Cover Letter and Resume Writing

Here is a generic resume format for a nursing student or a nurse.  

Sections to include:

1. Name + contact information (include your address, email, and phone number)
2. Education, licenses, and certifications
   • Your most recent education comes first.
   • Mention any licenses and certifications with expiration dates.
   • You can also mention academic accomplishments in this section: research, presentations, and/or projects.
3. Clinical Rotations
   • List all clinical experience you have had as a nursing student.
   • Include dates and hours worked.
   • Include duties performed – use action words to show what you accomplished in your position.
   • You do not need to list all duties in the position – focus on those important to the position you are applying for.
   • Create short snapshots of your experience: For example, Assisted nurses in weighing, measuring and monitoring pediatric patients.  Demonstrated attention to detail while assessing and triaging patients. 
4. Professional Experience

• Your most recent experience should be listed first.
• This section includes clinical and nursing work done outside your clinical rotations.
• This can also include relevant work experience outside of healthcare (including unpaid and volunteer work) – highlight skills that are relevant to the position you are applying for.

5. Skills and Activities
   • Include languages that you are proficient in – including your level of reading, speaking, and writing.
   • Include technical skills in computer applications and other technology.
   • You may choose to highlight clubs or teams you have been part of.
6. References
   • You can state that references are available upon request.
   • You should have at least three references that you have contacted and are willing to be contacted on your behalf. You must ask someone if they will be a reference for you - do not assume they will be.
   • Be sure to have the most up-to-date contact information for your references.
   • Always alert your references before they are contacted. Let them know who will be contacting them and what the position is.