Landing your first nursing job can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry—we’ve got your back. Learn how to craft the perfect new grad nurse resume with examples, tips, and a free template to get you started.
Why Resumes Matter for New Grad Nurses
If you’re a nursing student or new grad, stepping into the job market might feel daunting. Your resume is your first impression, your entry ticket into a recruiter’s inbox, and your opportunity to showcase your skills and passion. It’s not just a document; it’s your professional story tailored for each position you apply for. Nailing your resume as a new grad nurse is essential because:- It sets you apart. You’re competing with other nursing grads for the same roles. A strong resume can make your application stand out.
- It highlights your readiness. Even if you lack field experience, a polished resume shows you’re prepared to hit the ground running.
Table of Contents
What Hiring Managers Look for in Nursing Resumes
Hiring managers are looking for qualified nurses who exhibit both technical skills and the qualities essential for patient care. Here’s what they’re scanning for:- Relevant education and certifications (e.g., BSN, RN license, BLS certification)
- Clinical rotations that demonstrate hands-on experience
- Key skills like patient care, wound management, charting, and familiarity with medical equipment/software
- Consistency and professionalism in resume formatting and design
- A touch of personality when describing achievements or experiences (yes, personality matters)
What to Include in a New Grad Nursing Resume
To craft a winning nursing resume, it’s important to balance the right content with the correct structure. Here’s what every entry-level nurse resume should include:🔍 Education
This section is crucial for new grads. List your nursing degree (ASN, BSN, or equivalent), the school’s name, and the dates you attended. If you recently graduated, place this section towards the top of your resume. Example: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Graduation Date: May 2023🩺 Clinical Experience
Highlight your clinical rotations and hands-on experience. Be sure to mention the facilities where you trained, the departments you rotated in, and key patient care skills you developed. Example: Clinical Rotation Providence Saint John’s Health Center – Labor and Delivery Unit- Assisted in the delivery of 10+ newborns
- Monitored fetal heart rates and maternal vitals
- Provided postpartum education to mothers
🏅 Certifications and Licenses
Include essential certifications like your RN license, BLS (Basic Life Support), or ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support). Place this section near the top to grab the recruiter’s attention early on. Example:- Registered Nurse License #123456 (California, Active)
- Basic Life Support (BLS), American Red Cross, valid through 2025
🔧 Skills
Make a bulleted list of relevant “hard” and “soft” skills. Stick to skills that align with the job description. Example:- Medication administration and dosage calculation
- Patient assessment and care planning
- Electronic Health Record (EHR) proficiency (e.g., Epic, Cerner)
- Communication and teamwork in diverse healthcare environments
🏆 GPA and Awards (Optional)
If your GPA is 3.5 or higher, it’s worth including as a new grad. Similarly, mention any awards or honors related to nursing. Example:- GPA: 3.8 | Dean’s List (3 semesters)
- Florence Nightingale Scholarship Recipient
How to Format Your Resume
Make it ATS-Friendly
Most hospitals and clinics use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. Use these tips to ensure your entry-level nurse resume passes the ATS scan:- Save your resume as a PDF unless instructed otherwise.
- Label resume sections clearly.
- Use clear, ATS-friendly fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri).
- Avoid headers/footers for contact information. Place it at the top instead.
- Weave in relevant keywords exactly as they appear in the job posting.
Section-by-Section Breakdown
- Header: Include your full name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile/link.
- Summary Statement: Write 2–3 sentences summarizing your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
- Education: List your credentials, school, and graduation date.
- Experience: Clearly list clinical rotations and part-time healthcare roles.
- Skills and Certifications: Highlight your technical proficiency and essential licenses.
Download the Ultimate New Grad Nursing Resume Template
Don’t stress over formatting! We’ve got you covered with a that’s customizable in Word or Google Docs. It’s tailored to be ATS-friendly, eye-catching, and easy to edit. 👉 Get the Career Kickstarter Guide for Resume Templates!Example Resumes
Example 1
Olivia Jones Compassionate BSN graduate with a focus on pediatric care.- Clinical experience at Seattle Children’s Hospital (Pediatrics)
- Administered immunizations and assisted in respiratory therapy
Example 2
Jason Brown Patient-focused RN skilled in surgery recovery and patient education.- Trauma Unit Intern, UCLA Medical Center
- Monitored post-operative patients and managed pain medication
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the smallest mistakes can cost you an interview. Avoid these pitfalls:- Typos and grammatical errors: Proofread carefully or use a tool like Grammarly.
- Overly creative designs or fonts: Stick to simple and professional styles.
- Leaving out clinical rotations: This is your most valuable experience as a new grad.
Your Quick Checklist Before Submitting 🚀
- Is all your contact information correct?
- Have you tailored your content for the specific job you’re applying for?
- Did you optimize your resume for ATS?
- Is your resume easy to read with no typos?
