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34 Best Nursing Resume Objective Statement Examples

What is an objective statement, and do you need one? Some people might say that you don’t need one, or that it is outdated. Well, if you want to stand out from the pack and be able to tell the employer compelling information about you that it won’t find anywhere else, then use an objective statement.

Done correctly, this statement will highlight what you bring that the employer needs (directly from its job posting), and will give it a flavor for the soft skills it won’t be able to find elsewhere on your resume or in your application. A tailored objective statement also shows the employer that you are not just seeking any job, you want a job specifically with that particular employer and you are the right fit.

Below is a selection of objectives statements for nursing with a range of experience to guide you in writing a strong objective statement:

Experienced Nursing Objective Statements

  • Seeking a position as an ER Nurse at County General Hospital, bringing over five years of emergency medical experience, incredible stamina, empathetic compassion, and a deep understanding of emergency response gained through previous roles at State Hospital ER and internships.
  • Analytical and patient-focused team player seeking clinical nursing position, bringing experience in dermatological clinical nursing processes and protocol to provide evidence-based care for the best interests of the populations served, and to support the development of newly trained nurses through management and mentorship.
  • Compassionate Registered Nurse of the highest integrity applying for a position at Grove Care, looking to utilize three years’ experience in geriatric health, elder care, and hospice to bring comfort and dignity to seniors.
  • To serve as a mentor and a manager in the position of Head Nurse at West General, experienced in providing quality health care in hospital settings, leading nursing teams, and working across different hospital departments including emergency and oncology.
  • Highly qualified and experienced Registered Nurse seeking a part-time faculty position at University Medical School, bringing outstanding communication skills, practical knowledge and insights, and an enthusiasm for educating the next generation of nurses.
  • Dedicated Registered Nurse with a certification in adolescent mental health looking to secure a role in a private healthcare facility, bringing over four years’ experience in supporting clinical psychiatric teams and caring for the mental and physical health of patients.
  • Experienced pediatric nursing professional seeking a position as a pediatric oncology nurse to apply current knowledge of pediatric care, experience communicating empathetically with patients’ families, and dedication to the highest standards of professionalism.
  • To obtain a Registered Nurse role and provide quality healthcare to patients, drawing on excellent communication skills, solid stamina, management acumen gained through previous supervisory experience, clinical training and practical experience.
  • To obtain a position as a Registered Nurse at Main Street GP, seeking to combine two years’ experience in general medicine with excellent communication skills in a friendly, patient-oriented manner.
  • Compassionate nurse dedicated to quality healthcare for all, seeking a position in a free clinic, experienced in delivering quality care in under-resourced and high-stress medical settings.
  • Looking to obtain the position of Registered Nurse with ABC Hospital, coming with utmost dedication to patient integrity and care, aiming to apply practical knowledge gained through 10 years’ experience of nursing in hospital settings across multiple departments including oncology, pediatrics, and obstetrics.
  • Patient-centered Registered Nurse committed to providing high-quality health care, seeking new role at XYZ Hospital, looking to apply over seven years of clinical experience to lead a nursing team in a hospital setting.
  • Caring and enthusiastic Registered Nurse with over six years of experience seeking opportunity to join a general practice, bringing extensive knowledge of family healthcare from both clinical training and ongoing professional development.
  • Highly educated and experienced Registered Nurse seeking the opportunity to join Medical Cover as a Nurse Consultant, aiming to apply clinical and practical understanding of health care to support a national leading insurance company.
  • To obtain the position of Practice Nurse at Women’s Medical Practice, seeking to utilize three years’ experience in OB/GYN practices, extensive understanding of female health, and outstanding interpersonal skills.
  • Caring and committed Registered Nurse with 25 years’ experience working with pediatric cancer patients and their families, coming with excellent references and a demonstrated track record of professional performance and mentoring to entry-level colleagues.

Entry-Level Nursing Objective Statements

  • Technologically savvy and physically fit Registered Nurse, applying for the Registered Clinical Nurse position at Johnston Inc. to provide compassionate care to adults who experience disabilities in group homes, coming with a sincere desire to work with people with disabilities and desire to bring joy into their lives each and every day.
  • Devoted and patient-focused recently licensed Registered Nurse, looking for emergency room position, leveraging ability to multitask, ability to learn quickly, endless energy, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
  • Recent nursing graduate enthusiastic to gain experience while contributing to an established medical practice, bringing demonstrated expertise in clinical protocols and healthcare obtained during internships and academic training.
  • Energetic and professional pediatric nurse seeking to join Medical Associates, committed and passionate about providing high-quality healthcare to all patients and communicating children’s health needs to their families.
  • Proactive newly qualified nurse looking to obtain a position in a general medical practice, coming with an excellent academic record and an eagerness to learn new skills.
  • Seeking to join the team at Recover Healthcare as a Registered Nurse to make a difference in people’s lives, bringing dedication, stamina, and attention-to-detail to the delivery of the highest standard of patient care.
  • Enthusiastic and empathetic nursing graduate looking for position with John Smith Hospital to become part of a patient-centered collaborative work environment, bringing a commitment to patient safety and life-long learning.
  • Recent nursing graduate with experience in high-stress setting gained through an internship in Central Hospital ER, seeking to join a challenging and fast-paced emergency response team.
  • Recently licensed Registered Nurse applying for position in Labor & Delivery at XYZ Hospital, bringing ability to think and react quickly, endless stamina, sunny disposition, and excitement for a career in nursing.
  • Self-motivated and committed nursing graduate applying for a Registered Nurse position at ABC Medical Center, coming with deep comfort of computers and web-based applications, demonstrated responsibility and excellent work ethic.
  • Hardworking and dedicated nursing graduate looking to join Tri-State Medical Center as an Acute Care Nurse to demonstrate commitment to compassionate care for patient population.
  • To obtain a position as a School Nurse in the ABC Public School System, bringing passion for collaborating with other school and health care staff to maintain a healthy environment and promote the wellness of students.
  • Empathetic and effective communicator looking for a registered nursing position to deliver home health care services to provide exceptional care, allowing individuals to remain at home and live as independently as possible. Seeking an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
  • To obtain a Staff Nurse position at Taylor College, bringing dedication to customer service, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and advanced computer skills to the provision of high-quality healthcare services to the student population.
  • Detail-oriented and organized Registered Nurse with effective verbal communication skills and the ability to respond quickly and appropriately in crisis, seeking nursing position to provide treatment to adults with problems involving substance use and mental health needs.
  • High-energy and devoted Registered Nurse seeking position as an Occupational Health & Wellness Registered Nurse at Access Services Corporation, bringing superior verbal and written communication skills, compassion and integrity to caring for patients with work-related injuries and illnesses.

Career Change Nursing Objective Statements

  • Dedicated mental health professional with over three years’ experience in a psychiatric health-care facility and recently licensed as a Registered Nurse, seeking to transition career into nursing and provide health assessments for patients who may benefit from inpatient psychiatric care.
  • Enthusiastic and recently licensed Registered Nurse seeking to leverage two years of experience in an OB/GYN’s office to a career in nursing focusing on women’s health, bringing superior computer skills, deep understanding of a doctor’s OB/GYN practice in a private setting, and unbeatable stamina.

When you draft your objective statement, have the job listing in front of you. Pull the key skills from the job listing that you have, and work them into your objective statement. Emphasize that you can give the employer what it needs, both from a technical and from a personality perspective. Use the space to paint a picture of who you are to humanize yourself to the reader. Use the above objective statements as a guide for length. Be succinct but hit your key points. Finally, make sure there are no errors in your objective statement. Good luck!

objective-statement-tips

100+ Nursing Resume Objective Examples + How To Write

resume personal statement examples nursing

Whether you are a new nurse graduate or a nurse with years of experience, applying for a new nursing job can feel a little overwhelming. One of the most important things you can do is prepare a great resume. If you plan to create a resume, you may have wondered, “What are some great nursing resume objective examples?” Nursing resume objectives are important parts of resumes. In this article, I will share 100+ great nursing resume objective examples + how to write them.

What Exactly Is A Nursing Resume Objective?

When should you include an objective on your nursing resume, 5 reasons why a great nursing resume objective makes a difference.

1. A great nursing resume objective gives nurses the opportunity to make a good first impression. 2. A well-written objective on a nursing resume helps demonstrate your written communication skills, which are vital for nursing success. 3. A nursing resume objective can show prospective employers how you have cultivated your career. 4. Resume objectives are an excellent way to briefly showcase your experience. 5. Great Nursing resume objectives offer excellent opportunities to show confidence in your knowledge and skills.

How To Write A Great Nursing Resume Objective?

1. keep it simple:, 2. tell how many years of experience you have:, 3. state the position you want:, 4. mention the facility:, 5. describing yourself:, 6. action verbs are important:, 7. mention hard skills:, 8. mention the type of patients you hope to work with:, 9. mention personal goals which clarify your love for nursing and the role for which you are applying:, 10. mention your degrees/title:, nursing resume objective examples by level of experience, entry-level nursing examples, intermediate-level nursing examples, senior-level nursing examples, nursing resume objective examples by job title, crna examples, clinical nurse specialist examples, er nurse examples, nicu nurse examples, nurse practitioner examples, or nurse examples, pacu nurse examples, aesthetic nurse examples, charge nurse examples, director of nursing examples, flight nurse examples, float nurse examples, home health nurse examples, hospice nurse examples, icu nurse examples, interventional radiology nurse examples, labor and delivery nurse examples, med surg nurse examples, nurse case manager examples, nurse educator examples, nurse manager examples, nurse midwife examples, nursing informatics examples, nursing leadership examples, nursing supervisor examples, oncology nurse examples, pediatric nurse examples, plastic surgery nurse examples, psychiatric nurse examples, school nurse examples, staff nurse examples, stepdown nurse examples, telemetry nurse examples, travel nurse examples, utilization review nurse examples, nursing resume objective examples by situation, nursing internship, career change to nursing, nurse moving to a new geographic area, nurse seeking an advancement, nurse restarting career after a break, 10 bad examples of nursing resume objectives, 1. bad example:, what makes it bad:, 2. bad example:, 3. bad example:, 4. bad example:, 5. bad example:, 6. bad example:, 7. bad example:, 8. bad example:, 9. bad example:, 10. bad example:, my final thoughts, frequently asked questions answered by our expert, 1. what is the difference between nursing resume objective and resume summary, 2. for a nursing job, what is more important, a resume objective or a resume summary, 3. where do i put an objective on my nursing resume, 4. how long should my objective for nursing resume be, 5. do i need a different resume objective for each nursing job i apply to, 6. how often should i update my objective for nursing resume, 7. how much time does it take to write a great objective for nursing resume, 8. how do i submit my nursing resume objective, 9. is it okay if i don’t write an objective for nursing resume.

resume personal statement examples nursing

resume personal statement examples nursing

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28 Nursing Resume Examples That Worked in 2024

Stephen Greet

  • Nursing Resumes
  • Nursing Student Resumes
  • Nursing Resumes by Credentials
  • Nursing Resumes by Role

Writing Your Nursing Resume

Although the demand for nurses is growing, getting a job in the nursing industry isn’t easy, especially if you’re making a start or submitting a letter of resignation at your current position. 

How are you supposed to know how to  write a stunning resume  so employers will immediately want to hire you and create a cover letter detailing your accomplishments? 

Getting into the nursing field is tough, so  we analyzed dozens of nursing resumes to learn what works and what doesn’t to help you get a great nursing job .

No matter your specialty or where you’re in your nursing career, we’ve got 28 nursing resume samples to help you  build a resume  from scratch or update your current resume to get you your next nursing job in 2024!

Nursing Resume

or download as PDF

Nursing resume example with 10+ years of experience

Why this resume works

  • One of the quickest ways to do so is by including your licenses in your title. This clearly signals to the employer that you’re qualified for the position.
  • Adding an optional licenses section is another way to demonstrate your abilities, so if you have the room, make sure to add that section.
  • Instead, tailor your resume to the  nursing job description . What keywords did they list? What responsibilities do they expect you to complete? Use this as your guide to include what employers most want to see.

Experienced Nurse Resume

Experienced nurse resume example with 10+ years of experience

  • Some professions require CVs for senior-level officials, while other industries are fine with a resume no matter their seniority level. Check the job description to see what kind of information the employer requires, so you know what to write.
  • Try to demonstrate the different specific responsibilities you’ve had throughout your career. What kinds of clinical techniques have you done? For example, have you assisted with ADLs, administered particular tests, or diagnosed specific types of diseases?

Nursing Student Resume

Nursing student resume example with 4 years of experience

  • The key is to be specific about what you contributed or learned during your time in school.
  • How did you assist your peers or supervisors? Did you witness anything especially noteworthy? What did you learn? Listing details like these helps employers qualify your abilities. 
  • While an objective is strictly optional, it’s a great way to convey your excitement for the position and some of your relevant skills. 

New Grad Nursing Resume

New grad nursing resume example

  • If you lack experience, that’s okay! Just include more details about your clinical rotations. You can also mention non-healthcare-specific work experience if you have it.
  • For example, does the job description talk a lot about compassionate care? Then you should include the phrase “compassion” in your skills section.

resume personal statement examples nursing

  • As you progress, unleash quantified achievements in your previous roles, emphasizing how you helped patients and improved outcomes (hint: reducing medication errors by 28% and enhancing patient safety).

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Resume

resume personal statement examples nursing

  • In addition to your title, if you have any certifications or additional licenses, include them on your resume in a designated section.
  • If you’re struggling to know what to write on your CNA resume, it can help to look at  CNA resume examples  and local CNA job descriptions to determine what employers want to see and what metrics to include. 

RN BSN Resume

resume personal statement examples nursing

  • Go beyond helping patients and list all the times you’ve helped doctors treat a condition more quickly or improved after-surgery recovery rates. Add how you’ve endeavored to assist patients remotely during tough times (if any) such as providing remote sessions during COVID-19.

Registered Nurse Resume

resume personal statement examples nursing

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Resume

resume personal statement examples nursing

  • If your current specialization is different from the job description, don’t stress! You should still be specific about your experience, but focus on transferable skills that go hand-in-hand with other fields.
  • For example, do you specialize in long-term care, nephrology, or developmental disabilities? Include how you applied those abilities throughout your LPN resume.
  • Of course, you need to include where you got your nursing degree, but don’t stop there! Adding a certifications or licenses section can show off your training and catch a hiring manager’s eye quickly.

Critical Care Nursing Resume

resume personal statement examples nursing

  • Gain promotion and assume a new role with greater responsibility after that. Use this to show your dedication by backing your achievements with numbers.

Director of Nursing Resume

resume personal statement examples nursing

  • List down all the variety of software you’re proficient in and write how you’ve used each right from the beginning of your career. Last but not least, never forget to add your RN license!

NICU Nurse Resume

resume personal statement examples nursing

  • Use the career objective to frame your clinical experience through the lens of NICU by highlighting your ability to communicate with families or work in high-pressure environments.

Operating Room Nurse Resume

Operating room nurse resume example with 11 years of experience

  • Surgeons are always seeking cutting-edge technology that can unlock new medical capabilities. Showcase your expertise in working with these innovative systems—like robotic arms—to enhance your operating room nurse resume .

School Nurse Resume

School nurse resume example with 9 years of experience

  • Are you skilled in using platforms specific to educational institutions, such as SchoolMessenger? Include them on your school nurse resume to prove that you’re prepared to handle the caseload.

Telemetry Nurse Resume

Telemetry nurse resume example with 10 years of experience

  • You can bolster your telemetry nurse resume by listing any special certifications that further qualify you for the task, such as Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).

Nurse Practitioner Resume

resume personal statement examples nursing

  • The best format for nurses in 2024 is the reverse-chronological format since it shows how you’ve grown your skills over the years. However, if you have a gap in your job experience, there are other formats you can use to disguise that.
  • Adding a few splashes of color to your  nurse practitioner resume  makes it look prettier and helps readability. Just be sure to choose a color that is easy on the eye (no neons, please).

ICU Nurse Resume

Icu nurse resume example with 10+ years of experience

  • To avoid the fear of the blank page, start by using a  resume outline  to give you a basic structure to follow and show you what your finished resume should look like.
  • So, when you’re writing the work experience bullet points, use general responsibilities like “provided effective care”), but be specific about how you helped your patients (and what resulted from your ministrations). 

Travel Nurse Resume

Travel nurse resume example with 10+ years of experience

  • To help stand out above the competition, clarify your work experience sections so employers know if you’ve had traveling nurse contracts or not. 
  • More likely than not, you don’t need a resume objective or summary, nor do you need to list individual projects. Remember that you can go into more detail about achievements and skills in your  nursing cover letter .

Charge Nurse Resume

resume personal statement examples nursing

  • For example, have you had the opportunity to manage or lead co-workers? Have you ever trained a nurse and oversaw scheduling? Be specific about how you’ve managed projects and people and what resulted from your leadership.
  • Want to know a quick and easy way to write a  charge nurse resume ? Start by using a  resume template  to format your information, then fill in the blanks with specific details about your past experience and skills.

Chief Nursing Officer Resume

resume personal statement examples nursing

  • This formatting showcases your career growth and leadership development by highlighting your most recent (and likely most relevant) job. 
  • We recommend you include six to 10 skills, with at least 70 percent hard skills such as BLS, QA/QC, federal compliance, and fiscal health analysis.

Telehealth Nurse Resume

Telehealth nurse resume example with 9+ years of experience

  • Luckily, there are multiple  resume tips  you can incorporate to make your resume a cut above the rest, including choosing specific hard skills in your skills section and formatting your resume in reverse-chronological order.
  • If you have a degree higher than a high school diploma, ignore your high school information since employers don’t need it. If you have multiple nursing degrees, include all of them.

Nurse Consultant Resume

Nurse consultant resume example with 8 years of experience

  • Use business-related numbers like sales growth or revenue/profit increases to demonstrate your worth as an employee.
  • Don’t forget to add other sections to showcase your training and certifications.
  • If you decide to include these sections, keep them brief and include only what’s relevant to the job you’re seeking.

Office Nurse Resume

Office nurse resume example with 3 years of experience

  • Do your homework on the environment you’re applying to work in, and ensure you showcase why you’re a good fit for that specific job. After all, an ER unit with high patient turnover may be much more interested in your high-efficiency standards than an in-home clinic that consistently services a much smaller patient load.
  • Sure, your resume may look good when you finish writing it, but have you run it through a  resume checker  yet? You might not realize you’ve been using passive voice or inconsistent punctuation, and even though you’re not applying for a job as an English Teacher, a hiring manager won’t be thrilled if you overlook little details when they’re going to literally put lives in your hands.

Home Dialysis Nurse Resume

Home dialysis nurse resume example with 11+ years of experience

  • Unfortunately, as much as it may be interesting for you to look back over your life history, most hiring managers won’t be quite as thrilled about the prospect. Adding a career summary to your resume can give recruiters the highlights, without drowning them in a sea of information.
  • Trust us on this, nothing bothers a hiring manager more than a resume that is 1.01 pages long.

ER Nurse Resume

ER nurse resume example with 10+ years of nursing experience

  • Certifications like the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) depict that you’ve done the work and undergone the rigorous training needed to be an ER nurse.

Labor and Delivery Nurse Resume

Labor and delivery nurse resume example with 3+ years of experience

  • If you’ve spent your time outside work organizing events to promote women’s health and reproductive rights, it’s a powerful statement that shows your passion and commitment and deserves to be mentioned in your resume.

Nurse Manager Resume

Nurse manager resume example with 4+ years of experience

  • If you’re well versed with a particular HR management tool or medical management software, it’s one less thing a hospital or healthcare center will have to train you on.

Pediatric Nurse Resume

Pediatric nurse resume example with 4+ years of experience

  • An extensive program, like a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, from an esteemed institute like Johns Hopkins University, for example, is a worthy inclusion in your pediatric nurse resume , demonstrating that you’ve learned from the best.

Related resume guides

  • Physician Assistant
  • Dental Assistant

Job seeker stands between two plants and looks through binoculars, searching for job

Hiring managers typically receive a torrent of resumes whenever there’s an open position, so if you prepare your nursing resume haphazardly, you are more likely to get the boot than the job. To avoid that sad scenario, you need to make your nursing resume readable, logical, and pleasing to the eye. It should showcase your skills and experience while being ATS-compliant, and it should show off a bit of your personality, too. 

It make sound like an impossible task, but before your get overwhelmed, start by taking it one step at a time. First, choose your formatting style: reverse-chronological, functional, or hybrid.

resume personal statement examples nursing

Reverse-chronological, functional, and combination/hybrid format

A well-structured resume is essential for your job search. Even if your resume has perfect content, if your resume isn’t easy to skim at a glance, it’s unlikely you’ll be called for an interview. Your content matters, but so does  how  you present that content. Therefore, proper  resume formatting  is a salient feature you don’t want to get wrong.

There are three popular formatting options for designing your resume in 2024: reverse-chronological, functional, and hybrid. 

  • Focuses more on your skills
  • Ideal for a recent graduate or an entry-level candidate
  • Reverse-chronological format
  • The most common format
  • Lists relevant experiences and skills in reverse-chronological order
  • The best for making it past the ATS
  • Combines functional and reverse-chronological features
  • Highlights both your skills and experience
  • Ideal if you have a handful of experience or are re-entering the workforce

The best bet for a nursing resume would be the reverse-chronological format. This helps the recruiter see your upward career progression. If you started as an intern in a given health organization, and then moved up the career ladder to become a full-fledged nurse, your potential employer will be able to track your progression and assess your qualifications faster.

resume personal statement examples nursing

Contact header

It’s important to include the relevant contact header information in the right order. If you’re a nurse, your   contact header should have the following:

  • Your name —Employers won’t automatically know you, so you need to include your first and last name. 
  • Phone number —Use your personal cellphone number instead of a work phone in case a potential employer calls when you’re not on the job.
  • Email address —Include a professional email address, preferably combining your first and last name.
  • City & state —This is optional but recommended so employers know if you’re local. 
  • LinkedIn —Some employers require your LinkedIn profile, but even if it’s not mandatory, it’s helpful for employers to see your career progression.

The contact header should be, you guessed it, at the top of the page. Good font choices are Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri, all at 12 point size. When it comes to color, remain conservative with black and white. Some  resume templates  can format your resume to strikingly display your contact information, just like this header:

Nursing resume contact header.

Will your nursing resume beat the ATS?

Optimizing your resume for the Application Tracking System (ATS) increases your chances of being called for an interview. The ATS is a tool that many companies use to quickly scan resumes and weed out applicants without relying on someone to read through them first.

Most resumes aren’t designed to beat ATS, and end up being filtered out before they ever reach the recruiter. However, if you know how to properly  format your resume , you’ll pass the ATS scan and make your way to a person. Here’s what you should know about the role of fonts, font size, margins, header names, logical order, skills, and page length, as far as ATS-friendly resumes are concerned:

  • ATS-friendly fonts make it easy for a computer to read your resume. Some of the most commonly used ATS-friendly fonts include: Times New Roman, Calibri, and Arial. Preferably, they should have a font size of 10-12 points.
  • Beyond just font type, font size also matters. Preferably, your body font size should be 10-12 points, while your headers can be bigger.
  • Margins also matter, since the ATS automatically assumes your margins are the standard size of one-inch all around. Any bigger or smaller, and the ATS might mis-read your resume.
  • Keywords are the main focus of the ATS, so make sure your skill keywords and header names match what’s in the job description.
  • The ATS is not sensitive to the number of pages, but one page is the standard across professions. 

resume personal statement examples nursing

Writing your nursing resume

Putting together an effective nursing resume may seem overwhelming and not worth your effort. However, putting in the extra effort now will pay off when you get an interview. And remember, you’re not doing this alone. We’re dedicated to helping you  write an amazing resume  by providing advice on common frustrating decisions like this:

  • When an objective is most useful on your nursing resume
  • When a summary can be the preferred choice
  • How to list your most relevant nursing work history
  • Adding volunteer work and academic endeavors when work history is light

resume personal statement examples nursing

Do you need an objective or summary on your nursing resume?

When crafting your nursing resume, you have the option to use career objectives and summaries.

When to include a career objective in your resume:

  • You can use an objective when changing or modifying your career.
  • For instance, if you plan to change from a surgical assistant registered nurse to an emergency room registered nurse, you’d use an objective to highlight that you’re pursuing a new subfield within nursing.
  • Use a career objective if you’re looking for an entry-level job and lack experience. 

When a summary is right for your resume:

  • Use a summary to highlight your most valuable experience and skills. These are ideal when you have vast experience in nursing.
  • For example, if you’ve worked in a health setting for 10 or more years, you can include a summary.
  • A summary is effective for connecting varied work experiences.

When not to use objectives or summaries:

  • Skip the objective or summary if you’re not planning to customize it to each position you apply for. Otherwise, it’s generic filler that takes up too much white space.
  • This lacks specificity and reads “I just need a job to pay the bills.” While that may be true, employers want to know you’re passionate about your work and will improve your workplace.
  • This lacks depth and work history details that should hallmark a summary. It’s void of substantial expertise, specializations, and skill specifics.

When objectives or summaries are worth including:

  • This objective highlights the years of experience and the candidate’s field of expertise while also naming the potential employer.
  • This summary highlights their years of experience, the key areas they’ve worked in, and their specialities within those fields.

resume personal statement examples nursing

Nursing work experience?

Don’t forget to indicate relevant experience in your resume. While we wouldn’t recommend including every job you’ve had since you were 16, you can get away with adding work experience from different fields if you’re an entry-level candidate.

However, if you’re applying for a senior position, you’ll need to include at least  three  nursing positions on your resume, especially if you’re applying for a managerial or specialty position. For instance, a director of care management requires nine years of experience, four of which must be managerial.

Conversely, a registered nurse position may require one year of direct patient care. The responsibilities, in this case, are not very demanding. If you lack experience overall, you can include any academic projects and volunteer work that is relevant to the  nursing job description .

resume personal statement examples nursing

Writing your job experience bullet points for your nursing resume

Three examples of poor job experience bullet points for nurses:

  • Generally, you should avoid using “I,” and you should include specifics, not just generic statements of experience.
  • This bullet includes “I” and lacks job specifics and quantifiable metrics.
  • Although it may sound nice on the surface, it doesn’t answer exactly what the patient did and the results of their work.

Three examples of good job experience bullet points for nurses:

  • This uses an action verb combined with quantifiable metrics.
  • Again, this uses an action verb but furthermore, it describes exactly what the candidate provided (primary care training). 
  • Specific, pertinent job duties show employers your skills and can also help you pass the ATS; two thumbs up for this one!

resume personal statement examples nursing

Quantify your impact as a nurse

When preparing your resume, remember that no employer wants to waste time reading vague statements about your performance. Instead, they want to see supporting details. So, whenever you can, you should quantify your impact and achievements.

For instance, if you say you “served many patients daily,” a potential employer might wonder about the exact number because ‘many’ is a relative term.

Examples of how to quantify metrics:

Suppose the  nursing job description  asks for a training specialist who can train other nurses. In that case, you can indicate the number of training sessions you conducted per day in your previous employment.

  • Number of clinical training sessions per day
  • Trained 75% of new hires on pre and postoperative care >20 days per month

Some of the health facilities labor under tremendous pressure. The number of patients you serve per day can help potential employers gauge whether you will cope well under pressure. So, it’s lucrative to include the number of patients you served per a specific amount of time.

  • Number of patients served in a day 
  • Worked in a setting with a 6:1 patient-nurse ratio, receiving 400+ visitors per day

resume personal statement examples nursing

Top skills for your nursing resume

It’s helpful to understand the differences between hard and soft skills to list in your  resume skills section . Keep the number of skills you list in between six and 10 to avoid overwhelming the reader.

Hard skills are those tools you use to do the job, aka technical abilities that require training. 

Examples of hard skills:

  • ERM systems
  • Medical documentation
  • Infant and child care
  • Emergency care
  • Ambulatory care
  • CPR certified

On the other hand, soft skills are abilities that are harder to quantify and are more personality-based.

Examples of soft skills:

  • Communication 
  • Professionalism
  • Positive attitude

Get noticed! Look for keywords within a job description:

  • Many companies use ATS to scan resumes for keywords from the job description, so it’s in your best interest to include the right keywords.
  • Include keywords in both your  nursing cover letter  and resume. 
  • Choosing keywords from the job description helps you customize your resume and thus, makes you more appealing to the hiring manager.
  • Employing the right keywords makes your resume relevant and noticeable, giving you an edge over the competition.

resume personal statement examples nursing

Nursing education and certifications

When preparing your nursing resume, include all the elements that will increase your chances of getting the job. You need to indicate the following:

  • Your education level
  • Any certifications or licenses
  • Your experience in other nursing environments
  • Your years of experience as a nurse

On the topic of licenses, you need to share your area of specialization. Specialists include registered nurses (RNs), certified registered nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists. Including your area(s) of expertise helps potential employers determine whether you’re the right candidate for the job.

Besides, including this information is easy to do and shouldn’t take up much space! Simply place certifications and licenses in a short section toward the bottom of your resume: 

Nursing resume licenses section.

Should you add projects, interests, or hobbies to your nursing resume?

Most of the time, you don’t need to include projects or  interests/hobbies on your resume . However, you may be able to add them depending on your level of experience and the type of role you’re seeking.

If you’re an experienced nurse, you’ve likely gained tangible experience that’s more important than undergraduate projects you’ve completed. Instead, you should highlight your key areas of experience and show your new employer how you’ll impact their business.

In the same vein, you may not need to indicate your hobbies or interests unless it’s encouraged. However, you can gain an advantage over the competition if you have strong qualifications and hobbies that match the company culture. 

To help you determine whether or not to include hobbies, visit the company’s website and read the “About Us” section to gauge whether they have a unique cultural fit. 

If you’re an entry-level candidate or a recent graduate, listing hobbies and projects can help you fill space and showcase your personality. However, it’s always good to review the job description to ensure these additions are relevant. Either way, keep the project and hobbies lists short and at the bottom of your resume.

Examples of hobbies/interests:

  • Volunteering for community health services
  • Learning new languages

Examples of projects:

  • Organized and led breast cancer awareness campaign for two consecutive semesters
  • Researched mental and psychiatric issues for semester-long experiment

resume personal statement examples nursing

Adjust your nursing resume for every job application

Remember to customize your resume when applying for a new job. Even if you’re only applying for specific roles, like LPN jobs, that doesn’t mean every job description for that title requires the same qualifications. There’s usually something unique to each position. Thus, for every application, make sure you tailor the following sections:

  • (These can stay mostly the same, but you should adjust responsibilities and keywords slightly.)

To recap, each job description comes with different skill requisites. Furthermore, remember to note keywords you can use within the body of your resume and cover letter.

Your nursing resume must be error-free

As a nurse, you need to show the hiring manager that you’re observant and have an eye for detail. Remember, you’ll be working with patients and should demonstrate accuracy and precision. To ensure a flawless resume, run your document through a  resume checker  and have your colleagues proofread it. Don’t let typos cost you a job!

Confidently land your next Nursing gig

Many job seekers languish in the job market, especially considering the number of nursing graduates produced by universities each year and the fierce competition. So, you must be creative and savvy to survive the market. Happily, you’ve already taken the first steps by reading this guide, so congratulations!

We know you’ve worked hard to get this far, and we wish you all the best as you write a power-packed nursing resume and get ready for interviews in 2024! 

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Nurse.org

The Ultimate Guide to Nursing Resumes in 2024

How to write a nurse resume, nurse resume research, nursing resume readers & robots, choose a nurse resume format, nurse resume format & design, writing your nursing resume, common resume mistakes, nursing resume templates, nurse resume faqs.

The Ultimate Guide to Nursing Resumes by Nurse.org

Expert Reviewed by: Amanda Guarniere, NP, Founder of the Resume RX

In 2024, a vague, uninspiring nursing resume just won't cut it. Recent years have fostered growing competition for the best nursing jobs , creating a greater need for nurses to learn how to write exceptional nursing resumes. With vast opportunities and diverse requirements from various employers, every nurse must put their best foot forward to market themselves for the best positions. 

However, this ever-changing world of online applications and robotic resume readers makes it more complex for nurses to get to the first rounds of interviews. This article will help you tackle the daunting task of writing a nursing resume that stands out. We'll help you build a better nursing resume by giving you an inside look at how robotic resume readers work and providing tips on how to make your resume, things you should and shouldn't include, and provide examples and templates.

Defining your personal brand as a nurse to make your resume stand out

Think of your job search as your own personal marketing campaign. And the product is you! Your resume is an advertisement for your professional nursing brand. A brand is more than a logo - it’s the overall impression you give your audience. In this case, your audience is a potential employer. 

As with any advertisement, the goal of your nursing resume is to pique your audience’s interest in a limited amount of time. It’s commonly said that hiring managers will spend less than ten seconds reading your resume. And in many cases, it has to first be screened by a resume-reading robot before it reaches human hands.

So, you must carefully curate your brand for these employers. Captivate them with your professionalism, unique skillset, experience, and personality using your nursing resume. These tactics may help get your foot in the door for an interview, where you can close the deal by impressing them in person.

The first and most important step in any marketing campaign is the research phase. The more you learn about potential employers, the better you can tailor your registered nurse resume to their requirements.

Initial Employer Research for Nursing Resumes

Before you begin tailoring your resume for specific jobs, take some time to answer the following questions about each company:

  • Who are they?
  • What is their company culture?
  • What do they struggle with as an organization?
  • What qualities are they looking for in a potential candidate?
  • Which of their desired qualities do you possess?

Researching Company Culture and Values

The internet has made it fairly easy to hop online and start your research right now from your mobile device. Employers' websites and social platforms will give you an inside glimpse at their culture and values.

Instead of simply reading a job posting, take a few extra steps to investigate the employer's online presence:

  • Check out the company website - what does their mission statement say?
  • See what they tweet about
  • Investigate what photos they post on Instagram
  • Learn about the articles they share on Facebook
  • Check their LinkedIn - do you have any connections at the company?
  • Look at their Google ratings

Examine Required vs Preferred Nursing Qualifications

The research phase isn't just about investigating the company - you also need to understand the job description. Specifically, understanding the difference between "required" and "preferred" qualifications will help you build a tailored resume for each job:

Required Qualifications

These are just what they say - requirements. Those who do not possess these qualifications will not be considered. 

Preferred Qualifications

Skills that are desired but are not deal-breakers for the employer. You may still be considered even if you do not possess these. 

As you personalize your nursing resume to different opportunities, these qualifications will, in part, guide what you do and do not include. You should include any and all required qualifications if you want an employer to consider your candidacy. 

If you do not possess some or all of the preferred qualifications, you can apply anyway and still be in the running. However, including the ones you do possess on your tailored nursing resume is always the best practice.

Build a Master Resume

You may want a solid starting point from which you can use your research to build a dedicated resume for each position you apply for. Queue the "master resume," a comprehensive working document that highlights everything you've accomplished and every skill you've fostered as a nurse thus far. 

We recommend starting with a foundational nurse resume so that you can alter it for each role you apply to. This way, you won't be rewriting a new resume for every single position. But you'll also avoid submitting "cookie-cutter" resumes that employers won't bother looking at twice.

Use Research to Personalize Your Nursing Resume

Dale Carnegie once said that “A person’s name is, to that person, the sweetest and most important sound in any language.” Personalizing your RN resume matters, with both how you mention and address the future employer and how to include your specific qualifications that match what they are looking for.

Using your research and leveraging your professional brand and personality to target your nurse resume could lead to the interview of your dreams. Not targeting it, however, could lead you on the fast track to nowhere.

The internet revolution transformed the hiring process, impacting the entire labor market in a very short time. 15 years ago, printing your resume on off-white linen paper and hand-delivering it to employers was the status quo. But as little as five years later, doing so might only get you some perplexed looks and urges to apply online.

Technological advances will continue shaping the job market in 2024.  USC Annenberg reports that up to 55% of companies are making investments in AI recruiting measures. But even now, many employers screen online applicants using resume-reading robots. 

This section explores how these bots impact the hiring process and how to get your nursing resume past them and into a real person's hands.

What Is a Resume Reading Robot?

How to get around resume reading robots for nursing jobs

ATS systems are highly technical but can only do what their program says, unable to come close to human discretion. So, knowing how ATS systems work can help you write a resume that passes their screening.

Here's a brief overview of how employers use ATS software to screen nursing applicants:

1. Knockout Questions

Recruiters can use an ATS to scan for keywords or "knockout questions" like "Do you have an active Washington State Nursing License?" These functions help them swiftly eliminate unqualified candidates.

2. Disqualifying Statements

They may also configure the ATS to include “disqualifying statements.” An ATS searching for these statements will automatically reject nursing resumes with certain keywords or phrases. 

For example, an ATS screening for bachelor's-trained nurses might reject resumes that mention an associate's degree. If you have both, consider listing only your BSN.

3. Keyword Screening

Finally, recruiters may use the ATS to find resumes with exact keywords or phrases. These may include qualifications listed in the job description, degrees, or skills. They can program the ATS to reject any application that does not include their specified keywords.

How Does ATS Work?

Not all ATS systems are created equally. They vary greatly in their functionality and behavior. Most ATS systems are programmed to score resumes according to keywords. However, they can be configured to search and score resumes based on various other criteria.

The results are imperfect. Some ATS systems can't differentiate between titles, such as Clinical Nurse II and Registered Nurse, or distinguish between the terms BLS and Basic Life Support. So how do you navigate these intricacies in your nursing resume?

Best Practice:   R ead the job description and use the exact wording for the qualifications listed that you possess.

If you use acronyms and abbreviations, make sure to spell out the entire word, followed by the shortened version. It would be disappointing to have all the requested qualifications but be filtered out by the ATS because you used only the acronyms when the robot was programmed for the full phrases spelled out.

What Are the Shortcomings of ATS?

The problem is that ATS does not ‘read’ a resume as a human would - it simply collects data. It doesn’t care about aesthetics, either. It is programmed by an employer to search for the right keywords, in the right order, on the right part of the resume.  

Also, the system can get confused pretty easily. For example, if the font is too fancy or if it encounters unrecognizable symbols, it may score the resume as ‘unqualified’ and move on to the next resume. It does what it is configured to do, nothing more and nothing less.

While ATS has streamlined the hiring process for employers, it’s also made job search extremely challenging for the job seeker. In fact, 94% of hiring professionals say that ATS has positively influenced their hiring goals, while 80% of job seekers say that their online job search is stressful.

What Other Hiring Technology Might I Encounter?

Recently, some employers have started to use artificial intelligence in a different way - during the interview process. Rather than having strict ATS filters, they offer more candidates the opportunity to interview, but there is a catch.

You don't interview with the employer but with a computer. In these one-way or “on-demand” interviews, you essentially get the opportunity to record your video response to interview questions. After you submit it, hiring managers or recruiters review the video responses before choosing the candidates for formal interviews.

Does Every Employer Use ATS?

While many employers use ATS, there are definitely employers who still rely on human resource professionals to screen resumes. In those instances, a human resources professional usually skims the resumes and invites the most qualified candidates in for an interview.

The problem here is that most employers will receive hundreds of resumes for a single opening. To get through the resumes quickly, the HR professional may resort to a simple scan of the resumes knowing that even qualified applicants may not make it. It’s simply a way to reduce the number of applicants.

In either case, the goal of the modern resume is to ‘sell’ yourself in an organized, targeted manner for a specific role. The best way to design an effective, attention-grabbing resume is by making strong assertions in the beginning followed by supporting evidence.

How to Get Past the ATS

  • Target your resume to the specific position. Do this by reading job descriptions and selecting keywords noted in the descriptions - competencies, skills sets, education, and experience.
  • Match individual experiences to keywords/key skill sets found within the job posting.  
  • Research the employer and target the resume based on the facility's values and culture. 
  • Make strong assertions within the top ⅓ of the resume.
  • Follow those assertions with supporting evidence.
  • Include a “ Professional Summary ” if you are an experienced Nurse.
  • Only apply to roles that you match 100% of the “Required Qualifications.” 
  • Use simple fonts such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri.
  • Never use smaller than 10-point font. See Part 5 for more styling suggestions. 
  • Use simple black bullet (dots) points, not special bullet symbols.
  • Save your resume as a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format.
  • If using an abbreviation, always spell out the words followed by the abbreviation or acronym. You never know how the abbreviation was entered into the ATS. 
  • Use standard, simple section headers such as “Work History” or “Education.”
  • Settings you’ve worked in 
  • Patient demographics
  • Policies/procedures
  • EMR/EHR used
  • Medications administered
  • Equipment used
  • Don’t use the same title as at your current employer if it is different from the title in the job description. Use the title in the job description. 
  • Don’t overload your resume with keywords. Use them appropriately. Overusing keywords will flag a resume and could cause the ATS to lower your score.
  • Don't forget to support the keywords you use with evidence throughout your resume.
  • Do not put your contact information in the header section because ATS will not see it.
  • Do not include tables because most ATS can’t read them. Other ATS can only read them if their operator programmed them to do so. 
  • Do not use creative section headers such as “Where I’ve Worked” because the ATS likely doesn’t understand what that means.
  • Don’t include a headshot, graphics, special fonts, photos, colored fonts, or unique bullets. 
  • Do not state, “References available upon request.” It takes up too much space and is unnecessary. If employers want references, they’ll ask. 
  • Don’t place skills at the bottom of the resume. Many ATS systems only scan the top ⅓ of the resume for keywords. If you have important keywords at the bottom, the ATS may not see them and could disqualify your resume. 
  • Don’t use “I” statements; resumes should be written in the third person. 
  • Do not rely on resume builder software. Stay in control of your registered nurse resume.

How to Spot an ATS

If you’ve ever visited a job posting and seen an “APPLY NOW” button, you’ve encountered the elusive resume-reading bot. ATS requires candidates to enter data on the front end. 

Maybe you’ve gone through the steps to create a login, complete the application and upload your resume. Perhaps you didn’t realize at the time that you were entering your information into an applicant tracking system.  

Raise your hand if you never heard back from an employer after applying online. Raise your other hand if you received an automated response “thanking” you for your interest and never heard back!

Now, keep in mind that it can be difficult to stand out when you are applying for a job online, especially when there is an ATS involved. As you consider your overall job search strategy, try to think of other ways that can increase your chances of getting a job. Don’t be afraid to ask your network connections for referrals and recommendations, or let friends and family know what type of position you are looking for and where. While your resume is absolutely important, it isn’t the only tool that can lead to you getting a job.

Prior to ever typing words onto your resume, it’s important to first decide on a resume format. There are three types of resume layouts. While we highly recommend the reverse-chronological layout for most nursing professionals, we’d encourage you to make the best choice for yourself.

Here’s a breakdown of the three most popular types of resume layouts: 

1. Reverse Chronological Nursing Resume

This layout focuses on career history and lists jobs in reverse chronological order. We recommend this type of registered nurse resume for the majority of healthcare professionals and will focus the details of this article on the format. It is best suited for:

  • New nursing graduates
  • Nurses with fewer than 5 roles within the past 5-7 years. 
  • Travel Nurses with <10 completed assignments
  • Nurses with experience in only 1-2 specialties
  • Nurses applying for a similar role
  • Nurses wanting to show vertical career progression 

resume personal statement examples nursing

2. Functional Nursing Resume

This nurse resume layout places emphasis on skills and deemphasizes work history. However, it does not pass the ATS test well, and hiring managers overall do not prefer it. We recommend against this layout for the majority of nursing professionals. Typically, people who use this format are: 

  • Changing careers
  • Have large gaps in employment
  • Do have years of experience in the role in which they are applying

resume personal statement examples nursing

3. Combination Nursing Resume

This layout is a mixture of the reverse chronological and the functional resume. While it places emphasis on skill sets, abilities, and accomplishments, it also highlights applicable work history. We recommend combination resumes for nursing professionals with the following background, goals, and barriers: 

  • Nurses with experience in multiple specialties and/or medical professions
  • Seasoned travel nurses with >10 completed assignments
  • Nurses with multiple small gaps in employment
  • Nurses looking to change specialties
  • Nurses interested in changing careers

resume personal statement examples nursing

Writing a nursing resume can feel overwhelming. It’s no easy task! Nowadays, nursing resumes must be able to pass through resume reading software before it even reaches a recruiter. That’s why we’ve put together THREE nurse resume templates to cater to your unique professional needs and employment situation.

resume personal statement examples nursing

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resume personal statement examples nursing

The first formatting and design consideration you should make when creating your nursing resume is how well an  ATS will read them. We recommend the following comprehensive design and formatting guidelines to appease common ATS systems:

Many experts believe you can achieve the perfect balance of text to white space in your nursing resume using the following margin settings:

  • Top Margin: 1"
  • Side Margins: .63"

Left alignment is standard since that’s how most people (and robots) read. You may think a justified alignment looks tidier, but it can leave uneven gaps between words and ultimately make text harder to read. 

In the nursing profession, length should not be the focus of the resume. While we recommend 1-2 pages, some nurses may have resumes with 3 (or more) pages.

Don’t stress over length too much. If the resume is slightly over the page amount by a few lines try changing the margin, font style, font size, or shortening statements. The bottom line is it should look visually appealing and should include keywords.

We recommend  Times New Roman or Arial to best utilize the functionality of the ATS. However, this is your personal preference. Take note that Times New Roman can be difficult to read if it is smaller than 11pt.

If you are striving for a resume that looks visually appealing when printed, there are great ways to achieve that without going overboard with design. For example, you could use the “small caps” feature for headings, which keeps the font the same but adds a bit more character and differentiation. Or, you could try a font pairing, using serif fonts for headers and sans serif for body text.

Important Note: Different font styles will take up different amounts of space. See how these identical statements look vastly different despite both being in 11 pt font:

Experienced Travel Nurse with 8 years experience in critical care nursing.

Throughout the resume, there should be different-sized fonts. We recommend the following for each section: 

It’s important to note that 10-point font should be the smallest size on the resume. 

While some ATS systems claim to read colors, we encourage you to simply use black. 

Special Characters

We recommend keeping the resume very simple. Basic bullet points (black dots) may be used when desired. Simple lines are acceptable as well. 

Design Features to Avoid

The following design features are best left off the resume: 

  • Multiple font styles
  • Special characters

As you’ve learned, ATS systems skim resumes and locate specific information in the correct order. We’d suggest using the following categories and section headers to optimize your nursing resume for ATS scoring.

Contact Information

This is the first section of the resume and does not require a title. Your name should be front and center. Don’t make the recruiter search for it. Make sure it’s the largest font on the page. While there are varying opinions on the exact placement of the name, we recommend a simple classic version in the following format:

Your name should be the first thing a recruiter, hiring manager, or ATS system sees on your nurse resume. It should share a line with your nursing credentials and be in a bold, readable, 18-22 pt font. If you go by a different name, make sure to list both in this section.

Nursing Credentials

Your nursing credentials should directly follow your first and last name on a nursing resume. The preferred order to list these in is Highest degree earned, Licensure, then National Certifications.

We've included a  credential quick reference guide below to help you fill out your resume perfectly.

The days of listing your home address on a resume are over - most employers don't need this information, and we advise against including it on your resume as a security precaution. However, this is a personal decision you can make at your own discretion.

You should never leave your location off completely because many employers have location parameters set in their ATS systems. Ensure you include your city and state in the contact information portion of your nursing resume.

Phone/Texting Number

Oh, technology! Yes, some employers will actually text their candidates. Make sure to indicate if you receive texts and whether the phone number is a cell phone or a home phone. This is a great time to make sure your voicemail message states your full name and is professional.

Email Address

It is in your best interest to ensure that you have a professional email address that does not reveal your age. Age discrimination is real, and listing your birth year or using an antiquated email service like AOL can definitely trigger it.

Your email address should include a variation of your name and some numbers if necessary. You can even make a totally separate email account and use it only for your job search.

LinkedIn Profile

If you have a LinkedIn profile definitely include it. If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, you could be missing out on opportunities. Now is the time to create one!

In your settings, you can easily create a shortened LinkedIn URL that doesn’t have a bunch of random numbers and letters.

How Your Digital Footprint Impacts Your Nursing Job Search

Though you may not list it, you should consider your social media and online presence when you complete the contact information portion of your resume. Potential employers will likely look you up online. Many Recruiters tell us that looking a candidate up on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter is one of the first things they do. So, make sure everything you post online is what you would want an employer to see. 

Additionally, online behavior can benefit you. Do you have a nursing-related website or blog? Are you an Instagram celebrity? Maybe you created a successful YouTube channel when you were a newbie nurse. Include all this on your resume if it relates to nursing. This is all part of your unique brand!

Nursing Resume Credential Quick Reference Guide

According to the American Nurses Credentialing Center (AACN), the preferred order is Highest degree earned, Licensure, and National Certification.

Educational degrees include doctoral degrees (Ph.D., DrPH, DNS, EdD, DNP), master’s degrees (MSN, MS, MA), bachelor’s degrees (BS, BSN, BA), and associate degrees (AD, ADN).

Licensure credentials include RN, LPN, CNA, and APRN.

National certification , which is occasionally voluntary for nurses and obligatory for advanced practice nurses, is awarded through accredited certifying bodies such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), includes RNBC (Registered Nurse-Board Certified) and FNP-BC (Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified).

You may also choose to include awards and honors:

Outstanding achievements in nursing, such as FAAN (Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing).

Other certifications that recognize additional skills, such as the EMT-Basic/EMT, awarded by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

Here is an example of contact information on a nursing resume that puts it all together:

Penny Lite, BSN, RN   Los Angeles, CA | Text/Call: (987) 654 - 3210 | [email protected] | www.linkedin.com/pennylitern

Professional Summary

Don’t make an employer (or ATS) search your entire resume for reasons to invite you to an interview. Tell them right off the top exactly why you are the best candidate for the role.

Every position is unique, and this is your first opportunity to optimize the resume for ATS and to also catch the employer’s eye. Spend a little time to target it and let your qualifications and accomplishments shine. 

While there is some debate about how to introduce your resume, we suggest using a professional summary as opposed to a career objective. The professional summary can be formatted in either a short paragraph or a bulleted list asserting qualifications and providing a concise career snapshot.

How to Write a Professional Summary for a Nursing Resume

Think of your resume summary as an “elevator pitch” - a quick, attention-grabbing, loaded statement that entices the reader to want to continue on. Your professional summary is unique to you and should be targeted to a specific role, just like the cover letters career counselors used to tell us about.

However, it could definitely include the following information: 

  • Number of years of experience in a specialty 
  • Common keywords found in nursing job descriptions e.g., excellent patient care, acute care, family education, compassionate
  • Facility designations or info about facilities 
  • Supervisory experience and number of subordinates
  • Special certifications or awards
  • Language abilities
  • Soft skills such as patience, compassion, and a cooperative spirit

Nursing professional summary example: 

4+ years nursing experience with strong clinical background in critical care (CCU) and intermediate care nursing (IMCU). Proactively streamlines operations, initiates tasks, and supports the healthcare team while prioritizing excellent patient care. Champions patient and family education by providing compassionate, inclusive care that encourages self-sufficiency. Recipient of the Daisy Award. Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Nursing Skills and Areas of Expertise

List your nursing skills within the top ⅓ of the resume - Don't make the common mistake of adding them last. With the popularity of ATS, this mistake could cost you an interview. This is especially true in nursing, as the profession requires very specific skills. 

Additionally, your hard skills should be directly targeted to the role as expressed in the job description. Is the employer asking for a specific EMR that you are experienced with? List it! Are you an expert at starting IVs because of your five years of experience in the emergency room? List it!

This should not be a generic list of skills but a specific list that is as quantified as possible. It’s possible that if you are a newer nurse or are making a specialty pivot you may not have hard skills to include. In that case, it’s okay to omit this section and highlight your transferable  soft nursing skills within your job history.

While most nurses list their license titles on their resumes, it’s been our experience that they leave off a few very important details - most notably, whether the license is active and the expiration date. 

Why is this important? Including this information lets potential employers know that you are ready to start work ASAP. They don’t have to wait for the licensing process. Including your license number is optional, and you can make this decision based on your privacy comfort. The employer will likely be verifying your license online anyway (this is all public information).

If you are an advanced practice nurse, you may decide to leave off license numbers for privacy purposes, especially your DEA number or controlled substance registration number.

Here’s an example of how to list your licensure:

Registered Nurse - California, #RN00101, expires 4/17/2024.

Certifications and Credentials

This is another key section where some important details are typically missing on the nursing resumes we’ve seen. While most nurses list their credentials, it’s important to list them in a specific manner.

Don’t simply list acronyms, as some ATS systems may not be programmed to read shortened versions. Make sure to list the accrediting body, credential/certification number (where applicable), and expiration date. 

Here’s an example of how to list your certifications and credentials: 

Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association, expires: 12/1/2021

Work History

Employers want to know what you can do for them, period.  Nurse recruiters we’ve talked to will zero in on this section. What are they looking for? Evidence, facts, quantifiable points - proof to support the assertions made in your resume summary.

Vague work histories are particularly frustrating to employers - especially when applicants copy and paste job descriptions. To avoid falling into those pitfalls, try incorporating these tips: 

Use simple section headers such as “Work History” or “Relevant Experience,” these are ATS friendly. “What I’ve Done” is not. 

List your experience in reverse chronological order.  If you have a lengthy employment history, you may consider only including the most recent 10-15 years of experience. This will shorten your resume and also limit the chances that you’ll encounter age discrimination. Looking at the big-picture experience from 25 years ago doesn’t necessarily speak to your recent nursing experience because employers care about what you can do for them now.

Work History Format

Adding your work history in a logical format can help your nursing resume beat the ATS and impress recruiters. We recommend using the following format for each work history segment:

1. Job Title and Specialty

This is a controversial subject, but we believe employers care more about what you’ve done than who you’ve worked for. Use the job title as it is listed in the job posting, or use a more industry-wide job title. Registered Nurse as opposed to Clinical Nurse II. 

2. Facility Name

Add the name of the facility or company you worked for after your job title. You can add this on the same line or a different line, but using the same line will optimize space.

3. Employment Dates  

These are important and can be listed in a number of ways. However, it’s been our experience that specific dates are not necessary for a resume. On an application, yes, on a resume, not so much. You can simply list the months and years (mm/yy - present).

4. Facility-Specific and Unit-Specific Information

This information is helpful and important to employers but is left off the majority of resumes we’ve seen, it includes: 

  • Trauma level: level I, II, III
  • Facility Designations 
  • Total Hospital beds
  • Total unit beds

Primary Duties and Accomplishments

This section looks best in a bulleted list of no more than six points and should include duties, noteworthy accomplishments, and achievements. It’s important to emphasize specific duties and not be too vague.

Also, try your best not to simply regurgitate basic nursing duties that would be assumed of your role. This will take up valuable space on your resume and not really tell the reader much about you !

Wondering what specifics to include? Here are a few questions to get those wheels turning:

  • What illnesses, injuries, or traumas do you care for? 
  • What cases do you work on? 
  • What type of medications do you administer and how? 
  • What therapies do you perform? 
  • What equipment do you use? 
  • How have you improved processes? 
  • When have I been first or best?
  • No. 1 achievement in each position?
  • Which achievements have the most impressive numbers?
  • When have I been publicly recognized?

Write Strong Nursing Resume Bullets

Wondering how to order your bullets and what to include? Try this: start with a verb leading to quantifiable data or a specific point and include a relevant duty.

Use our comprehensive tables to build compelling nursing resume bullets that make your achievements shine:

Here is a brief work history resume example for nurses that puts it all together:

Registered Nurse, Acute Care - Example Medical Center 09-19 - Present

  • Supervised staff of 15 registered nurses, 8 certified nursing assistants, and 7 paramedics while multitasking excellent patient care. 
  • Cared for up to 4 patients per shift with acute neurological disorders, including strokes, spinal cord injuries, and head trauma.

Education and Training

In the nursing profession, education and training are of utmost importance. If you have work experience, this section can be fairly brief.  You should list your relevant degrees in chronological order. 

There are varying opinions regarding the specific ordering of education. However, we believe that the degree or certification title should be listed first. Employers care firstly that you have the education requirement they need and secondarily where you obtained the requirement. 

We suggest the following format:  Degree or Certification Title (acronym), Institution Name 

Here’s an example: 

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN), University of Washington 

Should I Include Graduation Dates on a Nursing Resume?

You are not required to include your college or high school graduation dates on your nursing resume , as it could reveal your age. Age discrimination is the top form of employment discrimination and affects all age groups. If you graduated more than 10-15 years ago, it may be a good idea to omit the date.  But this is a personal decision you should make at your own discretion.

Should I Include My GPA on a Nursing Resume?

Including your GPA in your nursing resume is optional. If you are particularly proud of your GPA, by all means, add it! However, it is not required. If you graduated with honors that you are proud of, you can definitely include that as well. Again the resume is a unique snapshot of you!

Should I Include my Non-Nursing Degrees and Credentials?

If you possess other degrees not related to nursing, it is not necessary to include those on your nursing resume. Some second-career nurses like to list this information, especially if there has been an interesting career pivot or one that brings a lot of value to your role as a nurse. Remember, you are telling your personal, unique story, and you get to decide what to include.

How Do I Add In-Progress Advanced Education Programs?

If you are currently enrolled in higher education to advance your studies within the nursing field, that should be listed on your resume and state that the degree is pending or in progress. However, if you started a graduate degree program, never finished, and do not plan on finishing, it is unnecessary to include it on the resume. 

Should I Include my High School Education?

Nurses do not need to include their high school diplomas on their resumes. The nursing profession requires completion of higher education, and therefore, your higher degree trumps your diploma. 

Awards, Accomplishments, and Affiliations

Though this section is not required, we encourage including awards and accomplishments that are relevant to the nursing profession. These details will provide the potential employer with more proof and evidence of who you are as a nurse. 

In this section, you can include: 

  • Awards and recognitions that are specific to the hospital or facility where you work, e.g. the Daisy Award, Employee of the Month, and Nursing Excellence Award
  • Professional memberships and affiliations relating to nursing and/or healthcare
  • Volunteer work, if it relates to nursing

We suggest the following format: Title, organization, year

Here are a couple of examples:

  • Recipient, Nursing Excellence Award, Washington Medical Center
  • Volunteer, American Red Cross - Haiti - 2012

Naming Your Nurse Resume Save File

One last thing, saving! Don’t just give your resume any old name! Hiring professionals sometimes receive multiple documents from candidates, and they don’t want to waste time sorting through every document to find the resume. Some prefer to organize resumes by specialty. Tell them exactly which document is your resume. 

We suggest the following format: firstlast_specialty_resume.doc

Here’s an example:

PennyLite_ICU_resume.doc

We’ve seen a lot of resumes over the years, and you might be surprised by the amount of strange information people have included on them. So, here are the top mistakes we’ve seen:

Woot! If you’ve made it this far you should have an excellent understanding of how to write a great nursing resume. We know it’s a lot of information right now, and we hope that you’ll use the information to advance your career.

For a little more help, try using our free resume templates. And when you’ve landed your next interview, check out the next part in this series, The Complete Guide to Nursing Job Interviews .

>> Download free nurse resume templates!

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What should be included in a nursing resume?

  • A nursing resume should include your education, experience, including clinical, work, and volunteer, any certifications you have, and skills. 

How do I write a nurse resume?

  • You can use a template to fill out your nursing resume or fill out your own. 

How do I list my nursing skills on my resume?

  • List skills that are in the job description or outline on the facility’s website. For instance, common nursing skills include critical thinking, teamwork, communication, team management, and high ethical standards. 

Do you put RN after your name on a resume?

  • You can include "RN" or "RN, BSN"  if you have other credentials. If you haven’t passed your NCLEX yet, you can put G.N. for Graduate Nurse.

How long should a nurse's resume be?

  • A nursing resume should be no longer than 1-2 pages. 

What is your greatest skill as a nurse?

  • The most valuable skill you have as a nurse may depend on your exact role and specialty, but in general, communication, kindness, empathy, and critical thinking are highly valued traits as a nurse. 

How far back should a resume go?

  • If you’re a recent graduate, you don’t need to go to high school, just include your college experience and degree. For experienced nurses, include all relevant experience. 

Amanda is an Ivy-league-educated nurse practitioner and career mentor who helps nurses find and land their dream jobs. She founded The Résumé Rx  in 2018 to help nurses with career and résumé strategy  Learn more about Amanda and her products at  www.theresumerx.com  and follow her on Instagram  @theresumerx.

Angelina Walker

Angelina has her finger on the pulse of everything nursing. Whether it's a trending news topic, valuable resource or, heartfelt story, Angelina is an expert at producing content that nurses love to read. She specializes in warmly engaging with the nursing community and exponentially growing our social presence.

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Nursing Resume Objective with Examples

As you apply for a nursing position, the hiring manager will want to learn about your goals and experience and how you will provide value to the position. The best way to communicate this is through your resume objective. It’s often the first impression the hiring manager will get of you when glancing at your resume, and it may influence their decision to keep reading and request an interview with you. This article showcases different resume objectives and explains why each one is an effective nursing resume objective.

What is a resume objective?

A resume objective is a short, targeted statement that appears at the top of your resume. It concisely outlines the direction you would like your career to take and demonstrates to an employer what benefit you can bring them. 

An impressive resume objective should describe your overall career goals and the type of position you’re seeking. It should also explain any skills you possess and how they may provide value to the position.

Nursing resume objective examples 

Below are examples of strong nursing resume objectives: 

RN resume objective examples 

Registered nurses should explain their career goals in relation to the employer’s values. These resume objectives best explain the applicant’s experience as a registered nurse and how they plan to apply it to future positions. 

Here are some effective examples:

Example 1: ‘Committed and motivated Registered Nurse seeking a position working with mental health patients. Providing my ability to handle high-stress, fast-paced situations and effective problem-solving skills.’

Example 2: ‘To obtain a position as a Registered Nurse in a clinical setting. Hoping to bring my extensive experience working with various medical and software tools to a growing and developing practice.’

Example 3:  ‘Seeking a role with Montague Hospital as a Registered Nurse. Aiming to reach my goal of increasing efficiency and providing crisis management solutions to an emergency room setting.’

New graduate resume objective examples 

As a recent graduate, nursing applicants usually have limited knowledge in the medical field. They should communicate their experience using positive verbiage and show how they will use their eagerness to learn new skills in the medical environment. 

This is best demonstrated in the examples below:

Example 1: ‘Motivated nursing college graduate seeking a position in a clinical setting. Looking to bring my passion for helping people, willingness to learn new skills and advanced education to a private practice.’

Example 2: ‘College nursing graduate searching for a nursing position working with special needs children at Fontaine Hospital. Seeking to apply my four years of childcare and mental health education to a children’s hospital developing and shaping the minds of children.’

Example 3: ‘Enthusiastic beginner Nurse excited to apply my Bachelor of Science in Nursing to a fast-paced emergency room. Bringing my time-management and critical-thinking abilities to a hospital setting.’

Resume objective examples for a nurse with three or more years of experience

A nurse with extensive experience will want to detail this in their objective. Many nurses with extensive experience may aim for nursing roles in leadership, which they should express in their objective. 

The following objectives best portray the goals and skills of experienced nurses:

Example 1: ‘Driven and self-motivated professional Nurse searching for a leadership role in a hospital setting. Seeking a role to demonstrate my advanced motivational skills, dedication to efficiency and boosting morale of nursing staff.’

Example 2: ‘Hardworking Nurse with over three years of experience providing care to elderly patients in a variety of nursing homes. Aiming to provide this compassion and attention to detail at Silver Lives Community Center with a committed and passionate staff.’

Example 3: ‘To use teamwork and collaboration skills to lead a team of nurses and train them to provide compassion and understanding to their patients. Extensive skills in medical terminology and technology that I’m willing to teach to nursing staff.’

Resume objective examples for a nurse with clinical experience 

Some employers may search for nurses who have experience in a clinical setting. Your objective should state your experience in a clinical setting and how this will benefit the position you’re applying for. 

Each of these objectives explains their experience in a clinical environment and how it will be applied in future positions:

Example 1: ‘Efficient, experienced Clinical Nurse applying for a position within Harris OBGYN. Hoping to bring my vast knowledge of medical software and women’s health to maintain the clinic’s standards.’ 

Example 2: ‘To apply my personable and communication skills gained in six years in a clinical setting to a hospital environment. Bringing my dedication and compassion to patients while working in a fast-paced emergency room.’

Resume objective examples for a nurse with hospital experience 

Many nurses who work in a hospital setting will possess a strong knowledge of resolving issues in a fast-paced environment. Many nurses will explain this within their objectives and will demonstrate how this will help them in both a hospital and clinical practice setting. 

These objectives effectively portray hospital experience: 

Example 1:  ‘Hard-working Nurse committed to bringing over five years of experience within a hospital setting to clinical practice. Seeking to apply the skills gained from working in an emergency room which include quick problem-solving skills and strong emotional intelligence.’ 

Example 2: ‘Professional Nurse seeking to take eight years of hospital experience and apply it to a teaching clinic. Hoping to use extensive experience to educate and motivate students on best practices when caring for patients.’

Resume objective for a nurse switching careers 

Switching careers can entail showing how your previous experience will relate and benefit the position you’re seeking. 

The nursing resume objectives below clearly explain their desire to switch to a new career and how their current skills can be applied to this position: 

Example 1: ‘Professional and experienced Home Health Aide seeking to expand my skills by pursuing a position as a Registered Nurse with South General Clinic. Planning to bring my attentiveness and knowledge of mental disabilities to an experienced practice.’ 

Example 2: ‘To obtain a position as a Registered Nurse after two years of serving as a Certified Medical Assistant. Bringing advanced knowledge of medical office environments and experience with caring for patients to Long Hospital.’

Example 3: ‘Educated Pharmacy Technician working to transition to Cardiac Nurse. Seeking to bring expert knowledge of medical and pharmaceutical drug terminology to treat and cure the health of patients’ hearts and bodies.’

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College personal statement examples and writing tips.

A crucial step in your nursing journey is learning how to write a personal statement that resonates with admissions committees and vividly portrays your passion for healthcare. This collection of amazing personal statement examples is curated to guide and inspire you as you articulate your aspirations, experiences, and motivation to pursue nursing.

What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a written narrative that typically forms a significant part of an application to universities, colleges, or professional programs, particularly in fields like nursing. It’s an opportunity for junior year applicants to present themselves beyond test scores and grades, offering insights into their personalities, experiences, goals, and motivations.

In a personal statement, applicants explain why they are interested in a specific field of study or profession, what they hope to achieve through the program, and how their background and experiences have prepared them for this path. It’s a chance to highlight unique attributes, significant life experiences, challenges overcome, or special achievements that make them an ideal candidate for the program.

Why Read Personal Statement Examples?

Reading personal statement essay examples is immensely beneficial for several reasons, especially when preparing your own statement for applications to nursing programs:

  • Inspiration and Ideas: Examples can inspire you and provide ideas on structuring your statement, what kind of content to include in your application essay, and how to convey your story and passion effectively.
  • Understanding Expectations: They offer insight into what admissions committees look for, helping you understand the level of detail, tone, and approach that resonates successfully in such applications.
  • Learning from Others: Seeing how others have articulated their experiences, challenges, and aspirations can guide you in reflecting upon and articulating your own journey and motivations.
  • Avoiding Common Mistakes: By examining a range of examples, you can identify common pitfalls and clichés to avoid, ensuring your statement stands out and feels genuine.
  • Gaining Confidence: Reading successful common app essays can boost your confidence, showing you that crafting a compelling narrative that combines personal experiences with professional aspirations is possible.
  • Diverse Perspectives: Examples offer a glimpse into the diversity of paths and motivations that lead people to nursing, potentially broadening your perspective and enriching your own approach to writing your statement.

How Long Should a Personal Statement Be?

The length of your personal statement should ideally align with the guidelines provided by the institution or program you are applying to. Personal statements are expected to be concise yet comprehensive, often ranging around 500 to 650 words , translating to about one to two pages. 

This word count allows enough space to clearly articulate your experiences, motivations, and aspirations without overloading the reader with information. It’s important to always adhere to the program’s specific word or character limits to demonstrate your ability to follow instructions and present your thoughts.

What Should a Personal Statement Include?

A well-written college admissions essay should include several key elements to effectively communicate your suitability for the program or position you are applying for. Here’s what to typically include:

Introduction

Your personal statement should begin with an engaging introductory paragraph that captures the essence of your motivation for pursuing your chosen field. This could be a brief narrative of a defining moment, an experience that ignited your passion, or a clear articulation of your interest and enthusiasm.

The introduction sets the tone and should intrigue the reader, providing a glimpse into your unique journey and motivation. It’s important that this section hooks the reader’s attention and provides a compelling reason to continue reading your statement.

Academic and Professional Background

In this section, brainstorm and detail your relevant academic and professional experiences that have prepared you for this next step. Highlight key academic achievements, coursework, research, or projects that align with the field you are pursuing.

Also, include any relevant work experience, internships, or positions that have given you practical skills and insights. This part of the statement is crucial for showcasing your foundational knowledge and preparedness for advanced study or professional development and gaining a scholarship in your chosen area.

Extracurricular Activities and Volunteering

Your involvement in extracurricular activities and volunteering can significantly enrich your personal statement. This section should reflect how these activities have contributed to your personal growth, skills development, or understanding of your field.

Whether it’s a hobby, leadership roles in clubs, participation in sports teams, or volunteer work in community organizations, these experiences demonstrate your broader interests, commitment, and ability to balance multiple responsibilities. It’s an opportunity to show aspects of your character and values that academic achievements alone might not convey.

Personal Qualities and Skills

Reflect on and draft the personal qualities and skills that make you suited for your chosen path. This might include traits like resilience, empathy, critical thinking, or effective communication. Use specific examples or experiences to demonstrate how you have developed and applied these traits.

This personal reflection not only provides depth to your statement but also gives the admissions committee a clearer picture of who you are as an individual, beyond academic and professional achievements.

Career Goals and Aspirations

Discuss your career aspirations and how the program or position you are applying for aligns with these goals. This section should convey a clear vision of where you see yourself in the future and how the specific program or role will be a stepping stone toward that vision.

It’s important to show that you have a direction and purpose and that you see this opportunity as integral to your career journey. This not only demonstrates foresight and planning but also shows your commitment and seriousness about the path you are choosing.

Reasons for Choosing the Specific Program or Institution

Clearly articulate why you are applying to this particular program or institution. Discuss what specific aspects of the program, faculty, institution’s philosophy, or opportunities available are particularly attractive to you and why they resonate with your goals and preferences.

This shows that you have done your research and are making a well-informed decision. It also indicates that you have a genuine interest in what the program or institution uniquely offers, rather than a generic application.

Conclude your statement with a strong, memorable closing that encapsulates your main points and reaffirms your enthusiasm and suitability for the program or career. This is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression, summarizing why you believe you are an ideal candidate.

The conclusion should tie back to your opening, creating a cohesive narrative that leaves the reader with a clear understanding of your passion, commitment, and readiness for the next step in your academic or professional journey.

What Does an Admissions Officer Look for in a Personal Statement?

When reviewing a personal statement, admission officers are looking for several key elements to assess the suitability of a candidate for their program:

  • Clarity of Purpose: Admissions officers want to see a clear understanding of why the applicant wants to pursue a particular field or program. The statement should convincingly articulate the candidate’s passion, motivation, and how the program aligns with their career goals.
  • Personal Insight and Self-Reflection: A strong personal essay offers insight into the applicant’s personality, experiences, and the factors that have shaped their decision to pursue a specific path. Admissions officers look for depth of reflection and a sense of how past experiences have driven the candidate’s current ambitions.
  • Relevant Experience and Skills: It’s important for the statement to highlight any relevant academic, professional, or volunteer experiences that demonstrate preparedness for the program. Admissions officers are interested in how these experiences have contributed to the development of skills and knowledge pertinent to the field.
  • Writing Quality and Structure: The ability to communicate effectively and coherently through writing is crucial. Admissions officers pay attention to the overall quality of writing, including grammar, clarity, coherence, and the ability to organize thoughts logically.
  • Individuality and Authenticity: They seek to understand what makes each applicant unique. A personal statement should reflect the individual’s authentic self, showcasing unique perspectives, diverse experiences, and personal growth.
  • Commitment and Passion: Demonstrating genuine enthusiasm and a strong commitment to the field is essential. Admissions officers look for candidates who are likely to thrive in the program and contribute positively to their field.
  • Alignment with Program Values and Goals: Candidates who show that their personal and professional values align with those of the program or institution often stand out. Admissions officers look for indications that the candidate has researched the program and understands how it fits into their broader aspirations.
  • Future Potential: Finally, they are interested in the applicant’s potential for future success and contribution to the field. A compelling statement should give a sense of the candidate’s ambition to go to college and how they intend to utilize the education and opportunities provided by the program to achieve their long-term goals.

The Best Personal Statement Examples

Here are some examples that illustrate effective writing styles, clear articulation of goals, and the ability to connect personal experiences to broader career or academic aspirations:

Personal Statement Example #1 

Personal statement example #2, college essay example #3, personal statement example #4, application essay example #5, personal statement example #6, personal statement example #7, personal statement example #8, personal statement example #9, personal statement example #10, personal statement example #11, personal statement example #12, personal statement example #13, personal statement example #14, personal statement example #15, key takeaways for writing a great personal statement.

When reflecting on the nursing personal statement examples provided, several key takeaways emerge that are crucial for anyone crafting their statement. These insights are vital for effectively conveying your passion, commitment, and suitability for a career in nursing:

  • Clearly articulate your personal motivation for choosing nursing.
  • Highlight your relevant healthcare experiences and achievements.
  • Specify your interest in any particular nursing specialty.
  • Showcase qualities and skills that make you suitable for nursing.
  • Outline your long-term professional aspirations in nursing.
  • Acknowledge the challenges and rewards in the nursing profession.
  • Express dedication to ongoing learning and professional development.
  • Ensure clarity, structure, and coherence in your statement.
  • Customize your statement for each specific nursing program.
  • Maintain authenticity and genuineness throughout your statement.

Final Thoughts: Personal Statement Essay Examples

These nursing personal statement examples and key takeaways provide valuable insights for anyone aspiring to enter the nursing freshman year. They demonstrate the importance of a well-crafted statement that blends personal motivation, relevant experiences, and a clear understanding of the nursing profession’s demands and rewards. 

An effective personal statement is not only a reflection of your qualifications and aspirations but also a testament to your passion, empathy, and commitment to the field of nursing. It’s a unique opportunity to showcase your individuality and suitability for a career that is as challenging as it is rewarding. 

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  • Nursing School

Nursing School Personal Statement: 5 Best Examples

Read our top 5 sample statements.

Nursing School Personal Statement

These outstanding nursing school personal statement examples have been approved by our admission experts who have helped countless students get into their top choice nursing programs. Whether you are at the beginning stages of a nursing career looking to apply to nursing school or wanting to further your career by becoming a nurse practitioner or a clinical nurse specialist, you will probably have to write a nursing school personal statement to gain admission to your program of choice. Your nursing school personal statement is one of the best ways to stand out in a nursing school application . In this blog, we are going to guide you in the process of crafting a strong personal statement that highlights your skills as well as the characteristics you possess that make you a good fit for the program.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Listen to the blog!

Article Contents 20 min read

Nursing school personal statement examples, nursing school personal statement sample 1.

I stood there not knowing what to do and being completely sure I had made the biggest mistake of my life. My decision to travel to a remote area of the Amazon jungle in Colombia to work as an elementary school tutor felt like the right one at first, but as soon as I got there, I regretted it. Being faced with the harsh reality of a struggling community made me feel completely out of place. It was heart breaking to witness such a palpable scarcity of resources and realize that there was not much that I could do. It took a lot of determination and adaptability to overcome the shock. Eventually, I learned to navigate this new world and embrace my role in the community. I planned lessons for the children and used all my free time to teach their parents to read and write. I developed teaching materials adapting them to my students’ context in order to make them meaningful. In the end, I realized I had become part of their lives, and I was humbled to have met such an amazing group of people. This experience taught me the true meaning of altruism and the value of hard work. This, alongside the cultural sensitivity that I developed, is what I am bringing with me to this new step in my life.

Becoming a nurse has been my goal for a long time. As a child, due to an unfortunate kitchen accident, I burned my arms with hot water and had to stay in the hospital for serval days. I remember being very scared and in pain, but there was a lady in a white uniform who would come to visit me every afternoon. I always enjoyed seeing her because she spoke to me in a way that almost seemed like she was telling me a story, and that put me at ease. One day, I asked her why she always wore white, and she said she was a nurse. ‘A nurse’, I said to myself, thinking that was exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up. She was kind and compassionate, and she knew how to explain things. Those traits that I learned from her are the same skills that I have been honing ever since, as I know they will be essential in my future profession.

I could see my breath crystalize in the air as I exhaled, dribbling and dodging the opposing players on my way to the goal. “I’m open,” shouted my teammate, poised right in front of the penalty box, waving his arms. Two more players stood between me and the goal. I hesitated, wondering if I should trust my teammate or try to score the winning point. Turning, I launched the ball into the air with a swift kick, and watched nervously as my teammate stopped it and sent it soaring above the goalie’s head. As the crowd erupted in celebratory cheers, the game time buzzer rang out across the field and I knew I had done the right thing. Every team victory that season was a personal victory, sparking a feeling of elation that I seek to replicate as a member of whichever health care team I have the privilege of joining.

My biggest soccer fan was always my grandmother, who even brought orange slices for the team to practices, claiming, “The little things are the most important!” Several winters ago, my grandmother unknowingly exposed me to nursing when she was hospitalized with pneumonia so severe that we were unsure if she would survive. Though her whole care team was dedicated, her nurse, Jackie, always went above and beyond to make sure my grandmother was comfortable and happy. Every day, Jackie would pop her head into the room and say “How’s my girl today?” or stop what she was doing to run a cool cloth over my grandmother’s feverish forehead. Each time I had to leave the hospital was gut-wrenching, but I felt better knowing that nurse Jackie treated my grandmother with such empathy. I remember being in awe of her kindness when I found out she left my grandmother sticky notes filled with encouraging messages while she was sleeping. When my grandmother asked her why she spent so much time on such little things when she had so many patients to attend to, Jackie winked and whispered, “The little things are the most important!” While I did not know I wanted to be a nurse in that moment, observing the profound impact Jackie made on my grandmother sparked a strong desire to explore the medical field.

Inspired by Jackie’s compassion for patients like my grandmother, I aimed to make the same difference when I signed up to volunteer at Riverview Hospital. With lofty goals of becoming a physician, I threw myself into my volunteering efforts, often coming in early or staying late to help stock supplies. Whenever I had a spare moment, I would chat with a patient, rearrange their pillows, or a myriad of other small things. One of the most striking aspects of my volunteering experience was how little time Riverview doctors were able to spend with their patients due to the sheer number of people to whom they had to attend. Nurses, on the other hand, had near constant interaction with longer-term patients: assisting them to the bathroom, administering medications, or changing IV fluid bags while chatting with them about how they were feeling. I was reminded of Jackie when I watched how tenderly one of the nurses changed their wincing patient’s bandages, all while trying to distract them with friendly conversation. Even aside from the comforting gestures I witnessed so frequently, it was the little things that made such a huge difference in patients’ wellbeing. Without nurses there to help execute the game play, the team would never score! Always a team-player, I knew I wanted to be a nurse.

Though my time spent on the soccer field is less and less these days, I am thrilled about the possibility of joining a new team and working hard to bring us to victory. My introduction to nursing through nurse Jackie could not have been better. Seeing the relief she brought to my grandmother in her most vulnerable state inspired me to do the same for others. Watching the nurses at Riverview Hospital expertly fulfill their duties while treating each patient as an individual cemented my desire to become a nurse who remembers that the little things are the most important. I want to be there with the assist right before the buzzer, helping my patients win, because every victory on a care team will be personal. (Word count: 719)

Nursing School Personal Statement Sample 3

“Help!” my friend Jack screamed as his faced swelled up due to an extreme allergic reaction to a candy bar he had just eaten. At the time, I did not know what to do, except to call for an ambulance. As we arrived at the hospital, I stayed by my friend’s side to offer my support. I saw the physicians and nurses swarmed around him, ready to take action. After my friend’s condition had been stabilized, he was left with the fear of another anaphylactic episode. It was his nurse that was able to calm his fears as she educated him on anaphylaxis and how to make the appropriate dietary changes. While I did not know how to respond with medical attention when my friend needed me, I gained a new purpose. I was inspired to become a nurse and to guide patients in times of uncertainty through compassion and education.  

To build my understanding of the nursing profession, I pursued experiences that would allow me to gain first-hand experience in the healthcare field. I secured a volunteer position at a children’s hospital where I was responsible for checking patients in and ensuring they were comfortable as they waited for their appointments. I was eager to practice helping calm patient nerves, just as the nurse had done for my friend Jack. Through consoling a memorable patient, named ‘Ryan,’ I learned the importance of working in a team of professionals. ‘Ryan’ was crying as he waited for his appointment since he was experiencing pain due to a broken leg. I talked to Ryan in an attempt to calm him down, but I was initially unsuccessful. To hone my approach, I asked a nurse on staff at the hospital how she approached children that are in pain. She shared with me that it is helpful to try to get their mind off the pain, for example by distracting them with an entertaining story. The next time I saw a patient crying like ‘Ryan’ had been, I was armed with funny jokes and engaging stories from my own childhood that I could share to take their mind off of the pain they were experiencing. From my time as a hospital volunteer, I learned that feedback from a team is critical to advancing professionally and providing optimal patient care. I look forward to becoming a nurse myself and working with my team of healthcare professionals to achieve this common goal. 

In my final year of university, I became involved with clinical research; as a research assistant, I approached patients in the same children’s hospital in which I had earlier been a volunteer, but now I worked to enroll patients in our research study. My purpose was to explain the goal of the study to families in the hospital, educating them on its potential impact and answering any questions they had about enrolling. This task was challenging because I was approaching families that I had not yet built a rapport with, and I needed to establish trust before asking if they wanted to enroll their child in our study. This required empathy for the hardship they were experiencing with a sick child, as well as an understanding of how to relay complex information in a way that was approachable to a variety of audiences. I learned that it is best to first ask the patient, or their family, what their understanding of a topic is to establish a baseline from which to build a conversation. In the future, as a nurse, I hope to apply what I have learned to build rapport with patients and their families for greater healthcare outcomes while ensuring that my patients are comfortable under my care. 

Since my friend Jack’s anaphylactic episode, I have taken the initiative to explore the field of nursing and to build the teamwork and communication skills needed to be a successful future nurse. I look forward to my first day of nursing school where I will be surrounded by peers that share the same vision for the future as me: to train as a nurse in order to provide outstanding care to those in distress alongside a team of dedicated professionals. (696 words)

Nursing School Personal Statement Sample 4

Nursing school personal statement sample 5.

The process of creating a strong nursing personal statement starts even before you begin writing. There is a certain amount of preparation that should take place to identify the specific information you want to include in your essay. So, make sure you take all the necessary steps before you are faced with the daunting, but fun, task of writing your first draft. Remember to give yourself between 6 to 8 weeks to write your statement. Be prepared to write several drafts as you edit and change your essay!

The Brainstorming Stage

The first step is what we call the brainstorming stage. You will need to do some soul searching and write many ideas as they come to you. Working on this step can take you anywhere between a couple of hours to a whole week. It really depends on you and how much you can actually remember from your personal history. There are two types of information that you will need to focus on at this stage: 

#1 Personal experiences

The goal behind this step is to start gathering information about your personal story and about any experiences that you have had from which you learned something valuable. The lessons you learned should relate directly to nursing or have contributed to your decision to become a nurse . You want to answer the question: “ Why do you want to be a nurse? ”

In order to do this, think about your life as a child, the characteristics of the place where you were born and raised, any meaningful experiences that may have sparked your interest in the nursing field, any contact that you had with the healthcare world, or any healthcare workers in your family that had some influence on you. Then consider your high school and teenage years and any events that may have increased your interest in becoming a nurse. How did you finalize your decision to apply to nursing school? Did you have an ‘a-ha’ moment, or was it a more gradual process? Whatever the answers to these questions may be, be sure to identify these key moments because they will be useful for addressing the thesis of your essay, which is why you decided to devote your life to a career in nursing.

Here are some examples of meaningful experiences that can potentially spark, or validate, an individual’s interest to become a nurse or what nursing means to you :

  • Being raised in a rural area with limited access to health care and wanting to do something about it in the future;
  • Growing up in an urban setting where great social disparity is evident and identifying opportunities to contribute to levelling up these differences;
  • Experiencing a personal injury or diagnosis that created opportunities to interact with nurses in a clinical setting;
  • Watching the illness of a loved one and seeing the impact that nurses have on a patient’s journey;
  • Volunteering at something related to the health sciences or an unrelated field with plenty of opportunities for helping others and interacting with them;
  • Conducting research in something related to the field;
  • Being involved in extracurricular activities that can lead to reaching a high level of compassion or maturity

Remember to always follow show, don’t tell in any personal statement you write:

#2 Nursing school research

Gather as much information as you can about the program so you can identify the specific things you like about it. It is very important to know the reason, or reasons, why you want to apply to a specific program.

In order to do this, you can look at the program’s website and pinpoint two or three specific aspects that interest you. Do you like the program’s curriculum? If so, what do you like about it? Do you like the research lab? Why do you like it? Have you done research in the past? Has this prepared you to make good use of this lab and contribute to whatever research they do here? Do you like the extracurricular initiatives the program offers? Do these align with any extracurricular activities you did in the past? Do you like the opportunities for patient interaction that the program provides? Why? Have you had patient interactions before? What did you learn from them that you can use moving forward? Knowing the specific reasons why you have chosen this program in particular is essential to write a strong essay later on.

Remember that besides telling universities what you hope to get from them, you will also need to show how you can complement their program. Showing what you can bring to the table, by referencing specific experiences you have had in these areas of interest, is the best way for programs to know that you will be successful if you are admitted. 

Look at these skills that are essential in the nursing field, and which are highly valued by nursing schools. You have probably already developed many of these throughout your life and through your experiences. Try to match these values and traits directly to your personal experiences in your essay.

As previously mentioned, the main goal of the brainstorming stage is to identify your reason for wanting to become a nurse as well as the relevant personal experiences that you can reference to support this decision. We suggest you make a list of five to seven experiences that you could potentially include in your essay. This list is going to be significantly reduced later to one or two, but it is good to have a good amount to start with.

As soon as you identify these meaningful experiences, be sure to also identify what you learned from them; that is, the skills you developed, the characteristics you refined, or any learning that resulted from going through these events in your life. Think about this carefully and select those skills that align with the ones your program of choice values. The information collected here is going to be essential later on when you start writing your essay.

Like any other academic essay, your nursing school personal statement should follow an academic structure and be organized in three major sections: introduction, body, and conclusion. See below for information on what each of these sections should include:

1. Introduction

This is your opening paragraph and, as such, it is the first impression you are going to cause on your readers; that is, the members of the admission committee. The purpose of an introduction is to act as a road map that allows the reader to understand where your story is going.

Important to remember here is the fact that an introduction can make or break your essay, so you need to come up with a very good opening sentence. This is the one that will draw the reader in and make them want to keep reading. Your opening sentence can be a quote, an anecdote, an event, or any idea that is captivating and enticing.

For example:

  • “It was three in the morning, and I was sitting in an empty room trying to think how my life had come to this.”
  • “He did not need to say anything; I knew something was wrong just by looking at him.”

Sentences such as these ones will leave the reader wanting to know more. There is a reason opening sentences are also called ‘hook’ sentences. Can you think of a good hook sentence to open your essay with? 

2. Body Paragraphs

The body of your essay is where you elaborate on the ideas introduced in your opening by providing personal examples. Remember all the brainstorming we asked you to do? This is where that information comes in handy. Your body paragraphs should include information about those meaningful experiences that you have gone through that have sparked and solidified you interest in pursuing a career in nursing.

Depending on the word limit required by your program, you will decide how many of these experiences to include. We asked you to come up with five to seven during the brainstorming stage of the writing process. Now, since our recommendation is quality over quantity, you should plan to include maximum two or three experiences and present one experience in each paragraph. Of course, one experience per paragraph is not all it takes. Besides presenting the experience, you need to include what skills or characteristics you developed because of this event and how you will be able to apply these skills moving forward in your nursing profession.

In case the program provided a specific question or prompt to be addressed, add a fourth paragraph where you answer this question. It is important to tell the program what they want to know, so do not forget to include this information as part of your body paragraphs.

Mention how your skills can be drawn upon in the future in order to give the admissions committee a glimpse of the type of nurse and professional you are going to be. Remember some of the essential skills in the nursing profession that we mentioned above and see how they connect to your past experiences. 

3. Conclusion

The same way we place great importance on the introduction of a nursing school personal statement, we also want to emphasize the big role that your concluding paragraph has on your entire text. The most important thing we can tell you is that a conclusion should not be a summary. It should, instead, be a place to emphasize some of the major ideas you previously discussed and, when possible, it should circle back to the introduction.

Conclusions have to be insightful and captivating. They should convey a sense of closure and an invitation to keep reflecting on the ideas that were presented in the essay. Think that this is the very last thing that the admissions committee will read from you. What is the last impression that you want to leave on these people? Be creative! 

Here are some more nursing school personal statement examples to help you!

Here are some other aspects about drafting your personal statement to be considered:

Besides all the information that you brainstormed from your own personal history and from the programs\u2019 websites regarding the areas that interest you, there is something else that should be part of the content of your essay, and that is the prompt. You need to be aware of the prompt of the essay provided to you by the program, and you always want to address it. Some programs will ask for a general essay describing your motivations to become a nurse, in which case the information you gathered during the brainstorming stage will suffice, while others will give you a specific question to answer, in which case one paragraph of your essay should be devoted to answering said question.  ","label":"Content","title":"Content"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

No matter how much effort and time you put in writing your personal statement, there is a high probability that the committee members will not spend too much time reading it. Do not take this personally. They go through many application documents from many applicants like you and do not want to waste too much time reading one single essay, especially if it is not interesting enough. They want, instead, to be able to identify in a few minutes whether you are the person they are looking for.

This, of course, creates the need for applicants to write essays that have great content, great structure, and that have that ‘it’ factor that will make them stand out in a nursing school application . Your essay should be easy to read and have a great narrative. It should not read like a nursing school application resume or list every single experience you have had in chronological order. As we mentioned before, quality is better than quantity, and your nursing school personal essay should have precisely that: quality.

What experiences should end up in your body paragraphs? That is up to you. What we can suggest is that you diversify the content by highlighting experiences from different dimensions of your life. Having one of the paragraphs address a personal experience, the second address a research or academic experience, and the third address a volunteering or extracurricular activity is much better than including three experiences related to only research, for instance. Be strategic in how you showcase your skills!

Follow these steps to start drafting you essay: 

  • Remember all the information you brainstormed earlier? The first thing you need to do is identify the top three experiences from your life that you want to include. 
  • Once you have them, write them in bullet points. Create one bullet point for each that mentions what the experience is. 
  • Then, expand each bullet point into sentences and these sentences into paragraphs. 
  • As we mentioned above, each paragraph should have three essential elements: what the experience was (i.e., the meaningful experience), the main takeaways you got from it (i.e., skills you developed, characteristics you enhanced, etc.), and future applications (i.e., how you can apply this learning moving forward). 
  • Once you have your paragraphs ready to go, make sure you start each one of them with a good opening sentence. Each paragraph should follow the same structure of the general essay. This will create flow and cohesion between ideas.
  • You can look at sample medical school personal statements and think how these medical school essays could be applied to the nursing field.

Ok, so you finished writing your first draft. Good job! However, this is only the beginning. Once you are happy with your first draft, you will need to receive expert feedback on it. Having a professional like a nursing school admissions consulting service look at your essay and suggest changes to enhance what you have written is vital to create a strong product. You will see that, more often than not, these experts will be able to identify weak areas and ineffective ideas that you will not perceive.

Once someone else looks at your essay, be sure to incorporate their suggestions, work on editing and polishing up your document, and do another revision. Crafting the perfect essay that will grant you admission to your dream program is a process that should be done carefully and conscientiously. That means multiple revisions and edits are essential. In general, writing a strong competitive essay does not happen overnight. The whole process can take several weeks. So, be prepared to put in the effort and remember to do some happy writing!

The nursing school personal statement should highlight some of your most meaningful personal experiences and the skills you gained through them that will make you a great nursing professional. It should provide a good narrative that will help the admissions committee know more about you as a person and about your chance to be successful in their program. By showing that you possess certain skills that are important in the nursing profession, the committee members will see that you are a good fit.

Writing your personal essay is not an easy task and should not be taken lightly, but when you finally finish writing and look at the amazing essay you have created, you will feel satisfied with the job you did and will be able to show your program of choice why they need to have you.

No. Essays may or may not be required, depending on the program. You can check this portal and this portal to learn more.

No. There are a few steps that you wan to follow before you actually start writing. One of those is the brainstorming stage, and it will help you come up with all the ideas and information that you will need to write a good essay.

Personal information and information about the program or the areas that interest you.

Personal experiences that have been meaningful enough and that have allowed you to develop different skills that are important in the nursing field.

You need to identify the two or three areas of the program that attract you the most and see how those relate to your own experiences.

To identify the reasons that have led you to pursue a career in nursing.

It should have an academic structure and include an introduction, three or four body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Yes, it is! You need to stay within the limit in order to show that you can be concise and also follow instructions.

Then you make sure you address it. Do not leave this information out, as it is essential to provide the program with the information they want to know.

Because it is the first impression that you are going to have on your readers.

It should begin with a captivating opening sentence in the introduction. A statement, quote, or anecdote that is creative and that sparks curiosity on the reader.

You want to describe one meaningful experience per paragraph (i.e., personal example), include the main takeaways from this experience, and how this learning can be applied in the future.

You need to have an expert give you feedback on it. You may think it is already perfect, but personal essays usually require lots of revisions before they can be at the competitive stage.

It depends on the writer, but it is usually something that does not happen overnight. It usually takes several weeks. It depends on how much access you have to professionals who can provide good feedback and how much time you devote to incorporating their suggestions.

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How to write a personal statement for nursing school.

resume personal statement examples nursing

Reviewed by:

Jonathan Preminger

Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine

Reviewed: 6/19/23

Writing a personal statement for nursing school can be a daunting task, but we’re here to help! Here’s everything you need to know about writing a personal statement for nursing school.

Writing your personal statement is a nerve-wracking experience, no matter what program you’re applying for . You may be wondering: “what are nursing schools looking for in a personal statement?” or, “how can I make my personal statement for nursing school stand out?” Lucky for you, we’ve got some answers. 

Here we’ll cover everything you need to know about writing a personal statement for nursing school. We’ve included a breakdown of the components to include, examples of nursing school personal statements, and tips to improve your own. 

Let’s get started!

Students practicing to write a personal statement for nursing school

Get The Ultimate Guide on Writing an Unforgettable Personal Statement

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What Is a Nursing School Personal Statement?

When applying to nursing schools , you’ll most likely notice that most applications require a personal statement. A personal statement is a short essay, typically no longer than two pages, that tells your target schools a little bit about who you are. 

Each school has different expectations for the length and contents of your personal statement, so make sure to check the specific requirements of your target schools. Some common topics include your personal goals for nursing school and why you want to become a nurse.

Nursing School Personal Statement Format

Before writing your personal statement for nursing school, you should plan out what you want to include. If your school does not ask you to answer a specific question with your essay, here is a list of what you should include in your nursing school personal statement.

An Introduction

The introductory paragraph should focus on what brought you to this point. Your school primarily wants to get to know you as a candidate through your personal statement. Your intro should include things like:

  • How you first became interested in nursing
  • What inspires you about becoming a nurse
  • What you intend to achieve through a nursing degree

In this paragraph, your main goal is to introduce yourself and give the admissions committee a bit of background on your passion for nursing. Perhaps you have a family member who inspired you to pursue nursing, you grew up near a hospital, or you’ve struggled with health issues yourself - these are all great examples of an origin story. 

Think to yourself: “If my journey into nursing school was a movie, how would it begin?”

Body Paragraph(s)

In the body paragraph(s) of your nursing school personal statement, you can include a bit about your achievements. However, this isn’t the place to simply list your achievements. 

Think about how your experiences helped you to develop skills for nursing school . Include things like:

  • How you’ve furthered your interest in nursing through experience (both in and out of school)
  • How your achievements make you a good fit for the program
  • Specific things about the program that interests you

The body portion of your essay should contain the majority of the information you want to include. Make sure to only include accomplishments if they help to explain how you’ll contribute to the program. Your CV will list any other achievements that don’t come into play here.

A Strong Conclusion

Your personal statement should end on a positive note. Think about summarizing your statement by looking toward the future. Include things like:

  • Your future ambitions following nursing school
  • What you’ll be able to contribute to the program 

The end of your body paragraph(s) should mention what you hope to achieve in the future with your nursing degree and lead into your conclusion. The final sentences of your personal statement should further state your passion for your program and how you’ll be a great fit at your target school. 

What Not to Write in a Personal Statement for Nursing School

Before getting into our tips and examples, let’s go over what not to include in your personal statement for nursing school. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when crafting your personal statement. 

Keep it Simple

Your personal statement should be authentic and genuine, but make sure to keep the brief in mind while you’re writing. As mentioned above, a personal statement is typically no longer than two pages in length. 

You should absolutely include some personal anecdotes; in fact, we encourage it! Just make sure to stick to the relevant parts of your story and not to elaborate too much on areas that are not relevant to your application. 

Do Not Reiterate Your CV

Your personal statement is an essay, not a resume. Keep in mind that your application already contains all of your achievements on your CV, transcripts, and other application materials. 

Your personal statement is about understanding your passion and motivations. You can use examples from your CV to further assert your interest in the program, but only if you can elaborate on how they’ve specifically helped you on your journey to nursing school. 

Tips for Writing a Stellar Nursing Personal Statement

Let’s go over a few tips on how you can improve your personal statement. Using these tips can help to make your personal statement and essays for your nursing school application stand out while remaining authentic and genuine. 

Create A Timeline

When writing your personal statement, your focus should be on telling your story. Creating a clear timeline of events can help to effectively tell the story of how you decided to apply for nursing. 

Start with how you became interested in nursing, develop your story with experiences that have cultivated your knowledge, and conclude by talking about your program and your future goals. A timeline will make your essay easy to read and give the admissions committee a good idea of your journey so far.

Stick To the Brief

If your target school(s) give you a specific prompt for your personal statement, make sure to refer back to the prompt while writing your essay to ensure you’re staying on track. 

For example, if your prompt asks you a question, be sure to answer the question at the beginning, the end, and throughout your essay. Your personal statement shouldn’t be vague or veer too far off course. 

Speak From the Heart

It is crucial in your nursing personal statement to share what makes you unique . This is your chance to show the admissions committee why you’d be a perfect fit in their program and demonstrate what you bring to the table. 

Include genuine experiences that have pushed you toward nursing throughout your life. Conveying your passions and motivations is critical in your personal statement for nursing school.

Do Your Research 

One great way to make your nursing personal statement stand out is to do thorough research on your program and include it in your piece. Showing your passion for the specific program. you’re applying to can give you an edge over others and impress the admissions committee. 

When you include your research, be sure to add it organically into your writing. Use your research as a way to connect your personal experiences to the program rather than simply listing information.

Nursing School Personal Statement Examples

Here are two nursing personal statement examples that were written successfully. We’ve also included explanations of how they are good examples to help you improve your own personal statement. 

*Important note: Do not use our samples in your nursing school application. These examples are meant to serve as a guide when crafting your own original personal statement for nursing school. 

Example #1: Indeed ’s Nursing School Personal Statement Sample

“I walked backward down the hill, my arms supporting the weight of the wheelchair as its wheels rolled slowly in reverse. Sunlight danced through the trees around us and shone in my grandmother's hair as she sat inside the wheelchair. I couldn't see my grandmother's face from that angle, but I could hear her laughing with joy as she enjoyed the outdoors for the first time in weeks. My grandmother came to live with my family two years ago after breaking her hip. Although she completed much of her recovery at our home, Nurse George came by every day to perform my grandmother's personal care tasks, monitor her vital signs and assist with her physical therapy exercises. George also taught me some basic patient care practices, such as how to support a wheelchair correctly while going downhill. I had never considered a career in nursing before, but George helped me see the rewards of helping people with their medical conditions and injuries. I am excited by this opportunity to apply to Fern Hill's College of Nursing because I appreciate your program's specialization in rehabilitation nursing. Being a part of my grandmother's recovery team has inspired me to pursue a nursing career that helps patients recover from injuries or medical conditions. I believe that your school's emphasis on assisting patients in regaining their independent skills can help me achieve these professional aspirations. Since realizing that I want to become a nurse, I have become a regular volunteer at Jefferson Rehabilitation Center. I mentor young people struggling with drug addictions and provide childcare for the children of rehabilitation patients. There is no feeling comparable to when a mentee or outgoing patient offers you a sincere "thank you." I can no longer imagine pursuing a career where I do not get to help people overcome their challenges and navigate their way to recovery. My experiences helping my grandmother and patients at Jefferson have taught me the value of empathy and communication. Frequently, my mentees simply want someone to listen to them. I do my best to give them a judgment-free space in which to share their stories. Whether the medical issue is emotional or physical, patients appreciate working with flexible and considerate people. I believe I embody these qualities by actively listening and letting patients talk at their own pace. I am ready to pursue a nursing career and learn about helping patients in a more professional and technical capacity. Fern Hill's College of Nursing is the ideal place to prepare for my future nursing career.”

Why this is a good example: In this example, the writer has done an excellent job of telling the story of how they became interested in nursing. They also develop a clear timeline of events from when they first thought about nursing to how they began developing their skills through volunteering. 

Most importantly, the candidate mentions specific reasons why they’re interested in the program and how they feel they can contribute to the school and field. 

Example #2: Johns Hopkins University Nursing Personal Statement Sample

“I grew up close to a hospital, where I watched patients go through the double doors for a variety of ailments. From a young age, this drove me to develop a strong interest in the field of medicine. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the future that would allow me to take care of those in need. Through my courses in the natural sciences as well as social studies, I have continued to develop my knowledge in the field in order to be ready to continue my education. Now, I am ready to take the next step in my education by applying for the Nursing program at Johns Hopkins University.  Three years ago I completed a nursing shadowing internship that opened my eyes to many of the daily struggles of being a nurse. During my time in the clinic and on the wards, I had the opportunity to work In the critical care and trauma ward as well as In obstetrics and geriatrics. These various experiences showed me the diverse role that nurses play in a healthcare setting, and emphasized the importance of empathy and dedication to patient care.  Johns Hopkins University Is known worldwide for its focus on patient wellness and medical research. As a nursing student at Hopkins, I hope to not only further the institution's goal of providing exceptional patient care, but also to assist with the many clinical trials ongoing at the hospital that pave the way for new treatments. Through hands-on training with knowledgeable staff, I know that I will be able to make the most of my nursing training at Johns Hopkins and become a nursing professional that is capable of enhancing patient wellness in a healthcare setting.”

Why this is a good example: In this example, the writer develops a clear timeline and clearly defines their relevant information. The writer covers when they first became interested in nursing, courses they’ve taken, and what experiences have made them get serious about the profession. 

Finally, they include why they are specifically interested in the program at Johns Hopkins and conclude by adding what they will add to the program as a student.

FAQs: How to Write a Personal Statement for Nursing School

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about nursing school personal statements. 

1. Do All Nursing Schools Require A Personal Statement?

Almost all nursing schools require a personal statement, which can typically be described as a short essay (2 pages or less) that explains who you are and why you want to attend the school’s nursing program.

2. Is a Personal Statement for Nursing School an Essay?

Yes, a personal statement is a short essay that briefly describes your past, present, and future experiences in relation to nursing.

3. How Long Should A Nursing Personal Statement Be?

Each nursing school has different length requirements, which can typically be found in the prompt. If no length is specified, two pages or less is recommended. 

4. What Should I Include In My Nursing School Personal Statement?

Your nursing personal statement should include:

  • Why you want to become a nurse
  • What inspires you about nursing
  • Elaborate on the experiences you’ve had that have taught you about nursing
  • Program-specific reasons for your interest in the school
  • How you intend to contribute to the program and the field of nursing

If your school’s personal statement asks a specific question, that question should be answered throughout your essay. 

5. Does Nursing Require Essays?

Yes, most nursing program applications require personal statement essays, and some require secondary (or supplemental) essays as well.

6. When Should I Write My Personal Statement for Nursing School?

You should begin writing your personal statement(s) for nursing school as soon as you receive the prompt. Make sure to give yourself an adequate amount of time to complete all sections of your application before the deadline.

7. How do you Start a Personal Statement for Nursing School?

To start a compelling nursing personal statement, there are a few different writing techniques you can use. You can start by introducing yourself, start by talking about how you became interested in nursing, or you can start “in the action” by cutting right into your story. 

Final Thoughts

Your personal statement for nursing school should be genuine, heartfelt, and express how you will make an excellent addition to your target school’s nursing program through a series of examples. 

Each personal statement you write should be adjusted to suit the individual program you are applying for. Sending a general personal statement with every application you submit is impersonal and not recommended. Make sure to follow your brief closely and map out your essay before writing it to ensure you include all of the relevant information. 

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Nursing resume summary examples.

Approved by hiring managers, here are proven resume summary examples you can use on your Nursing resume. Learn what real hiring managers want to see on your resume, and when to use which.

Kimberley Tyler Smith - Hiring Manager

  • Critical Care Nursing
  • Entry Level Nursing
  • Nursing Education
  • Nursing Management
  • Oncology Nursing
  • Pediatric Nursing
  • Public Health Nursing
  • Senior Nursing
  • Surgical Nursing
  • Nursing resume templates
  • Similar summary examples

Nursing Resume Summary Example

Highlight certifications.

The mention of being a "Certified Nursing Professional" immediately highlights key qualifications, a crucial factor for recruiters who often skim resumes. This not only grabs attention but also helps your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that filter based on keywords.

Quantify Experience

Stating "7+ years of experience delivering patient-focused care" provides a clear picture of your professional journey. This not only shows you're experienced but also underscores your patient-centric approach, a soft skill highly valued in nursing.

Showcase Achievements

"Reduced patient recovery time by 20%" shows your tangible impact in previous roles. Such quantifiable achievements can sway recruiters in your favor as they provide a snapshot of what you could potentially accomplish in their organization.

Emphasize Leadership and Coordination

"Coordinated multidisciplinary teams across three hospitals" demonstrates both leadership and organizational skills, crucial for nursing roles that involve coordinating with various departments.

Demonstrate Ability to Handle Pressure

By stating experience in "working in high-pressure environments", you convey ability to maintain performance under stress, a key trait in the fast-paced healthcare field.

Critical Care Nursing Resume Summary Example

Highlight your area of expertise.

Mentioning your expertise in trauma and emergency care lets recruiters know that you're not just a regular nurse but one who can handle high-pressure situations effectively.

Speak to your achievements

Reducing a patient mortality rate is a significant achievement that speaks volumes about your skills and dedication. It's the kind of accomplishment that sets you apart.

Show your team management skills

Showing that you've managed a team, especially in an intense setting like an ICU, demonstrates your leadership and ability to handle responsibility. It's important to show you're not just capable of doing the work, but leading it too.

Show recognition

Brag a little. If you've been recognized for your patient care, it means you've made a significant positive impact. It shows you are capable of not just doing your job, but excelling at it.

Don't let a subpar resume hold you back from your dream job. Our tool helps you optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems and human recruiters alike. Get a comprehensive analysis and start landing more interviews today.

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Entry Level Nursing Resume Summary Example

Showcase specialized expertise.

Describing "expertise in pediatric care" helps position you as a specialist in a particular area, useful for roles requiring specific skills.

Highlight Clinical Hours

Providing a count of your "800+ clinical hours" is a concrete way of demonstrating on-the-job learning, especially important for entry-level roles.

Present Soft Skills

By mentioning "efficiency and compassionate care", you showcase your soft skills - qualities often sought after in patient-centric nursing roles.

Demonstrate Initiative

The "streamlined patient intake process" suggests you're proactive and capable of identifying and solving problems, qualities highly desired by employers.

Nursing Education Resume Summary Example

Specify role.

Term "Nursing Educator" specifies your role and sets the stage for your resume. This helps recruiters quickly identify if your profile matches their search.

Display Experience Breadth

"Decade of experience in academic and clinical settings" shows a wide range of experience, which can make your profile more appealing to recruiters looking for versatile educators.

Exhibit Curriculum Development Skills

"Developed curriculum for nursing programs" demonstrates your ability to create educational content, a key requirement for teaching roles.

Demonstrate Influence

"Influenced over 500 nursing careers" shows your impact on future healthcare professionals, and adds a humanizing touch to your achievements.

Nursing Management Resume Summary Example

Showcase leadership.

"Proven track record in managing large healthcare teams" shows your ability to handle responsibility and lead effectively, both crucial in managerial roles.

Quantify Efficiency

By stating that you "increased efficiency by 35%", you provide a measure of your administrative capabilities and impact on operations.

Highlight Patient Centricity

"Pioneered a patient-first approach" illustrates your dedication to patient satisfaction, a key indicator of quality healthcare delivery.

Demonstrate Regulatory Knowledge

"Navigating the complexities of healthcare regulations" and "ensuring compliance" shows your understanding of the legal framework in healthcare, a crucial aspect in nursing management.

Oncology Nursing Resume Summary Example

Showcase your specialization.

A niche skill, like palliative care in oncology nursing, can make you a valuable asset. It's not just about being a nurse; it's about being a nurse with a specific skill set that could be critical in some situations. This can give you an edge in the selection process.

Quantify your impact

ATS scan for numbers as they signify measurable impact. Stating that you've managed care for over 50 patients demonstrates your ability to handle workload and stress. Make your contributions tangible to grab attention.

Demonstrate innovative thinking

Your unique approach to patient care not only shows your innovative thinking but also your commitment to improving patient outcomes. It shows that you're not just doing your job, but you're actively seeking ways to do it better.

Mention your leadership skills

Training junior nurses emphasizes your leadership skills and your ability to pass on your knowledge to others. Your experience in this area assures employers that you can guide others in complex situations.

Pediatric Nursing Resume Summary Example

Highlight specialization.

"5+ years of experience in neonatal care" immediately shows your specialty. Recruiters looking for pediatric nurses would find this compelling and relevant.

Show Impact on Patient Outcomes

"Improved neonatal health outcomes by 30%" provides a measurable impact of your work. Such quantitative accomplishments can help you stand out.

Proof of Handling Complexity

"Managed complex cases" indicates capability of handling challenging situations, a sought-after trait in specialties like pediatric nursing.

Highlight Patient Education Skills

"Demonstrated expertise in patient education" emphasizes your ability to effectively communicate with patients and families, a crucial aspect of nursing.

Public Health Nursing Resume Summary Example

Passion goes a long way.

Mentioning your passion for community healthcare not only shows your drive but also your commitment to the well-being of the community. It gives a sense of your purpose and motivation, which is inspiring.

Show your initiative

Launching a successful immunization program shows your initiative, leadership, and ability to manage large-scale projects. It's an achievement that demonstrates real impact.

Prove your effectiveness

Reducing community health issues by a quarter through education initiatives highlights your effectiveness and dedication to preventive healthcare. This shows that you're not just reactive, but proactive in your approach to healthcare.

Show your versatility

Managing healthcare delivery for diverse populations across urban and rural settings shows your adaptability and understanding of different healthcare environments. It makes you a more versatile and attractive candidate.

Senior Nursing Resume Summary Example

Impress with extensive experience.

Mentioning "over 15 years of experience in critical care" immediately signals a deep level of expertise and knowledge, crucial for senior roles.

Highlight Leadership Skills

As a senior nurse, "leading a team of 20 nurses" showcases your ability to manage, lead, and inspire a team, an essential skill for senior positions.

Quantify Success

"Reduced patient mortality rate by 10%" provides a concrete achievement to recruiters, illustrating your impact on patient outcomes.

Demonstrate People Development

"Implemented a mentorship program" indicates your commitment to staff development. This could be a deciding factor for recruiters looking for leaders who can develop their teams.

Surgical Nursing Resume Summary Example

Proven expertise matters.

Stating your proven expertise in perioperative care not only shows your skill but also gives assurance to the employer about your ability to deliver in the operating room. It adds weight to your resume.

Don't shy away from numbers

Assisting in 500+ surgeries is a strong statistic that demonstrates your experience and reliability. Numbers make your accomplishments concrete and more impressive.

Show your contributions to improvement

Improving surgical outcomes is a crucial contribution in a field where precision matters the most. It shows that you're not just doing your job, but you're making a real difference.

Showcase your leadership skills

Managing surgical teams is not an easy task. Mentioning this shows you can handle pressure, coordinate tasks effectively, and lead a team in high-stakes situations.

Nursing Resume Templates

Dental assistant.

RDA resume highlighting specialized skills and digital dentistry experience.

Respiratory Therapist

Screenshot of a New Grad Respiratory Therapist's resume showcasing education and internship experience.

Medical Resume Summary Examples

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resume personal statement examples nursing

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resume personal statement examples nursing

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Nursing Personal Statement Examples in 2023

In this article, we look at the best nursing personal statement examples in 2023 along with tips and advice for writing a great personal statement for a nursing program.

nursing personal statement examples

Table of Contents

What is a nursing personal statement, what should you include in your nursing personal statement, how to write an outstanding nursing personal statement, nursing personal statement example #1, nursing personal statement example #2, nursing personal statement example #3, related articles.

  • FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Keep reading for 3 examples of nursing personal statements and the 7 things you should include in your statement. Also, find out how taking care of her grandmother at home inspired one student to go into nursing.

A nursing personal statement is an essay or statement that is usually part of a list of requirements for admittance to a nursing program.

The purpose of a nursing personal statement is to give the selection committee information about your character and qualities so they can see you will be a good fit for the program.

The goals that should be included in a nursing personal statement are:

  • Passing all of your exams and receiving an honours degree in general nursing.
  • Becoming a registered nurse and securing a job as a nurse.
  • Helping a certain group of people (for example children, the elderly, and vulnerable youth)

2. Professional Experience

Any professional experience related to nursing should be included in a nursing personal statement. This could include:

  • Hospital, clinic and GP practice experience
  • Any other relevant work with people such as volunteering or mentoring roles
  • Any paid work that has given you administrative or client-facing experience
  • Previous work experience in healthcare settings such as residential care demonstrates your ability to handle complex situations and care for patients.

For example, one student wrote about how working in a dental clinic helped her to start to consider nursing as a career.

3. Interests and motivation

When writing a nursing personal statement, it is important to explain your motivation for pursuing a career in nursing. Possible interests to include in your statement include:

  • Your desire to help others and make a difference in people’s lives
  • You were inspired by a family member, teacher or neighbour who was a nurse
  • Your interest in providing care and support to those who need it most when they are at their most vulnerable
  • The positive impact that nurses have on their patients’ lives, both physically and mentally
  • Your desire to work as part of a team with other healthcare professionals
  • Your commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care for all patients, regardless of their background or lifestyle choices.

One of the students profiled below wrote I have a particular interest in pain management and the non-traditional methods of holistic care to support patients, such as hypnosis.

4. Qualifications

When writing a nursing personal statement, it is important to include details of the qualifications you have earned or are currently working towards. These should include:

  • A degree in nursing or a related field.
  • Certification in CPR, advanced life support techniques, and other relevant skill sets.
  • Strong scores in High School science, math and related subjects.

5. Personal Traits

When writing a personal statement for nursing programmes, it is important to include personal qualities such as:

  • Honesty and integrity – you should be honest about your abilities and experience, as well as your intentions for pursuing a career in nursing.
  • Empathy – being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and understand their perspective is an essential trait of a good nurse.
  • Compassion – having compassion for others will help you provide them with the best possible care.
  • Initiative – taking the initiative when needed shows that you are capable of taking on responsibilities without being told what to do.
  • Maturity – having maturity means being able to think rationally in stressful situations, even if emotions may be running high around you.

When writing your nursing personal statement, you should include the following skills:

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare systems
  • Knowledge of various treatments, protocols, policies, and procedures related to nursing practice.

Make it clear that you know you have a lot to learn and that you are looking forward to a steep learning curve!

7. Achievements

Achievements that could be included in a nursing personal statement include, but are not limited to:

  • Awards and honours received for academic or other achievements
  • Volunteer work or community service activity awards related to nursing
  • Extra-curricular activities that have helped you develop the necessary skills for nursing school, such as tutoring or mentoring programs
  • Accomplishments related to previous jobs or internships related to healthcare professions (e.g., certifications)

Step 1: Research the Schools

Researching the schools you are applying to can help with writing an outstanding nursing personal statement because it gives you an idea of what each school is looking for and what their requirements are.

This process will help you rank the programs in order of preference, determine which schools are reach schools and which institutions should be your ‘safety schools’, if you are not selected by your number one choice.

You could identify any specific topics or themes that each school tends to favor in their applications.

This knowledge will allow you to craft an effective personal statement that stands out from the rest.

Step 2: Get Ready to Talk about Yourself

  • Start by brainstorming: Read the prompt carefully. If it asks you to talk about anything other than your motivation for nursing school (for example, a time when you helped someone) highlight it and brainstorm it separately.
  • Write down any experiences, traits, or qualities that make you an outstanding candidate for the nursing program.
  • Select the best stories and anecdotes: Choose those that demonstrate your strengths and show why you are an ideal fit for the program.
  • Edit thoroughly: Go through each section multiple times to ensure it is relevant and well-written, then reread it with a critical eye to catch any mistakes or typos that may have slipped through in the editing stages.

Step 3: Write the Essay in free-form

  • Sometimes getting started is the hardest part! If you know the examples you are going to talk about and have a rough plan for your essay, write the example that’s most important to you first.
  • To begin, don’t worry about grammar or making it sound perfect. Say what you want to say, and let your passion for nursing shine through.
  • Then, refine your ideas by shaping them and going back in to shape them further if needed. Sometimes, taking a break overnight will give you time to subconsciously improve your ideas.
  • Ensure that your essay is captivating by giving yourself adequate time to go through this process thoroughly before starting on the final draft of your essay.

Step 4: Revise and Revise Some More

  • Read through the entire essay carefully and make notes of any areas that need improvement.
  • Make corrections to grammar and sentence structure issues, as well as any other minor mistakes or typos you find along the way.
  • Re-read your essay multiple times to make sure it flows smoothly from start to finish without any awkward transitions or sections that need further clarification or expansion. Ask trusted guidance counsellors, teachers or study partners to read it and give you some feedback.
  • Read it through again after making changes if necessary, double-check that you have completed the whole application and attached your supporting documents, then submit your application when it’s ready.

In 2023, an example of a successful nursing school personal statement might look something like this:

“The week after I turned 16, I was walking backwards down a hill, my arms supporting the weight of the wheelchair as its wheels rolled slowly in reverse.

Sunlight danced through the trees around us and shone in my grandmother’s hair as she sat inside the wheelchair.

I couldn’t see my grandmother’s face from that angle, but I could hear her laughing with joy as she enjoyed the outdoors for the first time in weeks. My exhausted parents were finally trusting me as a caregiver and it changed my life.

My grandmother came to live with my family two years ago after breaking her hip. She completed much of her recovery at our home, but Nurse George came by every day to perform personal care tasks, monitor vital signs and assist with physical therapy exercises.

George also taught me some basic patient care practices such as how to support a wheelchair correctly while going downhill and emphasised the importance of positive mental health in patient recovery.

I am excited by this opportunity to apply to Seaton’s College of Nursing because I appreciate your program’s specialization in rehabilitation nursing; it is exactly what inspired me pursue a career helping people recover from injuries or medical surgery!

Additionally, your focus on assisting patients to regain their independent skills will help me achieve these professional aspirations I have set for myself.

“I grew up close to a hospital, where I watched patients go through the double doors for a variety of ailments. From a young age, this drove me to develop a strong interest in the field of medicine. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the future that would allow me to take care of those in need.

Through my courses in the natural sciences as well as social studies, I have continued to develop my knowledge in the field and prepare for my future education.

Listening to my mother talk about her patients and their families at Jackson Pediatrics Center has taught me the value of empathy and communication.

Frequently, they simply want someone to listen; I do my best to give them a judgment-free space where they can share their stories.

Whether it’s an emotional or physical issue they’re facing, patients appreciate working with flexible and considerate people like myself who understand how important it is for them feel comfortable talking about their struggles or concerns without fear of judgement or criticism from others around them. I want to be that kind of nurse in the future.

Additionally, being able to help young people overcome their challenges and navigate their way back towards recovery is something that excites me about pursuing this career path.”

“I first thought of nursing and a career in health when I started a part-time job at a local dental practice. My job was secretarial but almost immediately I was spending some time interacting with patients and became interested in working in the healthcare industry.

I have a particular interest in pain management and the non-traditional methods of holistic care to support patients, such as hypnosis which was used successfully at the practice to help patients with phobias and extreme anxiety prepare for treatment.

This experience helped inspire me to apply for nursing school with the goal of becoming an RN someday because it showed me how rewarding it could be helping people access healthcare.

Since then I have volunteered at our local drop-in health clinic at the community centre; there is no feeling comparable when they offer you their sincere thank yous! Furthermore, these experiences have taught me the value of community support when trying to encourage members of minority communities to access healthcare.

If they know someone who has had a positive experience at the clinic they are much more likely to attend. Going forward, I would like to focus on pain management in the community because I think there is huge scope for development in this field.”

What should be included in a nursing personal statement?

When writing your nursing personal statement, make sure to include:

  • Why you want to become a nurse
  • What inspires you about nursing
  • The experiences you’ve had that have taught you about nursing
  • Program-specific reasons for your interest in the school
  • How you intend to contribute to the program and field of nursing

What format should be used for a nursing personal statement?

The outline of the format should include:

  • Half-inch indentations for each paragraph
  • Left-align or justify your essay
  • Double spacing between sentences and paragraphs
  • One-inch margins all around
  • Times New Roman font style (12 points) with no title or headings.

Note – the nursing school may provide more specific guidance. Use the above if they do not include formatting advice.

What topics can be discussed in a nursing personal statement?

Topics that can be discussed in a nursing personal statement include:

  • Why you want to study nursing and what sparked your interest in the field.
  • Your skill sets, such as patience, empathy, teamwork and communication.
  • Any experiences that have shaped who you are today or influenced your decision to become a nurse (e.g., an unwell family member).
  • Any personal details that are relevant to why you should be accepted into the program (e.g., life experiences).
  • Any personal challenges that may impact your ability to access the course, like severe financial hardship or a disability and the specific suppport you would need.

How do I write a great nursing personal statement?

  • Determine your purpose
  • Research the school
  • Brainstorm ideas
  • Write down key points

What is the difference between a nursing program and a nursing school?

The difference between a nursing program and a nursing school is Nursing programs are the courses that individuals take to earn their nursing degree. Nursing schools are institutions that offer these programs and provide education and training for students.

Nursing schools typically require applicants to submit a personal statement as part of the application process.

Additionally, nursing schools often have a broader focus than just providing education in the field of nursing, such as offering classes in related subjects like biology or chemistry.

How do I find admission requirements for nursing school?

Research the different nursing schools you are interested in, and find their website. All the information you need about admissions should be on the university website

Once you have decided that nursing is for you, you can also schedule an appointment (in-person or online) with an admissions counsellor for each nursing school you are considering to get a better understanding of their personal statement requirements and other criteria they look for in applicants.

What are the different types of nursing careers?

There are many types of nursing careers, including:

  • Registered Nurse (RN): Registered nurses are licensed professionals who provide direct patient care, educate patients about their conditions, and administer medications.
  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Licensed practical nurses are also licensed professionals who provide direct patient care but do not have the same level of education as registered nurses.
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Certified nursing assistants assist registered nurses and licensed practical nurses with basic patient care tasks such as feeding, bathing and dressing patients in addition to other duties related to the healthcare facility they work in such as cleaning rooms or providing transportation services for patients/family members visiting the facility/homecare settings etc.
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