices:
Pro tip: The outdated phrase "References available upon request" is unnecessary. Instead, have a separate reference sheet ready to provide when specifically requested.
Applicant Tracking Systems can be your biggest obstacle or your gateway to success. Here's how to beat the bots.
Up to 75% of resumes never reach human eyes due to ATS screening. These systems automatically scan resumes for keywords, qualifications, and specific criteria before ranking candidates.
Use keywords from the job description: Read postings carefully and mirror their exact language where truthful. If they say "medical-surgical experience," use "medical-surgical" not just "med-surg."
Include both acronyms and spelled-out versions: "Intensive Care Unit (ICU)" ensures the system catches both variations.
Avoid ATS-confusing formatting:
❌ Don't use: Tables, text boxes, headers/footers (put all content in main body), columns, images or graphics, charts, unusual fonts, special characters (★, ♦, ≫)
✅ Do use: Simple bullet points (• or -), standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, Garamond), clear section headings, .docx or PDF format (check posting), left-aligned text
Use standard section headings: ATS looks for specific sections. Use "Work Experience" or "Professional Experience" (not "Where I've Worked"), "Education" (not "Academic Background"), "Certifications" or "Licenses and Certifications," "Skills" or "Core Competencies."
Don't try to trick the system: No white text with keyword stuffing, no excessive keyword repetition. ATS systems are sophisticated—focus on authentic representation of your qualifications.
Job posting states: "Seeking RN with 2+ years med-surg experience, BLS required, ACLS preferred, Epic EMR experience"
Your resume should include:
Ready to put this all into practice? Here's your step-by-step timeline.
Your resume is your marketing document, not your autobiography. Focus on what facilities need, not just what you've done. Use specific examples and measurable achievements. Tailor it to each type of position you pursue.
Remember these key takeaways:
Facilities want to see three things immediately: valid current credentials, relevant clinical experience, and reliability indicators.
Format matters as much as content. Keep it clean and ATS-friendly with consistent formatting that's easy to scan in 6 seconds.
Details separate good candidates from great ones. No typos ever, specific examples instead of generic statements, keywords from job descriptions naturally incorporated, and evidence of continuing education.
Your resume is never "finished." Update it regularly, keep a master version with everything, customize for each application, and treat it as a living document that grows with your career.
Your resume is your first step toward your next great nursing opportunity. Whether you're seeking staff positions, per diem flexibility, or contract work, a strong resume opens doors to opportunities that align with your skills and career goals.
At Coastal Care Staffing, we've been connecting talented nurses with outstanding facilities for over 22 years. We know what facilities are looking for—and we know how to help you showcase your strengths. Our Nurse Bundle℠ program is designed to support nurse entrepreneurs who want flexible scheduling, competitive pay with real-time payment, and opportunities to grow their careers on their own terms.
Perfect Your Resume Use this guide to create a resume that showcases your true value and stands out in both ATS systems and human review.
Explore Your Career Options Not sure whether staff nursing, per diem work, or contract positions align with your goals? Consider what lifestyle, schedule, and earning potential work best for you. Per diem nursing offers flexibility and often higher hourly rates, while staff positions provide stability and benefits.
Connect With Opportunities Browse current nursing openings in your area or let us match you with positions that fit your skills, schedule preferences, and career goals. With our average 2-minute shift fill time, we're ready when you are.
Get Personalized Guidance Our team has reviewed thousands of nursing resumes and can provide insight into what facilities in your area are seeking right now. We're here to support your success as a nurse entrepreneur.
Remember: You provide excellent patient care every single shift. Your resume should reflect that excellence. Take the time to do it right, and you'll open doors to opportunities that align with your career vision and lifestyle goals.
Should I include a photo on my nursing resume? In the United States, photos are not standard practice and are generally discouraged. Including a photo can introduce unconscious bias and may cause ATS systems to reject your resume. Focus on your qualifications instead.
How far back should my nursing work history go? Generally 10-15 years of relevant experience is sufficient. For older positions, you can list just the job title, facility, and dates without detailed bullets. Always explain any recent gaps professionally.
Do I need a different resume for each job I apply to? While you don't need a completely different resume, you should customize key sections—especially your summary and skills—to match the specific job description. This increases your chances of passing ATS screening and shows genuine interest.
What if I have employment gaps on my nursing resume? Brief gaps (under 6 months) don't require explanation on the resume itself. For longer gaps, address them professionally: "Career break for family care" or "Continuing education and professional development." Be prepared to discuss positively in interviews.
Should I include my GPA on my nursing resume? Only include GPA if you graduated within the last 2-3 years AND your GPA is 3.5 or higher. Once you have professional experience, your work performance matters much more than academic achievement.
Can I list certifications I'm "in progress" on? Yes, but be clear about status. Use language like "ACLS Certification (In Progress, expected completion March 2025)" or "Pursuing CCRN Certification (exam scheduled May 2025)." Never list certifications as if you already have them.
What if I don't have experience with the specific EMR system they use? List the EMR systems you DO have experience with, and emphasize your ability to learn new systems quickly in your cover letter or interview. Many EMRs have similar functionality, and facilities understand this.
How do I address a career change into nursing on my resume? Lead with your nursing education and clinical rotations or healthcare experience. Your professional summary should emphasize your new direction. Previous non-healthcare work can be listed briefly without detailed bullets, or summarized in one line.
Have questions about your resume or want to discuss nursing opportunities? Contact Coastal Care Staffing at 866-956-4114 or visit www.coastalcarestaffing.com to learn more about joining our network of nurse entrepreneurs.
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