What are the most important keywords for a nursing resume?

The most critical keywords include specific certifications (BLS, ACLS), software systems (Epic, Cerner EHR), and core clinical duties like Patient Assessment, Triage, and Medication Administration.

How should I list clinical skills on my RN resume?

Clinical skills should be separated into 'Certifications/Licenses' and 'Clinical Competencies' for better ATS readability. Ensure that you also weave these skills into your professional experience bullet points.

Top ATS Resume Keywords for Registered Nurses

Optimizing your nursing resume with the right clinical skills and action verbs is the only way to beat healthcare ATS scanners and get in front of the hiring manager.

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🩺 Clinical Skills

Patient Assessment EHR / EMR (Epic) BLS / ACLS Medication Administration Triage Vital Signs IV Therapy Infection Control Wound Care Telemetry Phlebotomy HIPAA Compliance

⚡ Action Verbs

Administered Advocated Assessed Charted Coordinated Educated Monitored Rehabilitated Tended Triaged

🧠 Core Competencies

Compassion Critical Thinking Time Management Crisis Intervention Interdisciplinary Collaboration Patient Advocacy Bedside Manner Clinical Judgment

Explore Nursing & Healthcare Resume Examples

Not sure where to start? Browse Best Healthcare Resume Examples and find the perfect inspiration for your next career move.

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Expert Tip: Context is King

Don't just list "Patient Care" in a skills bank. Show the clinical context:
"Administered medication and monitored vital signs for up to 6 acute care patients per shift, ensuring strict compliance with HIPAA and facility protocols."

Check your resume's keyword density with our ATS Score Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top nursing keywords?

Hospital recruiters scan heavily for certifications (BLS, ACLS), charting software (Epic, EMR), and specific clinical procedures (IV Therapy, Triage). Soft skills like patient advocacy are also vital.

How can I verify my ATS score?

You can use our ATS Resume Checker to see exactly which keywords are missing from your resume compared to a nursing job description.

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