How to Write a Registered Nurse Resume
A strong nursing resume highlights your clinical skills, certifications, and patient care achievements. Here's what healthcare recruiters look for:
1. AHPRA Registration & Certifications
Always include your registration details prominently:
- AHPRA Registration Number (essential for Australian nurses)
- Current certifications: BLS, ACLS, PALS
- Specialty certifications: Critical Care, Emergency, Midwifery
- Working with Children Check (if applicable)
2. Clinical Experience with Metrics
Show your impact with specific numbers:
- ❌ "Cared for patients on the ward"
- ✅ "Managed care for 8-10 acute patients per shift in 32-bed medical ward"
- ✅ "Reduced medication errors by 25% through implementation of double-check protocol"
- ✅ "Achieved 98% patient satisfaction scores over 12-month period"
3. Specialty Areas & Skills
Highlight your clinical specialisations:
- Emergency/ED, ICU, Theatre, Medical/Surgical
- Paediatrics, Aged Care, Mental Health
- Wound care, IV cannulation, Medication administration
- EMR systems (Cerner, Epic, iSoft)
4. Education & Professional Development
- Bachelor of Nursing / Diploma of Nursing
- Graduate Certificate or Master's programs
- CPD activities and ongoing education
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to include AHPRA registration details
- Not specifying patient ratios or ward sizes
- Omitting relevant certifications
- Being vague about clinical responsibilities