How to Create a New Graduate Nurse Resume & Cover Letter
Nursing resume vs cover letter, how to write a new grad nurse resume.
- Resume Tips
- Cover Letters
- Cover Letter Example
By the time you graduate nursing school, you may be an expert in cath placement, starting IVs, and dropping those nursing diagnoses, but you might not be an expert in the one act you’ll need to ace right after graduation: getting your first nursing job . It might be easy to think that your application process for your first nursing job will be similar to that stressful practicum exam (why is it so much harder to put on sterile gloves in front of other people?!), but to apply for a nursing job, you’ll need to create an effective new graduate nursing resume and cover letter. Of course, it can be a little more challenging to create a resume if you’re a new grad without any official nursing experience, but don’t worry—most hospitals not only expect that, but welcome new grads, and are specifically recruiting new grad nurses. So, here’s how to craft the perfect new grad nursing resume and cover letter, with examples to help you land that dream job.
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First things first: let’s discuss the differences between a nursing cover letter and a resume. A cover letter is a personal letter that you will include either in an email or with the application. The cover letter directly addresses the employer states your interest in the job, and lists a few personal reasons why you’re right for the job. There will be more on crafting a cover letter below.
A resume, on the other hand, is your professional portfolio that lists your education, experience, skills, and certifications. You can think of the cover letter as the personal touch and the resume as the highlight reel.
There are two basic ways to create a nursing resume :
- Craft your own version
- Use a premade template
For instance, many document editing software systems, such as Word, have built-in templates that can be adapted for your own individual use.
In general, no matter if you craft your own resume or use a premade template, a new grad nursing resume will include 5 basic elements:
1. Your Personal Information
This section will include all of your personal information, such as your name, title, phone number, address, and email. Include a personal email address instead of a school-associated one. Eventually, your school email may be disabled and you will want HR to be able to contact you. Some people will also opt to include a small, work-appropriate headshot (no selfies!) as well.
A resume should highlight specific skills that you possess that can translate into your nursing career. For instance, skills such as working with a team, critical thinking, communication, and time management are all valuable for nurses.
3. Certifications
In this section, you should list any certifications you have already obtained, such as your CPR, ALS, or any other advanced certification you have earned. If you have passed your NCLEX, list your RN credentials as well.
4. Licenses
If you have not passed your NCLEX or have not taken it yet, you can write, “Eligible for NCLEX test for RN on X date,” so that the employer knows when you will be taking the NCLEX.
Employing hospitals are understanding of the fact that there can be a delay between graduation and getting a date for your NCLEX test, so it’s okay to apply before you have taken your NCLEX test.
Just be aware that if you are hired, there will be some limitations to your work until you officially become an RN.
5. Education
Under the education section of your resume, you will list any institutions for higher education that you attended.
It’s optional if you want to include your high school, but considering you’re graduating from a nursing program, it’s not necessary.
You can include details if you attended a college in the beginning of your education, then transferred. You’ll also include your GPA, any honors you received during your education, and your major and minor.
6. Relevant Experience
Because you most likely don’t have a lot of official nursing experience, this is the section to really highlight what kind of experience you do have that is relevant to the job.
Of course, you’ll want to include any experience you have—both paid and volunteer—in the medical field. Maybe you’ve volunteered at a nursing home, have piloted community events, or have been working as a CNA. Whatever it is, highlight it!
If you made it through nursing school without any official healthcare work or volunteer roles, that’s okay too. You can translate many skills from different jobs, such as communication, teamwork, and time management with customer service or retail roles.
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New Grad Nursing Resume Tips
It might feel challenging to create your first nursing resume, but here are some tips to help you along the way:
1. Don’t Be Afraid to Let Your Personality Shine
A new grad resume will be a pretty standard document and you should always keep it professional, but don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through your resume too.
You can add personal touches, such as design elements, including color, or a personal photo, as well as highlight the skills and experiences and even goals for your future career.
2. Have Friends and Family Review the Resume
It’s time to bring in the village! Gather a few people you trust who can review the resume for you and make sure it’s typo-free and shines a spotlight on your best qualities.
3. Be Sure to Read the Job Description
If you are applying for a specific position or nurse residency program , be sure to carefully read the entire job description and posting so you know what they are looking for.
If they have outlined specific skills or traits, include those in your resume. If they state that they are looking for someone who has graduated from a local school, highlight that on your resume. If they want someone who is willing to train in new areas, be sure to let them know that that’s you!
Not only does referencing the job posting in your resume show them that you have done your research and really are the right person for the job, but it can also help ensure your resume gets past any resume-scanning software that the facility may be using.
4. Ask for Help
If you need assistance in crafting your resume, there are resources that can help.
Firstly, you could consider asking your nursing school or professors for help. They should be able to point you to resources or help you directly.
Next, a friend may be a good resource—they could have a template you could build off, or offer advice for creating your own resume.
Lastly, there are professional resume services that you can hire for complete help with your resume. There are perfectly valid reasons why someone might need professional help for a resume, and there’s no shame in that.
5. Include Letters of Recommendation
Some places of employment may require references or letters of recommendation, but even if they do not, it’s a good idea to include references and letters of recommendation, if possible.
A good place to start is to ask your professors, clinical educators, or current managers.
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New Grad Nursing Resume Example
Education and certification.
Use this section to highlight your relevant passions, activities, and how they relate to nursing. It’s good to include Leadership and volunteer experiences here. Or show off important extras like publications, certifications, languages and more.
Bonus! New Grad Nursing Resume Templates You Can Use
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[gated-new-nurse-resume-template-3]
Cover Letters for New Grad Nurses
You’ve got your resume looking great, now it’s time for the dreaded new grad nurse cover letter . Never fear! We have the tips to help you shine on your cover letter.
Do You Need a Cover Letter When Applying to Jobs as a New Grad Nurse?
In most situations, you do need a cover letter when applying for nursing positions.
What Should You Include in a Cover Letter as a New Grad Nurse?
A new nurse grad’s cover letter should include your personal and contact information, like your name, address, phone number, and email, and a personal statement to the employer that you are applying for a job at.
This is your opportunity to speak personally to the employer, highlight why you want to work for them, and how your skills, experience, and passions match with the job assignment.
How is a New Grad Nurse Cover Letter Unique From Other Cover Letters?
A new grad nurse’s cover letter should focus on your strengths and how those strengths can be an asset to the organization, as well as your future career goals and how taking this position will help you fulfill those goals.
For instance, if you hope to gain experience in working in an ICU position, speak directly to that goal.
New Grad Nurse Cover Letter Example
Your name Address Phone number, email
To Whom It May Concern:
I am interested in applying for a position at This Medical Center. I am a recent graduate of Your School, where I obtained my Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. I will be eligible to sit for my NCLEX on THIS DATE and I am eager to utilize my knowledge and grow in experience by becoming a team member with This Medical Center.
During the course of my education, I INSERT PERSONAL DETAILS OR STORY ABOUT WHY YOU WANT THIS JOB OR YOUR OWN SKILLS. I am confident that my clinical experience in combination with my motivation, determination and strong critical thinking skills will enable me to excel in any clinical setting.
As a long-time member of this community and someone who has had family members who have been patients at This Medical Center, it is extremely important to me to embody the goal of this organization by serving the community with caring, compassion and competence.
It is my sincere hope that I may become a vital member of the healthcare team at this organization. I aspire to grow on a professional level working with other team members, as well as personally, learning from each and every patient I will care for. I am confident that This Medical Center is an excellent choice for meeting these goals.
Thank you in advance for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely, Your name, G.N. (graduate nurse)
How long should a new grad nurse's resume be?
- Ideally, a new grad’s resume should be no longer than one page.
Do you need to include a summary in your nursing resume?
- You do not need to include a summary in your nursing resume, but a few short sentences can highlight your experience up to now, as well as your goals in the job you are applying for. Here’s more on how to write an effective summary.
How can nurses improve new grad resumes?
- As a new grad, you can improve your resume by ensuring it aligns with the job position you’re applying for (for instance, include that any skills you have match what they’re looking for!), having trusted people review it for you, and if needed, hire professional help.
How do you write a nursing resume with no experience?
- If you have no official nursing experience, highlight relevant skills, education, and experiences that could directly translate into a role as a nurse. For instance, many jobs and volunteer roles have relevant skills such as communicating, working as part of a team, and time management.
Should I put GPA on a nursing resume?
- If you are a new grad, it can be helpful to put your GPA on a nursing resume, especially if you have not yet taken your NCLEX. Once you have earned your RN, however, a GPA is not necessary. You can include any academic honors, such as summa cum laude.
Chaunie Brusie , BSN, RN is a nurse-turned-writer with experience in critical care, long-term care, and labor and delivery. Her work has appeared everywhere from Glamor to The New York Times to The Washington Post. Chaunie lives with her husband and five kids in the middle of a hay field in Michigan and you can find more of her work here .
Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Saginaw Valley State University
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New Grad Nurse Resume Examples: Proven To Get You Hired In 2024
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New Grad Nurse Resume Template
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As a new grad nurse, you're entering an ever-evolving healthcare field with unique challenges. Your resume should not only showcase your nursing skills but also emphasize your adaptability and eagerness to learn. Employers are looking for candidates who can adapt to changes in the industry and effectively communicate with patients and colleagues alike. Healthcare organizations are increasingly focusing on patient satisfaction and outcomes, so highlighting your clinical experience and ability to work in various settings will position you as a strong candidate for such roles. When writing your resume, it’s vital to be specific about your nursing education, clinical rotations, and any relevant certifications.
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Recruiter Insight: Why this resume works in 2022
Tips to help you write your new grad nurse resume in 2024, highlight clinical rotations and experiences.
Detail the clinical rotations you completed during your nursing program, describing the type of units you worked on and the skills you gained. Showcase any experiences in diverse or high-acuity settings to demonstrate your adaptability and competence.
Emphasize soft skills and teamwork
Since new grad nurses often work in interdisciplinary teams, emphasize your soft skills, such as communication, empathy, and collaboration. Use specific examples from clinical rotations or team projects to showcase your ability to work effectively with others.
As a new graduate nurse, you're entering a highly competitive job market where employers are seeking the best candidates to fill their open positions. In recent years, the nursing industry has seen an increasing demand for skilled nurses, but also a higher number of job applicants. To stand out, it's crucial that your resume effectively showcases your education, clinical experience, and key strengths. Crafting a tailored resume will not only help you land interviews, but also demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to a career in nursing. Resumes are particularly important in the nursing field, as hiring managers need to assess your clinical competencies, ability to work under pressure, and adaptability. Both tactical and strategic recommendations can help you create a resume that highlights your skills and makes you an attractive candidate for potential employers.
As a new grad nurse, you might lack extensive work experience, so it's important to emphasize your clinical rotations and any hands-on experiences you've had during your education. Include the facility's name, department, and a brief description of the patient population and any specialized skills you practiced.
Focus on soft skills and certifications
While technical skills are essential, nursing is also about communication, empathy, and teamwork. Highlight your soft skills, such as active listening, problem-solving, and time management, throughout your resume. Additionally, mention any relevant certifications (e.g., BLS, ACLS) that showcase your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
As a new graduate nurse, you’ll face a steep learning curve, so be prepared to learn and adapt on the go. Without much professional work history on your resume, you should highlight any nursing experience you’ve gained during your studies, including student nursing placements, clinical practicums, and any experience as a technician or extern.
Includes student nursing and practicum experience
As a new grad, hiring managers aren’t expecting you to have extensive work experience. Any experience you’ve gained as a nursing student or early in your career can go on your resume in place of paid work experience. Simply list your practicums and student nursing experience the same way you would any job, using action verbs to highlight your accomplishments.
Lists specific skills relevant to nursing
Even graduate nurses need a firm grounding in essential skills. When it comes to your skills section, be explicit about the skills you’re proficient in, but don’t feel the need to list every skill you’ve ever learned — choose the top ten or so skills that fit the specific job you’re applying for and list those.
Nursing Graduate Resume Sample
Junior registered nurse resume sample, entry-level rn resume sample, registered nurse resume sample, entry level registered nurse resume sample.
As a hiring manager who has recruited nurses at top healthcare organizations like Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Cleveland Clinic, I've reviewed hundreds of resumes from new grad nurses. In this article, I'll share insider tips on what makes a strong new grad nurse resume stand out. These tips come from my firsthand experience and conversations with other hiring managers in the field.
Highlight your clinical experience
As a new grad nurse, your clinical experience is one of the most important things to showcase on your resume. This includes any clinical rotations, internships, or externships you completed during your nursing program.
When describing your clinical experience, be specific about:
- The units you worked in (e.g. ICU, ER, pediatrics)
- The number of patients you cared for per shift
- Any specific skills or procedures you performed (e.g. wound care, medication administration)
- Any notable accomplishments or positive feedback you received
By providing concrete details and metrics, you give hiring managers a clear picture of your hands-on experience and capabilities as a new nurse.
Emphasize your licensure and certifications
In addition to your nursing degree, be sure to prominently feature your RN license and any relevant certifications on your resume. This shows employers that you have met the necessary requirements to practice as a registered nurse.
Some examples of certifications to include:
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC)
If you have any specialty certifications, such as in critical care or emergency nursing, definitely highlight those as well. They demonstrate your expertise and commitment to professional development.
Showcase your leadership and teamwork skills
As a nurse, strong leadership and teamwork abilities are essential. Employers want to see evidence of these soft skills on your resume.
Think about experiences where you:
- Collaborated with a multidisciplinary care team
- Took on a leadership role in a group project
- Mentored or precepted fellow nursing students
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives
Even if you don't have formal leadership titles, you can still showcase your leadership potential through your actions and accomplishments. Avoid simply listing soft skills without context, like this:
- Strong leadership skills
- Excellent communicator
- Team player
Instead, provide specific examples that illustrate those qualities in action.
Include relevant volunteer and extracurricular experience
As a new grad, you may not have extensive paid work experience in nursing yet. However, any relevant volunteer work or extracurricular activities can still strengthen your resume.
Some examples to consider:
- Volunteering at a local clinic or health fair
- Participating in a medical mission trip
- Serving as a board member for a student nursing organization
- Organizing community health education events
These experiences showcase your passion for healthcare and your ability to make a positive impact outside of a formal work setting. They can also help you develop valuable skills that transfer to your nursing career.
Tailor your resume to the specific job
One mistake I often see new grad nurses make is using the same generic resume for every job application. To really catch a hiring manager's attention, you need to customize your resume to the specific role and employer.
Before applying, carefully review the job description and research the organization. Then, look for ways to tailor your resume content accordingly:
- Mirror the language and keywords from the job posting
- Emphasize any skills or experience that directly match the job requirements
- Mention any connections or interest in the employer's mission and values
For example, if applying to a pediatric nursing position, you might include a tailored resume summary like: "Compassionate and dedicated new grad nurse with a strong foundation in pediatric care. Experienced in caring for children of all ages through clinical rotations at X Children's Hospital and volunteer work with Y Youth Organization. Committed to providing family-centered nursing care that promotes optimal child health and development."
By taking the time to customize your resume, you show employers that you are truly interested in and qualified for that particular opportunity.
Highlight your nursing education and academic achievements
Your nursing education is the foundation of your qualifications as a new grad nurse. Make sure to feature your nursing degree prominently on your resume, including:
- The full name of your degree (e.g. Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
- The name and location of your nursing school
- Your graduation date (or expected graduation date)
- Any honors or distinctions (e.g. magna cum laude, Dean's List)
In addition to your degree, you can also showcase other academic achievements, such as:
- Relevant coursework or specialized tracks
- Research projects or publications
- Scholarships or awards
- Study abroad or international nursing experiences
These details paint a fuller picture of your nursing education and demonstrate your academic excellence. Just be sure to keep the focus on achievements that are directly relevant to your nursing career.
Writing Your New Grad Nurse Resume: Section By Section
summary.
A resume summary for a new grad nurse is optional, but it can be a great way to provide context and highlight your most relevant skills and experiences. While an objective statement is outdated and should be avoided, a well-crafted summary can help you stand out from other candidates and showcase your unique value proposition.
When writing your summary, focus on the key qualifications and traits that make you an ideal fit for the nursing role you're targeting. Avoid repeating information that's already covered in other sections of your resume, and keep it concise – aim for no more than 3-4 sentences or bullet points.
To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your New Grad Nurse resume, or figure out if you need one, please read New Grad Nurse Resume Summary Examples , or New Grad Nurse Resume Objective Examples .
1. Tailor your summary to the nursing job
When crafting your new grad nurse resume summary, it's crucial to align it with the specific requirements and preferences of the healthcare facility you're applying to. Research the organization's mission, values, and the type of patients they serve, and incorporate relevant keywords and phrases into your summary.
For example, if you're applying to a pediatric nursing position, you might write:
Compassionate and detail-oriented new grad nurse with a passion for providing high-quality care to pediatric patients. Experienced in assessing vital signs, administering medications, and collaborating with healthcare teams to develop personalized treatment plans. Committed to creating a positive and nurturing environment for children and their families.
In contrast, a generic summary that fails to target the specific nursing role might read:
Hardworking and dedicated new grad nurse seeking an entry-level position in a healthcare facility. Skilled in patient care, communication, and teamwork. Eager to apply my knowledge and learn from experienced nurses.
2. Highlight your clinical experience and skills
As a new grad nurse, your clinical rotations and any relevant work experience are valuable assets to showcase in your summary. Emphasize the specific skills and knowledge you've gained that are most applicable to the nursing position you're seeking.
Strong examples might look like:
- Completed clinical rotations in med-surg, pediatrics, and emergency care, honing skills in patient assessment, wound care, and medication administration
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement patient care plans, ensuring optimal outcomes and patient satisfaction
On the other hand, weak examples that lack specificity and relevance might include:
- Gained experience in various healthcare settings through clinical rotations
- Worked well with others to provide patient care
Experience
As a new grad nurse, your work experience section may feel light. But with the right approach, you can still showcase your skills and potential. Use these tips to write a compelling work experience section that will catch the eye of hiring managers.
1. Highlight your clinical rotations
Your clinical rotations are a goldmine of relevant experience. Treat each rotation as a separate 'job' entry.
Instead of just listing your responsibilities, highlight your achievements and the skills you developed:
- Completed 12-week rotation in pediatric ICU, caring for up to 5 patients per shift
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to develop and implement patient care plans
- Educated patients and families on post-operative care, improving patient satisfaction scores by 10%
Quantify your experience where possible. Metrics help hiring managers understand the scope of your responsibilities and achievements.
2. Showcase your non-clinical experience
Don't neglect your non-clinical experience. Jobs like server, tutor, or volunteer can be relevant if you frame them right.
Avoid a laundry list of duties like:
- Took customer orders
- Delivered food to tables
- Handled cash transactions
Instead, emphasize the transferable skills you gained:
- Provided excellent customer service in fast-paced restaurant, memorizing menu items and making personalized recommendations
- Resolved customer complaints tactfully, de-escalating tense situations
- Trained 5 new servers on POS system and service standards
Think about skills like communication, teamwork, and attention to detail which are valuable in nursing too.
3. Use strong nursing action verbs
Start each bullet point with a strong action verb that showcases your nursing skills. Avoid bland, overused verbs like 'assisted' or 'helped'.
Some powerful nursing verbs include:
- Collaborated
Monitored vital signs of post-operative patients, alerting physician to signs of complications.
These verbs paint a picture of you actively contributing to patient care.
Education
The education section is a critical component of your new grad nurse resume. It's where you showcase your academic achievements and nursing-specific training. Here are some key tips to make your education section stand out to potential employers.
1. Put your education section at the top
As a new grad nurse, your education is likely your strongest selling point. Place your education section at the top of your resume, just below your contact information and resume summary (if you have one).
Here's an example of what your education section might look like:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Graduation: May 2023 GPA: 3.8
2. Include relevant coursework and clinical rotations
As a new grad, you may not have a lot of professional nursing experience yet. That's okay! You can bolster your education section by including relevant coursework and clinical rotations.
Bad example:
- Completed coursework in various subjects
Instead, be specific and highlight courses and rotations that are directly applicable to the nursing role you're seeking:
- Relevant Coursework: Advanced Health Assessment, Pharmacology, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing
- Clinical Rotations: Completed 800+ clinical hours in diverse settings, including acute care, long-term care, and community health
3. List your nursing license and certifications
If you've already obtained your nursing license, be sure to list it in your education section. You can also include any relevant certifications you've earned.
Registered Nurse (RN), California Board of Registered Nursing License Number: 123456 Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, American Heart Association Expiration: May 2024
If you haven't taken your NCLEX yet, you can list your anticipated license:
Registered Nurse (RN), California Board of Registered Nursing NCLEX-RN scheduled for June 2023
4. Keep it concise if you're an experienced nurse
If you're a more seasoned nurse, your education section can be brief. Employers will be more interested in your professional experience at this stage in your career.
Poor example for a senior nurse:
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Specialization in Nurse Leadership Georgetown University Graduation: May 2012 GPA: 3.9 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) University of Virginia Graduation: May 2008 GPA: 3.7 Relevant Coursework: ...
Instead, keep it concise:
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Georgetown University Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), University of Virginia
Skills
When writing your skills section as a new grad nurse, focus on the hard skills and technical proficiencies that make you qualified for the role. Hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) will scan this section to ensure you meet the basic requirements. Keep it concise and highlight your most relevant and impressive skills.
1. List your nursing credentials and certifications
As a new grad nurse, your skills section should prominently feature your nursing degree, licensure, and any specialty certifications you've earned. These are the core qualifications that demonstrate you meet the legal requirements to practice as a nurse.
Here's an example of how to list your credentials:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Registered Nurse (RN), Florida, License #12345 Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification
2. Highlight your clinical skills and specialties
Recruiters want to see the specific clinical skills you've developed through your nursing education and any internships or practicums. Focus on skills that match the job description and showcase your areas of expertise.
Avoid simply listing 'Clinical Skills' with no details, like this:
Clinical Skills
Instead, provide specific examples of your clinical proficiencies:
Patient assessment and triage Medication administration Wound care and dressing changes Inserting and monitoring IVs Telemetry and vital signs monitoring Assisting with diagnostic procedures
3. Include any healthcare technologies you're proficient in
Modern healthcare relies heavily on technology, from electronic health records (EHR) systems to patient monitoring devices. Showcase your comfort with these tools to stand out to employers.
Organize your technical skills into categories to make them easy to scan:
Electronic Health Records: Epic, Cerner, Meditech Medical Devices: Infusion pumps, Ventilators, Defibrillators Diagnostic Tools: 12-lead EKG, Bladder scanner, Doppler ultrasound
If you have experience with older or less common technologies, consider leaving those out. Focus on current, widely-used tools that demonstrate you're prepared to hit the ground running in a new role.
4. Optimize your skills section for Applicant Tracking Systems
Many healthcare employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to automatically screen resumes for relevant skills and keywords. To pass these filters, make sure your skills section includes terms from the job description.
For example, if a job posting mentions 'patient education,' don't just list 'patient care' as a skill. Match the language from the job ad as closely as possible, like this:
Patient and family education Discharge planning and instructions
However, avoid keyword stuffing or listing skills you don't actually have. Hiring managers can tell when a candidate is just trying to game the system.
Skills For New Grad Nurse Resumes
Here are examples of popular skills from New Grad Nurse job descriptions that you can include on your resume.
- Nursing Management
- Customer Service
- Patient Education
- Healthcare Information Technology (HIT)
- Clinical Research
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Healthcare Management
- Emergency Nursing
Skills Word Cloud For New Grad Nurse Resumes
This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on New Grad Nurse 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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