Congratulations! You are a graduate now and are ready to turn your expertise into a relieving experience for the people around you.
As a new grad nurse, it is understandable that crafting a compelling resume can be a daunting task.
Especially when a well-crafted new grad nurse resume can be the difference between landing and losing the opportunity for your desired career break.
Going ahead, we will cover everything you need to know and provide you with ample amounts of new grad nurse resume examples and tips to help you create a standout new grad nurse resume.
- Basics of a new grad nurse resume
- Points to keep in mind while crafting a new grad nurse resume
- Commonly used action verbs in new grad nurse resume
- Common mistakes to avoid in your new grad nurse resume
New Grad Nurse Resume Template - Format & Components
The most popular resume format for a US resume is the chronological format (reverse-chronological format), meaning you should start with your latest/recent experiences first followed by past experiences.
Now, check out the most common and popular resume sections of a new grad nurse resume as per current industry standards, along with new grad nurse resume examples:
Contact Information
Your contact information should be the first thing that appears on your resume. It should include your full name, phone number, email address, city & state, along with your LinkedIn profile URL. Make sure your email address is professional and easy to read.
Objective Statement
Your objective statement is a brief statement of your career goals and the value you can bring to a potential employer. Make sure your objective statement is tailored to each job you apply for and highlights your specific skills and experiences that match the requirements of the job.
Education
The most important section of a new graduate nurse's resume. Your nursing education resume section should include the name of your nursing program, the degree you earned, and the date you graduated. If you received any academic achievements, such as a high GPA or honors, make sure to include them.
Clinical Experience
This section should showcase your clinical experience, including the name of the facility, your role, and the dates you worked there. Be sure to highlight any specific skills or experiences you gained during your clinical rotations.
Certifications and Licenses
Include any relevant certifications or licenses, such as your RN license or BLS/CPR certification on your resume. These certifications and licenses are essential for success as a nurse, so make sure to include them in your resume. Here is the format for the same:
Volunteer Experience and Campus Involvement
Include any relevant volunteer experiences or/and campus involvement. Volunteer experience will help demonstrate your keen interest in exploring and experimenting with your work, and taking part in additional activities relating to academics will showcase your enthusiasm to keep trying new things.
Also read: How to effectively communicate your professional experience in your nursing student resume?
Tips on Crafting Your New Grad Nurse Resume
Now that you are aware of the new grad nurse resume format and its components, let us move on to some tips that will guide you in making an impeccable resume:
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Tailor Your Resume to Each Job: Take the time to carefully read the job description for each position you apply for. Underline the key requirements of the job and accordingly tailor your resume by highlighting the relevant skills and experiences.
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Highlight Your Clinical Experience: The new grad nursing resume clinical experience is one of your most valuable assets. Make sure to include the name of the facility, your role, and the types of patients you worked with. Highlight any specific skills or experiences you gained during your clinical rotations.
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Showcase Your Soft Skills: Soft skills are also important to highlight in a resume, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Use examples from your clinical experience to demonstrate your soft skills and how you have applied them in a real-world setting.
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Use Keywords: 66.6% of companies use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to screen resumes. Using keywords from the job description can increase your chances of passing the ATS screening and will also help your new grad nurse resume get noticed by hiring managers.
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Use Bullet Points: Bullet points, unlike paragraphs, can help organize your resume and make it easier to read. Use bullet points to highlight your clinical experience and achievements, and make sure to begin them with action verbs to create more impact.
Also read: How to make a compelling nursing student cover letter?
Common Action Verbs for a New Grad Nurse Resume
| Assist | Collaborate |
| Communicate | Coordinate |
| Ensure | Facilitate |
| Monitor | Manage |
| Provide | Support |
| Strengthen | Uphold |
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your New Grad Nurse Resume
When creating your new grad nurse resume, there are several common mistakes that you should avoid. These mistakes include:
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Using Generic Phrases: Avoid using generic phrases, such as "excellent communication skills" or "team player." Instead, use specific examples from your clinical experience to demonstrate your skills and how you have applied them in a real-world setting.
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Spelling and Grammar Errors: Spelling and grammar errors can make you appear unprofessional. Make sure to carefully proofread your resume for errors, and have someone else review it as well to catch any mistakes you may have missed.
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Including Irrelevant Information: Make sure to only include information that is relevant to the job you are applying for. Including irrelevant information can make your resume appear cluttered and unfocused.
Also read: Top nursing interview questions from the previous year with answers
FAQs
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What should I include in my new grad nurse resume?
Your new grad nurse resume should include your education, any relevant clinical experience or internships, any certifications or licenses, and any relevant skills. It is also important to include any volunteer work or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your commitment to the nursing profession. -
How should I format my new grad nurse resume?
Your new grad nurse resume should ideally follow a chronological format. Use bullet points to highlight your skills and experiences, and consider using a professional template to ensure your resume looks polished and professional. -
What should I do if I don't have a lot of nursing experience?
It is ok if you don't have a lot of nursing experience. Focus on highlighting your education and any relevant clinical experience or internships. You can also include any volunteer work or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your commitment to the nursing profession. -
How can I make my new grad nurse resume stand out?
To make your new grad nurse resume stand out, focus on highlighting your unique skills and experiences. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise and consider including a summary or objective statement that highlights your career goals and qualifications. It is also important to proofread your resume carefully to ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors.
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