What to Highlight in an Registered Nurse Resume

A strong registered nurse (RN) resume should highlight your clinical experience, ability to provide compassionate care, and proficiency in fast-paced healthcare environments. Emphasize the patient populations and settings you’ve worked in—such as medical-surgical units, critical care, or outpatient clinics—and detail your skills in assessment, medication administration, and care coordination. Include your RN licensure, BLS/ACLS certifications, and familiarity with EMR systems like Epic or Cerner. Show your commitment to teamwork, patient education, and improving health outcomes through clear communication and evidence-based practice.

Registered Nurse resume example:

Emily Harrington, RN, BSN

Registered Nurse | Patient-Centered Acute & Chronic Care Provider
📍 Chicago, IL | 📞 (312) 555-2481 | 📧 emily.harrington@email.com
🌐 www.emilyharringtonrn.com | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emilyharringtonrn

Summary

Compassionate and experienced Registered Nurse with over 7 years of delivering high-quality care in medical-surgical and critical care settings. Skilled in patient assessment, medication administration, wound care, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Known for strong clinical judgment, attention to detail, and empathetic patient communication. Committed to promoting health outcomes and supporting families through every stage of care.

Work Experience

Registered Nurse – Medical-Surgical Unit
Northwestern Memorial Hospital — Chicago, IL
2019 – Present

• Manage care for 5–6 patients per shift, including post-operative, diabetic, and cardiac patients.
• Perform assessments, administer medications, manage IVs, and monitor vital signs.
• Educate patients and families on discharge instructions and chronic condition management.
• Serve as preceptor to new hires and nursing students.

Registered Nurse – ICU
Mercy Hospital — Chicago, IL
2016 – 2019

• Provided critical care to patients with acute respiratory failure, sepsis, and trauma.
• Operated ventilators, managed central lines, and titrated IV medications under physician direction.
• Collaborated with physicians and RTs during rapid responses and code blues.
• Maintained detailed charting using Epic EMR.

Nurse Intern
Rush University Medical Center — Chicago, IL
2015 – 2016

• Assisted in daily nursing duties under RN supervision, including vitals, bathing, and documentation.
• Gained hands-on experience in patient interaction, charting, and time management.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
University of Illinois at Chicago — Chicago, IL
Graduated: 2016

Skills

• Patient Assessment & Monitoring
• Medication Administration (Oral, IV, IM)
• Wound Care & Dressing Changes
• Critical Thinking & Rapid Response
• EMR Systems (Epic, Cerner)
• Patient & Family Education
• Infection Control & Safety Compliance
• Team Collaboration & Communication

Licensure & Certifications

• Registered Nurse – Illinois Board of Nursing
• BLS & ACLS Certified
• NIH Stroke Scale Certified
• Telemetry & EKG Monitoring

Languages

• English – Native
• Spanish – Fluent

---