Graduating from nursing school is a major milestone—but the real challenge begins when you start applying for jobs. As a new grad RN, you may worry that you don’t have enough experience to build an impressive resume. The good news? You do have relevant skills—and a well-structured, strategically written resume can showcase them effectively.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to craft a compelling new grad nurse resume, even if you’ve never held a formal nursing job.

Why Your New Graduate Nurse Resume Matters More Than Ever

Healthcare employers often receive hundreds of resumes for a single open position. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) filter out resumes that aren’t tailored to the job, while recruiters look for resumes that stand out in seconds.

If your new graduate nurse resume doesn’t convey your value clearly and quickly, it’s easy to get passed over. But with the right structure and emphasis, you can make a strong impression—even without years of experience.

What to Include in a New Grad RN Resume

  1. A Focused Professional Summary

Skip the generic “hard-working nurse looking for experience” introduction. Your summary should be a strong elevator pitch—two to three sentences highlighting your core competencies, clinical strengths, and nursing goals.

Example:
“Motivated new graduate RN with 800+ hours of clinical training in pediatrics and med-surg units. Known for compassionate care, clear communication, and ability to stay calm in fast-paced environments. Eager to contribute to a collaborative healthcare team.”

This shows clarity, confidence, and direction.

  1. Clinical Rotations and Hands-On Training

Your clinical rotations are your experience. Don’t just list them—describe what you did and what you learned.

Include:

  • Facility name and department
  • Duration (in hours)
  • Skills or responsibilities handled

Example:
Pediatrics – St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital (120 hours)
Observed and assisted in assessments, vitals, immunizations, and family education. Collaborated with RNs and physicians to ensure child-friendly care.

This approach gives hiring managers a snapshot of your training and skills.

  1. Licensure and Certifications

Even if you’ve just passed the NCLEX or are waiting for results, list your credentials.

Example:

  • Registered Nurse – California Board of Nursing | Expected July 2025
  • Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association – Valid until 2027

Include expiration dates and certifying organizations where applicable.

  1. Relevant Skills (Soft and Technical)

Nursing is both technical and emotional. Show that you can handle the responsibilities of a nurse and connect with patients.

Technical Skills:

  • Electronic Health Records (EHR) documentation
  • Vital signs monitoring
  • Catheter insertion
  • Wound care
  • Medication administration

Soft Skills:

  • Patient advocacy
  • Time management
  • Empathy
  • Communication
  • Adaptability

Tailor your skill set to match what’s required in the job listing. Look at nursing student resume examples to see how others present their skills.

  1. Volunteer Work, Leadership & Projects

Even if it’s not directly clinical, relevant experience still counts. Include:

  • Volunteering at health camps or blood donation drives
  • Mentoring in nursing school
  • Group research or quality improvement projects

These extras show initiative, leadership, and passion for healthcare—traits every employer values in new grads.

What Not to Include in a New Grad Nurse Resume

  • High school achievements (unless you’re applying straight after school)
  • Irrelevant jobs with no transferable skills
  • Overly personal statements like “I’ve always wanted to be a nurse since I was a child”

Keep it professional, relevant, and concise.

Tips for Making Your Resume Stand Out

  1. Use Clear, Consistent Formatting

Choose a simple, professional layout. Use headings like Summary, Education, Clinical Experience, Skills, and Certifications.

  1. Prioritize Readability Over Fancy Design

Don’t use tables, columns, or colors that confuse ATS software. Stick to standard fonts and black-and-white formatting. Many free templates may look stylish but fail to pass digital screenings.

  1. Tailor It to Each Job Posting

Read each job listing carefully and adjust your resume keywords accordingly. If a job emphasizes “family-centered care,” make sure to highlight that term in your experience or skills section.

Get Your Resume Done Right — Without the Guesswork

Struggling to write your new grad rn resume from scratch? You’re not alone. Many new nurses find resume writing overwhelming, especially when juggling exams, licensure prep, and job applications.

That’s where NurseResumeBuilder.app can help. This AI-powered resume builder is designed specifically for nurses—and it’s perfect for new graduates who don’t know where to start.

  • Choose from proven nurse-specific resume templates
  • Let AI generate tailored summaries and bullet points for clinical experience
  • Pass ATS filters and impress human recruiters alike

With NurseResumeBuilder.app, your resume will reflect your skills, even if you’re just starting out. You’ll have a professional resume in minutes—not hours.

Make Your First Impression Count

Even without formal job experience, you do have what it takes to create a strong new graduate nurse resume. Focus on your strengths—clinical training, soft skills, and genuine passion for patient care.

If you’re feeling stuck, get support from a resume builder made exclusively for nurses. Visit NurseResumeBuilder.app to create your resume, fine-tuned for your first job in nursing.