skills for resume for nursing student

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7 Nursing Student Resume Examples That Work in 2024

Nursing Student

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Nursing Student Resume

• Nursing Student Resumes by Experience
• Nursing Student Resumes by Type

Without registered nurses (RNs), healthcare as we know it would cease to exist. They’re the glue that keeps hospitals together, and nurses serve on the front lines in the service of their patients.

RNs are more in demand now than ever, but the road to becoming a nurse is still challenging. Whether you’re working toward your BSN or becoming a nurse practitioner, hard work is required.

You shouldn’t have to be an expert at making a resume or writing a nursing student cover letter .

After analyzing numerous resumes from nursing students, we’re sharing the best resume-writing practices along with  seven excellent nursing student resume samples that are succeeding in 2024 .

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• If you’ve held multiple full or part-time nursing roles, you can omit your rotations, but otherwise, leave them in. They’re great experience!
• If those circumstances fit, add an objective! Just remember you have to tailor it to each job you apply for . If you don’t have time to do that, then skip this part.

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Beginner Nursing Student Resume

• Narrow down your focus on critical thinking, data gathering and analysis, and other skills that shore up your competency.

Nursing Student No Experience Resume

• This is especially true if you already have an RN certification. If you do have certification, make sure to list it in a separate section, along with the year you got certified!
• List any specialties you might have (like pediatrics or geriatrics), plus technical skills like clinical documentation.

Nursing Student for Externship Resume

• Volunteer experience is a good idea, especially if it relates to healthcare.
• If you can, include numbers. For example, how many people did you work with? How many rotations did you serve? Did you increase efficiency or productivity by a quantifiable amount? There are numbers there if you know where to look!

Nursing Student Clinical Experience Resume

• Show your research, communication, and problem-solving skills and crown them with adding your experience gained from clinicals on your nursing student clinical experience resume.

Nurse Practitioner Student Resume

• If you’re on the border between one page and two, try some handy  resume formatting tricks , like reducing the font size and page margins to fit more content (while keeping an eye on overall readability). Don’t make your text too small, or it’ll be hard to read.
• Also, include the state(s) where you’re certified since, sometimes, certification doesn’t carry over.

Graduate Nursing Student Resume

• When it comes to  checking your resume , consistency is key. For example, your work experience bullet points should end the same, either with or without periods.
• Instead, add a certifications section to prove you have an ALS, CPR, or EMT certification.
• Do you need a  nursing student cover letter ? Keep reading for a cover letter template you can edit and adjust as needed!

Need Help with Your Nursing Student Cover Letter?

It’s satisfying to finish writing your resume, but don’t forget about writing a cover letter , too! We’ve got you covered (get it?) with a cover letter template you can edit in Google Docs and Word.

Nursing Student Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

Why this cover letter works

• Always tie your skills to the organization’s values by pulling phrasing like “shape the future of healthcare” from their website’s mission statement.
• If you have stand-out experience, like exemplary bedside manner or familiarity with a specialized area like pediatrics, showcase these. 
• Always make sure you list your certifications in your graduate nursing student resume, of course—but it doesn’t hurt to mention them in your cover letter, too!
• It’s also ideal to establish how much experience you have alongside your qualifying certifications at the intro to your cover letter.
• An extra resume tip: your resume should be concise, but your cover letter should tell a story about your qualifying background.

Related resume guides

• Physician Assistant
• Pharmacy Technician
• Medical Assistant

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Nursing Student Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

• Resume Examples

How To Write a Nursing Student Resume

• Resume Text Examples

As a nursing student at the start of your career, crafting a strong, accomplishment-driven resume as you pursue entry-level nursing positions is important. Because your hands-on experience will be limited, you must keep documentation during your nurse externship. Think about the size and volume of the hospital and any relevant quality metrics. This exercise will also save you time in the future as you advance your career.

In addition to providing job responsibilities and achievements from your externship, you should also feature relevant coursework and medical skills for specific areas of healthcare you plan on targeting. For example, if you plan on working in an oncology unit, you’d want to highlight your knowledge of disease prevention protocols and administering oncology treatments. Throughout this guide, we’ll provide valuable insights to help you build a professional nursing student resume.

• Entry-Level

1. Write a brief summary of your nursing student qualifications

Because your industry experience will be fairly limited, you’ll want to craft a strong summary to make a positive first impression on the hiring manager. In addition to drawing attention to key skill sets, you should create a snapshot of who you are as a healthcare professional. For instance, if the organization you’re applying to has a strong reputation for patient advocacy, it might be beneficial to mention your commitment to the delivery of patient-centered care.

Nursing Student CNA Profile Example

A Nursing Student with three years of experience as a certified nursing assistant, specializing in the activities of daily living (ADLs) and patient-centered care standards. A proven track record of monitoring patients, providing direct care in hospitals and nursing homes, and educating patients on health and wellness.

Nursing Student Entry-Level Profile Example

A Nursing Student with entry-level experience providing direct patient care as a certified nursing assistant and nurse extern. Achieved recognition from physicians and RNs during clinical evaluations for delivering patient-centered care and communicating with empathy and compassion.

2. Showcase your nursing student experience

Crafting the professional experience section can be challenging if you haven’t held a nursing job. In this situation, it’s best to leverage any clinical experience you’ve garnered during your nurse externship or in a previous role within the health care industry. Be sure to highlight important trends such as evidence-based care, health equity, and patient advocacy. Even without a robust work history, you can still craft a winning resume that highlights the most compelling aspects of your medical knowledge.

Nursing Student CNA Professional Experience Example

Professional experience.

Nursing Student, Campbell Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA May 2023 – July 2023

• Collaborated with registered nurses and medical staff to deliver high-quality care to pediatric patients in a community hospital with 250 beds
• Developed skills in placing intravenous lines and catheters in pediatric patients
• Maintained patient satisfaction scores of 91%-93%

Nursing Student Entry-Level Professional Experience Example

Certified Nursing Assistant, St. Mark’s Hospital, Philadelphia, PA October 2021 – May 2023

• Deliver patient care under the supervision of RNs and LPNs, assist patients with ADLs, and collaborate with nursing teams to enhance the patient experience, resulting in a 15% increase in patient satisfaction scores
• Measure and record patient vital signs in electronic medical record system and provide updates to resident nurses on changes in patient medical status and symptoms

3. Include education and certifications relevant to nursing students

In addition to your education, you should include any relevant coursework and training that bolster your chances of landing the interview. If possible, you should also pursue certifications that align with the healthcare unit you wish to work in. For instance, if you plan on pursuing an RN position in a pediatric unit, you’d want to obtain a Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification.

Certifications

• [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
• Registered Nurse, State of Pennsylvania, License #123456
• Certified Nursing Assistant, State of Pennsylvania, License #123456
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support, American Heart Association, 2019
• [Degree Name]
• [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] [Dates Enrolled]
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Nursing
• TEMPLE UNIVERSITY, Philadelphia, PA September 2012 – June 2016

4. List nursing student-related skills and proficiencies

Most organizations rely on applicant tracking systems to speed up the hiring process. The ATS scans resumes during the initial screening process to determine if they contain target keywords that match the job description. If your resume doesn’t contain any of these target keywords, there’s a good chance your application will be rejected before it reaches the hiring manager.

As you review the job posting, you should make a point to incorporate key terms that align with the organization’s needs. This will give you the best chance of securing the interview. Below, you’ll find a list of skills and keywords that you may encounter during the job search:

How to Pick the Best Nursing Student Resume Template

Although modern templates with flashy colors and graphics may seem appealing, it’s better to select a simple, well-organized template in most instances. Hiring managers are more interested in your qualifications than your graphic design skills, and you don’t want to choose a template that may distract the reader from your content. If you select a modern template, use a top-down approach rather than splitting the center of the page with multiple resume sections.

Nursing Student Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

• Nursing Student CNA Resume Example
• Nursing Student Entry-Level Resume Example
• Nursing Student Extern Resume Example

Kevin Morrison  (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio 123 Carpenter Street, Philadelphia, PA 12345

• Patient-Centered Care
• Pediatric Care
• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
• Patient Education
• Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Certified Nursing Assistant, St. Mark’s Hospital, Philadelphia, PA   September 2021 – May 2023

• Provided support to registered nurses to facilitate the delivery of quality care to patients, which included administering medication and monitoring vital signs
• Supported elderly patients in the activities of daily living (ADLs), bathing, and eating, and ensured the privacy and dignity of patients
• Advanced Pediatric Life Support (PALS), American Heart Association, 2023

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Nursing Temple University, Philadelphia, PA September 2019 – May 2023

Yaling Zhang  (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio 123 Bridge Street, Boston, MA 12345

Nursing Extern, Ardmore Hospital, Boston, MA   May 2023 – July 2023

• Provided direct care to an average of five patients per shift under the supervision of the charge nurse and clinical preceptor
• Administered medications using the oral, topical, and subcutaneous routes
• Performed patient assessments and coordinated with registered nurses to develop comprehensive care plans based on symptoms and individual needs
• Monitored patients following surgical procedures, provided wound care, changed dressings, and updated the nurse manager on changes in patient condition

Certified Nursing Assistant, Kindred Medical Center, Boston, MA   October 2021 – May 2023

• Registered Nurse, State of Massachusetts, License #123456
• Certified Nursing Assistant, State of Massachusetts, License #123456
• Basic Life Support Certifications, American Heart Association, 2023
• Communication
• Clinical Operations

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Nursing Boston College, Boston, MA September 2019 – May 2023

Aliya Jackson  (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio 123 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 12345

A Nursing Student with three years of experience as a certified nursing assistant and two years of experience as a patient care technician. A proven track record of monitoring patients, providing direct care in hospitals and nursing homes, and delivering education to patients and families.

Nursing Extern, West Sun Medical Center, San Diego, CA   May 2023 – July 2023

• Delivered patient-centered care in acute care environments under the supervision of the registered nurse, which included performing patient assessments, gathering medical records and lab samples, and monitoring vital signs

Certified Nursing Assistant, St. Andrew’s Hospital, San Diego, CA   October 2021 – May 2023

• Communicated with empathy and compassion, and maintained patient dignity during activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, feeding, and personal hygiene
• Provided direct care to patients within the certified nursing assistant scope of practice
• Delivered daily meals and nutritional supplements and arranged for patients to meet with staff dietitian to discuss any nutrition concerns
• Registered Nurse, State of California, License #123456
• Certified Nursing Assistant, State of California, License #123456
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), AHA, 2023
• HIPAA Compliance

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Nursing University of San Diego, San Diego, CA September 2019 – May 2023

Frequently Asked Questions: Nursing Student Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for nursing student resumes -.

Differentiating your usage of action verbs can be challenging during the resume-building process. Often there are only a small number of verbs you can use to convey your clinical experience accurately. Using the same words repeatedly may cause your bullet points to appear redundant to the hiring manager. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of action verbs you can use to showcase your nursing experience:

How do you align your resume with a job description? -

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , jobs for registered nurses are expected to grow by 6% between 2021 and 2031. One of the key factors fueling this rapid growth is the fact that just over half of all registered nurses were over the age of 50 in 2018. As these older nurses retire, hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities will have more openings.

Although the demand for nurses is on the rise, that doesn’t mean you won’t have any competition for nursing jobs. To maximize your chances of securing the most lucrative roles, you’ll need to align your resume with the job description. If you’re not sure which skills and experiences to highlight, read the job posting carefully. The most important qualifications are usually listed near the top of the posting. You may also notice a few qualifications mentioned more than once, which usually means they’re among the most important requirements for the job. As you write your resume, make sure it explains how you meet these qualifications. This will help to differentiate you from other applicants during your job search.

What is the best nursing student resume format? -

Although using a functional resume format that focuses primarily on skills may make sense due to your limited amount of clinical experience, it’s still best to use a reverse chronological format for nursing student resumes. Hiring managers will want to learn more about the types of responsibilities you held during your nurse externship, and eliminating these details won’t help you to differentiate yourself from the applicant field during your job search.

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Crafting a cover letter can help supplement your resume in many different ways. Since you likely won’t have previous work experience to showcase, this allows you to show hiring managers who you are as a healthcare professional and why you’re seeking to join their organization. Rather than focusing on your own career goals, you should mention something about the hospital’s reputation or work culture and why you have an interest in joining their team. This will show prospective employers that you’ve done your research beforehand, which will reflect positively on you as a candidate. For more insights, read our nursing student cover letter guide .

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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Build a Resume to Enhance Your Career

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• • Successfully analyzed data from over 500 respondents, leading to the implementation of targeted health education programs in three key areas identified as needing the most attention.
• • Successfully reached over 1,000 listeners in the first three months.
• • The initiative educated over 200 students on important health practices.

7 Nursing Student Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your nursing student resume must clearly demonstrate your commitment to healthcare and patient care. Highlight any clinical rotations or hands-on experience you've acquired during your studies. Additionally, ensure that your nursing student resume showcases your ability to work as part of a medical team. Soft skills such as communication, empathy, and adaptability are as crucial as your technical nursing competencies.

All resume examples in this guide

Nursing Student No Experience

Nursing Student For Externship

Nursing Student Clinical Experience

Nurse Practitioner Student

Graduate Nursing Student

Aspiring Nurse | Patient Care Enthusiast | Health Education Advocate resume example

Resume Guide

Nursing Student Resume Example

Resume Format

Resume Experience

Hard & Soft Skills

Certification & Education

Resume Objective Tips

Key Takeaways

By Experience

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 assistant resume example
• Nursing student with clinical experience resume example
• Nurse practitioner student resume example
• Nurse extern resume example  
• Nursing student cover letter example  

Nursing student  resume example

Here’s what this applicant does well in their resume:

• Academic foundation : Highlights a strong educational background in nursing from Case Western Reserve University, emphasizing a robust base of knowledge.
• Practical experience : Showcases involvement in various health-related projects and volunteer work, like the American Red Cross and community health survey analysis, demonstrating real-world application of skills.
• Relevant skills and certifications : Lists specific skills and certifications relevant to nursing, such as patient care and medical terminology, aligning with the demands of the nursing profession.

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 .

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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.

• • 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

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.

• • Trained 75 students in basic first aid
• • Received 100% on satisfaction survey from teachers
• 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.

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.

Here are a few more soft skills to consider for your nursing student’s resume.

Best soft skills for your nursing student resume

• Communication
• Active Listening
• Adaptability
• Decision-Making
• Time Management
• Multitasking
• Problem-Solving
• Stress Management
• Detail Orientation
• Critical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Cultural Sensitivity
• Professionalism
• 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.

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.

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

• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)
• Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN)

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

Nursing Student resume examples

Explore additional nursing student resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

With a distinct link to healthcare, nursing roles are highly influenced by changes in patient care and medical advancements.

Consider the following tips to better apply for jobs involving Nursing Student Clinical Experience:

• Highlight your hands-on skills acquired from clinical rotations. Remember to focus on skills related to patient care, operating medical equipment, medication administration, and documentation.
• Make sure to stress your understanding of safety practices, like infection control measures and safe patient handlingand.
• Showcase your ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
• Rather than listing these experiences, establish how these enhanced the overall patient experience or improved the unit's workflow, adhering to the 'skill-action-result' pattern.

Being a Nurse Practitioner Student involves becoming adept at the diverse patient care scenarios and medical technology.

To make your application for Nurse Practitioner roles stand out, consider these tips:

• Your advanced clinical experience should be front and center, especially in specialized areas like family health, pediatrics, or geriatrics.
• Show off your knowledge about patient assessments, diagnosis, treatment plans, and prescription medications.
• Display your experiences working with or under direct supervision of seasoned Nurse Practitioners or doctors, showcasing your ability to learn and adapt.
• Don't just enumerate these skills. Illustrate how they improved patient outcomes, quality of care, or healthcare delivery, using the 'skill-action-result' strategy.

Looking to build your own Nursing Student resume?

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How to create a head-turning nursing student resume?

[ Click here to directly go to the complete nursing student resume sample ]

“To do what nobody else will do, in a way that nobody else can do, in spite of all we go through; that is to be a nurse” – Rawsi Williams

Being a nurse is a challenging task, but bagging the nursing job is even more challenging. To get the entry-level nurse job you have always wanted, you need a student nurse resume first.

Take a look at our sample nursing student resume to know what an ideal nurse student resume looks like.

• Registration Number: KK222YY33
• Performed suturing, splinting, and wound treatment for 10+ patients daily
• Assisted the Head Nurse in all day-to-day nursing activities, leading to effective care of patients
• Rendered assistance to patients with transfer, walking, and exam preparation
• Provided informed medical advice to all expecting mothers on possible side-effects of surgical delivery
• Received 92% positive response from patients for demonstrating compassion and dedicated assistance to their needs
• Top 3 percentile of the class

Writing a resume isn’t easy, and this is why you’re here. So let’s not waste your time, and hop into the learning bus already!

In this blog, you will learn the tricks and trades of building the perfect resume for nursing student, and we are here to walk with you through each step.

Here is a quick summary of the Nursing Student Resume 2022 Guide:

• Group every 2-3 points together under a unique subheading and highlight the key achievements to increase the readability of your resume
• Use the reverse chronological order to increase the relevance of your resume for nursing student. Ensure that your latest job experience i.e. your most relevant experience, is the first thing the recruiter notices.
• Your resume objective or summary should not exceed 3-4 lines.
• Be very specific about the accuracy of the information you provide in your student nursing resume.
• Only write one-liner points in new nursing grad resume.

If you’re ready to take a step ahead and learn how to write a job-winning nursing student resume from scratch, let’s get started!

But firstly, congratulations!

You have picked a selfless profession that prioritizes others over you.

To be a nurse is to help other people. To be a nurse is to prioritize your patient’s problems over your own. And not everyone has an appetite for such selfless care and devotion.

But you do. You opted for a profession that emphasises patient care over your own.

And that’s why you are here, scrolling through this page, to look for a way to become a full-time care-taker of the ailing and the diseased.

If you are reading this, you’re probably a fresh nursing graduate looking for an entry-level nurse job. You have probably applied to a dozen places and waited day after day to get a call-back from the HR.

And yet, you were not shortlisted, and you don’t seem to know why.

But don’t you worry. We are here to help you land your dream nursing job.

We have perfected the art of fashioning resumes and through this blog, we will tell you everything that you need to know to write a job-winning resume from scratch.

By the end of this blog, you will become an expert at curating a resume for nursing student

Here's a list of what you will learn in this blog:

• What is a nursing student resume?
• How to effectively communicate your professional experience in your nursing student resume?
• How to create the header seciton of your nursing student resume?
• How to communicate your personal information in an effective way?
• How to convey nursing student skills for resume?
• How to display your educational information in your new graduate RN resume?

...All so you can write an ideal job-winning new nursing grad resume!

The task at hand is to get you to the interview round and we have made it our life’s mission to get you to that platform.

Getting an interview call is not easy, but with us on your side, it can be done.

If you’d rather write your beginner nursing student resume yourself, then this blog is your one-stop destination. It is the ideal and only guide you will ever need to make the ultimate student nurse resume come to life.

What is a Student Nursing Resume and why do you need it?

Your nursing student resume is a summary of your professional capabilities in a one-page document. It helps the recruiter understand what your skills are. In other words, it tells the recruiter if you will be a good fit for the job.

Your student nurse resume is the first interaction channel between you and your recruiter. It gives the recruiter a broad overview of your professional expertise before you even get the chance to meet the recruiter.

This is why your resume needs to stand out and convey your nursing skills most effectively.

If your resume stands out, it will get you in the good books of the recruiter. Once you are in the recruiter’s good books, you’re already half-way into attaining the entry-level nurse job that you have always wanted.

But being in the recruiter’s good books isn’t easy. You need to rank well in the ATS (Applicant tracking system) first. It’s only when you rank high in the ATS that you will be able to grab the recruiter’s attention.

This can be done when your student nurse resume is ATS-friendly.

To write an ATS-friendly job-winning resume, you need to write your nursing student resume with no experience in a way that resonates with the keywords mentioned by the recruiter in the job posting.

And voila! Your ideal student nurse resume is ready to go!

Nurse Salary

According to payscale.com , the average hourly pay of an Entry-Level Registered Nurse (RN) is $25.47 .

According to the information given in Glassdoor , the average salary of a new grad RN (Registered Nurse) is $65,510/year .

According to salary.com , “the average Registered Nurse (RN) Level 1 salary in the United States is $62,370 as of June 27, 2019, but the range typically falls between $55,970 and $72,030 ”.

Factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and work experience play an important role in deciding the salary of a registered nurse.

The higher your work experience, the higher your salary.

Nursing Student Resume Sections

To write the perfect new nursing grad resume, arrange the sections in the order given below:

• Personal Information
• Profile Title
• Professional Experience
• Certifications
• Additional Information

Nursing Skills for Resume

An entry-level nurse job carries with it the following duties and responsibilities:

• Patient Education
• Patient Care & Discharge Planning
• Patient Transport
• Wound Dressing
• Medicine Administration
• Electronic Health Records (EHR)
• Recording Patient Vitals

How to write a Nursing Student Resume

Writing an impeccable student nurse resume is no child’s play. It needs detailed planning and execution of each aspect.

How to perfect the resume header, how to engineer the roles and responsibilities of your job in the correct format and order, how to arrange each resume section, and which points to highlight are indispensable aspects of resume making.

Master each step, and you will have perfected the art of writing your resume.

To simplify the process of resume-writing for your student nurse resume, follow the three stages we have mentioned below

Master Nursing Student Resume

• First Draft Nursing Student Resume
• Final Nursing Student Resume

This is a very important stage in writing your new grad rn resume. Skip this, and you are destined for doom.

As a rule of thumb, the first step you should follow in this stage is to compile all the relevant information for your new grad rn resume in one single place. This step ensures that you have all the information you need.

Going forward, this simplifies the entire process as the need to look for information gets eliminated.

All you need to do is compile all the information in a single document. This ensures that you can refer to the information you need without having to look for it elsewhere.

For instance, if the nurse job you want is looking for the below-mentioned skills:

Then your new grad rn resume must reflect these skills.

Your student nursing resume needs to objectively mention these skills in your resume. The best way to do this is to ensure that your master resume lists a detailed summary of these skills.

If you skip this step, you are approaching your resume the wrong way.

First Draft of your Nursing Student Resume

In the first draft stage of writing your new grad nurse resume, you need to fill the following sections:

• Certification
• Awards & Recognition

The Final Draft of a Nursing Student Resume

In the final stage of your new graduate nurse resume, you need to focus on three things:

• Make the key skills section: To write this section objectively, scan your professional experience section for relevant skills. After you do this, write them down in your key skills section.
• Make the summary/objective section : As you are a nursing graduate with no real work experience, you should write a resume objective. The objective section should highlight the key skills that you have picked up as a nursing student and the skills that you have picked up in your internship.
• Bold and highlight: Emphasize any relevant phrases, words, and numbers throughout your internship experience, education, certifications, awards and recognition, and additional information section by highlighting them in bold.

Moreover, the templates are professionally designed for smooth user experience by our industry experts. It has ready-to-use content, which you can edit according to your work experience.

This means no hassle! No dilly-dally! Your new nursing grad resume is ready-to-use!

In case you want to write your resume on your own, read-on!

Nursing Student Resume: Professional Experience Section

The professional experience section is the most important and promising part of your new graduate nurse resume.

To impress the recruiter, you need to communicate your roles and responsibilities effectively. This is what the professional experience section of your new grad nurse resume should do for you.

The professional experience section of your resume is your best opportunity to connect with the recruiter and get on the winning side of his/her good books.

This section of your graduate nurse resume is your chance to shine. And hence, you need to perfect it.

To make this an easy process, follow the guidelines below:

• Use the STAR format
• Use points to talk about your roles & responsibilities
• Use bucketing & bolding

Also read : How to Compose the Work Experience of Your Resume?

STAR Format

The STAR Format is widely recognized as the no 1 format for structuring the professional experience section of resumes.

• S stands for Situation : Talk about the situation in which you were assigned a task
• T stands for Task : Discuss the task that was assigned to you
• A stands for Action : Communicate the action you took to accomplish the task
• R stands for Result : Discuss the result using figures

When you write your resume, you need to establish a concrete cause-effect relationship in every one-liner point of your resume.

Ensuring a cause-effect relationship helps you emphasize the quantifiable impact of your contribution to the company you have worked for.

Quantifying your contribution grabs the recruiter's attention and makes your resume more attractive. This makes you an interesting candidate in the eyes of the recruiter, which further enhances your chances of a shortlist.

Framing Points

The professional experience section is your one shot at effectively communicating your roles and responsibilities.

This can’t be done if you get into the details of your work experience section in a paragraph that refuses to end.

You need to strictly avoid using long paragraphs to talk about the work you have done.

It will get you nowhere.

At most, it will bore the recruiter.

This is why you need to learn the art of writing short and crisp points.

You need to present the details of your work in simple effective points.

Here is an example of how to fill the professional experience section of your new graduate nurse resume the winner’s way:

• Performed suturing, splinting, and wound treatment for 10+ patients daily • Assisted the head nurse in all day-to-day nursing activities, leading to effective care of patients • Rendered assistance to patients with the transfer, walking, and exam preparation

By framing points, you are making this section more readable.

So, we advise you to discuss your work experience in the form of points.

Bucketing & Bolding

To make your new grad rn resume stand out, you need to make it irresistibly tempting.

Bucketing and bolding is the best way to do this. It re-directs the recruiter’s attention to the aspects of your resume that you need them to notice.

Bucketing and bolding also improves the readability of your resume. It sees to it that the recruiter goes over your resume all the way through.

It may come as a rude shock to you but, in real life, most recruiters don’t go through your entire resume. They don’t bother to do it because they don’t need to.

If you can’t effectively write your resume, the commonly held assumption is that you won’t be effective in your professional capabilities either.

So now that you know the need for bucketing and bolding, come take a look at the graduate nurse resume examples we have listed below.

Nursing Student Resume Example 1:

• Performed suturing, splinting, and wound treatment for 10+ patients daily • Assisted the head nurse in all day-to-day nursing activities leading to effective patient care • Rendered assistance to patients with the transfer, walking, and exam preparation • Provided informed medical advice to all expecting mothers on possible side-effects of surgical delivery • Received 92% positive response from patients for my compassion and dedicated assistance of their needs

Nursing Student Resume example 2:

Patient Care & Wound Treatment Performed suturing, splinting, and wound treatment for 10+ patients daily Assisted the head nurse in day-to-day nursing activities leading to effective patient care Rendered assistance to patients with transfer, walking, and exam preparation Patient Education & Satisfaction Provided informed medical advice to all expecting mothers on possible side-effects of surgical delivery Received 92% positive response from patients for my compassion and dedicated assistance of their needs

You will notice that new graduate nurse resume example 2 is more readable and organized. Using bucketing and bolding has significantly enhanced the readability of the new grad nursing resume.

Moreover, the recruiter can now absorb more information in lesser time.

Furthermore, by simply reading the buckets, the recruiter can easily identify what the applicant is skilled at without having to explicitly look for information.

Take a look at our sample student nurse resume professional experience section given below to learn what a professional experience section should look like using bucketing and bolding:

Nursing Student Resume Header

A header is the first thing that recruiters notice when they go through your resume. It tells the recruiter who you are and what your name is.

As a general rule, your name is always the de-facto resume header.

You need to write your name at the top of your resume. Writing your name at the top personalizes your resume and it protects your resume from getting mixed up with someone else’s.

The header of your resume i.e. your name should be written in the largest font size.

This is not negotiable. When it comes to the font size of your resume header, see to it that it is in the range of 16-20 font size.

Your resume header must have proper spacing. A simple spacing can make your resume that much tidier and easier to read, which in turn makes your nurse student resume that much more appealing.

Give a single space between your first name and your last name.

Hiration Pro-tip: If your name is Kit Charles Harington, the correct way to write it in your new grad rn resume header is: 'Kit C. Harington' .

As you can see in the example above, we have not written Kit’s full middle name in the resume header. This is done deliberately.

It is more than enough to write the first initial of your middle name, add a full-stop after that initial, followed by a single space and your last name.

Also read : How to Write the Perfect Resume Header? .

Nursing Student Resume: Personal Information

The personal information section of your new grad rn resume is a compendium of all your personal details in one neat section.

This is the section that is the easiest to compose.

And yet, most of us tend to go to great lengths to describe who we are, where we’re from, what our marital status is, what our religious orientation is, etc.

Details like these are unnecessary information that your should strictly avoid. They don’t contribute to your resume in any way. As such, it has no use for you, and should not be included in your resume.

You should exclusively mention the following details in the personal information section of your resume:

• Functional mobile number
• Professional email ID

Functional Mobile Number

Do you have multiple phone numbers?

If the answer is yes, which one is the right one for your resume?

Ideally, your resume should strictly mention only one phone number in your contact information. This phone number should be active and you should be available on it 24X7.

After all, you don’t want to miss out on a potential employment offer!

Moreover, you should also write your phone number in the correct format.

The correct format for writing your phone number is mentioned below:

• Use your country’s ISD code as a prefix before your phone number.
• Put a plus sign (+) before the ISD code.

Eg : +1 (654) 888 1111

E-mail Address

Now that you know how to correctly write your phone number in your new grad rn resume, let us now discuss how to write your email address correctly.

It is an unsaid rule that you should only mention that professional email ID in your resume which you actively use for official communication. No one tells you that, but it is important that you do.

And while you’re at it, you should make sure that your professional email ID also looks professional.

Childish names like [email protected] or [email protected] is a strict no! If you are using an email ID like the one we have mentioned above, it’s high time you discard it.

Your resume will be rejected the moment it reaches the recruiter’s desk because your email ID will present you as someone who is exceedingly unprofessional and childish.

You do not want to come off as unprofessional; after all, it is your career on the line here!

If you don’t know how to write a professional email ID, just write your full name followed by @xyz.com.

For eg, if your name is Kelly Clarkson, your professional email ID should look something like this: [email protected] .

This is the best way to write a professional email ID.

It conveys to the recruiter that you are a serious professional and that you take your professionalism seriously. And that is the whole point of writing a professional resume in the first place!

Current Location of Residence

[ Back to Table of Content ]

The final thing that goes in this section is your location.

Your resume should accurately mention the city you are living in, not the name of your hometown. This saves both your time and the recruiter’s time as the recruiter won’t bother to get in touch with you if the job location is in a different city.

Mentioned below is the correct format for writing your location in the personal information section of your student nurse resume:

{Personal Mobile number} | {Professional E-mail Address} | {Current Location}

Please note that:

• The location of your current residence should feature on the right corner, next to the e-mail address.
• Don’t write down the complete address.
• Mention the city and state you are living in if you are looking for a job in your own country.
• If you are looking for a job in another country, simply mention the name of the city and country you are residing in.

Take a look at our nursing resume sample to know what an ideal personal information section should look like:

Nursing Student Resume: Profile Title

Your profile title is a reflection of the job position and industry that you are interested in. It also tells the recruiter the industry you have worked in and what to expect from you.

The title is a skill-demonstration that a job applicant makes to a potential recruiter. It tells the recruiter what your seniority and level of expertise is in your functional field.

For instance, in your new grad rn resume, you need to accurately mention ‘Nursing Graduate’ in the profile title. Your profile title should be the second-largest text in your resume with a font size of 14-16 points.

Nursing Student Resume: Education Section

The next step in writing an impeccable new grad rn resume is to write the education section.

Mentioned below are the top points that you should write in your education section:

• Name of the school/university you have attended
• Name of the courses you have pursued
• The location of your school/university
• The dates of enrollment and graduation from each course in mm/yy - mm/yy format

Also read : 2022 Guide on How to List Education on Your Resume

We have attached a sample of what the education section of the ideal new grad rn resume should look like for your reference:

Nursing Student Resume: Certifications

The next step in crafting the perfect new grad rn resume is to list down the certifications in your resume.

Your Certifications are a practical demonstration of your skills as a professional. It marks you with the seal of excellence.

While writing this section, mention your certification in the order listed below:

• Certification Course Name
• Name of the Affiliating Institution
• Location of the Institute
• Dates of enrollment and completion of the course in mm/yy format

Write the certifications section in the given format:

{Name of certification} | {Affiliating Institution} | {Location} | {Date} (in mm/yy)

Also read : 2022 Guide on listing certifications on a resume

Nursing Student Resume: Awards & Recognition

Your new grad RN resume is incomplete without an endorsement of your achievements.

This is where the awards and recognition section comes into play. It is this section that does the bragging for you and your accomplishments.

Recruiters have a soft corner for those people who have achieved some kind of distinction in their work. This section is your shot at striking gold with the recruiter.

However, while wandering off to the wonderland of self-promotion, make sure that you list down only those awards that are relevant to the job position that you are applying for.

Also read : Understand How to Mention Resume Accomplishments.

Nursing Student Resume: Additional Information

The additional information section of your new graduate nurse resume is where all the extra information goes.

Most people overlook this section of their resume and discard it as irrelevant.

Not you, because you won’t make this mistake.

For instance, you can always manipulate your hobbies in your favor.

As an aspiring nurse, what are the hobbies that can strengthen your job application?

Think of that and include it as a hobby under the additional information section of your new grad nurse resume.

Nursing Student Resume Key Sections

Let's discuss the most critical sections in a nursing student resume one-by-one:

Nursing Student Resume: Key Skills

Now here comes the skills section.

This is where you will write your nursing student skills for resume.

This is the section that can dramatically shoot up your chances of getting shortlisted.

You should ideally write your skills section after completing the rest of your resume.

This way you can quickly scan your resume for the core skills that you are highly proficient in and objectively single them out in your resume’s key skills section.

This will dramatically elevate your chances of getting hired, especially if these key skills are something that the recruiter is looking for!

And here is another helpful tip: highlight your key skills in bold.

This will enhance the appearance of your resume and direct the attention of the recruiter towards your skills section.

But your skills section will fail to produce the desired result if it fails to keep the recruiter’s attention. The goal is to not only catch the recruiter’s attention but to keep it

To sustain the recruiter’s attention, analyze the keywords that the recruiter has used in the job listing, and then replicate these skills in the skills section of your entry-level nurse resume.

After you do this, draw a link between these key skills and your roles and responsibilities.

And that’s the secret hack for writing the perfect skills section for your new grad nurse resume.

Also read : What Skills to Put on a Resume in 2022?

Take a look at our nursing student resume sample below to know what an ideal skills section should look like:

Nursing Student Resume Summary

Your nursing student resume summary is a rough outline of all your roles & responsibilities and past achievements in 2-3 lines .

This is not of interest to you as you don’t have any work experience yet.

As someone who is looking for a nursing job, an entry-level nurse job to be more specific, you should write a resume objective instead of a resume summary.

Read on to learn what a resume objective is and how to write it.

Also read: 2022 Guide to Writing a Resume Summary. .

Nursing Student Resume Objective

This section is for those nursing graduates who are looking for entry-level nurse jobs.

You should make the objectives section if you are an entry-level professional with zero work experience or you have less than three years of work experience.

Your new grad nurse resume objective section communicates your goals to the recruiter and outlines any past internship that you may have done and any relevant skills that you may have picked up.

It is the section in which you have to convince the recruiter that you will be of great benefit to the organization.

Also read : When to Write Resume Objectives?

Check out the new grad nurse resume sample that we have mentioned below to know how the objectives section is objectively written:

Key Takeaways

• Always write both the month and year for enrollment and graduation in your education and certifications section.
• You should religiously mention past projects in your respective work experience section. This will add value to your resume.
• Do not use phrases in your key skills sections. Phrases like 'experienced in' or 'expertise in' are to be strictly avoided at all costs.
• The points in your work experience section should always begin with a power verb.
• Use power verb in the past tense for past profiles/projects and present continuous tense for present profiles and projects.
• Use bolding and bucketing in your work experience section to emphasize on the key highlights of your career.
• If you were recognized or awarded in any of your work profiles, make a 'Key Achievements' bucket at the end of that respective work profile and write your award or recognition under that bucket.
• Use a resume objective instead of a resume summary because you are a nursing graduate with no work experience yet.

So there you go, you have reached the end of our nursing student resume guide.

You have successfully learned the tricks and trades of engineering the perfect resume for nursing graduates.

Hiration provides you a personalized 360-degree career service platform with 24/7 chat support for all your professional needs - from building a shortlist-worthy resume and cover letter to optimizing your LinkedIn profile, preparing for interviews, and more!

For any queries or concerns, feel free to drop a mail at [email protected] .

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Nursing Student resume example & writing guide

Your first work experiences as a nursing student

Beating the ats.

So, you want to be a nurse . Congratulations! Right now, you’re probably working towards finishing your degree (or you’ve just graduated) and you’re looking for a position in the medical field that will give you hands-on experience and boost your future job prospects. An exceptional nursing student resume could land you the Grey’s Anatomy job of your dreams — OK, probably with a little more stress and a lot less romance. 

Even though the industry is in need of more skilled professionals, in some highly-concentrated areas, standing out as a nursing student can be difficult. When all the other candidates have gone through the same training, it can be hard to explain why you’re more qualified for the job. But never fear! Resume.io is here to help as a leading provider of job search resources. That includes more than 350 occupation-specific writing guides with corresponding resume examples.

This guide, backed by a nursing student resume example, will show you how to:

• Understand the hiring realities of the medical field and what they mean for you as a nursing student
• Tailor your resume to the each specific job posting
• Beat the automated applicant tracking systems in use at most large health institutions today
• Optimize each section of your nursing student resume for the best chance of success: header, summary, employment history, education and skills
• Make professional layout and design choices so your resume looks as good as it reads.

What does a nurse do?

As the world’s population ages and the healthcare industry expands to meet growing demands, (registered) nurses will become more valuable than ever. Your chosen profession can lead to a lifelong career of meaningful connections and rewarding work.

As a nursing student, it’s true that you could work your way through nursing school as a server or a tutor . While these are valid options, job experiences in the healthcare field will put you miles ahead when it comes time to look for your first RN position . At this point, the types of jobs you can apply for will most likely depend on how far along you are in your nursing coursework. If you’ve already completed your Certified Nursing Assistant training, you’ll be qualified for CNA jobs, not only in hospitals but also in nursing homes and outpatient care centers. If you don’t have your CNA license, there are still plenty of jobs available to you. You may choose to take a course in medical scribing or you may want to become a tech, helping in phlebotomy or with EKGs, for example.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, your future looks bright! The job market for nurses is expected to grow by 9% between 2020 and 2030, slightly faster than the occupational average. That’s roughly 194,500 openings for nurses each year. 

If you have no nursing certifications at all, you may still be qualified to become a sitter in a hospital and provide companionship to sick patients. You could choose to be a caregiver or medical receptionist , or you may even apply for positions in hospital housekeeping . 

All of these jobs, whether they provide clinical experience or not, get your foot in the door of a health system and give you the chance to see what goes on behind the scenes. Even if you’re not working directly with patients, your connections with supervisors may later lead to bigger opportunities. 

Whatever path you choose to go down, the thing to remember is this: tailor your entry-level nurse resume for each individual position you apply to. That means leaving some work experiences off your medical scribe resume that you might need to include on your EKG tech one. Or changing the wording of your resume summary to convey you are focused on home health work. It might take more effort, but this attention to detail will stand out to a hiring manager. It can give you a leg up on other nursing students with more general resumes.

Applicant Tracking Systems ( ATS) are the harsh reality of today’s health worker hiring systems. These algorithms are often built into online job application portals and make life easier for hiring managers. They scan resumes for keywords and rank them against the others in the applicant pool. Only the best candidates are forwarded to the hiring manager's desk for review by human eyes. That’s right — after all that work, your resume may never even reach a real person. 

But, there’s hope. And better yet, there are strategies to beat the ATS and make sure you get a shot at the position. You can accomplish this by:

• Understanding what hospitals are looking for in positions typically filled by nursing students.
• Tailoring your resume to the exact skills sets and personality traits needed for the job.
• Incorporating the most relevant keywords from the job description to give yourself the best chance at beating the robots and making it to the hiring manager’s desk.

How to write a nursing student resume

Getting started with any resume writing task becomes less daunting when you see the framework broken into sections as follows:

• Employment history section
• Education section
• Skills section

Together, they should take up no more than a single page, which requires economy of words — language that’s concise and precise with no repetition. Customizing your resume for each specific position, as discussed previously, requires you to be selective about the information you include or omit in each different version. 

Choosing the best resume format for a nursing student

The most commonly used chronological resume format is preferred by recruiters. That means your work experience is listed under employer headings, in order from most recent to earliest positions.

But nursing student job applicants might want to consider a different resume format , particularly if their relevant employment history is limited. For instance, a functional resume allows you to emphasize special skills and knowledge that may be valued by the employer you hope to work for. These strengths can be listed in a section labeled “Experience.” For even more versatility, a hybrid (combination) resume format can be customized to include both chronological and functional elements as applicable. Many student resumes feature the education section ahead of the employment history.

Resume header

Gain the recruiter’s attention off the top with an eye-pleasing resume header. Displaying your name, occupation and contact information in a distinctive manner sets your resume apart from the rest and makes it easier for duly impressed hiring managers to get in touch.

Take this a conscientious step further by making your cover letter and resume match using consistent design elements. This  reflects well on your professionalism and attention to detail.

Nursing student resume summary example: a warm presence

Of all the skills you can master as a nursing student, one of the most advantageous is probably one you already have: passion. In this field, there will be victorious days and challenging ones. But above all, you have to love what you do. We bring up passion in this section because the summary (also known as the profile or personal statement ) is the best place to convey this emotion to your future employer. 

If you truly have no experience in the medical field, then you may want to create a resume goal or objective, which briefly describes yourself and your intentions. But if you can scrape together even a bit of medical knowledge and training, then it’s best to create a summary. 

This short paragraph conveys your top personality traits, a bit of your education and previous work experience and your skills relating to the specific job you’re applying for. Since your other resume sections will be more straightforward and focused on your skills and experiences, don’t be afraid to add a touch of personality to the summary. 

Whether it’s compassion, perseverance, determination or stamina, these innate qualities are truly sought after by recruiters in the healthcare industry – so let your true colors shine.

Below is a nursing student resume example summary you can customize.

Dedicated and passionate nursing student with diverse competencies honed in the fast-paced maternity and pediatric care settings of a 200-bed community hospital. Consistently demonstrate a compassionate and friendly attitude as a patient-focused team member. Highly organized, with exceptional written and verbal communication skills. A strong leader who works well under pressure and exudes positivity. Committed to upholding the highest quality of patient care, consistent with the mission of your healthcare organization.

Employment history sample: your real-life credentials

As a nursing student, your biggest resume challenge might just be filling out the employment history section. At this point, your experience may be limited and may include work similar to many other nursing students at your level. Therefore, the difference may come down to how you present yourself. Using precise action verbs and listing your accomplishments in each position is a good way to start. 

If your experience is limited, you can include your clinical rotations by listing the job or unit first, followed by the name and location of the hospital or medical center. List your clinical experience in the order that is most relevant to the position you’re applying to. You may choose to list skills under each clinical rotation, but you can save space and keep the resume flowing by creating a cumulative list of all the abilities you acquired during clinicals after you’ve listed the names and locations.

Should you include non-medical work experience on your resume? It’s a tough question, but generally speaking, it’s best to keep your resume focused on not only healthcare, but the specific role you’re applying to. But if you’re up against a blank page, you may choose to include non-medical positions, paying extra attention to how those roles taught you the nursing skills you will need in the job at hand. The ability to work in a fast-paced environment, for example, can be very valuable to a hiring manager.

For other work experiences, you’ll want to give attention to the tasks you performed, as well as the size and status of the institution. At the very minimum, you’ll need the type of facility and the unit you worked in. Facts and figures can go a long way in adding weight to your experience — anything you can say about the number of patients you worked with on a daily basis or the number of tests you ran will show an employer that you can really manage the high-stress life inside hospital walls. This listing illustrates:

• Organized over 200 patient files as medical receptionist in busy private practice
• Took vital signs and performed essential skills like drawing blood and bandaging wounds as aide in pediatrics unit
• Offered support to older patients as hospital sitter making more than 20 visits a week
• Educated patients and families on best practices for home recovery upon release
• Assisted nurses with daily rounds, administering medication and cleaning and dressing patients.

Below is a nursing student employment history resume sample you can modify.

Intern at Greenfield Hospital, Greenfield September 2017 - Present

• Regarded by supervisors, peers and patients as a diligent, respectful and personable nursing intern in the pediatrics department.
• Greet patients and help them feel at ease while recording their medical history.
• Commended for thoroughness and accuracy in maintaining and updating meticulous medical records..
• Valued team contributor who works well with nurses, doctors and other medical professionals.
• Attentive and responsive in following instructions and physician orders with promptness and efficiency..

Student Nurse at Greenfield Hospital, Greenfield September 2015 - September 2017

• Developed a well-rounded base of essential skills as a student nurse in the 28-bed maternity care unit, assisting patients, medical professionals and midwives.
• Provided optimal continuity of care for patients in the antepartum, labor, delivery, post-partum and mother-baby care units.
• Gained a comprehensive range of experience assisting and supporting multidisciplinary team members.
• Documented medical histories, concerns and changes in patient's condition.

Nursing student resume education example: Knowledge is key

As a nursing student, your education is not only important, it is your biggest focus. Therefore, you should take the time to make sure this section accurately captures everything you’ve learned, including additional certifications or memberships. While it may not be recommended for other occupations, nursing students can place their education sections towards the top of their resumes, sandwiched between the summary and experience. 

Although job prospects for nurses remain high, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that some regions of the U.S. face heavy competition for nursing jobs in the healthcare industry. Nurses with a bachelor of science in nursing may likely fare better than those without an advanced degree.

You should list your highest degree first, including your GPA and expected graduation date. Then continue with any other degrees you hold, followed by licenses, state designations, national certifications and awards or honors, in that order. These are the guidelines set forth by the American Nurses Credentialing Center to help standardize the way nurses report their education.

Below is the education section from a nursing student resume you can modify.

Master of Nursing, Boston College, Boston August 2015 - Present

Bachelor of Biology, Villanova University, Villanova August 2010 - May 2014

CV skills example: assessing your vitals

In some nursing circles, it's debatable whether a skills section is even necessary on a nursing student CV. If you’ve been advised against it, then make sure to wrap all the most pressing skills into your experience section and summary (a good idea anyway). But if not, a skills section can be valuable when it comes to showing an employer that you’ve got exactly the right qualities for the job at hand. 

And what’s more, it’s one of the ATS’ favorite sections when it comes to scanning for keywords. So if you’ve got the space, why not use it to your advantage? You can break down the skills section into hard skills and soft skills , and ideally, your resume should contain a balance of both. Hard skills are your clinical competencies, medical terminology and anything else you learned in your coursework relating to treating patients and using medical equipment.

Inserting the exact same wording from the job description into your skills section is a great tool to fight against the ATS. While the profile summary still needs to be pleasing for human eyes, the skills section’s bullet point format means you can get in the most vital keywords without sacrificing appearance. Just make sure the traits you’re including are actually accurate descriptors of yourself!

Soft skills are your innate personality traits like compassion, patience, gentleness, discipline, stamina and motivation. Hiring managers don’t overlook these traits and you shouldn’t either. Without them you’d be likely to become the most disliked nurse on the floor.

Foreign language skills are some of the most needed abilities in the medical field. If you speak a second or third language, it’s great to highlight that prominently on your resume in the skills section. In the U.S., Spanish is the most sought-after second language, but it’s certainly not the only one in demand.

One way to handle the writing of the skills section is by creating a master list. This comes from brainstorming all your abilities, both hard and soft, picked up during all your work experiences. Once you have this list, you can cherry-pick the skills most relevant to the job at hand. When it comes time to tailor your resume to a new position, simply return to your master list and adjust your skill section as needed.

Check out a nursing student CV sample for the skills section below.

• Patient Care
• Excellent Communication Skills
• Team Building Skills
• Leadership Skills
• Clinical and Academic Experience

Resume layout and design: the right impression

While your resume's summary might be the first thing the hiring manager reads , its layout and design is truly the first thing they see . That’s why it’s so important to put just as much thought into the organization of your resume as the writing of the words on the page.

As a student nurse, you might be tempted to list all your professional experiences in great detail in order to have the best chance of impressing a hiring manager. However, a well-crafted and focused nursing resume will always be more effective than a lengthy, wordy one. One page is standard resume length for most career levels, and especially for students. Quality is key.

For roles in the medical field, your resume should visually convey professionalism and discipline. While a sense of style or a touch of personality might be OK, a resume template that could be described as “whimsical” or “fun” probably aren’t the way to go. 

So how do you create a layout that captures this delicate balance? Resume.io’s field-tested resume templates take the guesswork out of pleasing employers, and are professionally designed to give you the best chance of landing the role you want. For the medical field, we recommend a template from the professional style category. 

When it comes to submitting your resume, you’ll want to make sure that the formatting you create is the formatting the hiring manager sees. That means saving and uploading your resume as a PDF — the best resume format to be processed by human eyes, and the ATS too.

Key takeaways for a nursing student resume

• The demand for nurses and other medical industry professionals is growing rapidly so now is an excellent time to finish your resume and enter the field.
• Hiring managers are looking for a balance of hard and soft skills – and they’re especially interested in passion, compassion and the ability to work quickly and under pressure.
• List your education before your work experience section and make sure to include your credentials in the right order so hiring managers can get to the good stuff first.
• A clean and professional resume without typos or grammatical errors is essential to beat the ATS and impress a hiring manager. Our resume builder can help with this.

And if you need help polishing your experience on paper, try our field-tested templates and custom builder tool to land your first medical job in no time!

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates

Top 10 Nursing Student Skills for Resume

Due to the lack of practical experience, nursing students rely much on their skills to work successfully in a clinical or hospital setting.

Student nurses are hired for one purpose – to prepare them for a more intense nursing position in which they will be able to promote and restore the health of patients in various healthcare settings.

Student nurses often accompany registered nurses and nurse managers working in real-time hospital situations. This is how they learn the ropes and brush up on skills that they have attained during their studies or certification.

When the recruiter reads a nursing student resume, he tries to find the skills section primarily. Since hands-on experience is not something that nursing students have the benefit of, they need to write their skills statements compellingly. These skills must give employers the feel of capability and willingness to apply learned concepts in real-time settings.

Skills define who we are in a professional role, so it is essential to pay much attention to this area on your resume.

Sample Hard Skills Statements for Nursing Student Resume

• Special talent for accurately and systematically collecting information to determine the health-related needs of patients.
• In-depth knowledge of assessing the patient’s condition and appropriately raising the alarm in case of dire clinical changes.
• Functional ability to assist patients during rehabilitation procedures to reintegrate them into their former lives.
• Able to remember clinical and medical information derived from past experiences and using it as precedence when dealing with new clinical and emergencies.
• Eager to exercise critical thinking during medical emergencies to ensure life-saving methods are appropriately carried out.
• In-depth knowledge of auscultating faint body sounds and responding to alarming situations by performing CPR and First Aid.
• Proficient in computing medication dosage along with administering medication appropriately by following a set medication plan.
• Adept at educating patients and families regarding medical emergencies and situations to help them understand and deal with adverse medical situations.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise patience and remain calm during times of critical need.
• Known for handling adverse situations with tact and sensitivity.

General Skills

Nursing students must be able to exercise critical thinking abilities as they are often put in situations that require clinical judgment. They must also possess physical capabilities that will eventually help them in handling physical assessments of patients. Additionally, they should be emotionally stable as they often need to handle stressful situations and receive corrective feedback calmly.

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• Career Blog

Nursing Student Resume: Examples and Templates for 2024

A nursing student resume is a vital tool that can help graduates kickstart their career in the healthcare sector. It serves as a platform for students to showcase their achievements, skills, and competencies. A well-crafted resume helps students stand out from the competition by highlighting their unique qualities and relevant experiences.

Purpose of nursing student resumes

The primary purpose of a nursing student resume is to land a job. It is a reflection of the students’ qualifications and experiences that can persuade the recruiter to hire them. Students use it to demonstrate their potential and suitability for a particular role in a healthcare facility. A well-written nursing student resume can obtain an invitation for an interview.

Importance of a Well-Written Nursing Student Resume

A well-written nursing student resume can be the difference between being selected for an interview or not. It is important that students create a resume that effectively represents who they are, what they’ve accomplished, and the value they can bring to a healthcare team. It helps students market themselves to employers and highlight their strengths.

With the right format and content, a nursing student resume is a powerful tool in landing a first job in the healthcare industry. It captures the attention of hiring managers and showcases the experiences and qualities they need to succeed.

A nursing student resume serves as a stepping stone that can lead to future career success. It is essential to create a compelling resume that stands out from the competition to increase the odds of getting hired. The next sections of this article are dedicated to providing nursing student resume examples and templates that can help guide students in crafting their own unique resume.

Essential Components of a Nursing Student Resume

A well-crafted nursing student resume can be the difference between landing your dream career in the healthcare industry or being overlooked by potential employers. Therefore, it is essential to ensure your resume includes all the necessary components to showcase your qualifications and abilities effectively.

Here are some essential components that should be included in your nursing student resume:

Contact Information

Your contact information should be located at the top of your resume and should include your full name, email address, phone number, and professional social media handles (such as LinkedIn).

Objective Statement or Professional Summary

An objective statement or professional summary should be a concise, compelling statement that summarizes your career goals and key achievements. It should be tailored specifically for the position you are applying for to make you stand out from the crowd.

Education is a crucial component of your nursing student resume. Be sure to include your full degree name, institution name, expected graduation date, and any notable academic achievements, such as honors or awards.

Clinical Experience

Your clinical experience section should include details on any hands-on experience you have gained at hospitals, clinics, or medical facilities during your academic program. It should include the name of the facility, duration of the experience, and the types of patients you worked with.

Certifications and Licenses

Certifications and licenses are essential for nursing professionals. Make sure to include any relevant certifications, such as Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

Your skills section should include any skills relevant to the nursing profession, including technical skills, such as proficiency in electronic medical records (EMRs), clinical skills, and soft skills, such as communication and teamwork.

Volunteer Work

Volunteer work can be included in your resume to show your dedication to the nursing profession and your community. Be sure to include the type of volunteer work, the location, and the length of the commitment.

Awards and Honors

Awards and honors can help set you apart from other candidates, so be sure to include any relevant academic or professional awards you have earned.

Professional Memberships

Being a member of a professional nursing organization can demonstrate your commitment to the profession and a desire to continue your education and professional development. Include any relevant memberships, such as the American Nurses Association or the National Student Nurses Association.

A well-tailored nursing student resume that includes all the essential components can help you stand out in a highly competitive job market. Ensure that your resume is concise, clear, and accurately represents your qualifications, achievements, and goals as a nursing professional.

Writing Tips for Nursing Student Resumes

When it comes to creating a nursing student resume, there are several important writing tips that can help set you apart from the competition. Follow these guidelines to showcase your skills, achievements, and relevant experience in the best possible light.

Highlighting Relevant Experience

The healthcare field is highly competitive, so it’s important to showcase any relevant experience you may have. This could include clinical rotations, internships, or volunteer work. Make sure to include the name of the organization, the dates you worked there, and a brief description of your role and responsibilities.

Emphasizing Skills and Achievements

In addition to relevant experience, highlighting your skills and achievements is crucial. This could include clinical skills such as medication administration, assessment, or wound care. You may also want to highlight any leadership experience or awards you’ve received.

Using Action Verbs

Using action verbs can help make your resume stand out and demonstrate the impact you made in previous roles. Some examples of action verbs relevant to nursing might include “assessed,” “administered,” or “collaborated.”

Keeping it Concise

Although it’s important to include all relevant information, it’s also important to keep your resume concise. Stick to a one page resume if possible, and avoid using long paragraphs. Use bullet points to convey information in a clear and concise manner.

Customizing the Resume

Finally, customizing your nursing student resume to the specific job you are applying for can help make a strong impression on potential employers. Research the job posting and company to get a feel for what they are looking for and tailor your resume accordingly.

By following these guidelines, you can create a nursing student resume that highlights your relevant experience, emphasizes your skills and achievements, uses action verbs to demonstrate impact, keeps things concise, and is customized to the job you are applying for.

Nursing Student Resume Examples

When it comes to crafting a strong nursing student resume, it’s important to showcase your skills and experience in the best light possible. To help you get started, we’ve gathered three nursing student resume examples, with varying levels of experience and skillsets.

Example 1: Nursing Student Resume with Clinical Experience

Samantha Wilson

123 Main Street | City, State | (123) 456-7890 |  [email protected]

Highly motivated nursing student seeking to leverage clinical experience and hands-on training to provide exceptional patient care. Eager to contribute to a dynamic healthcare team and gain further experience in a fast-paced clinical setting.

Clinical Rotation, XYZ Hospital

• Assisted registered nurses in providing direct patient care and monitoring vital signs.
• Administered medications under the supervision of nursing staff.
• Documented patient information and maintained accurate records.
• Collaborated with healthcare professionals to ensure effective care delivery.

Pediatric Clinical Rotation, ABC Clinic

• Assessed pediatric patients’ physical and emotional well-being.
• Assisted in administering vaccines and performing routine screenings.
• Educated patients and families on preventive care and health maintenance.
• Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient cases and treatment plans.
• Expected Graduation: Month, Year

Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification

Volunteer Experience

Volunteer Nurse, Community Health Clinic

• Assisted in providing healthcare services to underserved populations.
• Conducted health screenings and educated patients on preventive care.
• Collaborated with a team of healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive care.
• Clinical procedures and patient care
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficient in medical documentation systems
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities
• Team collaboration and coordination

This nursing student resume example is perfect for those with previous clinical experience. The candidate begins with a strong objective statement, highlighting their desire to pursue a nursing career and their years of hands-on clinical work. Then, they focus on their specific clinical experiences, breaking down their responsibilities and accomplishments in each role. The resume also includes sections on education, certifications, and volunteer work, all of which are essential for any nursing student resume.

Example 2: Entry-Level Nursing Student Resume

Emily roberts.

456 Oak Avenue | City, State | (987) 654-3210 |  [email protected]

Dedicated nursing student with a strong academic background and a passion for providing compassionate patient care. Seeking an entry-level position in a healthcare setting to apply theoretical knowledge and gain practical experience in the nursing field.

Relevant Coursework

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Nursing Fundamentals
• Pharmacology for Nurses
• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Maternal-Child Health Nursing
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient in medical terminology and documentation
• Ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities
• Compassionate and patient-centered care approach

Volunteer, Local Nursing Home

• Assisted residents with activities of daily living, such as bathing and grooming.
• Engaged in social interactions and provided emotional support.
• Assisted nursing staff in patient monitoring and documentation.

Extracurricular Activities

• Member, Student Nurses Association
• Volunteer, Community Health Fair
• Participant, Nursing Simulation Lab

If you’re an entry-level nursing student with little to no practical experience, this resume example is for you. This candidate highlights their education and training at the top of their resume, including their GPA and any relevant coursework or honors. They also include any volunteer work or extracurricular activities that demonstrate their dedication to the nursing profession. The key is to focus on transferable skills, such as communication and critical thinking, that can be applied in a nursing setting.

Example 3: Nursing Student Resume with Relevant Skills

Ethan Mitchell

789 Maple Street | City, State | (456) 789-0123 |  [email protected]

Highly motivated nursing student with a strong focus on developing and utilizing relevant skills to provide quality patient care. Seeking opportunities to contribute to a healthcare team and enhance skills in clinical settings.

• Clinical skills: Vital sign monitoring, medication administration, wound care.
• Technological proficiency: Electronic health records (EHR) systems, medical devices.
• Interpersonal skills: Effective communication, empathy, teamwork.
• Critical-thinking abilities: Problem-solving, prioritization, decision-making.
• Patient-centered care: Compassion, advocacy, cultural sensitivity.
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Medical Mission Trip Volunteer

• Assisted healthcare professionals in providing medical care to underserved communities.
• Conducted health screenings and administered basic medical treatments.
• Collaborated with a diverse team to ensure efficient and effective care delivery.
• Member, Nursing Student Association
• Participant, Nursing Skills Workshop
• Volunteer, Local Blood Drive

Professional Development

• Attended seminars on patient safety and infection control
• Completed workshops on effective communication in healthcare

This nursing student resume example highlights the candidate’s relevant skills, including clinical skills, technology proficiency, and interpersonal skills. This can be a great option for those with a mix of clinical and non-clinical experience, or for those who want to emphasize their skills in a particular area. In addition to their skills, this candidate also includes their education and certifications, along with any volunteer work or extracurricular activities that demonstrate their commitment to nursing.

The key to a strong nursing student resume is to showcase your skills and experience in a clear and concise manner. Whether you’re highlighting your clinical experience, your education and training, or your relevant skills, each of these examples can serve as a starting point for crafting a winning nursing student resume.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Student Resumes

As a nursing student, crafting a resume that stands out can be challenging. Here are some commonly asked questions and answers regarding nursing student resumes:

How long should my nursing student resume be?

The length of your nursing student resume should be one page. This is an industry-standard that allows potential employers to quickly scan your key qualifications, education, and experience without getting overwhelmed.

Ensure that you keep your resume concise, yet effective, by including only the most relevant details that relate to the job you are applying to. Avoid vague language and focus on concrete achievements.

Can I include non-nursing related experience on my nursing student resume?

Yes, you can! Including non-nursing related work experience can be beneficial in highlighting transferable skills and demonstrating a well-rounded background.

For example, if you worked at a restaurant as a server, you could list skills such as teamwork, communication, and customer service. Be sure to also highlight how these skills can apply to a career in nursing.

Incorporating volunteer work or internships in related fields can also be advantageous. These experiences can demonstrate your passion for healthcare and commitment to helping others.

Should I include a cover letter with my nursing student resume?

A cover letter is an important aspect to include alongside your nursing student resume. A well-crafted cover letter allows you to demonstrate your personality, work ethic, and passion for nursing. It also provides the opportunity to address any gaps or inconsistencies that may be present on your resume.

When drafting your cover letter, focus on your unique strengths and accomplishments that align with the job description. It is also important to research the company and tailor your cover letter to their mission and values.

A nursing student resume should be concise and relevant to the job description. Non-nursing related experiences can be included, as well as a well-crafted cover letter that highlights your personality and alignment with the company’s mission.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Nursing Student Resume

When writing a nursing student resume, it’s essential to avoid common mistakes that can hinder your chances of getting a job. In this section, we’ll discuss the four most common mistakes nursing students make when writing their resumes.

Including Irrelevant Information

One of the biggest mistakes nursing students make on their resumes is including irrelevant information. While it might seem tempting to include every experience you’ve had, it’s crucial to focus only on the relevant ones.

The best way to avoid this mistake is to tailor your resume based on the job description. Highlight the skills and experiences that match the requirements of the job you’re applying for. Avoid listing too many part-time jobs and unrelated roles, as this gives the impression that you are not focused.

Focusing Only on Education

Education is crucial when applying for a nursing role, but it’s not the only thing employers look for. Focusing only on your education can be a mistake as it doesn’t provide a full picture of your capabilities and experiences.

To avoid this mistake, include both education and work experience. If you don’t have any relevant work experience, highlight extracurricular activities and volunteer work. Nursing programs often have a range of clinical experiences and internships available, which are highly valued by employers.

Not Highlighting Relevant Skills

Another mistake that nursing students often make when writing resumes is not highlighting relevant skills. Employers look for specific skills, such as clinical proficiency, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

To avoid this mistake, carefully review the job description to identify the skills required for the role. Then, highlight your relevant skills and provide examples of how you’ve demonstrated them in previous roles.

Forgetting to Proofread

Finally, one of the most critical mistakes that nursing students make when writing resumes is forgetting to proofread. Typos and grammatical errors can give the impression that you don’t pay attention to detail.

To avoid this mistake, take the time to proofread your resume carefully. Read it out loud to yourself to catch any errors that you might have missed before submitting it to the employer.

Writing a nursing student resume requires attention to detail and an understanding of what employers are looking for. Avoiding these common mistakes and tailoring your resume to the job description can significantly increase the chances of getting a job interview.

Nursing Student Resume Templates

As a nursing student, crafting a winning resume is essential to landing your dream job. However, with so many different formats and styles available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. To help you get started, we’ve put together three nursing student resume templates that will help you stand out from the competition.

Basic Nursing Student Resume Template

For those looking for a simple and straightforward resume template, the Basic Nursing Student Resume Template is the way to go. This template features a clean and professional layout, making it easy to read and understand. It includes sections that showcase your education, clinical experience, and relevant skills.

Sample Basic Nursing Student Resume Template:

Name: Contact Information: Objective: Education: Clinical Experience: Relevant Skills:

Creative Nursing Student Resume Template

If you’re looking to showcase your creativity and personal style, the Creative Nursing Student Resume Template is the way to go. This template features a unique design that includes graphics, color accents, and a more modern layout. It includes sections that showcase your education, clinical experience, and relevant skills.

Sample Creative Nursing Student Resume Template:

Professional nursing student resume template.

For those looking for a more traditional and polished resume, the Professional Nursing Student Resume Template is the perfect choice. This template features a classic design that includes a professional font, formal layout, and a clear hierarchy. It includes sections that showcase your education, clinical experience, and relevant skills.

Sample Professional Nursing Student Resume Template:

No matter which template you choose, it’s important to note that your resume is a reflection of you and your skills. Make sure to showcase your best self and highlight your achievements and experience. And remember, always tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for to increase your chances of landing an interview.

Tips for Landing Your First Nursing Job

As a nursing student, your ultimate goal is to land your first nursing job. However, it can be challenging to secure a job opportunity in a highly competitive market. Here are some essential tips that can help you stand out from the crowd:

Networking is one of the most effective ways of securing a nursing job. Establishing connections with other nurses, doctors, and healthcare professionals can increase your chances of getting your dream job. Attend job fairs, conferences, and seminars to meet potential employers and gain insight into the nursing profession. Additionally, consider joining professional nursing organizations to expand your network.

Applying for Internships and Residencies

Applying for internships and residency programs is another way to land your first nursing job. These programs provide real-world experience, exposure to various healthcare settings, and opportunities to work alongside seasoned professionals. Participating in internships and residencies can also strengthen your nursing skills and increase your chances of getting hired in the future.

Volunteering

Volunteering is an excellent way to gain firsthand experience in the nursing profession. Consider volunteering in hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes in your area to gain practical experience and demonstrate your commitment to the nursing profession. Volunteering opportunities can also help you establish connections with healthcare professionals who can provide you with valuable nursing job leads.

Continuing Education

Continuing education is crucial in the nursing profession as it helps you stay up-to-date with the latest healthcare trends and best practices. Consider taking courses and attending training sessions to improve your nursing skills and demonstrate your commitment to the profession. Moreover, continuing education can make you a more attractive candidate for nursing job opportunities.

Landing your first nursing job can be a daunting task, but it’s not impossible. Utilize these tips to expand your network, gain practical experience, and stay up-to-date with current healthcare trends to increase your chances of securing your dream nursing job.

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Student Nursing Resume:Free Templates, Examples & Guide

As a Student Nurse, you know how to care for patients in a kind and professional manner. Now it’s time for your resume to receive the right medicine. Our Resume templates are the perfect remedy to cure any problems you are having finding work.

Student Nursing Resume Example MSWord® Give your resume the best treatment available with our Student Nursing Resume templates, available in Word format.

Your dream of becoming a nurse is almost in reach. It’s so close that you can taste it. But hold up! You can’t turn up to a hospital for duty just yet! That will very likely confuse the doctors, other nurses and administrators if you just arrive without warning.

You’ll need a job first!

With your student nursing studies underway you’ve already covered the valuable skills needed, to save lives and get patients back to good health.

However, there’s another valuable skill that even the best nursing courses don’t teach… And that thing is how to write a nursing student resume with no experience.

Luckily for you, you’re in the right place for guidance. This page will explain everything you need to know about how to make a resume for nursing students.

Your resume will need special care. This especially matters if you’re aiming for a specialized role such as being a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) as these will of course require their own additional touches.

To help you become a pro resume writer, this guide will show you:

• How to write a nursing student resume with no experience.
• Entry-level RN resume examples.
• How to double the amount of interviews you’ve been getting until now.
• The essential resume skills for nursing students needed to make your profile totally irresistible.
• Tips, tricks and words of advice for nursing students looking for their first job.

We’ll also provide you with a nursing student resume template that you can use today. Writing a resume doesn’t have to take ages , with our resume builder we can help you prepare yours today in just a few minutes .

Nursing Student Resume Sample

To get started, check out this example of a good nursing student resume .

[Amanda Beischel]

[123 Main Street, Cleveland, Ohio, 11234  |   235-073-0006   |    [email protected]]

Licensed registered nurse with more than 3 years of successful clinical experience working with Cuyahoga County Clinic. Efficient in giving day-to-day care thanks to established skills in patient nutrition, exemplary infection control, as well as vital sign monitoring. Effective when responding to emergency situations. Achieved 30% improvement in patient satisfaction.

Nursing Assistant Cuyahoga County Clinic| Cleveland, Ohio

2018 – 2021

• Kept a secure, sanitary area for patients
• Monitored 5 patients, creating a caring environment for all
• Reacted promptly to requests from both patients and nursing staff
• Took correct vital signs, such as blood pressure and respiration rate
• Administered patient’s medicine

Nursing Intern

Cuyahoga County Clinic| Cleveland, Ohio

2017 – 2018

• Achieved 95% positive preceptor evaluations
• Assisted registered nurses with daily tasks
• Entered patient’s records in Word and Excel to keep on file
• Fulfilled HIPAA standards in all patient interactions

Bachelor of Science – Nursing

Ohio State University | Columbus, Ohio

2013 – 2017

• Achieved a 3.5 GPA
• Completed 2 semesters of internships

Soft Skills

• Extroverted personality 
• Compassionate with patients
• Excellent communication 
• Maintain records in an organized manner

Hard Skills

• Accurate vital sign monitoring
• Basic life support 
• Emergency and critical care
• Knowledge of Telemetry

Hobbies and Interests

• Listening to podcasts by Nursecasts
• Cycling 
• Learning to make vegan dishes 
• Volunteering at blood drives

What’s the Best Nursing Student Resume Format?

Have you ever seen just how many nursing students resumes Hospital HR managers get a day?

Well, it’s a LOT. This isn’t good news for anyone wondering how to find a nursing job with  no experience . Firstly the HR team is going to have  a tough time  on their hands. Secondly, it means your resume might not get the time it really needs  to be read properly.

You sometimes have  as little as 7 seconds  to impress the reader. What’s more, when you look at  nursing resume examples  as a new grad one thing always stands out.

No, not the amount of experience that’s on them – although we’ll get to that later. The format and the layout.

How Do I Choose The Right Format?

All good resume formats , whether they are a nursing school resume template, newly registered nurse resume template, or a student nurse resume with clinical experience, have to be  well organized  to get the job done.

In most cases, you’ll need a  reverse chronological  resume template. This puts your experience in a prime position.

What if you’re writing an RN resume with no experience ?

You might opt to try some nursing student bio examples with  combination or functional  format resume layouts. These put more emphasis on your skills and work best when there’s less experience.

However, these should only be used if  things get really desperate .

While nursing student examples for new graduates tend to focus more on your  training and qualifications , even they will use a reverse-chronological layout

Work experience is always your most important asset in nursing. Always make sure you promote it via the layout.

Don’t also forget that the file format you save your resume is a major factor too.

While a lot of people submit their resume as a Word document – which is fine in some cases – it’s much better to use a PDF or TXT file .

This can be crucial if your resume needs to pass through any machine reading filters like ATS when it’s sent to the employer.

Do I Need Resume Summary?

This is something that people don’t think much about, but you should never underestimate the importance of a good  professional summary .

It’s only a few sentences long, but in that  short text , you’ll communicate a lot to the reader – it is a  brief introduction to you .

It explains why a hiring manager should  take you seriously as a candidate  and – more importantly – gives the reader an incentive to look over your whole resume from start to finish.

What about a resume objective?

If you don’t have much experience to summarize, you should include a  career objective .

What it contains, usually  depends on the precise job  you’re applying for.

For example, if you’re applying for an LVN job you might talk up your credentials of  working with the elderly . Whereas if you’re  planning to work in a cancer ward  you might talk more about how good you are at monitoring vital signs and taking samples.

Let’s look at how we can make this work below.

Student Nursing Resume Summary Example

Writing a career objective for a nursing student role might  sound pretty easy  in principle.

It has some things in common with LinkedIn summary examples for nursing students you might have seen listed online.

However, the resume version is a little  more restricted by comparison  in terms of length. It also needs to communicate a lot about you succinctly without losing the reader’s interest.

Just stating the facts in your summary without making sure they link to the job at hand might  also leave you at a disadvantage.

Let’s see an example of  how NOT to write the summary  for a beginner nursing student’s resume first to get a clearer idea.

Nursing graduate looking for an entry-level position in a large city hospital. People dedicated individual with a patient-focused mentality and strong skills in handling decisions under pressure.

As you can see,  it’s fine . Yet it’s still kind of “meh”.

It’s got some of the right nursing graduation wording you’d normally expect.

Unfortunately, it’s unlikely to get much traction as it doesn’t tell us  how well you can do these things  you’ve listed. You need to go into a little more detail than this.

For a stand-out nursing school resume objective, you’ll need to  demonstrate measurable achievements  as well as the sort of skills wanted by the hiring team.

Below, you’ll see what the hiring person at the hospital  will really want to see  on a new graduate nurse resume summary examples.

Fully licensed LVN with over 1 year’s clinical experience working with Hudson County Clinic. Providing daily care with the help of proven skills in patient management, responding to emergencies effectively, and vital sign monitoring. Achieving 98% positive preceptor evaluations.

Now that’s a graduate nurse  resume objective statement  you can take to the bank! Quite literally in some cases.

As we can see here, there’s a lot more  specific information  about how long you’ve been working as a nurse and more insight into exactly what you did.

It shows a good combination of your  nursing licensing information , relevant experience , and skills all in that short paragraph.

As you can see new graduate nurse’s resume summary doesn’t have to be a writing masterpiece. Nevertheless, it does need to  hit all the right notes  to get the attention you crave from recruiters.

How to Write an Entry-Level Nursing Student Resume Objective

Jobs for nursing students with no experience are trickier to target with a nursing student resume objective statement.

But they’re not impossible!

You can find clever ways to  whip up a tight summary  even for specific situations like LPN student jobs, putting together a nursing student internship resume, or entry-level RN resume samples.

Getting in contention for the best entry-level nursing jobs may require you to  get a little more creative , but it can be done without too much effort.

Let’s look at how this can work below.

Entry-Level Nurse Resume Objectives

Even if you’re still studying there’s nothing stopping you from putting together an amazing summary for an entry-level nurse resume sample.

This might be needed for a  nurse intern resume,  or just a general pre-nursing resume you’re trying out before graduating.

Nursing student new to the profession. Eager to gain more professional experience via an internship.

The bad news is if you use a summary like that your  chances of getting hired  will be in critical condition.

We can glean plenty of what you want and need but the recruiter can’t see anything about your strengths as a student nurse.

That’s a major issue.

However, there are ways to make your pre-nursing student resume  objective look a bit healthier , as you can see below.

Dedicated student nurse, with proven clinical experience over 2 semesters. Demonstrating strong skills in vital signs and ensuring patient comfort. Receiving 98% positive grading from my preceptor.

A new nurse resume objective is obviously going to have to compromise with the fact you  won’t have much experience .

However, you will have had practical training with  measurable results  that you can use in your favor.

This will help you  stabilize your situation  and get you on the right track.

How Can I Describe My Nursing Student Experience?

Clinical experience on your nursing student resume is going to be your  key to getting noticed .

A nursing student resume with clinical experience can provide details about  your actual work in nursing via a few different sources such as:

• Internships
• Volunteering
• Practical clinical experience with your preceptor

Of course, even if you’re  fresh out of nursing school  there are plenty of decent no-experience-needed nursing jobs and internships out there. You can take advantage of these to get the working practice you need.

It’s not just what you feature in your experience section, it’s  how you talk about it  that counts too.

Right now you’re probably wondering  how to write  up your clinical experience on a resume?

Let’s look at some  examples of resumes  for nursing student graduates and the experience they normally highlight in a bit more depth.

Examples: Experience Section

When you have a bit of clinical experience on a resume as a nursing student  you’ll have a good shot  at getting on a hiring manager’s radar.

But, you’ve got to be careful  how you add the information  on the page. This is because the recruiter wants to see something that  fits their vacancy as exactly  as possible.

So in a way your resume is a bit like a shape being put into a kid’s shape sorter. It has to  fit the right-shaped hole  figuratively speaking.

This means that  generic resumes won’t do .

With that in mind, let’s see  how not to do it .

Nursing Assistant Hudson Medical Center

2018 – 2019

• Responsible for the care of numerous patients.
• Collected test samples.
• Monitored patient vitals.

While it lists  relevant activities  that a new nurse would do, it doesn’t go into nearly enough detail.

You don’t just want to be some other nurse in the hiring process. You want to be  the top nurse  that everyone wants to interview.

Let’s now look at  a more accomplished  new grad nursing student resume with clinical experience.

• Supervised 8 patients, providing a caring environment and safely administering medication and pain relief.
• Collected and reported test samples and updated patient charts promptly, receiving 96% positive feedback from my preceptor.
• Monitored patient vitals and planned care based on their condition.

Now this example, by comparison,  tells you a lot more  about what this candidate has done AND, crucially, what they’ve achieved.

There are  clear instances here of what you did  and how well you did them. This will give someone reading your resume more info to go on.

Even pre-nursing jobs for students want to see  clear examples .

This is a bit trickier but can still be  done like a pro . Let’s look at this in more detail in the next section.

Examples: An Entry-Level Experience Section

If you’re putting together a new grad RN resume  with no experience  to get your first practical nursing student job you might not know where to start.

Finding a nursing job with no experience can feel like a scary thought at the beginning.

If you’re writing a nursing student  resume for an externship , a nursing student preceptorship resume, or a nursing student resume for an internship you still need to be able to show some experience, while having very little.

What to do?

Luckily in nursing, you’ll already have some of the  clinical modules  of your nursing course to fall back on. These will fit most pre-nursing job descriptions.

Unlike getting into other professions with no experience, you shouldn’t dwell too much on pulling in evidence of  any or all practical work  you’ve done. Just stick to nursing.

Below is an example of what you shouldn’t do.

Student Nurse St John’s Nursing School

• One semester of nursing experience.

Other experience:

• Waiting tables
• Babysitting

A student nurse extern resume or any resume for a new nurse should  only be focused on nursing .

Instead of briefly paraphrasing your experience at nursing school, you should  get in-depth  and really explain what you’ve been doing there.

As you’ll find in most nursing resumes or nursing internship essay examples they tend to focus more on  pinpointing your clinical training  in depth.

Let’s now see how it should be done.

Nursing Intern Hudson Medical Center

• Shadowed RNs to gain experience in triaging, monitoring vital signs, and taking samples.
• Followed HIPAA carefully during all my duties.
• Achieved 94% patient satisfaction rate during my placements.

It doesn’t matter if you’re still at college.

Any and all practical  experience you get as a nurse  should be the only thing you focus on when you write a nursing student resume with clinical experience.

Does Your Education Section Need Emergency Treatment? Don’t Lose the Recruiter!

So you’ve got a  great experience section  in your entry-level RN resume. That’s a good start.

But, oh no? There’s still something missing.

As a new grad nurse with no experience, you’re going to be  relying heavily  on your education section to get noticed.

Most nursing resumes will need to, at the very least, add information about your college course . This should include:

• The name of the nursing course
• The name of the college or institution
• The number of years you studied there

But this isn’t all you should do with your resume for nursing school application. You should also add details about the coursework  you did, especially if it fits the general job description.

Examples: Education Section

No-experience-needed registered nurse jobs will always be interested in your  licensing and training  even if they aren’t so worried about your professional on-site work.

Therefore, your education section needs to give them  the info they want to see  and fast.

Let’s look over an LPN student’s education section below. They’ve got it right.

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing with LPN Certificate Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

2017 – 2020

• Completed 3 semesters of clinical experience and nursing internships.
• Achieved GPA of 3.6
• Commended for patient education, vitals observation, and wound dressing

Now, you might have to  check the vitals  of the recruiter after this as they’re going to be pretty pumped to see an education section like this from a registered nurse with no experience.

This version works for a lot of reasons, firstly because it’s  clear about the course  that was studied.

You don’t need to get over-detailed with your education when writing a nursing internship resume but it should show enough of your achievements to get noticed.

There are of course  lots of certifications  nursing students can get, so it’s super important to be specific and to ensure you’re showing the right licenses for the job available.

Not only that, the new graduate RN resume sample  gives a clear picture  of what the applicant achieved when they were studying.

There are explicit examples on this nursing school resume of  how well they did on their course  by demonstrating their nursing student accomplishments on their resume.

Yet, while the previous example is looking healthy, what about an example of a nursing student resume sample that might be in need of some urgent medical attention?

Let’s look over one of these below.

• Studied anatomy, biology, patient care.
• Passed the NCLEX

As graduate nurse resume examples go this education section is in sickly shape. It only gives the  most basic information  that the employer wants.

It doesn’t go into the  exact tasks  the candidate learned.

Whether you’re preparing a sample resume for  graduate nursing school application  or writing a graduate nurse resume in Australia you must always remember that these little details count.

Make sure you do what you can to  highlight your specific accomplishments  clearly in this section. It only takes a couple of bullet points.

What Are The Best Nursing Student Skills for a Resume ?

Training as a nurse equips you with a  whole toolbox  of skills. But,  which of those are best  for your student nursing application?

Firstly, you should focus on how the  student nurse job description  can guide your resume.

These will almost always list  desired skills that are wanted , which easy clues you can use to make your resume right for the job.

Nursing student skills can be  woven into your application  in lots of ways but what’s important is that they appear consistently in your finished resume. This can either be in the skills section, education section, or work experience section.

Check below for  more of a guide  on the nursing student skills to put on a resume, if you’re looking for some quick ideas.

Top Nursing Skills to Put on a Resume

As a new grad nurse, having skills on your resume really does pay the bills.

It’s important to include both hard and soft nursing skills when you write your resume .

This is because it’s  not just enough to list your technical abilities  on your resume – although you definitely should – you also need to list some intrinsic skills too.

Remember: Working with patients and other nurses involves teamwork, communication, and the ability to maintain a  friendly, welcoming persona  even in the most stressful situations.

You’re going to need to  get that across  when you apply for jobs too.

To give you some ideas for  additional skills  for a nursing resume, check out the lists below.

• Good bedside manner
• Organization
• Concentration
• Communication
• Decision-making
• Attention to detail
• Problem-solving
• Patient education
• Sample collection
• Wound dressing
• Electronic Health Records (EMR)
• Vitals observation
• Record keeping
• HIPAA Compliance
• Workplace safety
• Patient care planning
• CPR/First Aid
• Medicine administration

Do I Need Other Sections for an Effective Resume?

Good jobs for nursing students are competitive. Almost like  gladiatorial combat  at times.

However, fortunately, you  won’t need a sword  or to dress any wounds in a Colosseum anytime soon.

That said, your entry-level registered nurse resume or Nursing student CNA resume is going to need more than the  old reliable trio  of sections of work experience, skills, and education.

A resume for nursing school applications or graduate jobs can always benefit from  extra sections which will give the employer more of a reason to give you the thumbs up.

Examples: “Other” Sections

You’ll often find that the best recently-graduated nursing student resumes go that extra step  when it comes to other sections.

It’s hard to get any of those  eye-catching RN or LVN student jobs  out there without some extra touches.

However, you should be careful when adding additional information. There are obviously  some things you shouldn’t share  with an employer.

As we can see in the very sketchy example below.

• I enjoy going out to bars
• I like to play Xbox
• I’m passionate about cigar smoking

The things listed above are all well and good to do. Just, you  shouldn’t share them  with a recruiter.

This information is  mostly irrelevant  to anything you’ll need to do in a nursing job. Consequently, it shouldn’t really appear on a new RN resume template.

In fact, the stuff about bars could even  turn a recruiter off  your application entirely, if they have any worries you could have an alcohol problem.

Instead, an entry nurse resume should try and use experiences and hobbies that will  sell you best  as a nurse. Although, don’t be afraid to add something to indicate some personality

This might include personal interests or outside work like  volunteering for a medical charity  or similar.

Let’s see how these can be  squeezed onto your document  in the example below.

Volunteer Experience

• Red Cross Volunteer, First Aid
• Hudson Homeless Shelter, Patient screening
• Walking and hiking
• Listening to Everyday Emergency podcast by MSF

Now, that’s more like it!

This fits much more with what a person hiring a nurse  wants to see .

These sections can be used to explicitly show  how strong a candidate you are , which will put you much higher up the priority list for interviews.

Key Points to Takeaway

You know  how to be a great nursing student , now all you need to do is get that into your resume.

To make your nursing student resume PDF  look absolutely spectacular  to the reader, remember the following points.

• If you’re preparing a resume as a nursing student who’s about to graduate remember to focus on detailing your practical clinical experience from your work placements and your licensure.
• Don’t forget to check the nurse trainee job description before writing your student nurse application. This will contain juicy details that you can use to keep your finished template in good health.
• Make sure your graduate nursing student resume gives examples of things you did outside of school that tie in with nursing or healthcare.

Remember, we can help you prepare a nursing student resume for  someone with no experience .

We’ve got professional templates to start you off and  our resume builder  will help you through every step of the process. Why not give it a go-to save some time during your job search.

Happy job hunting!

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Student Nurse skills for your resume and career

Student nurses need a variety of hard skills to excel in their role. These include administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and providing direct patient care. As Terrica Durbin Ph.D. , Associate Professor, Director, School of Nursing at Western Carolina University, puts it, "Clinical skills specific to the nurse's setting, electronic recordkeeping, patient assessment, and prioritizing appropriate interventions" are crucial. Proficiency in areas like wound care, mental health, and telemetry is also important.

In addition to hard skills, soft skills are equally important for student nurses. Communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving are vital, as they enable nurses to effectively interact with patients and respond to challenging situations. According to Dr. Karen Macey-Stewart DNP, A-GNP-C, PMGT-BC, Undergraduate Program Director, Professor of Practice, "As a new graduate student, it can be overwhelming to start your professional career." Flexibility, self-care, and the ability to prioritize tasks are also essential for success in this field.

15 student nurse skills for your resume and career

1. patients.

Patients are individuals who receive healthcare services. Student nurses use patients in various ways, such as providing care, administering medications, completing assessments, and developing care plans. They also engage patients in therapeutic discussions, guide them through delivery and postpartum, and assist with developmental activities. As Amy Bruce , Chair and Program Director at the University of Charleston's Department of Nursing, puts it, "In the next 3-5 years, the future of nursing will need innovative ideas from graduate nurses who can bring the benefits of intertwining technology with effective patient care. interpersonal relationships and caring for our patients has never been more critical, not only with physical care but recognition of mental health disparities."

• Provided care to pediatric patients, including medication administration based on pediatric calculations, and treatments per institute protocol.
• Completed an evidence-based practice research project: Alternate therapies for Chemotherapy induced Nausea and vomiting in pediatric patients.

2. Vital Signs

Vital signs are measurements of the body's basic functions, like temperature, pulse, and blood pressure. Student nurses use vital signs to monitor patients' health and detect any changes or potential problems. They take vital signs regularly, often during routine check-ups or when patients show signs of illness. They also use this information to inform their care decisions and report any changes to doctors or other healthcare professionals.

• Provided basic care, including vital signs, hygienic and nutritional care to adults experiencing a variety of medical-surgical health alterations.
• Perform comprehensive assessment, including vital signs, hygienic and nutritional care to patients experiencing a variety of medical-surgical health alterations.

3. Direct Patient Care

Direct patient care is the act of providing healthcare services to a patient directly. Student nurses use direct patient care by performing tasks such as administering medication, taking vital signs, and conducting patient assessments. They also provide care under the supervision of a licensed nurse in various clinical settings, including oncology, telemetry, and rehabilitation.

• Practiced direct patient care, performed patient assessments, administered oral medication and gastric tube medication.
• Provided direct patient care including vitals, wound care, administering medications and immunizations.

4. Administer Medications

Administer medications is the act of giving patients the right amount of medication at the right time. Student nurses use administer medications by mastering assessment skills, calculating dosages accurately, and giving medications through various methods like injections and pill form. They also evaluate the effects of the medication for patient safety.

• Focused heavily on mastering assessment skills including physical assessments and safety, and combining those skills to administer medications.
• Take vital signs and notifying nurse of abnormalities* Administer Medications by mouth and through subcutaneous and intramuscular injections.

IV, or intravenous, is a way to deliver medication or fluids directly into a patient's vein. Student nurses use IV to administer medications, fluids, and monitor recovery progress. They also perform IV insertion, IV care, and maintenance. As Kara Sump MSN, CNE , Assistant Professor of Nursing at George Fox University, points out, "Established proficiency in IV insertion, safe administration and monitoring of pediatric and adult oral, intravenous, and intramuscular medications" is an important skill for student nurses to master.

• Established proficiency in IV insertion, safe administration and monitoring of pediatric and adult oral, intravenous, and intramuscular medications.
• Administered IV medication and fluids, subcutaneous and intramuscular injections, and oral medication, applying precautions to ensure accuracy.

CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a lifesaving technique used in emergency situations. Student nurses use CPR to prepare for emergency situations, assist in medical procedures, and support staff during critical events like cardiac arrests. They have also received training and certification in CPR, which is a vital skill in their profession.

• Prepared to administer CPR in emergency situations.
• Gained experience in procedures such as Emergent blood administration, CPR, and Rapid infusion of life saving medications.

Choose from 10+ customizable student nurse resume templates

7. med-surg.

Med-surg, or medical-surgical, is a type of nursing that deals with the care of adult patients who are hospitalized for various medical and surgical conditions. Student nurses use med-surg in their job by completing clinical rotations in med-surg units, learning the fundamentals of nursing through direct contact with adult patients, and gaining experience in various clinical settings. They also support registered nurses on med-surg units and implement teaching-learning plans in the delivery of patient-centered care.

• Elected for independent clinical within Graham Hospital medical-surgical unit (MED-SURG), specializing in post-operation care.
• Advanced Med-Surg Clinical rotation Professor Faith Riley-Dewar

8. Catheter

A catheter is a tube inserted into the body to drain fluids or gases. Student nurses use catheters to administer medications, insert and remove urinary catheters, and provide wound care. They also use them to monitor equipment and maintain sterile technique during procedures.

• Performed sterile procedures: changed surgical dressings; administered injections, IVs and oral medications; inserted and removed urinary catheters.
• Labor & Delivery: assist patients in labor and during delivery and postpartum care, medication administration, urinary catheter insertion.

9. Wound Care

Wound care is the process of treating and managing wounds to help them heal. Student nurses use wound care by assessing wounds, administering medication, and providing hygienic care such as bathing, wound dressing changes, and suture removal. They also educate patients and their families on the plan of care.

• Experience with wound care, assessments, medication reconciliation, medication administration, and teaching/education was provided to patients.
• Ensured environmental safety precautions, universal precautions, infection control, wound care assessment and evaluation of treatment.

10. Mental Health

Mental health is the well-being of an individual's emotional, social, and psychological state. Student nurses use mental health by delivering patient education on relaxation techniques, providing psychiatric assessments, and managing medications. They also use therapeutic communication with patients, conduct mental health exams, and provide emotional support.

• Provided therapeutic communication in both individual and group settings while delivering patient education on relaxation techniques to help improve mental health.
• Completed clinical rotations in medical-surgical, mental health, maternity, pediatric, community, and critical care departments successfully.

11. Direct Supervision

Direct supervision is a type of guidance where a superior or instructor closely monitors and oversees the actions of a subordinate or student. Student nurses use direct supervision by working under the close watch of registered nurses, clinical instructors, or vocational instructors. They perform various tasks, such as administering medications, providing patient care, and performing nursing skills, all while being monitored and corrected when necessary. This allows them to learn and improve their skills in a safe and controlled environment.

• Assisted with activities of daily living including bathing and feeding under direct supervision of registered nurses and vocational instructor
• Performed diagnostic tests and invasive procedures with indirect and direct supervision of nurse preceptors and clinical instructors.

12. Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the pressure of blood in the arteries. Student nurses use blood pressure by monitoring and recording it as part of a patient's vital signs. They use this information to track the patient's health and make informed decisions about their care. They may also educate patients about the importance of maintaining healthy blood pressure and provide guidance on how to do so.

• Presented educational information about stroke awareness to seniors at the Derby Senior Center and performed blood pressure screenings.
• Monitored machines that measured blood pressure, heart rate and electrocardiogram information.

13. Infection Control

Infection control is a set of practices and procedures designed to prevent the spread of infection. Student nurses use infection control by following established safety and infection control policies and procedures, applying aseptic techniques, and practicing proper body mechanics. They also educate family members on infection control and disease processes.

• Assisted patients with activities of daily living, followed isolation precautions and infection control procedures, initiated and discontinued Foley catheters.
• Practiced and educated family members on infection control, disease processes, and therapeutic regimens like medication and pain management techniques

14. Surgery

Surgery is a medical procedure that involves an operation to repair or remove damaged or diseased tissues and organs. Student nurses use surgery in their job by assisting in pre- and post-operative care, monitoring patients after surgery, and educating patients and their families about what to expect before and after surgery. They also work in various units such as orthopedic, general surgery, and cardiovascular units.

• Achieved 180 hours of clinical work in Medical-Surgical specifically in 12-Long Orthopedic/Spine, 13-Long General Surgery, and 14-Long Oncology/Hematology Units.
• Performed clinical training in Surgery/Oncology, Inpatient Rehabilitation, Orthopedics, Surgery Intermediate, and Cardiovascular Intermediate Units

ICU, or Intensive Care Unit, is a special department in a hospital for patients who need close monitoring and life-sustaining interventions. Student nurses use ICU by providing care to critically ill patients, including those in overflow ICU, pediatric ICU, and surgical ICU. They assist registered nurses, observe care for critically ill patients, and even transfer patients to the ICU when necessary.

• Core area of responsibility included care of critically ill coronary patients including overflow ICU patients.
• Utilized clinical skills of a nurse to provide quality care to pediatric, OB, Medical-surgical, ICU and Psych patients.

12 Student Nurse Resume Examples

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What Registered Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Dean & Professor, School of Nursing, Hazel and Walter May Nursing Endowed Chair for Excellence in Nursing , Cedar Crest College

List of student nurse skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a student nurse resume and required skills for a student nurse to have include:

• Vital Signs
• Direct Patient Care
• Administer Medications
• Mental Health
• Direct Supervision
• Blood Pressure
• Infection Control
• Blood Glucose
• Patient Education
• Patient Care
• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Clinical Rotations
• Quality Care
• Physical Assessments
• Tracheostomy
• Patient Assessment
• Patient Safety
• Tracheostomy Care
• Critical Care
• Community Health
• Head-To-Toe Assessments
• Tube Feedings
• Clinical Documentation
• Preceptorship
• Labor Delivery
• Emotional Support
• Health Promotion
• Catheter Insertion
• Pain Management

Updated June 25, 2024

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Student Nurse Related Skills

• Clinical Research Nurse Skills
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• Consultant Nurse Skills
• Field Nurse Skills
• Head Nurse Skills
• Nurse Skills
• Nurse Extern Skills
• Pediatric Nurse Skills
• Preceptor Skills
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• Registered Nurse Med/Surg Skills
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• Registered Professional Nurse Skills
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• Staff Nurse Skills

Student Nurse Related Careers

• Clinical Research Nurse
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• Nurse Extern
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• Registered Nurse
• Registered Nurse Med/Surg
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Nursing Student Resume Examples: Proven To Get You Hired In 2024

Jump to a template:

• Nursing Student
• Clinical Research Assistant
• Patient Care Technician
• Registered Nurse
• Clinical Nurse
• Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Nurse

Get advice on each section of your resume:

Jump to a resource:

• Nursing Student Resume Tips

Nursing Student Resume Template

Download in google doc, word or pdf for free. designed to pass resume screening software in 2022., nursing student resume sample.

As a nursing student, you’ll be relying less on traditional work experience to fill out your resume and more on the skills you’ve gained through coursework and student nursing placements. Even without much experience, you can distinguish yourself by listing your student nursing experience the same way you would paid experience, focusing on your accomplishments and making sure to include relevant skills and keywords.

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Recruiter Insight: Why this resume works in 2022

Tips to help you write your nursing student resume in 2024,    emphasize student nursing experience.

If you’re still a student and don’t have any relevant paid work experience, that doesn’t mean your resume should be blank. You can list your student nursing experience in your professional experience section, listing the location you worked at as the employer and “student nurse” as your job title.

   Lists specific competencies relevant to nursing

Even without paid work experience, you’ll be graduating with plenty of the skills you’ll need in your first role. Include a skills section at the bottom of your resume where you list a few of the skills that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for — typically between 5-10 skills.

Clinical Research Assistant Resume Sample

Patient care technician resume sample, registered nurse resume sample, clinical nurse resume sample, nurse practitioner resume sample, pediatric nurse resume sample.

We spoke with hiring managers at top hospitals and healthcare organizations like Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Kaiser Permanente to gather their best tips for nursing student resumes. Here's what they said will help you stand out and get hired:

   Highlight your clinical experience

Employers want to see the hands-on patient care experience you've gained during your nursing program. Be specific about the types of clinical rotations you've completed:

• Completed 12-week clinical rotation in pediatric intensive care unit, caring for an average of 5 patients per shift
• Assisted with wound care, medication administration, and patient and family education during 8-week clinical rotation on surgical unit

Quantify your experience where possible, like the number of patients you cared for or skills you performed. This gives a concrete picture of your capabilities.

   Showcase your technical skills

Modern healthcare relies heavily on technology. Hiring managers look for nursing students who are proficient with electronic health records (EHR) systems, medical devices, and other tools. Avoid simply listing the names of software or equipment you've used, like this:

• Familiar with Epic EHR
• Used Alaris IV pumps

Instead, provide context and specific examples that illustrate your technical abilities:

• Documented vital signs, medications, and nursing assessments for 20+ patients daily using Epic EHR during clinical rotations
• Programmed and monitored Alaris IV pumps to administer antibiotics, pain medication, and other IV fluids to post-surgical patients

   Include relevant coursework and academic projects

While your clinical experience is most important, you can also highlight relevant coursework and academic projects that have prepared you for nursing practice. Focus on classes and assignments that developed key skills:

• Completed Pharmacology course with grade of A, gaining in-depth knowledge of drug classifications, dosage calculations, and medication safety
• Developed patient education brochure on managing hypertension for Community Health Nursing project, distributed to 50+ patients at local clinic

These examples show your knowledge and initiative beyond basic nursing coursework.

   Emphasize your patient care and communication skills

Nurses spend more time with patients than any other healthcare professionals. Hiring managers want to see evidence of your ability to provide compassionate care and communicate effectively with patients and families. Use strong, specific examples:

Recognized by clinical instructor for ability to explain complex medical information in easy-to-understand terms, earning "exceeds expectations" rating in patient education

Also, highlight any experience working with diverse patient populations or communicating through language barriers:

• Provided culturally sensitive care to diverse patient population, using medical interpreters to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients and families

   List certifications, memberships, and volunteer experience

Certifications, professional memberships, and volunteer experience can all enhance your nursing resume. They show your commitment to the profession and your initiative to develop your skills beyond the classroom. Be sure to include:

• Any certifications you've earned, such as Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
• Membership in professional organizations like the National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA)
• Volunteer experience in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes

These extras can help you stand out from other nursing students and demonstrate your passion for the field.

   Tailor your resume to the specific job

While it's tempting to use the same resume for every job application, hiring managers can spot a generic resume a mile away. Instead, tailor your resume to each specific job you apply for. Start by carefully reading the job description and noting the key qualifications and skills the employer is seeking.

Then, adjust your resume to highlight your most relevant experience and skills. For example, if the job emphasizes pediatric care, focus on your pediatric clinical rotations and any related coursework or projects. If the employer is seeking someone with strong critical thinking skills, include examples of how you've used critical thinking to solve problems in patient care.

By customizing your resume for each job, you'll show the employer that you're a strong match for their specific needs and increase your chances of getting an interview.

Writing Your Nursing Student Resume: Section By Section

  summary.

A resume summary is an optional section that appears at the top of your resume, just below your contact information. It provides a brief overview of your professional background, skills, and career goals. While a summary is not strictly necessary, it can be particularly useful for nursing students who are looking to provide additional context about their experience and qualifications.

It's important to note that you should never use an objective statement in place of a summary. Objective statements are outdated and focus on what you want from an employer, rather than what you can offer them. Instead, use your summary to highlight your most relevant skills and experiences, and to explain how they make you a strong candidate for the nursing position you're seeking.

To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your Nursing Student resume, or figure out if you need one, please read Nursing Student Resume Summary Examples , or Nursing Student Resume Objective Examples .

1. Tailor your nursing student summary to the job

When writing your summary, it's important to tailor it to the specific nursing position you're applying for. This means highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to that particular job.

For example, if you're applying for a pediatric nursing position, you might mention any experience you have working with children, such as:

• Completed a clinical rotation in a pediatric ward, caring for patients ranging from infants to teenagers
• Volunteered at a summer camp for children with chronic illnesses, providing medical support and assistance

On the other hand, if you're applying for a position in a cardiac care unit, you would want to focus on any experience or training you have related to heart health, such as:

• Shadowed nurses in the cardiac care unit as part of my clinical rotations
• Wrote a research paper on the latest advancements in treating congestive heart failure

To ensure your summary is tailored to the job, carefully review the job description and look for key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Then, make sure to incorporate those same keywords and phrases into your summary wherever possible.

2. Highlight your nursing skills and qualifications

As a nursing student, you may not have extensive professional experience yet. However, you can still use your summary to highlight the skills and qualifications you've gained through your education and training.

Some key things to mention might include:

• Relevant coursework and clinical rotations
• Key skills such as patient assessment, medication administration, and wound care
• Certifications such as Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
• Any honors or awards you've received related to your nursing studies

Dedicated nursing student with experience in patient assessment, medication administration, and wound care. Completed clinical rotations in pediatrics, surgery, and critical care. Certified in BLS and ACLS. Recipient of the Outstanding Nursing Student award for academic excellence and patient advocacy.

To make sure your resume showcases your top nursing skills, try using our free Targeted Resume tool. It scans your resume against a specific job description and provides instant feedback on which key skills and keywords you're missing.

  Experience

As a nursing student, your work experience section should showcase your clinical skills, patient care experience, and any relevant healthcare-related roles. This section is crucial for demonstrating your hands-on experience and proving that you're ready to take on the responsibilities of a nursing role.

When writing your work experience section, focus on highlighting your most relevant experiences and accomplishments. Use strong action verbs to describe your responsibilities and quantify your achievements whenever possible.

1. Highlight relevant clinical rotations

Include your clinical rotations in your work experience section, as they provide valuable hands-on experience in various healthcare settings. When describing your clinical rotations, focus on the specific skills you developed and the types of patients you cared for.

• Completed a 12-week clinical rotation in a medical-surgical unit, caring for patients with a variety of conditions including post-operative recovery, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses
• Developed skills in patient assessment, medication administration, wound care, and patient education during a 10-week clinical rotation in a long-term care facility

By providing specific examples of your clinical experiences, you demonstrate your readiness to take on the responsibilities of a nursing role.

2. Use strong nursing-related action verbs

When describing your work experience, use strong action verbs that showcase your nursing skills and responsibilities. This helps to make your resume more engaging and highlights your contributions to each role.

Examples of strong nursing-related action verbs include:

• Administered
• Collaborated

Administered medications, changed dressings, and monitored vital signs for post-operative patients in a fast-paced surgical unit.

By using strong action verbs, you paint a clearer picture of your responsibilities and make your resume more impactful.

To find the best action verbs for your nursing resume, consider using a tool like Score My Resume . This tool provides instant feedback on your resume, including suggestions for strong industry-specific action verbs that can help your resume stand out to hiring managers.

3. Quantify your achievements with metrics

Whenever possible, use metrics to quantify your achievements and responsibilities. This helps to provide context for your experience and demonstrates the impact you made in each role.

Examples of using metrics in your nursing student resume:

• Provided care for up to 6 patients per shift in a fast-paced emergency department, prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively
• Assisted with the admission and discharge process for an average of 10 patients per day, ensuring accurate documentation and smooth transitions of care

In contrast, here are examples of how not to describe your experience:

• Helped with patient care in a hospital setting
• Completed tasks as assigned by nursing staff

By using metrics, you provide a clearer picture of your experience and help your resume stand out to hiring managers.

  Education

Your education section is a key part of your nursing student resume. It shows hiring managers that you have the necessary knowledge and training to succeed in the role. Here are some tips to make your education section stand out.

1. Put your nursing degree first

As a nursing student, your education is your strongest asset. Put your nursing degree at the top of your education section, even if it's not complete yet.

Here's an example:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Expected Graduation: May 2024

If you have other degrees, list them below in reverse chronological order.

2. Include relevant coursework and clinical experience

Highlight specific courses, clinical rotations, or projects that are relevant to the nursing job you're applying for. This shows employers that you have hands-on experience in key areas.

Bad example:

• Completed coursework in various subjects

Good example:

• Relevant Coursework: Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, Nursing Fundamentals
• Clinical Rotations: Pediatrics (CHLA), Medical-Surgical (UCLA Medical Center), Psychiatry (VA Hospital)

3. List licenses, certifications, and other credentials

If you have any licenses, certifications, or other credentials related to nursing, include them in your education section. This could include things like:

• CPR certification
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license

Here's an example of how to list them:

Licenses and Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, American Heart Association, Expires May 2024 Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), California, Expires June 2025

4. Keep it short if you're a senior nursing student

If you're a senior nursing student with several years of experience, you don't need to include as much detail in your education section. Keep it short and focus on your most recent and relevant degree.

Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), XYZ Community College, 2012-2014 Relevant Coursework: Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmacology, Nursing Fundamentals Clinical Rotations: Medical-Surgical, Pediatrics, Obstetrics Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), University of ABC, 2014-2016 Relevant Coursework: Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Leadership in Nursing Clinical Rotations: Critical Care, Emergency Department, Oncology

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), University of ABC Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), XYZ Community College

  Skills

The skills section of your nursing student resume is critical. It's where you showcase your qualifications and training. Hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan this section to decide if you have the right expertise for the role.

In this section, we'll cover exactly what to include and how to write your skills effectively. Let's dive in.

1. Identify your top nursing skills

As a nursing student, you likely have a range of clinical skills, certifications, and knowledge areas. It's important to identify and prioritize the ones that are most relevant to the specific role you're applying for.

Review the job description carefully and note any skills or keywords that are repeatedly mentioned. These are likely the top skills the employer is looking for. Some examples may include:

• Patient assessment
• Medication administration
• Electronic health records (EHR)

Make sure to include these high-priority skills in your resume, assuming you have them. This will help you get past Applicant Tracking Systems that screen for keywords.

You can use a tool like Targeted Resume from Resume Worded to analyze a job description and see how well your resume matches the skills and keywords it's looking for. It's a quick way to check if you're on the right track.

2. Categorize your skills

Once you have a list of your top nursing skills, consider grouping them into categories. This makes your skills section easier to read and helps highlight your expertise in different areas.

For example, you might have categories like:

• Clinical Skills : Patient assessment, Medication administration, Wound care
• Technology Skills : Electronic health records (EHR), Medical devices
• Certifications : Basic Life Support (BLS), Registered Nurse (RN) license

Grouping related skills together paints a clearer picture of your qualifications. It also makes it easier for hiring managers to quickly see if you have the specific skills they're looking for.

Avoid creating too many categories, which can make your skills section look fragmented. Aim for 3-4 key categories that capture the most important skill sets for the role.

3. Quantify your proficiency level

In some cases, it can be helpful to indicate your level of proficiency with a particular skill. This gives employers a better sense of your capabilities.

One way to do this is by using descriptors like "Proficient in," "Experienced with," or "Familiar with." For example:

Proficient in patient assessment and care planning Experienced with electronic health records (Epic, Cerner) Familiar with central line management

Another option is to use a competency scale, like beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert. However, be careful with this approach. Only use "expert" if you truly are one, otherwise it may come across as overconfident. Here's an example of what to avoid:

Expert in patient assessment Expert in all clinical skills Expert in hospital operations

As a nursing student, it's unlikely you're an expert in many areas yet. Be honest about your level of proficiency.

When in doubt, leave out proficiency levels. It's better to simply list the skill than to overstate your abilities. Hiring managers can assess your skill level during interviews and skills tests.

4. Tailor your skills to the job

One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is using the same generic skills section for every job application. To stand out, you need to customize your skills to the specific role and employer.

Let's say a job description emphasizes skills in patient education and discharge planning. Compare these two examples:

Generic skills section Clinical skills Teamwork Communication Computer skills

Tailored skills section Patient education and counseling Discharge planning and care coordination Clinical documentation in Epic EHR Therapeutic communication

The tailored example directly addresses the key skills from the job description. This shows the employer you're a strong fit for their specific needs.

Tailoring your resume to each job takes extra time and effort. But it's worth it. Targeted Resume s are more likely to get past ATS filters and catch a hiring manager's attention. Tools like Score My Resume from Resume Worded can help by analyzing your resume and providing suggestions to better target it to the job.

Skills For Nursing Student Resumes

Here are examples of popular skills from Nursing Student job descriptions that you can include on your resume.

• Cooperation
• Microsoft Access
• Personal Development
• Public Health
• Nursing Education

Skills Word Cloud For Nursing Student Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Nursing Student job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more likely you should include it in your resume.

How to use these skills?

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Resume Guide: Detailed Insights From Recruiters

• Nursing Resume Guide & Examples for 2022

Improve your Nursing Student resume, instantly.

Use our free resume checker to get expert feedback on your resume. You will:

•  Get a resume score compared to other Nursing Student resumes in your industry.

•  Fix all your resume's mistakes.

•  Find the Nursing Student skills your resume is missing.

•  Get rid of hidden red flags the hiring managers and resume screeners look for.

It's instant, free and trusted by 1+ million job seekers globally. Get a better resume, guaranteed .

Nursing Student Resumes

• Template #1: Nursing Student
• Template #2: Nursing Student
• Template #3: Clinical Research Assistant
• Template #4: Patient Care Technician
• Template #5: Registered Nurse
• Template #6: Clinical Nurse
• Template #7: Nurse Practitioner
• Template #8: Pediatric Nurse
• Skills for Nursing Student Resumes
• Free Nursing Student Resume Review
• Other Medical Resumes
• Nursing Student Interview Guide
• Nursing Student Sample Cover Letters
• Alternative Careers to a Nursing Student
• All Resumes
• Resume Action Verbs

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Tips for Starting and Advancing Your Nursing Career

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Tips for Starting and Advancing Your Nursing Career was originally published on Vault .

Nursing is one of the most rewarding careers—and one of the fastest-growing (in part because it's largely  immune to advances in AI ). As a result, many people looking for meaningful work have found their passion in nursing. And whether you're a veteran practitioner or nursing hopeful, here are five ways to easily and quickly advance your career.

1. Take online extension courses

Life is busy. As a result, many practitioners prepare for work in the field by taking advantage of available extension courses, such as an MSN online program. By enrolling in an online Master of Science in Nursing program, today's emerging healthcare professionals up their career game while managing to stay on top of their day-to-day responsibilities.

In leading MSN programs across the U.S., fledgling nurse practitioners work hand-in-hand with experienced healthcare professionals. By doing so, they receive the benefit of an exceptional educational experience. During training, nursing candidates learn about the latest medical best practices. At the same time, nurse educators teach students the essential critical thinking skills that they'll need to excel in the field.

2. Find a mentor and network

The more help you have during your educational journey, the better prepared you are to work in the field. A mentor can help to guide your decision-making during your training and beyond.

By connecting with a mentor, you can access their experience and expertise as you explore various career opportunities. Begin your search for a mentor by speaking to others who are already working in a specialty that addresses your interests. There's no need to feel intimidated during your mentor search. Most people are more than happy to talk about their careers.

It's also a good idea to network with like-minded professionals. You should start networking as soon as you enter school and continue to do so throughout your career. Don't wait for networking events to come up to make connections. Networking is as simple as exchanging numbers with your peers to share ideas and talk about the healthcare profession.

3. Consider this growing nursing field

Forensic nursing is expanding faster than many other jobs in the U.S. The field emerged in the 1980s, when the need arose for professionals who are experienced in both legal and healthcare matters. During that time, the legal system needed healthcare professionals who could identify injuries and evaluate various scenarios. Trained forensic nurses are highly qualified to fulfill these roles. They can accurately document injuries and traumas and have the fortitude to deal with difficult situations such as deaths and serious injuries.

If you choose to work in forensic nursing, you could work in one of several environments. For instance, you may find employment in a:

• Community anti-violence agency
• Community crisis center
• Coroner's office
• Correctional center
• General medicine hospital
• Medical examiner's office
• Psychiatric hospital

During your career as a forensic nurse, you may find yourself working on cases that involve anything from arson to medical malpractice. You could deal with dangerous situations such as bioterrorism, drug abuse, and homicide. The legal system may also task you to conduct autopsies or capture crime scene photography.

4. Prep for interviews

For any nurse practitioner specialization, you need to make it past an interview to land a job. By preparing for the interview , you'll have a better chance of success.

It may seem counterintuitive, but it's imperative to get a good night's sleep before the interview. You should try to sleep at least a full eight hours before the big day. It's also essential that you wear the right clothing for the interview. Women interviewees should remain cautious about wearing too much makeup or perfume, and all job candidates should wear a suit. Although many organizations have casual dress days, a suit is standard interview attire, unless you've been informed otherwise.

5. Keep the long run in the mind

After you've landed a job as a nurse practitioner, you'll want to do as much as possible to help people. However, it's important to remember that you must also consider your own wellness. Therefore, avoid common hazards of the profession, such as burnout .

Stress is a part of work in the healthcare profession. Anything from unrealistic career expectations to dealing with mortality events can serve as a trigger. Over time, a series of stressful work-related events can lead to emotional health problems. However, if you remember to take care of yourself in the field, you'll enjoy a long, satisfying career as a nurse practitioner.

Sarah Daren has been a consultant for startups in multiple industries, including health and wellness, wearable technology, nursing, and education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life, including her position as a yoga instructor and raising her two children. When she’s not watching the New York Yankees play, Sarah enjoys practicing yoga and reading a good book on the beach. 

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Marian University’s Ancilla College (MUAC) Hosts Blessing and Open House for its New High-Tech Simulation and Skills Laboratory

• News Release
• November 01, 2022

Event offers a first look into simulation lab and other high-tech nursing training available To MUAC’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing students

The Leighton School of Nursing Simulation and Leep Family Skills Laboratory blessing and open house will allow attendees to see the latest technology being used to educate and enhance the skills of students participating in Marian’s four-year Bachelor of Science (BSN) in nursing program. The program was created to fulfill Indiana’s nursing shortage and continue to meet the higher education needs to northern Indiana students.

“More highly-skilled and well-trained nurses are greatly needed in our communities and across the state. Through Marian University’s Leighton School of Nursing, students who are called to make a difference as future nurses now have access to Marian University’s excellent bachelor degree opportunity in northern Indiana”, said Marian University’s Ancilla College Chancellor Joseph Heidt. “We are grateful to the generous donors, including the Leep Family Foundation, and those organizations desiring to support the new nursing simulation & skills lab and our mission to achieving excellence in learning through scholarly activities in the Franciscan and liberal arts tradition.”

In its first year at Marian’s newest campus, the program welcomed new and continuing students, and Marian University staff and faculty continue to partner with local hospitals and other healthcare providers for clinical opportunities and internships. The new lab will help to best prepare students for these rotations through high-tech and hands-on equipment, including a newly purchased Student Auscultation Manikin.

“As more students move through the program, our hospital and clinical partners have been a blessing in providing critical opportunities for our students to complete their clinical rotations”, said Rebecca Zellars DNP, MSN, RN, assistant dean of nursing. “The new Sim-Man is just one example of the sophisticated and innovative ways we are preparing our students.”

Local student advances nursing education through Bachelor of Science in Nursing

As Indiana continues to experience a critical need for skilled nurses, nursing student Niyoka Ashford is answering that call and realizing her nursing dreams with a BSN degree from Marian University’s Ancilla College.

Ashford was pursuing a two-year nursing associates degree at Ancilla when the program was transitioned into the four-year BSN degree. She said she was initially concerned, but after speaking with an instructor she decided to stay and pursue the advanced degree, and she’s glad she did.

“I look forward to just being around my nursing classmates and the environment. They are inspiring and the instructors are so helpful,” Ashford said.

For more information, please visit https://www.marian.edu/ancilla/academics/degree-programs/degree-programs-in-nursing .

Teach the Earth the portal for Earth Education

From NAGT's On the Cutting Edge Collection

• Course Topics
• Atmospheric Science
• Biogeoscience
• Environmental Geology
• Environmental Science
• Geochemistry
• Geomorphology
• GIS/Remote Sensing
• Hydrology/Hydrogeology
• Oceanography
• Paleontology
• Planetary Science
• Sedimentary Geology
• Structural Geology
• Incorporating Societal Issues
• Climate Change
• Complex Systems
• Ethics and Environmental Justice
• Geology and Health
• Public Policy
• Sustainability
• Strengthening Your Department
• Career Development
• Strengthening Departments
• Student Recruitment
• Teacher Preparation
• Teaching Topics
• Biocomplexity
• Early Earth
• Earthquakes
• Hydraulic Fracturing
• Plate Tectonics
• Teaching Environments
• Intro Geoscience
• Online Teaching
• Teaching in the Field
• Two-Year Colleges
• Urban Students
• Enhancing your Teaching
• Affective Domain
• Course Design
• Data, Simulations, Models
• Geophotography
• Google Earth
• Metacognition
• Online Games
• Problem Solving
• Quantitative Skills
• Rates and Time
• Service Learning
• Spatial Thinking
• Teaching Methods
• Teaching with Video
• Undergrad Research
• Visualization
• Teaching Materials
• Two Year Colleges
• Departments
• Workshops and Webinars

Building Geoscience Workforce Skills Course and Program Resources

• ⋮⋮⋮ ×

Help students reflect on, plan for, and communicate their workforce readiness

Your students will be the ones sending in resumes and being interviewed for jobs. How can you help them shine with their potential employers? Consider incorporating the following strategies into your teaching:

Reflection prompts | Career planning templates or IDPs | Resume and interview preparation | A career planning course

× div[id^='image-'] {position:static}div[id^='image-'] div.hover{position:static} The cycle of self-regulated learning Provenance: Kristin O'Connell Reuse: This item is offered under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ You may reuse this item for non-commercial purposes as long as you provide attribution and offer any derivative works under a similar license. Use reflection prompts

Reflection prompts are assignments or exam questions that ask students to describe their own thinking about a topic, or how their thinking has changed over time. Reflection is an important component of the cycle of self-regulated learning, which helps students monitor and process their learning. In this case, reflection can help them monitor their learning about their interests, skills, and potential jobs and career paths. Ideally, they help students reflect on their progress towards the learning outcomes for an activity, unit, or course. A reflection prompt as part of a laboratory assignment might ask, "Reflect on the skills you practiced describing and identifying rocks. How did your skills change? Where do you feel you still need improvement?" A reflection prompt can also focus on a particular job or career that they have heard about from a visiting speaker or alumna/us, such as, "What is appealing to you about the job or career path you heard about? What did you find surprising?" Course-level reflection prompts can help students connect their describe how they are making progress towards the learning outcomes for the course.

Why use this strategy

• Prompts students to reflect on and document the skills and abilities they are developing in real time.
• Helps students become aware of their learning process and set goals for skill development.
• Helps students better understand their own skills and interests and the alignment between their skills and interests and potential careers.
• The ability to reflect and regulate learning is a workforce skill that will benefit students in the future.

Tips for success

• Model reflection to show students how to do it and to make your expectations clear.
• Be specific in what you are asking students to reflect on to help guide their thinking.
• Use a grading scheme that focuses on thoughtfulness and thoroughness in responses to reflection prompts rather than looking for a particular response.
• Use reflection prompts consistently throughout a course so that students have multiple opportunities to check in on their learning.
• Tie reflection prompts to your learning outcomes at both the course and activity level.

Develop Self-Regulated Learners: Choosing and Using the Best Strategies for the Task from the SAGE 2YC project

Use planning templates or Individual Development Plans (IDPs)

× div[id^='image-'] {position:static}div[id^='image-'] div.hover{position:static} graphic depiction of an individual development plan for the career goal of geotechnical consulting provenance: anne egger, central washington university reuse: this item is offered under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial-sharealike license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ you may reuse this item for non-commercial purposes as long as you provide attribution and offer any derivative works under a similar license. overview.

A career planning template or individual development plan (IDP) provides a structured way to guide and document students' thinking about themselves and their goals in the context of future careers. For example, an IDP might ask students to identify a career-related goal, identify the skills and experiences needed to achieve that goal (or ask them to reflect on specific skills you identify as important), reflect on which of those skills and experiences they have and which they need to develop, and make a plan for closing any gaps. Descriptions of general job types, such as those available through O*NET Online and AGI, can provide information about the skills and experiences needed for specific careers. This is also a godd strategy to introduce students to professional licensure and other certifications like HAZWOPER, and make a plan for achieving them if needed. A career planning template or IDP could be introduced to students as part of academic advising, as part of a course, or as part of several courses that revisit and update the same document.

• Prompts students to reflect on and document the skills and abilities they've developed, strengths and weaknesses, values, experiences, and unique aspects of themselves
• Helps students take ownership of their future and guide their decision-making
• Gives students something they can take with them and continue to build on both during school and after graduation
• Helps students think long-term and define the transferable skills they are developing
• Familiarizes students with skills and dispositions they may see in job advertisements or may be asked to demonstrate as part of the job application process
• Create defined times in courses or during advising meetings for students to complete templates.
• Define and give examples of strengths and weaknesses, values, skills to demystify terminology. 
• Encourage students to revisit templates at different times during their studies to facilitate conversations about growth and opportunities, and to incorporate students' changing ideas and goals.
• Model completing a career planning template for your students, for example, by setting your own career-related goal.
• Take advantage of self-assessments that may be available at your Career Center.

Example Career Planning Reflection Template from Enhancing Postgraduate Environments, ERASMUS+ Programme UN 

Career Compasses from the American Geosciences Institute provide overviews of and pathways to a variety of geoscience careers.

O*NET Online , an example search for "geologist" occupations, and the profile of Geoscientists

Incorporate resume and interview preparation

× div[id^='image-'] {position:static}div[id^='image-'] div.hover{position:static} a job interview. provenance: <a href=https://www.amtec.us.com>amtec</a> reuse: this item is offered under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial-sharealike license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ you may reuse this item for non-commercial purposes as long as you provide attribution and offer any derivative works under a similar license. overview.

Incorporating resume and interview preparation into your course is a way to help students recognize and document skills and experiences that will help make them competitive for jobs. For example, toward the end of your course, you could ask students to reflect on what skills and dispositions the course helped them develop and then ask students to update their resumes to reflect those skills. As another example, you could provide students with a list of behavioral interview questions and ask them to practice writing and/or speaking responses to those questions that draw from their experiences in your course. Behavioral interview questions ask candidates to describe a time when they had to use skills or dispositions such as teamwork, adaptability, time management, communication, and leadership (e.g., "Tell me about a time when you....).

• Helps students keep track of their development as it happens. 
• Helps students connect their course experiences to desired workforce skills.
• Encourages regular updates to resumes and helps students prepare for the job application process.
• Helps instructors reflect on the skills and dispositions developed in their courses and may encourage instructors to make those connections more obvious to students.
• Make it clear to students why you are asking them to update their resume or practice answering interview questions.
• Encourage discussion and sharing among students; some students may more easily recognize the skills and dispositions they are developing in your course.
• Share example responses to behavioral interview questions, and encourage use of the STAR strategy for answering behavioral interview questions (see Resources below)
• Repeat these activities across several courses so that students are better prepared for the job application process.

Example behavioral interview questions from the University of Virginia

STAR method for responding to behavioral interview questions from MIT Career Advising and Professional Development

× div[id^='image-'] {position:static}div[id^='image-'] div.hover{position:static} Provenance: Karen Viskupic, Boise State University Reuse: This item is offered under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ You may reuse this item for non-commercial purposes as long as you provide attribution and offer any derivative works under a similar license. Offer a career planning course

A dedicated career planning course allows you and your students to focus on career awareness, preparation, and planning rather than incorporating them as add-ons to other courses or activities where students might overlook their importance. Such a course could be optional or a required component of a degree program, or could be the main focus of an already established senior seminar.

• Helps students see the importance of career planning.
• Concentrating career planning into a single course might be easier to implement than distributing career planning across the curriculum because it does not require buy-in and coordination from multiple instructors.
• Concentrating career planning into a single course ensures that happens (i.e., career planning activities might be cut from other classes when instructors are pressed for time).
• Use the course as a time to explicitly discuss and practice dispositions such as professionalism (e.g., no late arrivals to class; turn in assignments on time; clearly communicate any expected absences or delays).
• Use the course as an opportunity for students to practice networking (e.g., invite local professionals to visit class; coordinate a class visit to a job fair or meeting of a professional society's local chapter).

Pawloski, J. and Shabram, P. (2019) Building engagement in STEM through career courses at two-year institutions: Journal of College ScienceTeaching, v. 49, no. 2, p. 9-15. DOI:  10.2505/4/jcst19_049_02_9

Viskupic, K., Wenner, J.A., Harrigan, C.O., Shafer, G. (2022) A mixed methods study of the challenges for geoscience majors in identifying potential careers and the benefits of a career awareness and planning course, Journal of Geoscience Education, DOI:  10.1080/10899995.2022.2147383

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College of Nursing Handbook, Section 5: Undergraduate policies, procedures and guidelines

Section 5: table of contents.

• Guidelines: English as a Second Language
• Guideline: Attendance
• Final Exam Schedule
• Grading Scale, Progression and Program Requirements
• Malpractice Insurance-Student Requirements
• Nursing Student Uniform and Appearance
• Student Health Services
• Student Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) Form
• Student Representative Role
• Tardiness Guidelines(Under Review)
• Textbook Adoption
• Return to Clinical

5-1 . Advising

Description: SDSU has included its philosophy and expectations of Academic Advising in the Undergraduate Catalog. The Undergraduate Catalog also includes the roles, rights and responsibilities of the advisee/student in the advising relationship as well as the responsibilities of the advisor.

Associated link(s):

Academic Advising Guide Sheet , Undergraduate Catalog

Formerly Policy# U3140 Reviewed by the Bylaws and Handbook Committee 12/2015, 11/2018 University links updated 1/06/2016 mtd, 8/2019

5-2. Advising International Students

Description: Admission policies are covered in university policies. The university does not distinguish a separate policy for advising international students.

See also English as a Second Language (ESL) Requirements.

• Undergraduate Catalog (see sections on Admission of International Students on Nonimmigrant Visas, Policy for Transfer of International Undergraduate Credit, and Non-native Speakers of English).
• Office of International Affairs: J-1 Legal Status

Reviewed by the Bylaws and Handbook Committee 12/2015, 10/2019 University links updated 2/3/2016 mtd

5-2A. Students with English as a Second Language, Guideline

Purpose: To inform nursing students of TOEFL iBT and IELTS requirements.

Description: Describes the College of Nursing requirements regarding fluency in speaking and writing for students who speak English as a second language. Includes exam requirements for English as a Foreign Language Exam (TOEFL or IELTS), remediation for failure to pass the English as Foreign Language Exam, and procedure for safety in clinical related to English proficiency.

• For the College of Nursing, English as a Second Language is defined as a student who was instructed in and spoke primarily in a language other than English in the K-12 grades or primary and secondary schooling. The College of Nursing requires all students who meet the definition of English as a Second Language to complete the English as a Second Language requirements as set forth by the College of Nursing. The following requirements cannot be required of a naturalized United States citizen. However, students who are naturalized citizens may be encouraged to seek assistance in improving their written/oral English fluency skills as needed.
• Students taking the TOEFL iBT exam must achieve a score of 79 with a minimum speaking score of 26.
• College of Nursing Eligibility

Reviewed by the Bylaws and Handbook Committee 2015 University links updated 12/03/2015 mtd

5-3. Attendance, Guideline

Purpose: To inform students regarding attendance requirements

Description: This policy lists which nursing events are considered excused absences and how clinical and/or lab make-up is arranged. Information is also included in the Student Handbook under V. College of Academic Standards, attendance.

SDSU’s Attendance Policy

SDSU’s general class attendance policy, as stated in the SDSU Undergraduate Catalog and Policy and Procedure Manual , will be followed.

College of Nursing Excused Absences

Within each academic year there are activities that are regarded as College of Nursing approved events for excused absences from nursing or health science classes, laboratory or practicums. Such events include the South Dakota Nurses’ Association Convention; the Student Nurses’ Organization Convention; the Student Nurses’ Organization meetings, workshops or board meetings; wellness or health forums on campus sponsored by the university; and the South Dakota Public Health Association. Events not included in this list will be reviewed on an individual basis by Department leaders.

The guidelines to be used to arrange an absence which applies to the above events are as follows:

• This is a concept of general approval and not blanket approval. Students are expected to make individual arrangements with faculty members well in advance of the activity.
• Students may request an excused absence from class and lab to attend these events. Because these are official college approved events, it is expected that faculty will facilitate students to attend them.
• Students must be attending these events either in conjunction with their participation in the organization or as a class assignment. In the case of an RN or a graduate student, the student is a member of the relevant organization, its board or committees.
• Students must arrange in advance with the faculty for the excused absence and determine what accountability is necessary because of the absence.

Formerly Policy# U3120 Reviewed by the Bylaws and Handbook Committee 10/2015; 2/2019 University links updated 1/06/2016 mtd; 2/2019

5-4. Final Exam Schedule

Description: The final examination schedule is published by the university in the fall and spring semesters.

• SDSU Policy & Procedure Manual
• Current Final Exams Schedule

Formerly Policy# U3272 Reviewed by the Bylaws and Handbook Committee 12/2015; 4/2020; 10/2023 University links updated 1/07/2016; 2/2017; 10/2023

5-5. Grading Scale, Profession and Program Requirements, Policy #U3370

Purpose: The following policy includes the grading scale, progression guidelines and program requirements for the nursing major.

A. Undergraduate Grading Scale

• A = 92 to 100%
• B = 84 to <92%
• C = 76 to <84%
• D = 68 to <76%
• F = <68%

No Rounding: All grades will be recorded to the hundredths place (two decimal points). The point value will not be increased to the next highest number. For example, 91.99% will not be rounded up to 92%.

B. Progression

• Students must earn a 76% average on exams in all nursing courses (except Pathophysiology) to progress to the next semester of the major. Also note that some courses may require a 76% on major assignment(s) in order to progress to the next semester. Refer to individual course syllabi for performance standards and information on what is considered an exam and major assignment.
• Entrance into the second and subsequent semesters of the major courses requires satisfactory completion of all nursing major and required support courses. If students drop out of a course or fail to progress as planned in the major for any reason, there is no guarantee that there will be a place for them in another semester due to the limited size of clinical sections. The final decision for readmission and continuation in the nursing major rests with the Dean of the College of Nursing.
• Application for readmission to the major

C. Program requirements

• Nursing (B.S.N.)
• Nursing (B.S.N.) Accelerated Program
• Nursing (B.S.N.) RN to B.S.N.
• All undergraduate and graduate nursing students are expected to adhere to the principles of the current Code for Nurses with Interpretive Statements . The Code for Nurses communicates a standard of professional behavior expected throughout the total program and in each individual nursing course. Therefore, in addition to dismissal for academic failure, the faculty and administrators of the Departments of Undergraduate Nursing and of Graduate Nursing reserve the right to dismiss any students for unethical, dishonest, illegal or other conduct that is inconsistent with the Code for Professional Nurses.

Policy # U3370 Approved: 5/10/05 Revised and Approved: 6/12/16, 9/24/2018, 08/04/2020 Reviewed: 4/9/09

5-6. Malpractice Insurance Student Requirements, Guideline

Purpose: To inform nursing students of malpractice insurance requirements.

Description: This policy explains the fee that is assessed to non-licensed undergraduate nursing students for malpractice insurance coverage. It also describes the malpractice insurance policy for RN to B.S.N. students.

• Students are assessed a fee annually to cover a group nursing student malpractice insurance premium during the time students are enrolled in the program. The student is then covered under a "Blanket Liability Insurance Program" with broad "Occurrence Based" coverage.
• RN to B.S.N. students who are enrolled in the nursing major courses must seek individual malpractice insurance. The limits of liability must be $1,000,000/3,000,000 on an occurrence/aggregate basis. Students must have proof of malpractice insurance coverage before they can begin any components of their clinical courses.

Formerly Policy# U3318 Reviewed by the Bylaws and Handbook Committee 2/2015; 1/2019; 3/2022

5-7. Nursing Student Uniform and Appearance, Policy #U3166

Purpose : To define the College of Nursing requirements and expectations for appropriate and professional appearance, supporting safe practice in all clinical settings on campus (lab and simulation) and off campus clinical. Clinical site policies supersede this College of Nursing policy. The official Institutional logo/wordmark student uniform and name badges are to be worn only for clinical experiences and as authorized by the College of Nursing.

RN to B.S.N. program students should wear professional attire when meeting with agency personnel and during population-based clinical experiences. Students must wear their SDSU student name tag. There is no specific uniform requirement for RN to B.S.N. students.

• Photo ID name badges Photo ID and name badges are required for all clinical activities, regardless of the uniform worn. Name badges are ordered on admission to the major. The first name is required on the name badge along with the identification “SDSU Nursing Student.” The badge is to be worn on the upper half of the torso (not at the waist) and visible to all. The College of Nursing pays for the first name badge. If the name badge is lost or damaged, the student is responsible for replacement and should contact Nursing Student Services at their location. Other unique identifying tags may be required per clinical site.
• Off campus/on campus clinical clothing The clinical uniform for students consists of blue scrub pants, scrub top with official Institutional logo/wordmark and name badge. The pants should be no shorter than ankle length and they should not touch the ground (this may involve the need for alterations). A longer-than-knee length skirt, matching the blue uniform color, is allowed. For infection control purposes, students should wear a lab coat over the uniform while on campus prior to or after clinical sessions. Optional attire: matching blue scrub jacket with official institutional logo/wordmark. In some clinical areas, long sleeves may be discouraged for infection control. Uniform order forms are available from Nursing Student Services.
• Community clinical clothing For clinical that occurs in the community, students will wear the designated blue polo shirt with official institutional logo/wordmark; khaki, navy or black dress-style slacks or longer-than-knee length skirt; and name badge. The pants should be no shorter than ankle length and they should not touch the ground.Optional attire: matching blue scrub jacket with official institutional logo/wordmark. Skin-tight pants or leggings are unacceptable clinical attire.
• Shoes for all clinical settings Clean, flat, protective fully enclosed professional nursing or athletic shoes are required. Examples of unacceptable shoes include but are not limited to thin canvas or mesh shoes, slippers, boots, sandals and shoes with wooden soles. Community clinical faculty may make weather-related, site-specific exceptions to shoe requirements.
• Additional supplies Additional supplies needed will be based on the clinical site and experience and may include a watch with second-timing function, stethoscope and a black ink pen.
• Hair -Should be clean and neat, worn above the collar and off the face. Facial hair must not compromise personal/patient safety. The College of Nursing recognizes the importance of cultural and religious practices regarding hair styles and head coverings.
• Jewelry/piercings/tattoos- Jewelry, piercings and accessories must be minimal, appropriate and safe (infection control and personal/patient safety) for the work being performed. Inappropriate jewelry/tattoos include anything obscene or sexual in nature and/or anything that can be construed to be discriminatory against sex, race, ethnic background or religion. Inappropriate tattoos must be covered with bandages, clothing, or cosmetics. Examples of unsafe jewelry/piercings include dangling/hoop/bar and/or gauges that a finger can hook into or pull.
• Fragrances -Many individuals are sensitive to environmental odors and pet hair. Students should avoid fragrances (perfume or aftershave, other scented products) as well as tobacco smoke, body odor and pet dander.
• Nails -Fingernails should be clean, well-trimmed, and must not prohibit job duties or hand hygiene. Artificial nails, nail adornments and chipped polish are prohibited for infection control/safety concerns. Some specialized areas may not allow nail polish of any kind.
• Clinical site policies supersede College of Nursing student uniform and appearance policy. For example, in some specialized areas, students will wear the designated uniform of that unit. Students should consult with the semester coordinator in charge of the clinical experience concerning any changes in clinical uniform.
• Pre-nursing students with questions related to uniform and appearance will contact Nursing Student Services. Nursing students with questions related to uniform and appearance will contact the semester coordinator. If a student is unable to comply with this dress code, they must consult with the semester coordinator.
• Failure to comply with this policy may result in an unexcused absence and may include the initiation of a Student Performance Improvement Plan.

Related policy:

• Health Care Simulation Center Handbook Code of Conduct

Revised & Approved: 4/23/12, 3/4/09, 3/12/13, 8/10/17, 1/2018, 3/25/19, 2/10/22; 5/2022; 5/2024 Approved by Executive Committee: 2/2018

5-8. Student Health Services

Description : Faculty and students are referred to the university bulletin or the resource at each site as listed below.

• Brookings: Student Health Services for Brookings students is located on the SDSU campus. For more information about services or to make an appointment call 605-688-4157.
• Rapid City: Student Health Services for SDSU Rapid City students is located on the South Dakota Mines campus. For more information about services or to make an appointment call 605-394-2354 (fall/spring clinic) or 605-755-2273 (summer clinic).
• Aberdeen: Student Health Services for SDSU Aberdeen students is located on the Northern State University campus. For more information about services or to make an appointment call 605-626-7694.
• Sioux Falls: Student Health Services are not available on the Sioux Falls campus at Southeast Technical College. Students at the Sioux Falls campus are urged to seek their own health care providers.
• All nursing students are required to have medical insurance. Please see SDSU Student Health Insurance for more information
• Compliance Requirements for Nursing students: College of Nursing compliance requirements

Formerly Policy# U3430 Reviewed by the Bylaws and Handbook Committee 2/2018; 3/2021 University links updated 3/2018

5-9. Nursing Student Professional Performance Improvement, Policy #U3310

Nurses and students have ethical and professional standards to maintain in working with clients or patients. As members of the healthcare team, students are expected to demonstrate professional conduct and behaviors consistent with professional nursing, College of Nursing Technical Standards and the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses.

Professional Performance Improvement

Professional performance improvement process is intended to strengthen student’s academic, clinical and professional behavior and facilitate student growth toward achieving program outcomes by providing honest, direct, and immediate feedback. The undergraduate student Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) signifies commitment between the student and faculty to establish a performance improvement plan to correct identified knowledge and or behavioral deficits. The student is asked to use reflection and self-evaluation during the remediation process. In turn, the faculty will provide the student with the necessary guidance, support and resources as outlined in the PIP for student success.

• Provide the student with individualized, specific and mutually agreed upon action steps to improve student performance.
• Promote professional responsibility and accountability in class, clinical experiences, simulation, lab or when representing SDSU College of Nursing.

Unethical, dishonest, unsafe or illegal conduct that is inconsistent with the Code of Ethics for Nurses may result in dismissal from the nursing major. Student conduct concerns are handled by the Vice President of Student Affairs. For further clarification, refer to CON Undergraduate Student Handbook .

Procedure :

The student PIP is initiated when a student is identified as demonstrating unsatisfactory professional performance (academic, clinical, practice and unprofessional behavior. In line with Just Culture, students will be given warning when they demonstrate unprofessional performance or behaviors and allowed time to demonstrate improvement. However, the warning is bypassed, and the written plan enacted when the performance or behavior is unethical or unsafe, placing the student, patient, faculty, program or even the agency at risk. Examples: breaching confidentiality, being impaired or under the influence of drugs during class or clinical, performing an invasive nursing skill incorrectly or unsafely after having been validated, performing a skill that the student has not learned yet, etc.

When unacceptable performance or behaviors are witnessed or brought forward, the faculty may meet with the student to discuss (warning) the behavior and outline acceptable performance behaviors. Conversation and specific behavior may be documented on the clinical evaluation tool or on appropriate course-specific documents. If performance does not improve or is deemed unethical or unsafe, faculty will initiate a written PIP.

A PIP is initiated when any of the following occur.

• Student performance is clinically unethical or unsafe.
• Continual or repeated performance issues following the initial verbal notice.
• Student is at risk of not achieving one or more of the course or learning outcomes.
• Student performance can be enhanced by remedial learning to meet the course or program outcomes.
• Student performance is unprofessional and violates College of Nursing standards, the Code of Ethics for Nurses or university student conduct code.
• Issues of academic integrity such as cheating, plagiarism, etc. should be addressed on the Academic Integrity Resolution Form following South Dakota State University Policy 2.4 Student Academic Integrity and Academic Appeal.
• Recognize student behavior that does not meet College of Nursing undergraduate performance standards.
• Determine if a PIP is needed and which performance standards will be addressed in the PIP.
• Notify program/semester coordinator and the assistant dean via email of need for PIP.
• First PIP: student, faculty member and program/semester coordinator
• Second PIP: student, faculty member, program/semester coordinator and site assistant dean
• Third PIP: student, faculty member, program/semester coordinator, assistant dean and associate dean for academic programs 
• Faculty member will arrange a time to meet with student and required attendees. The student may invite their academic advisor to be present.
• Complete part A of PIP form *.
• Obtain all necessary signatures.
• Faculty arrange a meeting with the student on agreed upon evaluation date.
• Complete part B of PIP form.
• A signed copy of the PIP form should be given to the student.
• The original PIP should be routed to the assistant dean at the program site for record keeping. The original PIP will be retained by the assistant dean at the program site until graduation, at which time the PIP will be destroyed.
• The faculty member completing the form should retain a copy.

Reviewed and Approved by the Bylaws and Handbook Committee: 2/28/2018; 5/27/2020; 9/16/2020; 2/2024

*Requires InsideState password

5-9a. Student Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) Form

Guidelines: Faculty should fill out the form, print it and then meet with the student. Signatures are not needed until the meeting with student. See PIP form. *

5-10. Student Representative Role, Guideline

Purpose: To guide the process for selection, duties, and expectations of student representatives.

Description : Within the first three weeks of each semester, students elect two student representatives for their cohort.

During a class period, the semester coordinator or designee will ask students to nominate class members for the student representative positions. After the nominations cease, the semester coordinator or designee will call for a vote. Students will vote for two nominees. Student representatives may only serve one semester.

Job Duties: Semester team meetings are generally held monthly. The semester coordinator will notify the student representatives of the team meeting schedule.

• The student representative(s) attends semester team meeting to provide information on how the students are doing and offer suggestions and ideas for helping students’ learning.
• No student representative(s) will be present while faculty members are discussing either an individual student’s or faculty member’s performance.
• The student representative(s) is not allowed to bring forth an individual student’s issue. If approached by a fellow student who has an individual issue or complaint, that student should be referred to the course faculty or the semester coordinator. See South Dakota State University College of Nursing Student Complaint Process for Graduate and Undergraduate Programs .
• Prior to the semester team meeting, the student representative(s) will send items for the agenda. Some semester coordinators may ask student representative(s) to survey their cohort using suggested questions (see page 2).
• At the beginning of each team meeting, a maximum of 15 minutes will be set aside to discuss the student representative agenda items.
• The semester coordinator will dismiss the student representative(s) following discussion of the student representative agenda items and appropriate announcements
• Student representatives demonstrate leadership and serve as a role model; therefore, they are expected to act professionally and always use professional communication (written and oral).
• For time sensitive or immediate concerns, the student representative(s) is encouraged to talk to the semester coordinator as soon as possible.
• Following the team meeting, the student representative(s) is expected to communicate with their fellow students about discussions and feedback provided from the meeting.

Suggestions

• “What are things that are going well?”
• “What are some things students are struggling with?
• “What are some things that would help the students achieve their goal of becoming a nurse?”
• List possible suggestions or solutions (be specific).
• List options for implementing the students’ suggestion?

Reviewed and Approved by the Bylaws and Handbook Committee: 2/2018, 4/2021 Approved by Executive Committee: 4/2018

5-11. Undergraduate Nursing Tardiness Action Algorithm for Clinical, Simulation or Community Experiences, Guideline

Tardiness defined: Arrival five minutes or more after assigned arrival time as published in the semester, clinical or simulation calendar, or as previously agreed upon by a community clinical group.

Background: This tardiness guideline was developed in accordance with Just Culture – duty to produce an outcome. Duty to produce an outcome includes an individual’s responsibility for the outcome of a situation. For students, examples of duties required to produce an outcome include arriving on time, following dress code and meeting program requirements.

Procedure for instructor: In the event a student is tardy, review the two situation descriptions, select the situation that most closely matches the current situation and follow the required action.

Situation #1: Tardiness has no impact on ability to provide safe direct patient/client care.

• Student is prepared to provide safe care OR
• Experience does not include direct patient/client care OR
• Student can receive patient/client report OR
• Student can complete onsite preparation, as required for safe care, prior to accepting responsibility for patient/client care.

Action: Student can stay for clinical shift, simulation experience or community clinical. First occurrence, instructor will initiate conversation regarding professional performance expectations. A second occurrence requires the Semester Coordinator to initiate a Performance Improvement Plan. All tardiness is noted on clinical evaluation tool.

Situation #2: Tardiness inhibits/prohibits ability to provide safe direct patient/client care.

• Student is unorganized/unprepared OR
• Student has missed patient/client report OR
• Student is unable to complete onsite preparation, as required for safe care, prior to accepting responsibility for patient/client care.

Action: Student is required to leave the clinical setting immediately and is required to initiate the process of scheduling clinical makeup as outlined in the Billing Procedure for an Unexcused Clinical Absence/Simulation/Community Experience . Semester Coordinator initiates a Performance Improvement Plan. Tardiness is noted on clinical evaluation tool.

Dec. 19, 2017, Semester Coordinator Attendance Task Force Updated: April 2021

5-12. Textbook Adoption, Guideline

Description: Information given in the web link describes guidelines for adoption of textbooks for nursing courses. The steps for textbook adoption, including the process to update to a newer edition of a textbook, are outlined in the links below. Three separate documents guide the textbook adoption process at South Dakota State University. The guiding documents are the Nursing Undergraduate Curriculum Processing Form - Minor Curriculum Change form, the Textbook Adoption Form and the Undergraduate Curriculum Process Flow Chart for Textbooks.

Associated Link(s):

• SDSU College of Nursing Undergraduate Curriculum Processing Form - Minor Curriculum Change Form
• Textbook Adoption Form
• Undergraduate Curriculum Process Flow Chart for Textbooks

Formerly Policy #U3460 Reviewed by the Bylaws and Handbook Committee: 4/2017 University links updated 2/22/17; 4/13/17; 4/27/2020

5-13. Return to Clinical Policy

Description: Requirements of admission to the nursing program include compliance with  technical standards  and clinical partner requirements. A change in health status or health concern may impact a student’s ability to meet these standards. A student who has experienced a change in health status (such as hospitalization, surgery, injury, birth, etc.) must work with the appropriate provider to complete a health attestation for students form outlining any restrictions that would prohibit them from fully participating in nursing program clinical experiences, including on- and off-campus clinicals. Per SDSU Policy 2:5 Class Attendance , “should excused absences be excessive, the faculty member may recommend withdrawal from the course(s) or award an incomplete grade.”

The student must submit the Health Attestation for Students to the Semester Coordinator(s) and upload the form to the compliance management system. The Semester Coordinator(s) will notify the Assistant Dean and collaborate with the Assistant Director of Academic and Clinical Placements, the Healthcare Simulation Center Director, and the student’s advisor as necessary. The student may not be allowed to return until the technical standards can be met, as determined by provider documentation of restrictions.

Reviewed by the Bylaws and Handbook Committee: 5/2024 University links updated 5/2024