Compassion, care, expertise – the nursing profession demands all this and more.
To help aspiring nurses stand out, we’ve gathered insights from healthcare professionals to identify the keywords that are vital for a nursing resume.
Elevate your resume with terms that reflect your dedication and skill.
Top Nursing Resume Keywords with Examples
| Resume Keyword | Example Usage in Resume |
|---|---|
| Patient Care | “Provided compassionate patient care, ensuring comfort and safety in a 200-bed hospital unit.” |
| Medication Administration | “Skilled in medication administration, accurately delivering treatments as prescribed by physicians.” |
| Vital Signs Monitoring | “Regularly monitored and recorded patient vital signs, detecting early signs of health deterioration.” |
| Emergency Response | “Adept in emergency response, efficiently handling critical situations with calm and precision.” |
| Patient Education | “Educated patients and families on post-treatment care and lifestyle modifications to improve health.” |
| Wound Care | “Specialized in wound care, effectively treating and managing various types of wounds.” |
| Charting and Documentation | “Meticulous in charting and documentation, maintaining accurate and up-to-date patient records.” |
| Nursing Diagnosis | “Competent in nursing diagnosis, identifying patient needs and planning appropriate care.” |
| IV Therapy | “Experienced in IV therapy, administering intravenous medications and fluids with precision.” |
| Critical Thinking | “Employed critical thinking to assess patient conditions and make sound clinical decisions.” |
| Patient Advocacy | “Dedicated to patient advocacy, ensuring patient rights and needs are prioritized in care plans.” |
| Infection Control | “Adhered to strict infection control protocols to prevent cross-contamination and ensure safety.” |
| Acute Care | “Proficient in acute care, managing patients with urgent and complex health issues.” |
| Collaborative Teamwork | “Engaged in collaborative teamwork, working closely with medical staff to optimize patient outcomes.” |
| Health Education | “Provided health education to patients, promoting wellness and preventive care strategies.” |
| CPR Certified | “CPR certified, prepared to perform life-saving procedures in emergency situations.” |
| Pain Management | “Skilled in pain management, effectively alleviating patient discomfort through various techniques.” |
| Patient Assessments | “Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify health needs and develop care plans.” |
| Time Management | “Exceptional time management skills, efficiently balancing patient care responsibilities.” |
| Electronic Health Records | “Proficient in using electronic health records systems for accurate and efficient documentation.” |
| Patient Safety | “Prioritized patient safety, implementing measures to prevent falls and medication errors.” |
| Care Coordination | “Coordinated care with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive patient treatment.” |
| Surgical Assistance | “Assisted in surgical procedures, providing essential support to surgeons and surgical staff.” |
| Patient Discharge Planning | “Facilitated patient discharge planning, ensuring smooth transitions to home care or rehabilitation.” |
| Compassionate Care | “Delivered compassionate care, empathizing with patients and addressing their emotional needs.” |
| Nursing Process | “Applied the nursing process effectively in daily duties, from assessment to evaluation.” |
| Telemetry | “Experienced in telemetry, closely monitoring patients with critical cardiac conditions.” |
| Behavioral Health | “Managed patients with behavioral health issues, providing appropriate care and intervention.” |
| BLS Certified | “Basic Life Support (BLS) certified, equipped to handle urgent care situations efficiently.” |
| Clinical Skills | “Strong clinical skills, proficient in various medical procedures and patient care techniques.” |
| Health Promotion | “Engaged in health promotion activities, educating the community on disease prevention.” |
| Nursing Standards Compliance | “Ensured compliance with nursing standards and best practices in patient care delivery.” |
| Interdisciplinary Communication | “Effective in interdisciplinary communication, liaising between patients, doctors, and other healthcare professionals.” |
| Patient-Centered Care | “Focused on providing patient-centered care, tailoring treatment plans to individual needs.” |
| Geriatric Care | “Specialized in geriatric care, addressing the unique health needs of elderly patients.” |
| Triage | “Competent in triage, quickly assessing patient conditions to prioritize emergency care.” |
| Neonatal Care | “Experienced in neonatal care, nurturing and treating newborns with specialized medical needs.” |
| Oncology Nursing | “Proficient in oncology nursing, providing care and support to patients with cancer.” |
| Pediatric Nursing | “Skilled in pediatric nursing, delivering child-friendly care in a pediatric unit.” |
| Mental Health Care | “Provided mental health care, supporting patients with various psychological conditions.” |
Why Are Keywords Important in a Nursing Resume?
Nursing resumes are often first filtered through ATS, which search for keywords relevant to nursing skills and qualifications.
It’s important to include terms like “patient care,” “emergency response,” and “medical charting” to demonstrate your suitability for a nursing role.
Alison Adams, a Philly native and proud University of Pennsylvania alum, is your go-to Career Expert with a laid-back approach. She’s been in the job seeker’s shoes and knows how to navigate the wild world of work. Alison’s all about sharing practical tips and tricks with a personal touch, making her a favorite for those looking to level up their careers.
