Nursing Resume Examples & Templates

Kellie Hanna, CPRW
By Kellie Hanna, CPRW, Career Advice Expert Last Updated: April 17, 2024
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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects an overall growth of 13% across the health care field between 2021 and 2031. This is much faster than most industries and reflects the essential nature of health care workers. Nurses are the frontline soldiers of the growing health care sector. 

If nursing is your calling, then stay tuned as we walk you through the process to write a resume that will beat the competition and help you obtain a great nursing job. Through our step-by-step guide and industry-related tips, we’ll help you build the perfect nursing resume or CV, and create an effective cover letter to accompany it.  Plus, we offer some great resume examples, CV examples and cover letter examples to get you started.

Resume examples for top nursing jobs

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Nursing resume FAQ

What’s the ideal resume format for a nursing job resume?

There are three standard resume formats. The one you choose should depend on your level of work experience and career goals.

  • Functional format: Entry-level applicants will benefit from this format. The layout focuses on skills, allowing you to showcase everything that you can do.
  • Combination format: This format puts the skills and work experience on equal footing. It’s a great option if you have a few years of experience as a nurse.
  • Chronological format: Ideal for seasoned nurses with many years of experience, this format showcases expertise through a detailed work history section.
What are some common skills required for nursing jobs?

Hiring managers for nursing jobs look for applicants who have a mix of soft and hard skills, specifically: 

  • Problem-solving
  • Critical thinking
  • Teamwork
  • Verbal communication
  • Efficiency
  • Flexibility
  • Creativity 
  • Diligence
  • Self-discipline
  • Agility
  • Flexibility
  • Attention to detail
  • Focus
  • Resourcefulness
What qualifications and certifications do employers look for in this industry?

For most nursing jobs, either a degree or some sort of occupational training is necessary. In addition, most states require nursing assistants to take a competency exam. Registered nurses and nurse practitioners must be licensed according to their state’s guidelines. Specialized nursing careers may require specific specialized training, education or certifications.

What is the salary potential for a professional nurse?

The average salary for a registered nurse in the United States in 2021 was $77,600, but different types of nursing careers can expect different median pay. Below are some examples:

  • Nursing assistants: $30,290 per year.
  • Home health and personal care aides: $29,430 per year.
  • Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners: $123,780
What does the career progression for a professional nurse look like?

Nursing is hard work, but the demand is consistent. Nursing careers are growing in general and the health care sector is growing faster than other industries.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners is expected to grow 40% from 2021 to 2031, with approximately 30,200 openings per year during this period.

Nursing assistants should also expect some career growth, with employment projected to grow by 5% and openings per year to number as high as 220,200 between 2021 and 2031.

The growth rate for registered nurses is expected to sit at about 6% with 203,200 openings during this period.

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