You’ve put in the time as a nursing student and know how to operate critical care machines and use other technical tools specific to healthcare.
You’re comfortable in complex, fast-paced environments and have learned in clinical settings.
Now you’re ready to get your first nursing job in the field, but how do you write a nursing student resume with no experience?
We’ve created a guide to help you write a nursing student resume that shows you have the right skills and qualifications for an entry-level nursing position.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- How to focus on transferable skills so that recruiters can see you’ve developed the knowledge necessary for the job
- How to format your nursing student resume to take the focus off of your experience section and highlight other ways you’ve prepared for the role
- What skills hiring managers look for and how to find the right balance of soft skills and hard skills required for nursing
- How to present your certifications and education clearly so potential employers can see you have the right qualifications for the position
If nursing student resume examples aren’t exactly what you’re looking for, check out some of our guides in a similar field:
Nursing Student resume examples
Explore additional nursing student resume samples and guides
and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Nursing Student No Experience
- Visual organization and layout make details pop – A standout nursing student resume arranges content in clearly defined sections like Education, Clinical Experience, and Skills, using uniform fonts and bullet points for easy scanning. Strategic use of bold and spacing ensures essential qualifications are highlighted, immediately guiding a recruiter’s eye to what matters most.
- Immediate impression highlights core relevance – Upon first glance, a compelling resume radiates readiness by foregrounding coursework, certifications, and volunteer roles relevant to nursing, even when paid experience is lacking. The focus remains firmly on attributes such as compassion, reliability, and a proven interest in healthcare to assure employers of the candidate’s fit for entry-level opportunities.
- Professional story aligns across platforms – Strong resumes echo the same professional image found on a candidate’s LinkedIn profile, maintaining a coherent narrative of growth, motivation, and nursing career goals. Consistent tone, terminology, and accomplishment themes across all platforms build trust with employers and showcase the student’s awareness of their developing professional identity.
Nursing Student For Externship
- Demonstrating a genuine commitment to patient care – A Nursing Student externship resume truly distinguishes itself when it reveals a strong purpose for seeking this experience, outlining not just career ambitions but a genuine passion for contributing to patient wellness and professional growth within the healthcare environment.
- Showcasing a unified professional identity across platforms – Consistency in tone, format, and the professional narrative between the resume and LinkedIn profile signals attention to detail and self-awareness; it reassures employers that the candidate has a well-established personal brand aligned with nursing values and the externship’s objectives.
- Highlighting a flexible skill set drawn from varied experiences – What further elevates the resume is clear evidence of adaptability, using examples from clinical rotations, volunteer roles, or academic projects to demonstrate the ability to transition smoothly between diverse tasks, patient populations, and healthcare settings.
Nursing Student Clinical Experience
- Incorporation of key clinical vocabulary and nursing frameworks – Demonstrating familiarity with terms like “patient assessments,” “care planning,” “EMR documentation,” “medication administration,” and “interdisciplinary collaboration” signals a strong grasp of current healthcare protocols and expectations, underscoring the applicant's readiness to work within real-world clinical environments and communicate effectively with professional teams.
- Expressing focused intent and genuine interest – Crafting statements that convey both competence and a sincere passion for patient care—while maintaining a concise, formal tone—strikes an appealing balance. Narratives such as “enthusiastic about building therapeutic rapport with diverse patient groups” coupled with an assured professionalism can foster trust and distinguish the candidate as both dedicated and capable.
- Immediate clarity on suitability for the nursing role – A visually organized presentation that highlights clinical placements, specific competencies, and measurable contributions—such as managing patient loads or participating in quality improvement initiatives—creates a compelling first impression. This tailored relevance ensures hiring managers can instantly recognize alignment with the demands and values of a nursing position.
Nurse Practitioner Student
- Presents a compelling personal drive – The standout resume articulates an authentic passion for patient-centered care and continuous learning, highlighting specific events or influences that ignited the candidate’s interest in advanced nursing. By clearly stating their inspiration for becoming a Nurse Practitioner and aligning it with their long-term goals, the applicant shows genuine dedication and makes a memorable impression among recruiters.
- Demonstrates awareness of organizational values – A strong application links the student’s abilities and aspirations with the mission, patient populations, or care philosophies of the target healthcare provider. By referencing initiatives, specialties, or recent organizational achievements, the candidate not only shows they have researched the workplace but also that they see themselves thriving and contributing within its unique environment.
- Closes with proactive enthusiasm – Exceptional resumes end with a persuasive summary that reiterates eagerness to join the team and a clear call to action, such as requesting an interview or opportunity to further discuss qualifications. This final paragraph expresses appreciation for consideration and leaves the reader with a sense of confidence in the student’s readiness to make meaningful contributions.
Graduate Nursing Student
- Fostering a sense of empathy and dedication through your narrative – A standout Graduate Nursing Student resume instantly connects with the reader by reflecting genuine commitment to patient-centered care and professional growth. Distinctive details about volunteer experiences or heartfelt interactions with patients allow hiring managers to sense both compassion and purpose, generating an emotional connection that lasts beyond a simple skills checklist.
- Establishing a unified professional identity across platforms – When your resume mirrors the tone, core competencies, and unique attributes found in your LinkedIn profile, it signals thoughtful self-presentation. Consistency in messaging, achievements, and aspirations fosters credibility, assuring employers that your dedication and expertise extend seamlessly from application documents to your broader professional network.
- Ensuring information is accessible through clear organization and layout – A visually appealing resume uses generous white space, logical sectioning, and well-chosen font sizes to avoid clutter and enhance readability. Concise bullet points coupled with brief, impactful descriptions enable recruiters to quickly identify your accomplishments and training, making it easy to spot relevant qualifications even during a rapid review.
Nursing Student Preceptorship
- Showcasing a unified professional image – Crafting a resume that mirrors the tone, achievements, and aspirations presented on the candidate’s LinkedIn profile impresses recruiters by reflecting a cohesive and deliberate professional presence. This harmonized branding demonstrates self-awareness and dedication to the field, ensuring employers view the applicant as genuinely invested in their nursing career journey.
- Employing relevant nursing language – Integrating terminology such as “evidence-based interventions,” “clinical rotations,” “patient-centered care,” and “interdisciplinary teamwork” reinforces the applicant’s familiarity with industry norms and expectations. This vocabulary positions the candidate as someone equipped with practical and theoretical nursing knowledge, signaling readiness to thrive in a clinical preceptorship setting.
- Cultivating a tone that blends assurance with passion – A stand-out resume for a nursing student preceptorship strikes an artful balance between a polished, formal tone and clear expressions of enthusiasm for patient care and professional growth. This approach resonates with hiring managers, highlighting both the candidate’s reliability and their genuine motivation to contribute positively within a healthcare environment.
Nursing Student Clinical Rotation
- Demonstrating measurable contributions – A strong nursing student clinical rotation resume shines when it includes specific, quantifiable accomplishments, such as improving patient satisfaction scores, streamlining patient documentation processes, or assisting with the implementation of evidence-based care plans. These concrete examples allow hiring managers to quickly gauge the applicant’s ability to positively influence patient care and workflow within diverse healthcare settings.
- Crafting an impactful introduction – The very first line of the resume should provide a succinct yet compelling snapshot of the candidate’s strengths, such as “Compassionate nursing student with hands-on clinical experience across medical-surgical, pediatrics, and emergency care settings, eager to contribute strong assessment and patient education skills.” This kind of focused opening both grabs the reader's attention and immediately positions the student as professionally relevant.
- Integrating precise nursing vocabulary – Infusing the resume with industry-aligned terminology—like “medication administration,” “care coordination,” “patient advocacy,” “electronic health records,” and “interdisciplinary communication”—reflects a genuine grasp of the nursing profession and care environments. This specialized language not only conveys professionalism but also resonates with nurse managers and recruiters looking for candidates familiar with healthcare best practices.
Nursing Student Part-Time Position
- Demonstrating a passion for patient care – A compelling resume for a nursing student part-time role highlights a genuine enthusiasm for supporting patients and contributing positively to healthcare teams. When applicants clearly articulate their motivation for entering the nursing field and seeking hands-on experience alongside their studies, it signals authentic engagement and commitment to their future profession. Clearly stated reasons for applying, such as a desire to enhance clinical skills or make a meaningful impact on patient well-being, immediately set the candidate apart.
- Crafting an impactful and proactive conclusion – The closing section of a standout resume for this position leaves a memorable impression by confidently restating interest and expressing readiness to contribute. By expressing gratitude for consideration and providing a direct call to action, such as inviting the employer to arrange an interview, applicants project professionalism and eagerness. This assertive wrap-up increases the likelihood of further engagement from the hiring manager.
- Establishing a unified professional profile – Consistency between the resume and an applicant’s LinkedIn profile greatly enhances credibility and personal branding. Details such as described skills, work experience, and academic achievements should be harmonized across both platforms. This alignment fosters trust and presents the nursing student as detail-oriented and serious about their career development, reinforcing their suitability for a part-time nursing position.
Nursing Student Full-Time Position
- A resume that instantly signals alignment with clinical training demands – When a nursing student applies for a full-time role, the resume stands out if it is clearly organized, succinct, and demonstrates attentive prioritization of skills relevant to patient care. Polished formatting, tailored sections, and a professional summary that emphasizes readiness for fast-paced clinical environments immediately show reviewers the candidate’s seriousness and fit.
- Measurable accomplishments highlighting tangible contributions – A compelling nursing student resume distinguishes itself by citing concrete achievements, such as specific roles in patient care teams, recognition for academic excellence, or quantifiable improvements during clinical rotations. This approach offers direct evidence of dedication and the ability to make an impact under the pressures of real-world healthcare settings.
- Mastery of nursing language and context-specific skills – Integrating sector-specific vocabulary, such as "evidence-based practice," "infection control protocols," and the names of electronic health record (EHR) systems, demonstrates both fluency in professional communication and familiarity with daily operational demands in nursing. This incorporation reassures hiring managers of the applicant’s preparedness to step confidently into the expectations of the profession.
Nursing Student Summer Internship
- Highlighting personal strengths and clinical initiative – A standout resume for a Nursing Student Summer Internship demonstrates initiative and eagerness to grow by showcasing unique clinical projects, relevant volunteer work, or leadership in student health organizations. Presenting tailored certifications or skills like bilingual communication or simulation lab experience further evidences the candidate’s readiness to add value beyond the basic nursing curriculum.
- Organizing details for powerful readability – Excellence in content layout is evident when the resume employs clear headings, concise bullet points, and reverse-chronological order, making achievements and competencies immediately accessible. Thoughtful use of bold text for section titles, paired with consistent, professional fonts and strategic white space, guides the recruiter’s eyes quickly to the most impressive credentials and practical experiences.
- Concluding with proactive professional intent – Memorable closing statements not only restate enthusiasm for nursing and the specific internship, but also invite the employer to initiate further conversation. A candidate who ends with a brief, confident summary of their fit and an invitation to discuss contributions at an interview projects professionalism and genuine commitment, leaving a compelling final impression.
By Role
Geriatric Nursing Student
- Demonstrated measurable impact through coursework and clinical care – Highlighting quantifiable achievements such as initiating patient comfort protocols during clinical rotations or receiving departmental recognition for improving elderly patient mobility directly illustrates the candidate’s real-world effectiveness and dedication. Evidence-based examples paint a vivid picture of both initiative and results in environments relevant to geriatric nursing.
- Bringing transferable experience from related medical or caregiving work – Showcasing previous roles—such as volunteering in senior living communities, serving as a home health aide, or participating in memory care units—reveals a deliberate career trajectory toward geriatric nursing. These roles underscore valuable hands-on skills and a genuine commitment to elderly populations, assuring employers of the applicant’s readiness for specialized challenges.
- Optimizing the resume’s layout for clarity and first-glance appeal – Employing generous white space, concise paragraphs, and logical sectioning makes pertinent experiences stand out and ensures the document remains inviting to read. This thoughtful presentation style not only reflects professionalism but also accommodates the busy schedules of hiring managers, increasing the likelihood that key strengths and certifications are noticed quickly.
Nursing Student Extern
- Demonstrating a clear sense of purpose in pursuing the externship – A standout Nursing Student Extern resume highlights a genuine commitment to professional growth and patient care. By articulating precise reasons for seeking the externship, such as a passion for hands-on clinical experience or a desire to contribute to a specific healthcare setting, candidates immediately convey dedication and alignment with the organization’s values.
- Incorporating clinical language familiar to healthcare professionals – Using terminology like "evidence-based interventions," "multidisciplinary collaboration," and "patient-centered care" on a resume signals to hiring managers that the applicant is not only fluent in the language of nursing but also up-to-date with industry standards and best practices. This level of specificity assures employers that the applicant is prepared for the technical demands of the role.
- Leaving a memorable impression through a proactive conclusion – An effective resume wraps up with a dynamic closing statement, expressing eagerness to join the team and a readiness to make meaningful contributions. A clear call to action, such as welcoming an interview to discuss further fit, strengthens the candidate’s position by showing initiative and professionalism.
Pediatric Nursing Student
- Showcasing a unified personal identity across platforms – A standout pediatric nursing student resume aligns seamlessly with the candidate’s online professional presence, such as LinkedIn, by using consistent language, key skills, and messaging. This not only presents an organized and professional image but also assures recruiters of the candidate’s attention to detail and commitment to personal brand integrity. Consistency in both mediums fosters trust and makes a memorable impression on hiring teams navigating multiple applicant profiles.
- Engaging employers from the very first lines – The introductory section of a stellar pediatric nursing student resume goes beyond generic statements, capturing attention by highlighting motivations, specific pediatric interests, and distinctive contributions. By immediately outlining relevant clinical experiences or volunteering with children and demonstrating genuine enthusiasm for pediatric care, applicants set a compelling tone that resonates with recruiters seeking passion-driven individuals in this specialty.
- Illustrating deep awareness of the prospective workplace – The most effective resumés for pediatric nursing roles are customized to reflect insight into the particular hospital or clinic’s mission, culture, and goals. By referencing involvement in pediatric-safe protocols, teamwork-driven care, or family support initiatives that align with the organization's values, candidates prove they have researched the company and can see themselves actively contributing to its unique environment.
Nursing Student Intern
- demonstrating direct connection between background and the internship’s responsibilities – A standout Nursing Student Intern resume thoughtfully highlights how previous healthcare experience, whether through volunteer roles, clinical rotations, or academic projects, directly prepares the candidate for hands-on patient care and teamwork expected in the internship. By mapping past achievements and skills to specific duties of the intern role, the applicant shows a deep understanding of nursing fundamentals and an ability to bridge classroom knowledge with real-world application.
- expressing sincere interest in nurturing professional growth – A compelling resume communicates genuine enthusiasm for the learning opportunities the internship provides, articulating not only a desire to gain technical proficiency but also to develop compassion, adaptability, and leadership in a dynamic care environment. This clarity of purpose sets the applicant apart as someone committed to personal and professional advancement within nursing, and not simply seeking experience as a stepping stone.
- creating a memorable sense of personal dedication – When a resume captures a reader’s attention through heartfelt statements about patient advocacy or a passionate drive to improve lives, it evokes a strong emotional connection. The inclusion of brief anecdotes, unique perspectives, or clear reflections on moments that inspired a nursing journey can make the application feel authentic and memorable, prompting a stronger positive reaction from review committees.
Nursing Student Research Assistant
- Immediate impact through a tailored introduction – A compelling resume for a Nursing Student Research Assistant role draws attention from the very first line by succinctly highlighting relevant academic pursuits and a genuine enthusiasm for evidence-based practice, signaling to employers that the candidate is not only academically prepared but also truly motivated for research within the nursing field.
- Distinctive blend of skills and perspective – What often distinguishes one applicant from another is a unique combination of clinical knowledge, familiarity with clinical research methodologies, and a demonstrated capacity for analytical thinking, all underpinned by a strong sense of empathy. This mixture assures research teams that the candidate can both contribute thoughtfully to scientific inquiries and engage compassionately with diverse study populations.
- Lasting impression with a purposeful finale – Ending on a note that clearly articulates readiness to contribute, while inviting further discussion, shows professionalism and initiative. A strong closing paragraph underlines the candidate’s eagerness to bring their developing research acumen to the team and often prompts the reader to reach out for the next step in the hiring process.
Nursing Student Tutor
- Effective incorporation of nursing education vocabulary – Highlighting terms such as clinical preceptorship, patient-centered care, peer teaching, and proficiency in evidence-based practice demonstrates a strong grasp of both nursing content and educational strategies. Carefully selected terminology relevant to both nursing and tutoring roles signals a candidate’s familiarity with industry expectations and the specificity demanded by employers seeking knowledgeable mentors.
- Thoughtful organization promotes skimmability – Strategic use of white space, concise bullet points, and clear headings make the resume easily digestible for hiring managers. Keeping descriptions succinct and content well-aligned ensures important qualifications are unmistakable and prevents overcrowding, inviting a fast and positive assessment of the applicant’s most compelling attributes.
- Immediate alignment with tutoring requirements – A resume that opens with a tailored summary focusing on teaching skills, communication strengths, and dedication to fostering academic growth instantly conveys suitability for a Nursing Student Tutor position. By showcasing both interpersonal abilities and a support-oriented mindset, the document projects a strong first impression, positioning the candidate as an ideal addition to a peer-learning environment.
Critical Care Nursing Student
- First impressions shaped by a purposeful summary – A resume that begins with a clear and concise introduction highlights the student's specialized interest in critical care, immediately setting the stage for the reader. This paragraph not only mentions relevant academic achievements and clinical rotations but also weaves in specific skills tailored to high-stakes environments, assuring hiring managers that the applicant understands the demands of the role from the outset.
- Blending confidence with genuine passion through tone – A standout resume strikes a delicate balance between sounding prepared and remaining approachable, using language that conveys both competence and genuine eagerness. Phrases that demonstrate self-assurance, such as “effectively managed rapid patient assessments,” paired with expressions of enthusiasm like “excited to contribute to a dynamic ICU team,” show seasoned commitment without coming across as boastful.
- Underlying drive made explicit by articulated goals – Clarity in communicating why the student is choosing critical care nursing over other specialties provides depth to the application. By specifying personal motivations—such as a commitment to supporting patients in life-threatening situations or a keen interest in mastering advanced life support techniques—the resume projects sincerity and dedication, distinguishing the candidate from those with generic aspirations.
Nursing Student Volunteer
- Effective incorporation of healthcare language – Integrating terms such as “vital signs monitoring,” “infection control protocols,” or “patient advocacy” demonstrates the candidate’s fluency with clinical concepts and their familiarity with hospital workflows, which can be particularly impressive to hiring managers in healthcare settings.
- Blending confidence with approachability – Crafting the resume narrative to convey a mix of professionalism and eagerness—not just listing tasks but expressing genuine motivation for compassionate care—shows that the nursing student is both prepared and passionate, setting them apart from applicants who rely solely on generic statements.
- Clear, organized, and inviting format – Utilizing logical headings, consistent bulleting, and thoughtful spacing enhances readability and guides the eye, making it easy for busy recruiters to scan and immediately grasp the volunteer’s skills, experiences, and suitability for the nursing environment.
Nursing Student Mentor
- Initial impression highlights leadership readiness – A compelling Nursing Student Mentor resume immediately signals that the applicant possesses not only strong clinical abilities but also a remarkable capacity for guiding and supporting fellow students. Employers are drawn to resumes where mentoring experience is thoughtfully integrated with examples of empathy, effective communication, and problem-solving, all of which are central to thriving in a peer-support role.
- Evidence of organizational awareness deepens appeal – The most memorable applications demonstrate a clear understanding of the facility’s mission, values, and commitment to professional development. Candidates who reference specific programs, patient care philosophies, or educational opportunities unique to the organization show that they have engaged deeply with what makes the company distinctive, suggesting a stronger potential for alignment and long-term contribution.
- Polished design maximizes clarity and engagement – A well-crafted resume leverages clean layout choices, consistent font usage, and ample white space to guide the reader’s eyes efficiently from section to section. Thoughtful separation between responsibilities, achievements, and education—achieved through bullet points, concise paragraphing, and logical sequencing—ensures information is quickly digestible and prevents visual fatigue.
Nursing Student Resident
- Crafting a compelling resume opening sets the stage – A distinctive Nursing Student Resident resume begins with an engaging introduction that goes beyond simply stating one’s educational background, instead establishing a tone of genuine enthusiasm for hands-on patient care and an eagerness to apply academic learning in a clinical setting.
- Demonstrating directly applicable accomplishments – Highlighting clinical rotations, specific patient interactions, or simulation lab successes immediately connects past experiences to the core responsibilities of a resident, assuring hiring managers that the candidate brings both relevant skills and a readiness to participate effectively in real-world healthcare environments.
- Expressing a clear and sincere drive for the position – The resume becomes even more memorable when it clearly communicates why the candidate is drawn to this particular residency, perhaps by referencing a commitment to compassionate care, alignment with the institution’s values, or a desire to grow within their unique nursing program.
How to format a nursing student resume
As a nursing student you need to show hiring managers that you’re ready to work in the field despite your lack of work experience.
Have you gained hands-on clinical experience? Are you up to date on healthcare tech? Do you have the compassion and interpersonal skills to work with patients?
Focus on transferable skills throughout your nursing student resume so potential employers get a good impression of you at first glance.
Here are a few areas to focus your attention when formatting your nursing student resume:
- Functional resume: A functional resume highlights transferable skills instead of your work experience. It’s important to show how you have developed industry skills during your time as a student.
- Header: The top of your resume should include a brief but important header that provides professional contact information and a link to your online profile. Make it easy for hiring managers to contact you for any follow-up questions.
- Key achievements: Industry achievements demonstrate your strengths and show potential employers the kind of success you will bring to their company. Focus on tangible accomplishments from your time as a student or other roles.
- Keep to one page: Use space wisely on your nursing student resume so your information is limited to one page and has no unused white space. Include only the strongest and most relevant information and tailor every section to fit your target job.
Consider the local standards – Canadian resumes, for example, may have a different format.
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The top sections on a nursing student resume:
- Contact information: To ensure recruiters have necessary details to reach out for further process.
- Objective statement: To express career goals and indicate why you’re a good fit for the nursing job.
- Skills & certifications: To highlight relevant technical skills and medical licenses that qualify you for the nursing role.
- Education & training: To demonstrate your nursing education, internship experience, and specialized training.
- Work experience: To showcase your industry experience, hands-on skills, and contributions in previous nursing roles.
What recruiters want to see on your resume:
- Clinical skills: Recruiters prioritize these as they demonstrate the candidate’s practical, hands-on experience in performing nursing tasks.
- Certifications: These are given priority because certain nursing jobs require specific certifications like CPR, BLS, or ACLS.
- Communication skills: These are crucial in nursing for effective interaction with patients, doctors and other healthcare professionals.
- Attention to detail: As the nature of the job often involves administering medication and maintaining records, any mistakes could have serious consequences.
- Adaptability: Nurses often have to handle unexpected situations, so recruiters look for candidates who can adapt quickly.
How to write your nursing student resume experience even if you have none
Your resume experience section is where you show your work history along with accomplishments from each job.
As a nursing student, your focus will be on transferable skills from school or outside experience. Keep your experience section short and highlight any relevant successes or use of industry skills.
If you’ve had jobs outside the field, demonstrate how they’ve prepared you for a career in healthcare. For example, a customer service position can highlight communication and active listening skills.
Let’s look at an example of highlighting transferable skills in a nursing student's resume experience section.
Experience
Nanny
Childcare Agency
02/2020 - 11/2021 - •Provided direct childcare to children ages 3-12 with patience and adaptability
- •Used eCare software to manage confidential client records
- •Certified in CPR and First Aid
RIGHT
What works in this example:
- Use of soft skills: "Provided direct childcare to children ages 3-12 with patience and adaptability" shows how this candidate has experience with a particular age group and has exercised interpersonal skills that are important for nursing.
- Industry tools: "Used eCare software to manage confidential client records" shows that this candidate has experience with record-keeping software relevant to the healthcare industry.
- Relevant certifications: "Certified in CPR and First Aid" highlights a key skill and training in the field.
Alternatively, you may choose a different section of your resume to focus on if you have no previous work experience.
Let’s look at an example of a project section on a nursing student's resume.
PROJECTS
High School Healthcare Workshop
02/2020 - 11/2020 
Boston, MA
Led workshop on basic first aid and healthcare resources for high school students
- •Trained 75 students in basic first aid
- •Received 100% on satisfaction survey from teachers
RIGHT
What works in this example:
- Highlights experience: Including a project where you used relevant nursing skills outside of work history shows hiring managers how you have prepared for the role.
- Shows commitment: Showing projects outside of work experience show a dedication to your career path and commitment to growth in the industry.
- Quantifies success: "Received 100% on satisfaction survey from teachers" shows how this candidate achieved measurable success while using relevant industry skills.
How to quantify impact on your nursing student resume
Using real numbers and measurable outcomes on your resume shows potential employers how you will impact success at their organization.
It can be difficult to quantify impact as a nursing student due to the intangible nature of the work or limited hands-on experience.
Here are a few areas to consider when quantifying impact on your nursing student resume:
- Include the number of direct patient care hours during clinical rounds to illustrate the extent of your hands-on experience.
- Specify the volume of patients you handled per shift at past clinical experiences to demonstrate your capability to deal with workload.
- Mention the percentage or rate of patient satisfaction received in your previous nursing roles to show your effectiveness.
- List any quantifiable achievements such as a high-grade point average, a perfect attendance record, or any honors received during your education.
- Quantify the number of team collaborations or interdisciplinary team meetings at past experiences to highlight teamwork skills.
- State the number of medical procedures you assisted with or performed, emphasizing your practical skills.
- Indicate the number of health education sessions you gave to demonstrate your ability to educate patients/caregivers.
- Disclose any reductions in medication errors, falls or increased patient safety metrics you contributed to, showing your value to patient care and safety.
How to list your hard skills and soft skills on your resume
Nurses are skilled medical professionals with dynamic jobs. You have the interpersonal skills to provide compassionate care to patients and clinical knowledge required for healthcare.
Your nursing student resume will present your skills in two major categories.
Hard skills are the technical knowledge and abilities needed to perform job duties, whereas soft skills are the interpersonal and communication skills needed to interact with others.
Hard skills tend to be straightforward and can appear in a simple list form. Here is an example of hard skills on a nursing student’s resume.
Skills
RIGHT
Only include hard skills that you’re proficient in and are relevant to your target job. Show potential employers that you have the right combination of skills to fill the role.
Here are a few more hard skills to consider for your nursing student’s resume.
Best hard skills for your nursing student resume
- Clinical Assessment
- Patient Care
- CPR Certification
- Medical Software Proficiency
- Medication Administration
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Nursing Informatics
- Electronic Health Record (EHR) Systems
- Disease Management
- Anatomical Knowledge
- Emergency Room Care
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Experience
- Surgical Assistance
- Pediatric Nursing Skills
- Labor and Delivery Skills
- Oncology Care
- Proficiency in Siege/ Syringe Pumps
- Patient Education
- Medical Terminology
Soft skills can be open to interpretation and are most effective when provided with an example. Be specific in your soft skills and avoid overused buzzwords on your resume.
Here is an example of a soft skills section on a nursing student’s resume.
Strengths
Community Health Improvement
Organized free healthcare clinic for a local community, provided care to 200 patients
Pediatric Knowledge
Volunteered at pediatric hospital, received 100% rating during performance review
RIGHT
Here are a few more soft skills to consider for your nursing student’s resume.
Best soft skills for your nursing student resume
- Empathy
- Communication
- Active Listening
- Adaptability
- Patience
- Decision-Making
- Time Management
- Multitasking
- Problem-Solving
- Stress Management
- Detail Orientation
- Compassion
- Teamwork
- Critical Thinking
- Leadership
- Attention to Detail
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Professionalism
- Initiative
- Interpersonal Skills
How to list your certifications and education on your resume
Minimum education requirements for entry-level nurses typically include an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Qualifications also include being a registered nurse (RN).
Additional licensure and clinical experience requirements may vary by location and organization. Be sure to research the necessary qualifications for your target job.
Your education section should include:
- Name of institution
- Name of degree
- Years attended
Let’s look at an example of a nursing student’s resume education section.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
University of Georgia
02/2019 - 11/2023 RIGHT
Your nursing student certification section will include any certifications in nursing and specializations.
Here is an example of a certification section on a nursing student’s resume.
Certification
Registered Nurse
Georgia Board of Nursing
RIGHT
Show a commitment to your career by continuing to gain certifications in the industry as trends and demand evolve. Increase your employability by keeping your nursing student resume up to date.
Here are a few more certifications to consider for your nursing student’s resume.
Best certifications for your nursing student resume
How to write your nursing student resume objective
A summary or objective is a great way to introduce yourself to hiring managers and highlight your top industry accomplishment in 3-4 sentences.
Though the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between a summary and an objective.
A summary is a brief introduction that communicates your position and value in your industry. An objective looks to the future and captures what you are hoping to achieve in your new position.
As a nursing student with no experience, it is optimal to choose an objective that looks to the future and highlights a goal you share with your target employer.
Let’s look at an example of a nursing student resume objective that doesn’t quite hit the mark.
Objective
Aspiring nurse seeking a new position at Family Care Hospital
WRONG
What doesn’t work with this example:
- No quantifiable achievements: Even with no direct work experience, it is important to highlight how you have achieved success. Show potential employers what you’re capable of.
- Not tailored for target job: This candidate doesn’t provide any specifics on their training or areas of interest. Show hiring managers why you’re the right candidate for their specific organization.
- Unclear goal: Having the goal of working at your target company is not enough. Show potential employers that you’ve done your research and will provide solutions to their problems.
Let’s make a few updates and try this nursing student resume objective again.
Objective
Aspiring nurse with 2 years of experience volunteering in a pediatric hospital. Certified in Pediatric Nursing. Seeking a new position as Pediatric Oncology Nurse to apply my training and expand my skill set at Family Care Hospital
RIGHT
What works in this example:
- Shows specific niche: "Aspiring nurse with 2 years of experience volunteering in pediatric hospital” shows that this candidate is familiar with a particular area of nursing.
- Highlights qualification: “Certified in Pediatric Nursing” shows hiring managers that this candidate has the right qualifications for the job and is committed to their career path.
- Clear goal: “Seeking a new position as Pediatric Oncology Nurse to apply my training and expand my skill set at Family Care Hospital" demonstrates how this candidate can use their relevant skills to support the organization and grow within the role.
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Key takeaways for writing a great nursing student resume
Congratulations! You’re almost ready to send off that amazing nursing student resume that gets callbacks! Before you start applying to entry-level nursing jobs, let’s review a few key points.
- Format your nursing student resume with a functional layout that highlights transferable skills that have prepared you for the role instead of work history.
- Include additional sections on your nursing student resume like projects that highlight relevant achievements and commitment to the field.
- Show a wide range of hard skills and soft skills necessary for nursing so hiring managers know you can interact with patients as well as use medical tools.
- Clearly present education and certification requirements so recruiters can find the information they need from your nursing student resume quickly and efficiently.