Entry-Level Nurse Resume Example (New Grad RN)
Designed for recent nursing graduates and BSN students. Learn how to structure your resume to bypass healthcare Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) by properly highlighting your clinical rotations, NCLEX status, and patient care skills.
Click the Image to Edit This Resume | New Grad Nurse Cover Letter
Copy & Paste: High-Impact Nursing Bullets
Nursing managers want to see exactly what you did during your clinicals. Copy these highly-optimized bullet points directly into the KudosWall builder.
[Clinical Rotations Section]
- Medical-Surgical Rotation (120 Hours): Administered medications, managed IV lines, and performed comprehensive head-to-toe assessments for up to 4 patients per shift under RN supervision.
- ICU / Critical Care (90 Hours): Assisted with ventilator management, monitored complex hemodynamic vitals, and actively participated in interdisciplinary rounding.
- Pediatrics & Labor/Delivery (80 Hours): Provided compassionate family-centered care, assisted in neonatal assessments, and delivered postpartum education to new mothers.
- Accurately documented patient vitals, intake/output, and detailed care plans using Epic EHR systems, ensuring 100% HIPAA compliance.
[Certifications & Skills]
- Licenses: Registered Nurse (RN) – State of [Your State] | NCLEX Passed: [Month, Year]
- Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) | Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) | CPR Certified
- Clinical Skills: Venipuncture, Phlebotomy, Wound Care, Foley Catheter Insertion, Infection Control
Key Features of a Winning New Grad RN Resume
- Treat Clinicals as Experience: If you have no paid nursing experience, your clinical rotations should be the centerpiece of your resume. List the hospital, department, and hours completed.
- Clear Licensing Status: Hospitals cannot hire you if they don't know your license status. Clearly state if you are an RN, if you have passed the NCLEX, or when your NCLEX is scheduled.
- ATS Formatting: Avoid fancy templates with pictures or columns. Healthcare Applicant Tracking Systems scan for exact words like "Epic", "Cerner", "ACLS", and "Med-Surg".
Frequently Asked Questions (Entry-Level Nurses)
How do I list clinical rotations on a new grad nurse resume?
Treat your clinical rotations like work experience. Include the hospital name, department (e.g., Med-Surg, ICU, Pediatrics), the total number of hours completed, and 2-3 bullet points describing the specific patient care skills you performed.
Should I put my NCLEX on my resume if I haven't passed yet?
Yes. If you have graduated but haven't taken the boards yet, list 'NCLEX-RN (Scheduled: [Month/Year])' in your Certifications or Education section. This tells nursing managers you are actively pursuing licensure.
What skills should a new grad RN put on their resume?
Highlight hard clinical skills (Venipuncture, IV Management, Vitals Monitoring), certifications (BLS, ACLS, CPR), and specific EHR/EMR software you used during rotations (like Epic or Cerner).
How do I write an entry-level nursing resume with no experience?
Focus heavily on your BSN/ADN education, capstone projects, and clinical rotations. Volunteer work in healthcare settings, healthcare certifications, and strong clinical instructor references can replace traditional work experience.
Don’t Forget Your Nursing Cover Letter
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