by Crafting a standout resume is crucial for nursing students entering the healthcare field. In this guide, we will provide practical tips on how to write an effective nursing student resume.
A well-structured document not only highlights your educational background and clinical experience but also showcases your skills and passion for patient care.
With this guide, you will create a resume that makes a strong impression on potential employers and helps you secure your dream job.
Nursing student resume examples
Sample nursing student resume
Student graduate nurse resume example
Mark Morris
mark-morris@email.com | 402-444-0047 | Omaha, NEProfessional Summary:
Recent nursing graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, skilled in providing patient-centered care to diverse populations in both clinical and academic settings. Known for excellent communication and time management abilities, dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare.
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Nursing | University of Nebraska (2024) Omaha, NE
- GPA: 3.80/4.00
- Relevant Courses: Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, Community Health Nursing
- Awards: Dean’s List (2021 - 2023), Academic Excellence Award (2023)
Associate Degree in Nursing | Metropolitan Community College (2021) Omaha, NE
- GPA: 3.70/4.00
- Relevant Courses: Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmacology, Health Assessment
- Awards: Honor Roll (2019 - 2021)
Skills
- Clinical Skills: IV insertion, catheterization, wound care, patient assessments
- Technical Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems
- Soft Skills: Strong communication, time management, teamwork, and critical thinking
Clinical Experience
Student Nurse Intern at Omaha Health Medical Center (Fall 2023) Omaha, NE
- Assisted in delivering patient care, including administering medications to 15+ patients per shift and performing wound care on 10+ patients weekly.
- Conducted patient assessments and developed individualized care plans for 20+ patients.
- Led patient discharge education, resulting in a 15% reduction in readmission rates.
Student Nurse Extern at Riverbend Clinic (Spring 2023) Omaha, NE
- Monitored vital signs for 25+ patients daily and provided education on lifestyle modifications and disease prevention.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide holistic care for 30+ patients weekly.
- Implemented a patient follow-up system that increased appointment adherence by 20%.
Certifications & Licensure
- Licensed Registered Nurse (RN) | Omaha Board of Nursing (2024)
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | National Council of State Boards of Nursing (2024)
- Comprehensive Cardiac Care | American Heart Association (2023)
- Basic Life Support (BLS) | American Heart Association (2023)
Leadership & Professional Development
- Co-President of the Nursing School Student Association, 2023-2024
- Member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, 2022-2024
Volunteer Experience
- Provided screenings at local community health fairs in partnership with Heartland Community Health, 2020 - 2024
Languages
- Spanish (intermediate)
Formatting
Your student nurse resume must be written professionally and concisely. See some formatting tips below to help you craft a strong document.
Professional Font
- Use a clean, professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
- Font size should be 10-12 points for the main text and 14-16 points for headings.
Uniform Layout
- Maintain consistent margins (1 inch on all sides) and spacing throughout the nursing student resume.
- Use bullet points for easy readability and keep them aligned.
Clear Section Headings
- Use bold and slightly larger font for resume section headings like "Education", "Clinical Experience", "Certifications", etc.
- Add horizontal lines or increased spacing to separate sections clearly.
One-Page Length
- Keep your resume to one page, since you have limited work experience.
- Only include relevant information.
Reverse Chronological Order
- List your experiences and education starting with the most recent.
- Use consistent date formats (e.g., "June 2022 - Present" or "06/2022 - Present").
Use Action Verbs
- Start each bullet point with a strong action verb (e.g., "Assisted", "Conducted", "Implemented").
- Be specific and quantify your achievements when possible.
Include Keywords
- Incorporate keywords from the job posting to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
- Use terms commonly associated with nursing roles, such as "patient care", "clinical skills", and "healthcare".
To make your life easier and take away the burden of starting writing from scratch, consider employing a specialized online resume builder.
Here’s why Resume Trick is the perfect tool for crafting your nursing student resume:
- Offers an intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate and create a polished document quickly.
- Supplies a variety of customizable templates specifically designed to highlight your qualifications effectively.
- Provides AI guidance in composing summary and work experience sections to ensure your expertise is presented in the best light.
- Creates a well-organized, visually appealing document that effectively communicates your commitment to the nursing profession.
Save yourself time - being with the nursing student resume template and secure your dream job right away!
Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE
Build My Resume
Contact information
Your nursing student resume needs to begin with contact details clearly displayed at the top. Remain brief, yet supply sufficient info, so recruiters can easily reach out to you regarding your application.
You should list the following:
- Your name should appear at the very top of your nursing student resume in a clear, bold font. Ensure that you write it as it appears on official documents.
- Your address should consist of the city, state, and zip code of where you currently reside. You can also indicate a location where you're willing to move.
- The phone number should be listed in a prominent area below your name. Include the area code. Also, check if your voicemail greeting is appropriate for hiring managers to hear.
- Your email has to be professional. Avoid using cutesy or jokey addresses such as "party-girl@gmail".
A link to your LinkedIn profile can give potential employers a way to view your work experience and qualifications in more detail.
Resume summary or objective
When crafting a nursing student resume, you can include either a summary or an objective. Understanding the difference between the two will help you present yourself in the best light.
Here’s a breakdown of each:
A resume summary, also known as a professional or executive summary, is a brief overview of the applicant's key qualifications, experiences, and skills. It is typically used by nurses with some experience in the field and aims to succinctly highlight career achievements.
A resume objective, on the other hand, is a short statement at the beginning of your nursing student resume that outlines your career aspirations. It is particularly useful for students or entry-level candidates who may not have much work experience but want to emphasize their motivation.
| Aspect | Resume Summary | Resume Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Usage | Provides a snapshot of your career highlights, skills, and accomplishments, tailored to the job you are applying for. | Conveys your career goals, skills, and motivation for entering the nursing profession. |
| Focus | Demonstrating how your experience and skills make you a strong candidate for the specific role. | Outlining what you aim to achieve in your nursing career and how you plan to contribute to the organization. |
| Length | Typically 3-5 sentences | Usually 1-2 concise sentences |
| Structure | Starts with a strong opening statement, followed by key skills and accomplishments | Begins with career goals, supplemented by abilities and aspirations |
Summary:
Exemplary nursing student with a strong academic background and hands-on clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings. Skilled in patient assessment, medication administration, and developing care plans. Adept at collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive patient care.
Objective:
Dedicated nursing student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a passion for delivering compassionate patient care. Seeking to leverage academic achievements and clinical experiences to provide high-quality healthcare.
Tailor your choice between the summary and objective based on how you can best showcase your qualifications to prospective employers.
Education
Academic history is the main asset for many applicants that they can list on their nurse student resume. Highlighting your educational background effectively can significantly bolster your candidacy in the competitive healthcare field.
Education history should be ordered in reverse chronological order, beginning with the last credentials earned.
For each entry, list the type of degree or program you've earned/are pursuing; the name of the institution that issued the credentials; and the graduation/completion date.
Include relevant coursework, academic honors, and any specialized training or certifications that demonstrate your readiness for clinical practice.
For example:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Florida (2022 - Present)
- Current GPA: 3.86
- Relevant coursework: Pathophysiology/Pharmacology in Nursing; Principles of Personalized Nursing Care; Policy and Change in Nursing Practice
- Awards:
- Dean's List (all semesters)
- Member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society (since 2022)
- Recipient of the Excellence in Nursing Care Award (2023)
The above experience shows that this nursing student is pursuing their Bachelor's degree and is very accomplished throughout their college career. This illustrates that the applicant is well-prepared for the job with theoretical and practical expertise.
Remember, this section serves as the foundation of your nursing student resume, showcasing your commitment to learning and preparing for a successful nursing career.
Certificates and Licenses
As a student nurse preparing to enter the workforce, it's essential to obtain certain certifications and licenses to ensure you meet the necessary requirements for clinical practice and patient care.
Here are some examples:
- Registered Nurse (RN) License. Upon graduation and passing the NCLEX-RN exam (in the United States), student nurses transition to becoming licensed RNs. This license allows you to practice nursing independently within your jurisdiction.
- Basic Life Support (BLS). Often required for all healthcare professionals, including student nurses, to provide immediate life support in emergency situations. Certification is usually provided by organizations like the American Heart Association.
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). While not always required, having a CNA certification can enhance your nursing student resume and practical skills. CNAs assist RNs and LPNs with basic patient care tasks.
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Required in some settings, such as intensive care units (ICUs) or emergency departments, to manage cardiac emergencies and provide advanced life support.
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Necessary for nurses working with children, providing skills in managing pediatric emergencies and cardiac arrest.
- Clinical Skills Competency. Depending on your program or employer, you may need to demonstrate competency in various clinical skills, such as medication administration, wound care, and patient assessment.
It's important to check with your nursing school or potential employers for specific requirements in your region. Keeping these certifications and licenses up-to-date demonstrates your commitment to patient safety and professional growth in the nursing field.
Experience
When describing and structuring work history facts on a nursing student profile, start with the most recent role first and sequence them in reverse chronological order.
If you do not have any professional experience yet, indicate any internship, clinical experience, or volunteer projects you participated in.
For each position, include:
- Job Title. Specify your role, such as "Student Nurse Intern" or "Nursing Assistant".
- Name of Employer. Mention the name of the healthcare facility or organization where you gained the experience.
- Location and Dates. Include the city and state of the company, and the duration of your employment (month and year).
- Responsibilities. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements. Focus on tasks related to patient care, clinical skills, teamwork, and any specific achievements or improvements.
For example:
Student Nurse Intern
Sunset Regional Medical Center (Chicago, IL) May 2023 - August 2023
- Administered medications, including intravenous therapy and oral pills, for 20+ patients daily under supervision.
- Assisted in patient assessments, including collecting vital signs, performing physical examinations, and documenting findings in electronic health records (EHR).
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop and implement patient care plans, ensuring continuity of care.
- Provided compassionate patient education on various health topics, enhancing understanding and adherence to treatment plans.
Healthcare Volunteer
Riverbend Community Clinic (Chicago, IL) September 2022 - April 2023
- Conducted screenings and assessments during community health fairs, serving diverse populations.
- Educated community members on preventive healthcare measures, including proper nutrition and exercise routines.
- Assisted healthcare professionals in administering flu vaccines and providing first aid to event attendees.
- Collaborated with fellow volunteers to ensure efficient event operations and patient flow.
By organizing your work experience in this structured manner, you can effectively demonstrate your clinical skills, professionalism, and readiness to contribute to healthcare teams as a nursing student.
Internship vs externship
When applying for a job with your nurse student resume, you may encounter the terms "externship" and "internship". Let's see how the two differ from each other.
| Aspect | Nursing Internship | Nursing Externship |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Last for an extended period, often lasting several months (e.g., a summer internship) or even a year. | Typically shorter in time compared to internships, often ranging from a few weeks to a few months. |
| Focus | Provide comprehensive, supervised training in various aspects of nursing practice within a specific healthcare setting, such as hospitals, clinics, or other facilities. | More focused on providing introductory-level exposure to clinical settings and nursing practice. |
| Requirement | May sometimes be a mandatory part of an education program, particularly in longer-term programs like Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees. | Offer nursing students the opportunity to observe and participate in clinical activities under supervision but with less responsibility than an intern. |
| Purpose | The primary goal is to apply classroom knowledge to real-world nursing scenarios, gaining practical skills under the guidance of experienced nurses. | May serve as an exploration phase for nursing students to determine their specific interests within the field before committing to a longer internship or career path. |
In summary, while both provide valuable hands-on experience in nursing, internships are typically longer and more intensive, focusing on deeper integration into clinical practice. Nursing externships, on the contrary, serve as introductory experiences to explore the field and gain foundational skills.
Nursing student skills for resume
It's important to list both hard and soft skills on a nursing student resume because they collectively demonstrate your readiness and ability to excel in the profession.
Hard skills: Specific, teachable abilities that can be quantified and measured, such as proficiency in medication administration or knowledge of medical procedures.
Examples:
- Medication Administration (including intravenous therapy)
- Patient Assessment (vital signs, physical examinations)
- Wound Care and Dressing Changes
- Operating and Monitoring Medical Equipment
- Electronic Health Records (EHR) Documentation
- Infection Control Procedures
- Assisting with Medical Procedures (e.g., catheterization, tube feeding)
- Patient Education on Disease Management
- IV Insertion and Management
- Administering Injections and Vaccinations
- Phlebotomy (Blood Drawing)
- Monitoring Fluid Intake and Output
- Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR Certification
- Pain Management Techniques
- Ostomy Care
Soft skills: Personal attributes that enable individuals to work effectively and harmoniously with others, such as communication, empathy, and teamwork.
Examples:
- Compassion
- Patient Advocacy
- Collaboration
- Adaptability
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Stress Management
- Professionalism
- Cultural Competence
Additional information
Sometimes just the experience and education sections are not enough to present all of your credentials. However, your resume is your canvas for creativity and showing off.
Think about adding the following details to your resume for a nursing student.
| Section | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Extracurriculars | Highlight your involvement in campus activities, leadership roles, or initiatives that demonstrate teamwork and organizational skills. | President, Nursing Student Association, 2023-2024 |
| Professional Memberships | List affiliations with nursing organizations or honor societies that demonstrate your commitment to the profession and ongoing development as a specialist. | Member, Student Nurses Association (SNA), 2021 - present |
| Research Experience | Describe your involvement in nursing-related research projects, including your role, objectives, methods, and any findings or outcomes achieved. | Undergraduate Research Assistant, Study on Patient Satisfaction, 2021 |
| Clinical Rotations | Detail specific clinical experiences during your nursing education, including the healthcare settings and departments where you worked. | Medical-Surgical Unit, Limer Hospital (Columbus, GA), Spring 2023 |
| Volunteer Experience | Highlight healthcare-related volunteer work and community service activities, emphasizing roles that demonstrate relevant skills and dedication to patient care. | Healthcare Volunteer, Community Health Clinic (Charleston, WV), Summer 2022 |
| Professional Development | Include workshops, conferences, or seminars attended that are relevant to nursing or healthcare, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning and skill enhancement. | Attended National Nursing Ethics Workshop, Spring Conference (Los Angeles, CA) 2023 |
| Honors and Awards | Showcase academic or professional achievements, such as scholarships, dean's list recognition, or awards for outstanding performance in nursing studies. | Dean's List for Academic Excellence, Fall 2022 - Spring 2024 |
| Languages | Specify additional languages spoken and your proficiency levels, which can be valuable in multilingual healthcare settings. | Spanish (Fluent), French (Intermediate) |
| References | Optionally include contact info of a professor, supervisor, volunteer coordinator, or coach who can support your application. (Always obtain permission beforehand) You can also write "Available upon request." | Dr. Jason Ardito, Associate Professor of Nursing at Baylor University (j.ardito@baylor.edu) |
State any details that you believe would be beneficial for the hiring manager to know about you while considering your nursing student resume.
Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE
Build My ResumeHow to write a nursing student cover letter
Writing a great cover letter for a nursing student may be detrimental as you look for a job. Here is some advice on how to write a successful cover letter and stand out among other candidates.
- Personalize Your Introduction. Begin with a greeting addressed to the hiring manager by name to personalize your application.
- Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences. Focus on specific skills, clinical experiences, and volunteer work that demonstrate your readiness for the role.
- Express Passion for Nursing. Clearly convey your passion for nursing and dedication to providing compassionate patient care.
- Address Key Requirements. Tailor your letter to address the specific skills and qualifications outlined in the job posting.
- Conclude Strongly. Close with a statement reiterating your enthusiasm for the opportunity and a polite request for an interview.
If you have no experience at all, focus on highlighting transferable skills and relevant coursework or projects from your education. Emphasize your eagerness to learn and willingness to grow in the field.
Good nursing student cover letter example:
Dear Ms. Sanders,
I am excited to apply for the Nursing Internship position at St. John's Hospital. Currently pursuing my Bachelor's degree in Nursing at West Virginia State University, I am eager to bring my knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience to your esteemed organization.
During my internship at Mercy Hospital last year, I honed essential patient care skills, including administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and providing compassionate support to patients.
My experience has equipped me with strong interpersonal and communication abilities, crucial for fostering positive patient relationships and collaborating effectively within healthcare teams. I am also proficient in healthcare regulations such as HIPAA and EMTALA, ensuring compliance and patient confidentiality at all times.
I thrive in fast-paced environments, where my robust time management and multitasking skills have been instrumental in delivering quality care under pressure. I am committed to continuous learning and growth in the nursing field, driven by a genuine passion for providing excellent patient care.
I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to St. John's Hospital and am confident that my dedication and skills will be an asset to your team. I would welcome the chance to discuss how my background, combined with my eagerness to learn, aligns with the goals of your internship program.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to your team further.
Sincerely,
Frederick Crittenden
This cover letter example effectively showcases the candidate's relevant experience and skills, demonstrating a clear understanding of patient care and healthcare regulations.
The letter also highlights strong interpersonal and time management abilities, emphasizing their suitability for a demanding nursing internship role.
Bad nursing student cover letter example:
Dear Hiring Manager,
I hope this finds you well! My name is Johnny and I've been looking into joining your team this summer. I think this would be a great opportunity for me. I really love working with people and helping them get better!
I'm currently studying Nursing at Wesleyan University. I don't have any applicable experience or credentials in the field yet. However, I'm willing to pick up new skills swiftly! In my free time, I love playing video games or watching movies!
Thank you for considering my application. I am anticipating your response!
Sincerely, Johnny
The above example does not mention anything specific about why the applicant would be a good fit for this role or what sets them apart from other applicants.
There is also no real evidence of why they should be hired over someone else who is better qualified for the nursing position.
Nursing student cover letter with no experience:
Dear Sir or Madam,
I'm writing to apply for the nursing internship position at your hospital. I'm currently enrolled at Oakland University, where I am pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing. I am eager to bring my dedication and growing expertise to your esteemed team.
With a solid foundation in nursing principles and a focus on compassionate, high-quality patient care, I have developed strong communication and problem-solving skills essential for listening attentively to patients and delivering exceptional care.
My coursework in pharmacology, human growth and development, and anatomy has further prepared me to contribute effectively in a clinical setting. Additionally, I am actively engaged in a personal research project on type I diabetes, demonstrating my commitment to expanding my knowledge and skills in healthcare.
I am confident that my enthusiasm and qualifications align well with the values and goals of your hospital. I look forward to discussing how my background and passion for nursing can contribute to your team's success.
Thank you for considering my application. I await the opportunity to further discuss my candidacy.
Sincerely,
Edwina Wagner
This nursing student cover letter example effectively combines enthusiasm with specific details about the candidate's academic background and ongoing research project, demonstrating a proactive approach to learning.
The letter clearly articulates how the applicant's education and experiences align with the requirements of the nursing internship position, showcasing their readiness to integrate into the hospital's team and contribute positively to patient care.
Create your professional Cover letter in 10 minutes for FREE
Build My Cover LetterProofreading
Checking your application materials is essential when submitting a nursing student resume and cover letter. Errors in both documents can make it difficult for hiring managers to take you seriously. Proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation can help show professionalism and attentiveness.
Proofreading can be done by reading through each document multiple times, or by having someone else review them. A fresh pair of eyes can often catch mistakes that were missed previously.
It is important to examine slowly and carefully, as this can make all the difference. Additionally, using a spellchecker will help identify misspelled words.
Conclusion
This article provides a detailed guide on how to write a resume for a nursing student. The task may seem challenging at the beginning. To simplify the process, consider using the online resume builder that can aid you in making an effective and professional-looking document in minutes.
Start crafting your nursing student resume now and get one step closer to your dream job!
Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE
Build My Resume
