First things first: let’s discuss the differences between a nursing cover letter and a resume. A cover letter is a personal letter that you will include either in an email or with the application. The cover letter directly addresses the employer states your interest in the job, and lists a few personal reasons why you’re right for the job. There will be more on crafting a cover letter below.
A resume, on the other hand, is your professional portfolio that lists your education, experience, skills, and certifications. You can think of the cover letter as the personal touch and the resume as the highlight reel.
How to Write a New Grad Nurse Resume
There are two basic ways to create a nursing resume:
- Craft your own version
- Use a premade template
For instance, many document editing software systems, such as Word, have built-in templates that can be adapted for your own individual use.
In general, no matter if you craft your own resume or use a premade template, a new grad nursing resume will include 5 basic elements:
1. Your Personal Information
This section will include all of your personal information, such as your name, title, phone number, address, and email. Include a personal email address instead of a school-associated one. Eventually, your school email may be disabled and you will want HR to be able to contact you. Some people will also opt to include a small, work-appropriate headshot (no selfies!) as well.
2. Skills
A resume should highlight specific skills that you possess that can translate into your nursing career. For instance, skills such as working with a team, critical thinking, communication, and time management are all valuable for nurses.
3. Certifications
In this section, you should list any certifications you have already obtained, such as your CPR, ALS, or any other advanced certification you have earned. If you have passed your NCLEX, list your RN credentials as well.
4. Licenses
If you have not passed your NCLEX or have not taken it yet, you can write, “Eligible for NCLEX test for RN on X date,” so that the employer knows when you will be taking the NCLEX.
Employing hospitals are understanding of the fact that there can be a delay between graduation and getting a date for your NCLEX test, so it’s okay to apply before you have taken your NCLEX test.
Just be aware that if you are hired, there will be some limitations to your work until you officially become an RN.
5. Education
Under the education section of your resume, you will list any institutions for higher education that you attended.
It’s optional if you want to include your high school, but considering you’re graduating from a nursing program, it’s not necessary.
You can include details if you attended a college in the beginning of your education, then transferred. You’ll also include your GPA, any honors you received during your education, and your major and minor.
6. Relevant Experience
Because you most likely don’t have a lot of official nursing experience, this is the section to really highlight what kind of experience you do have that is relevant to the job.
Of course, you’ll want to include any experience you have—both paid and volunteer—in the medical field. Maybe you’ve volunteered at a nursing home, have piloted community events, or have been working as a CNA. Whatever it is, highlight it!
If you made it through nursing school without any official healthcare work or volunteer roles, that’s okay too. You can translate many skills from different jobs, such as communication, teamwork, and time management with customer service or retail roles.
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New Grad Nursing Resume Tips
It might feel challenging to create your first nursing resume, but here are some tips to help you along the way:
1. Don’t Be Afraid to Let Your Personality Shine
A new grad resume will be a pretty standard document and you should always keep it professional, but don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through your resume too.
You can add personal touches, such as design elements, including color, or a personal photo, as well as highlight the skills and experiences and even goals for your future career.
2. Have Friends and Family Review the Resume
It’s time to bring in the village! Gather a few people you trust who can review the resume for you and make sure it’s typo-free and shines a spotlight on your best qualities.
3. Be Sure to Read the Job Description
If you are applying for a specific position or nurse residency program, be sure to carefully read the entire job description and posting so you know what they are looking for.
If they have outlined specific skills or traits, include those in your resume. If they state that they are looking for someone who has graduated from a local school, highlight that on your resume. If they want someone who is willing to train in new areas, be sure to let them know that that’s you!
Not only does referencing the job posting in your resume show them that you have done your research and really are the right person for the job, but it can also help ensure your resume gets past any resume-scanning software that the facility may be using.
4. Ask for Help
If you need assistance in crafting your resume, there are resources that can help.
Firstly, you could consider asking your nursing school or professors for help. They should be able to point you to resources or help you directly.
Next, a friend may be a good resource—they could have a template you could build off, or offer advice for creating your own resume.
Lastly, there are professional resume services that you can hire for complete help with your resume. There are perfectly valid reasons why someone might need professional help for a resume, and there’s no shame in that.
5. Include Letters of Recommendation
Some places of employment may require references or letters of recommendation, but even if they do not, it’s a good idea to include references and letters of recommendation, if possible.
A good place to start is to ask your professors, clinical educators, or current managers