Sample Resume for a New Grad RN

Note that this candidate has not graduated yet. It’s important to start applying before you take the NCLEX. Waiting can delay your entry into a residency by up to six months.

There is no one right way to structure a resume. There are many good formats. People debate the do’s and dont’s. But all agree that a poorly constructed resume is likely to be put aside. Choose a layout/structure that best highlights your information and experiences.

This will teach you how to build your unique resume to stand out and catch the employer’s interest

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Prepare your resume carefully and individualize it to each potential employer.

Resume templates are an option, but can be difficult to modify, with pre-formatted columns and text boxes. All resumes include at least the following categories:

Contact Information Education Work Experience



From there, you can add categories: Objective Statement/Licensure/Volunteer Experience/Honors/Achievements (pick or create a headline/category that highlights your accomplishments).

Your resume should be consistent in choice of font sizes and weights, be easy to read, concise, and skills focused. Bullet points aid in readability. It’s what the employer will look at when deciding whether or not to see you. note: the formatting to the resume below is limited by Word Press and in Word would have a better appearance

A resume is more than a list of experiences. The purpose of a resume is to land an interview. Try to think like an employer as you construct it.

Keywords are in blue to show how the candidate bridges her/his strengths to the organization’s needs by using keywords from the RN job description. Keywords that may be programmed into scanning software may include words such as interpersonal skills, bilingual, communication skills, adaptable, energetic.

Editorial notes are in red. They show that everything you choose to include on your resume should have a purpose.

A resume for a new grad RN should be one page long.

Nathan Nurse

Home: (555) 123-9876 Cell: (555) 777-1212 nathannurse@gmail.com

Objective (optional)

Energetic and compassionate new grad nurse seeking nursing position at Happy Hospital

This is the first impression you provide Be clear, concise Avoid fillers and fluff One to two lines

Licensure and Certification

BLS for Healthcare Providers, American Heart Association (AHA) Renewal: May 2017

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), AHA Renewal: May 2017

Certified Nursing Assistant # 34522 Renewal: August 2018

Education

Cal State University Tri: Los Angeles, CA Expected May, 2017

Bachelor of Science in Nursing GPA 3.95

include GPA if it’s high No high school references

Clinical Experience

Maternal Health St. Mary’s Medical Center Fall 2015

Med Surg Memorial Community Hospital Spring 2015

Intensive Care Torrance Medical Center Spring 2015

Proficient in EHR documentation in Epic, Cerner, and MediTech

Clinically competent in performing procedures, administering meds, and assessing patient needs model your language after that used in the job posting

Trained in culturally competent and age appropriate care

Experienced at developing plan of care to reflect identified needs and expected outcomes

Practiced in purposeful hourly patient rounding shows awareness of patient satisfaction initiatives

Some grads list basic skills such as “IV insertion”, but that’s a given. It’s expected that if you attended a nsg program you gave meds, followed isolation procedures, etc. Try to find something unique here if possible Did you serve as Charge during Leadership? Lead post conferences?

Employment History

Nursing Assistant 2014-present

St. Mary’s Medical Center: Williamsburg

•Provides direct patient care to 12 patients patient care experience

•Voted Employee of the Year by coworkers September, 2015 team player

•Selected by Nurse Manager to orient new Nursing Assistants role model

Waiter

Ben’s Bistro: Williamsburg 2010-2014

•Excelled at resolving customer complaints demonstrates communication skills

•Consistently received highest tips customer service work history is very helpful

•Awarded one year perfect attendance 2012 reliable

only provide relevant information that relates to the position you are applying for and only within the past 5-7 years.

Volunteer Experience

L.A. County Pediatric Vaccination Mobile Program Summer 2015

•Traveled with mobile team to outlying areas

•Administered vaccinations

Big Brother Volunteer 2015-present



volunteer work is seen as positive, be sure and highlight everything you’ve done

Honors

Achieved perfect clinical attendance record

American Nurses’ Association, Active Member says professional

Dean’s List 2012, 2014, 2015 high achiever

Chair Student Nurses Association 2015 leader

Outstanding Scholar Award 2015 motivated

Recipient Nightingale Nursing Scholarship 2014

No need to add “References on request”. The employer will ask for them at a later date

I hope this helps you to compose your unique new grad RN resume. I hope you get an interview!

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Until next time friend,

Nurse Beth

Come visit me at Ask Nurse Beth