Thinking about updating your resume? Here are some tips that will make your nursing resume stand out in the crowd.

<p>Crafting a standout resume is key for nurses who want to make an impression in today&rsquo;s competitive healthcare job market. Whether you&rsquo;re a new graduate or an experienced RN, a thought-out resume can set you apart from other candidates and help hiring managers see your specific skills and strengths. Here are some essential tips to create a standout resume that highlights your expertise, experience and commitment to patient care.</p>

<h2>Begin With an Overview Statement</h2>

<p>Your summary statement is the first thing a recruiter will see, so make it count. It should briefly highlight your qualifications, experience and what makes you the right candidate. Keep it focused and specific, with a sentence or two that captures your most relevant strengths.</p>

<h2>Focus on Your Licenses and Certifications </h2>

<p>Licensing and certifications are crucial for nurses, so be sure to include them prominently. List your RN license and any advanced certifications (such as ACLS, BLS, PALS, or specialized certifications like CCRN for critical care) near the top of your resume to ensure they are immediately visible.</p>

<h2>Highlight Relevant Skills </h2>

<p>Create a dedicated &quot;Skills&quot; section to showcase specific clinical and technical abilities, such as wound care, medication administration, IV therapy, EHR documentation or specific equipment you are skilled with (e.g., ventilators or infusion pumps). Use bullet points to make them easy to skim, and tailor these skills to match the job description whenever possible.</p>

<h2>Show Your Achievements With Measurements</h2>

<p>Hiring managers appreciate measurable achievements that demonstrate your impact. Include specific accomplishments, such as improved patient outcomes, efficiency gains or teamwork contributions. Using numbers can help make your achievements more concrete and impressive.</p>

<h2>Emphasize Experience with Bullet Points Focused on Results</h2>

<p>When describing your work experience, avoid just listing your duties. Focus on your contributions and the positive outcomes of your actions, emphasizing your clinical skills, adaptability and problem-solving abilities.</p>

<h2>Incorporate Keywords from the Job Description</h2>

<p>Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are used by many healthcare organizations to screen resumes. Tailor your resume to each job description by using relevant keywords. For example, if the job description emphasizes &ldquo;patient care coordination&rdquo; or &ldquo;critical thinking skills,&rdquo; incorporate these phrases into your resume where appropriate.</p>

<h2>Include Your Professional Development and Continuing Education</h2>

<p>Healthcare is an ever-evolving field, and ongoing education is essential. Highlight any recent training, workshops, or seminars you&#39;ve attended, as well as any new techniques or technologies you&rsquo;ve mastered. This shows that you&rsquo;re committed to professional growth and staying updated with best practices.</p>

<h2>Mention Soft Skills and Interpersonal Abilities</h2>

<p>Nursing isn&rsquo;t just about technical skills; soft skills like communication, empathy and teamwork are equally important. Briefly mention these skills in your summary, and back them up with examples in your experience section.</p>

<h2>Keep It Concise and Well-Formatted</h2>

<p>Nursing resumes should be concise, ideally no more than one page (two pages if you have extensive experience). Use bullet points, clear headers, and avoid large blocks of text. A well-organized resume with consistent formatting (e.g., font size, spacing) makes it easy for recruiters to find key information.</p>

<h2>Close Out Strong</h2>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Proofread carefully</strong> to avoid any grammatical or typographical errors.</li>
	<li><strong>Save your resume as a PDF</strong> to preserve formatting.</li>
	<li><strong>Customize for each application</strong> by adjusting the summary and skills to reflect the specific job posting.</li>
</ul>

<p>With these tips, you&rsquo;ll be well on your way to creating a resume that captures your unique qualifications as a nurse, showcases your dedication to patient care, and helps you stand out to hiring managers.</p>

<p>Interested in a per diem or local nursing job with Cross Country Medical Staffing Network? View our jobs <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/jobs/results?term=nursing&amp;xTerm=&amp;jobType=%5B%22Per%20Diem%22%2C%22Local%20Contract%22%5D&amp;profession=&amp;specialty=&amp;msp=&amp;shiftTypes=&amp;shiftLengths=&amp;durations=&amp;salaryMax=&amp;tags=noTags&amp;sort=relevant&amp;view=list&amp;offset=1&amp;size=9&amp;companyId=&amp;location=&amp;geoLocationRadius=100&amp;industry=Healthcare&amp;schedule=&amp;page=local">here</a>.</p>




Updating Your Resume? Check Out These Tips for Nurses.