How to write an ideal resume for registered nurse jobs?

When looking for a new job, one of the first things we tend to think about is our resume. Does it need to be updated? Is it missing something? Should I just go ahead and write a new resume altogether? These are just some of the questions we ask ourselves in this situation. In this process, we sometimes forget the most important variable that determines what your resume is supposed to look like, is the actual job! For instance, the resume of a science teacher looks vastly different than the resume of a nurse. And on that note, in this article we will provide you with our best recommendations for writing an ideal resume for a registered nurse job.

How to Write a Resume for a Registered Nurse Job

Writing a resume can be nerve-wracking for some, especially for people who can’t find their way with words. The thought of summarizing one’s entire career in one sheet of paper and being judged for it by recruiters who can make or break your career is enough to make anyone nervous. However, there are certain best practices anyone can apply to turn a resume writing session into a successful experience that actually helps them get an interview and eventually land a job.

In the case of nurses, whose job involves many physical and technical duties and responsibilities, but little writing (except for patient’s charts, of course), these are some helpful recommendations for them to write a winning resume for a registered nurse job:

1. Keep in mind that the goal of a resume for a registered nurse job is to make a positive impression on healthcare employers and their recruiters. You can do this by showcasing your nursing skills and accomplishments as clearly and directly as possible.
2. The key to a great resume for a registered nurse job is tailoring it to every job application. To do that effectively, candidates must take note of the wording and the exact keywords used more often in the job description and using them in the most relevant sections of their resume, which are usually at the top.
3. Make sure to include your nursing education starting with the highest degree earned and going down from there to include your general education (if relevant) and certifications or training in the field. Nursing registration info is also important to add in a visible spot.
4. Include nursing achievements such as awards and recognitions. These should be indicated in the work experience section under its respective employment role. Additionally, you can mention other achievements in the form of examples of times when you went above and beyond for a patient, delivered exceptional care to a senior resident (in long-term care settings), streamlined a process or two, or lowered costs.
5. Don’t forget to write down your legal name and contact information (phone number, email address, and mailing address) on the top of the resume for easy access.
6. Don’t hesitate to describe your work experience giving specific examples like “experience providing nursing care to challenging patients” or “experience treating life-threatening illnesses and injuries.” These statements will give recruiters a clear idea of what kind of work a nurse has done and what they could bring to the table.
7. Include other areas in your life that make you a great candidate for a nursing job such as volunteering experiences, community work, mentorships, active participation in nursing organizations, etc.
8. Keep your resume updated with every training, certification, new job opportunity, or new achievement. That way it will be easier to tailor your resume for a registered nurse job to a new position that might interest you in the future. Also, keeping it updated is a good way to ensure not to miss anything.
9. Finally, look out for spelling mistakes, typos, grammatical errors, and anything else that could tell recruiters that your attention to detail is not as good as it should be.

Is there a Better Alternative to a Resume for Registered Nurse Job?

Yes, there is!

Let’s face it, in the last few years, the hiring process has been completely transformed to become more online-based, which has also changed the way the entire labor market functions. This transformation has progressed even more due to the pandemic. Today recruiters rely on smart platforms such as our very own Caring Support to find and recruit candidates, being able to do their jobs more effectively and efficiently.

Because of this shift in the recruitment culture, candidates that want to continue developing their careers need to understand that traditional resumes are a thing of the past and embrace other alternatives like profiles and video resumes, which offer multiple benefits for them as well. They allow candidates to showcase their skills, qualifications, experience, and even their vibrant personality to employers so they can make a bigger impression and get a highly desired first interview.

Caring Support’s Candidate Profiles, for instance, are a great alternative to a resume for a registered nurse job because they only have to fill them out once, no matter the number of jobs they want to apply to. So, instead of writing and rewriting resumes for every application, this simple process saves nurses time and effort in their job hunt.

The following video explains how to fill out a Caring Support profile. The best part about it is that candidates not only get to add relevant information like years of experience, availability, languages, education, and more; but they also get to upload their traditional resume in pdf format for those traditional employers that prefer it that way, plus a video resume where they can talk about their career, why they are passionate about it and what their biggest accomplishments are, all with their own words. Check it out.

What do you think about writing a resume for a registered nurse job now? Did you like our recommendations? We hope so! Make sure to leave us any questions or comments about this topic below. Thanks for reading.

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