New Grad Resume Examples: 5 Best Samples & Why They Work

Are you tired of staring at a blinking cursor, trying to figure out just the right turns of phrase to prove to potential employers that you’re the best candidate for the job?

You’re certainly not alone. With an average yearly cost of $20,000 to attend a public university in the United States, the pressure to get a good job and start paying down student loans is sky-high.

While we can’t help you pay off your student loans, we can help you land a job in your field with some new grad nurse resume examples that will put you on the fast track to employment.

New Grad Nurse Resume Examples

One of the easiest ways to write a resume is by looking at new grad nurse resume examples. It helps you understand the formatting and language, empowering you to confidently express what you can offer your future employers over the competition.

Entry-Level New Grad Resume Example

Obtaining a degree in your professional field doesn’t mean you have to jump right into nursing upon graduation. Many people choose to work in entry-level positions while searching for the perfect job.

However, it’s still beneficial to use what you learned during your degree program to show employers that you can seamlessly translate your nursing skills to whatever position you’re in.

Work Experience 1: Registered Nurse Intern

Mount Sinai Morningside Campus

New York City, New York

January – May 2023

• Provided high-quality patient care as part of a team of 20 registered nurses.
• Conducted patient assessments to inform ongoing patient care plans.
• Communicated with patients and families about post-discharge treatments.
• Maintained detailed, accurate electronic health records while maintaining HIPAA compliance.
• Collaborated within the nursing team to prioritize and delegate tasks.

Work Experience 2: Clinical Nursing Student

Manhatten Medical Center

New York City, New York

August – December 2022

• Aided in taking vitals and maintaining patient charts with 98% accuracy.
• Participated in voluntary health education programs to further grow my understanding of patient conditions.
• Responded to patient complaints and made timely decisions regarding the best professional to speak with for possible resolutions.
• Assisted in patient mobilization, including bed turns and therapeutic exercises.
• Performed basic nursing procedures accurately and carefully under the supervision of a licensed mentor nurse.

Project Experience:

• Graduate Thesis: “Preventing Falls in Geriatric Ward”
  • Successfully opposed, executed, and analyzed the results of an evidence-based program to decrease patient falls by 30% within six months.
  • Received a grant to continue research from the study host site.
• Summer Art Program
  • Hosted a free, twice-weekly art program for ten children living in a rural community to assist with childcare concerns for working parents.
  • Guided the students in organizing and hosting an end-of-summer art show that fell under budget.

Skills:

• Collaboration
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Empathy
• Adaptability
• Self-Motivation

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Mount Sinai Phillips School of Nursing, 2019-2023
• Bachelor of Science in Human Development, University at Albany, 2015-2019

Licenses & Accreditations:

• Registered Nurse, New York State Board of Nursing, License #R99999

Why This Resume Works

When you’re applying for a non-nursing role but only have experience in the nursing setting, you can turn your medical skills into general skills like collaboration, attention to detail, and the ability to follow protocols.

While this resume still frames the work experience within a medical setting, it leaves off more technical tasks in favor of soft skills, as these transfer regardless of the industry in which you are employed.

The Skills section also helps communicate the intended message by showcasing highly-valued personal attributes that would work well in customer service roles.

New Grad Nurse Resume Example

A registered nurse must obtain a Bachelor’s degree in the science of nursing and attend several clinical rotations to ensure they have a breadth of skills across medical specializations.

This resume would work well for an applicant interested in a high-pressure environment, as both ICU and psychiatric departments require medical personnel to adapt quickly and maintain their composure when facing extreme stress.

Work Experience 1: ICU Clinical Rotation

Washington Memorial Hospital

Fayetteville, AR

March – May 2022

• Monitored and documented patient status in a high-pressure environment.
• Implemented care plans for critically ill patients under the supervision of licensed physicians and RNs.
• Assisted in performing emergency patient stabilization procedures.
• Communicated with families to provide updates about patient progress.
• Partnered with licensed RNs to administer medications and treatments in accordance with the physician’s care plan.

Work Experience 2: Psychiatric Clinical Rotation

Washington Memorial Hospital

Fayetteville, AR

August – September 2021

• Conducted comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, including mental status exams and risk assessments.
• Collaborated with primary care physicians to develop individualized and holistic care plans.
• Assisted in leading group discussions and activities to foster patient coping skills.
• Engaged in crisis intervention procedures, utilizing de-escalation techniques to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
•  Educated caregivers about treatment options for psychiatric conditions.

Project Experience:

• Research Study: The Correlation Between Psychiatric Conditions and Coordinating Coping Skills
  • Proposed a data-informed technique for teaching very specific coping skills according to the patient’s diagnosis to focus on symptom-based adaptability rather than general coping education.
  • Tracked patient self-evaluations, in which they reported a 45% reduction in anxiety when using their assigned mechanism.
• Senior Capstone Project: The Impact of Hobbies on Psychiatric Patient Confidence
  • Conducted a research review on hobby programs in hospital psychiatric departments.
  • Drafted and presented a proposal for attracting volunteers to teach skill-based hobbies such as baking and gardening.

Skills:

• Excellent communication skills
• IV administration and phlebotomy
• Calm under pressure
• Wound care protocols
• Post-trauma monitoring and documentation

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Arkansas Main Campus, 2018-2022
• ACLS and PALS Certification, American Heart Association

Licenses & Accreditations:

• Registered Nurse, Arkansas State Board of Nursing, License #R123456

Why This Resume Works

The goal of this resume example was to communicate that the applicant was passionate about new approaches to psychiatric care, as demonstrated in the Project Experience and featured clinical rotations.

By piquing the resume reader’s interest with detailed descriptions of successful project proposals, the candidate shows their potential employer the long-term value they can bring to the position if given the time and resources.

They also open the door to speak more about it during the interview process. At this point, they can be more explicit in their intentions to continue studying breakthrough techniques to create better outcomes for future patients in their care.

New Grad Physical Therapy Resume Example

As physical therapists, practitioners have the opportunity to work in a very hands-on capacity with patients of all shapes and sizes suffering from physiological impairments.

As such, this resume demonstrates a wide range of technical skills and research projects the applicant can use to inform their care plans to best meet patient needs.

Work Experience 1: Orthopedic Internship, 10 Weeks

Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana

Shreveport, LA

September – December 2022

• Assisted supervising physical therapists in evaluating, planning, and treating patients with orthopedic conditions.
• Conducted manual muscle testing, goniometry, and functional mobility assessments.
• Coordinated with patients and caregivers to schedule ongoing care.
• Fitted patients for braces and splints.
• Educated patients on at-home exercise safety protocols and treatment plan compliance.

Work Experience 2: Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Internship, 10 Weeks

Shreveport Rehabilitation Hospital

Shreveport, LA

January – April 2021

• Documented patient health data electronically.
• Monitored post-discharge progress and adapted care plan accordingly.
• Counseled patients in the proper use of assistive prosthetics and orthotics.
• Administered therapeutic interventions to improve patient mobility, strength, balance, and functional skills for those with profound impairments.
• Prioritized patient preferences for treatment plans when possible to increase accountability and ownership for better outcomes.

Project Experience:

• Research Assistant at LSU Health
  • Performed data collection and analysis to evaluate the efficacy of a new therapeutic intervention for patients with lower back pain.
  • Assisted in case studies with more than 200 participants to apply treatments, measure results, and compile trend data.
• Graduate Researcher at LSU Health
  • Conducted a longitudinal study examining the effects of therapeutic interventions on post-stroke gait abnormalities.
  • Created online infrastructure for patients to submit videos of gait progress and self-assessment scores to obtain data efficiently and without inconveniencing the patient more than necessary.

Skills:

• Physical strength and stamina
• Sports medicine
• Manual therapy
• Exercise prescription
• Detail-oriented

Education:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy, Louisiana State University Health, 2020-2023
• Bachelor of Science in Biology, Louisiana State University, 2016-2020

Licenses & Accreditations:

• Licensed Physical Therapist, Louisiana State Board of Physical Therapy, License #123456

Why This Resume Works

While true that most doctors’ resumes wouldn’t include physical strength in their skill list, physical therapists need to be fit enough to bear the patient’s weight during treatments. They may need to pick up their patient or help them with movements.

This new grad nurse resume example also shows employers that the applicant is willing to synergize patient preferences with medical best practices to increase the likelihood that they’ll follow through on the care plan.

Most patients who need physical therapy have at-home programs to follow in-between appointments, and their adherence can profoundly impact how quickly the patient progresses.

New Grad Physician Assistant Resume Example

Physician assistants have a unique role in the medical field, as they can perform many of the same functions as a doctor but are not required to obtain a doctorate.

To that end, this resume communicates the extended skill sets PAs have above and beyond that of nurses, including diagnosing patients and ordering lab tests.

Work Experience 1: Internal Medicine Clinical, 10-Week Rotation

Oschner Health Academic Medical Center

Shreveport, LA

June – August 2022

• Performed comprehensive physical examinations and developed treatment plans for a culturally and linguistically diverse patient population.
• Ordered and interpreted diagnostic tests, including lab panels, MRIs, CAT scans, and X-rays.
• Collected and documented lab specimens.
• Educated patients and families on disease management, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications.
• Assisted in routine surgeries.

Work Experience 2: Emergency Medicine Clinical, 10-Week Rotation

Oschner Health Academic Medical Center

Shreveport, LA

August – December 2021

• Assessed, diagnosed, and treated patients presenting with acute medical conditions under the supervision of physicians in the emergency department, which intakes 280 patients per day.
• Assisted in triage and wound care, just as suturing and splinting.
• Communicated with patients and families to address concerns and provide progress updates.
• Performed rapid trauma assessments by ordering and examining radiology and laboratory tests.
• Educated diverse patient demographics about their health and care plans in their native language to ensure equitable healthcare access to that of English-speaking patients.

Project Experience:

• Senior Capstone Project: “The Impact of Telemedicine on Patient Access to Healthcare”
  • Conducted research on advancements in telemedicine and its benefits for patients in rural and underserved communities.
  • Compiled and analyzed data showing the successful implementation of rural telemedicine initiatives.
• Rural Healthcare Initiative
  • Participated in a summer project focused on providing wellness exams to those living in rural areas around the community.
  • Assisted with in-home patient consultations, physical exams, treatment plan development, and condition management with more than 150 individuals.

Skills:

• Fluent in English, Spanish, and Tagalog
• Prioritization and time management
• Medical documentation
• Evidence-based diagnostics
• Collaborative and communicative

Education:

• Master of Science in Physician’s Assistant Studies, Louisiana State University at Shreveport, 2020-2023
• Bachelor of Science in Biology, Louisiana State University at Shreveport, 2016-2020

Licenses & Accreditations:

• NCCPA Board Certified Physician Assistant
• State Physician Assistant License
• Basic Life Support Certification, American Heart Association
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certification

Why This Resume Works

Physician assistants are allowed to work with patients without the supervision of a doctor, so their resumes should demonstrate a strong sense of self-motivation and drive.

By listing additional certifications, such as the NCCPA board membership, this resume shows that the candidate goes the extra mile in pursuing professional learning even when it’s not necessarily a requirement for the position.

The inclusion of several language fluencies in the “Skills” section is also of significant value to employers, as language barriers can have a tremendous effect on the patient’s trust in their providers.

Because this candidate can better communicate with linguistically diverse patients, they can help them and their loved ones understand each step of the care plan more comprehensively.

New Grad LPN Resume Example

This LPN resume example is tailored to an applicant interested in the pediatrics department of an area hospital. As such, it focuses on clinical hours that provide the candidate’s experience in that particular field.

Work Experience 1: Pediatric Clinical, 140 Hours

Mercy Clinic Family Medicine

Ozark, AR

August – December 2021

• Assisted RNs on staff in providing ongoing patient care, including testing blood glucose, administering breathing treatments, maintaining GI feeding tubes, and redressing wounds.
• Monitored vital signs while documenting changes in patient charts.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop care plans.
• Provided post-op monitoring, pain management, and observation reports.
• Completed intake and discharge procedures.

Work Experience 2: Obstetrics Clinical, 72 Hours

Willow Creek Women’s Clinic

Johnson, AR

January 2022

• Assisted in providing prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care under the supervision of RNs and OB/GYN physicians.
• Participated in newborn delivery and care, including APGAR scoring.
• Monitored fetal heart rates and maternal vital signs during labor.
• Administered prescribed medications and monitored patients for side effects.
• Provided patient education, including the birthing process and breastfeeding.

Project Experience:

• Community Health Outreach Program
  • Worked with a team of nursing students to develop and implement an education program for at-risk residents about diabetes management.
  • Participated in a pop-up clinic across three counties to provide free test strips and blood sugar tracking journals.
• Simulation Lab Project
  • Served as the head LPN in a mock emergency scenario as part of the nursing program’s course of study.
  • Delegated and prioritized tasks under time constraints while maintaining medical best practices.
  • Received positive feedback regarding clinical skills and collaboration.

Skills:

• Patient-centered care
• Vital signs monitoring and documentation
• Medication administration
• Wound care
• Proficiency in Electronic Health Records platforms

Education

• Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, Arkansas Tech University Ozark Campus, 2022-2023

Licenses & Accreditations

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Arkansas State Board of Nursing, License #L012345
• Basic Life Support Certification, American Heart Association

Why This Resume Works

This new grad nurse resume works because it prioritizes the clinics that are most relevant to the job description, in this case, a position in a pediatric clinic.

Rather than cluttering the resume with a complete list of clinical experience, focusing on the skills you learned that will be most valuable in the field you’re applying for is much more impactful.

It also highlights patient-centered care as the first skill. All LPNs have roughly the same technical knowledge in their toolbox once they graduate from their program, so prioritizing a soft skill that demonstrates a nurse’s patient-first approach immediately helps set them apart from other applicants.

Common Skills & Action Verbs to Include on a New Grad Nurse Resume

It’s tough finding ways to stand out from the pile of other resumes likely gracing every hospital’s hiring department’s inbox, so you’ll need to be very selective in the words you choose to help you stand out without bogging down the reader with big blocks of text singing your praises.

Give your resume that extra pizazz and optimize it for ATS systems by trading in ho-hum vocab with these powerful picks:

Common Skills for New Grad Nurse Resumes

• Patient assessments
• Administering medications
• Wound care
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Patient and family education
• Basic Life Support certification, including CPR and AED procedures
• Infection control and cross-contamination prevention protocols
• Prioritizing patient care tasks
• Emotional intelligence and interpersonal support
• Familiarity with Electronic Health Record systems
• Adaptability in high-pressure medical settings
• Cultural competence
• Time management
• Care planning and administration
• Ventilator care and respiratory support
• IV-line placements

Common Action Verbs for New Grad Nurse Resumes

• Administered
• Assessed
• Collaborated
• Coordinated
• Counseled
• Documented
• Evaluated
• Implemented
• Monitored
• Performed
• Planned
• Prioritized
• Recorded
• Referred
• Supported

Tips for Writing a Better New Grad Nurse Resume

With the recent decline in employment rates for new grads holding a Bachelor’s degree or higher, you must spend time crafting a resume that proves your value to employers.

These tips can help you give resume readers more comprehensive and quantifiable evidence of what you can bring to the team.

1. Use Eye-Catching Data When Possible

Numbers tend to stand out from other text on the page, so weaving concrete data points into your new grad nurse resume can draw the reader’s eye to the most crucial parts of your work experience and skills.

A few ways to include data in your resume include:

• Grade point averages
• Clinical hours
• Hospital capacities
• License numbers
• Success rates
• Program-related research statistics, such as the number of people impacted or study participant progress

If you’re not sure about the exact numbers, you can also use estimates, but you should never make up data to seem more impressive. It puts you at risk of coming off as dishonest if your employer decides to fact-check the information.

2. Include Your Professional Affiliations

As a new graduate, there’s a good chance you have minimal work experience outside of internships or clinicals. To help fill in the gaps, you can illustrate your qualifications by listing any professional affiliations you’re a member of.

For example, new grad nurse resumes can include membership in the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) or the National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (NALPN) and a brief narrative on what you’ve gained from participating in the group.

These memberships demonstrate your commitment to lifelong learning and clarify your genuine and active interest in your career field.

3. List Your Honors and Awards

Many grads wonder whether it’s braggadocious to include information about scholarships, GPA, and other academic achievements.  

You absolutely should, especially when you’re freshly graduated, because they show your future employer that you have the dedication and desire to excel beyond what’s expected of you.

When listing education accolades, include the name of the award, the granting institution, the date you received it, and a quick rundown of the evaluating criteria.

As always, focus on the most relevant ones to your field, like all the semesters you made the dean’s list in your nursing program or scholarships you received for grad school. The latter can be particularly attractive to employers because it shows that someone believes in your potential enough to invest in your education.

4. Highlight Hard and Soft Skills

More so than ever, employers want to hire people who bring a healthy balance of hard and soft skills.

Hard skills are your technical abilities, like administering medications or patient charting, that you need to do your job successfully. They’re the things you learn through education and training programs.

On the other hand, soft skills are personal characteristics that help you function within a workplace. While soft skills can be learned, they are more often innate attributes that come naturally based on our personality.

In both cases, choose the skills that pertain most to the job position you’re applying for, especially if it’s a highly specialized field. If you were applying for a pediatric nursing role, you might list your optimism and energy.

In contrast, a geriatric nursing position might look for soft skills like patience and emotional resilience during end-of-life care.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you still have questions about new grad nurse resume examples, check out these frequently asked questions:

Similar Resume Types to Reference

Are you looking for more examples of medical field resumes to help you craft a standout work summary? These samples for similar roles can help.

• Travel Nurse Resume: Travel nurses have the same training and skill sets as traditional nursing positions, with added flexibility and independence.
• Phlebotomist Resume: Like physical therapists, phlebotomists specialize in their field, so their resumes should be tailored to specific technical abilities.
• Pharmacy Technician Resume: Pharmacy technicians are an integral piece of a care team, working with pharmacists to ensure patients receive the proper medications in the prescribed amounts.

Wrapping Up

When writing a new grad resume, your main goal should be to stand out amongst other applications by presenting an engaging summary of your experience in the field so far.

By considering what your employer is looking for in their next hire, you can avoid common mistakes and reap the rewards for your dedication to your degree.

What did you think of our resume examples? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and be sure to help other new grads by sharing.