Recruiters have to sift through hundreds of resumes, so keywords are essential to make your resume stand out. In nursing resumes, it is especially important to include keywords or phrases so that your resume catches the recruiter’s eye.
Nursing resumes are slightly different from other fields because the nursing field is a highly technical career that puts more emphasis on specialized skills and expertise. And with the use of Applicant Tracking System software that looks for specific words, it is even more crucial to use keywords in your resume.
How to Find Keywords
There are a couple of different sources to find keywords to include in your resume. The list of qualifications in job descriptions is a prime area to find keywords. Include several different job descriptions from your job search and look for patterns of repeated words.
Industry “Buzzwords” for Nursing Resumes
Industry “buzzwords” are hot topics within that field. They reflect the latest trends and innovations.
Technology
Technology has become a critical component of healthcare. I’ve known people who got a job mainly because she listed a specific software program on her resume. The employer was implementing that software, so the recruiters decided they wanted someone who was already trained in how to use it. Since all healthcare facilities are now required to have Electronic Medical Records (EMR), you should include the names of any specifics programs you have used. Include any other nursing specific programs you use at work or in school. I recommend creating a separate section for technology or computer skills rather than putting these under each job.
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
The nursing profession has evolved to emphasize critical-thinking and integration of science with patient care. The EBP model is about translating scientific research into clinical practice for the highest quality care. Mention any work you have done in research, quality improvement, evaluation of policies and procedures, and anything related to patient safety. Also, don’t forget to state on your resume the evidence-based practices and critical thinking skills you’ve performed on the job.
Interprofessional Healthcare Teams
There has also been greater emphasis on healthcare professionals working together as a team. And nurses are at the forefront. Highlight any skills or qualities you have gained in professionalism and leadership. See below a list of words regarding the soft skills essential to nursing, such as communication, collaboration, and advocacy.
Action Words for Nursing Resumes: Soft Skills
These words are powerful when describing the work of a nurse. It can be hard not to repeat the same words over and over, so show your versatility with these key action words that demonstrate your “soft” skills. Soft skills are interpersonal skills transferable skills you may bring from other positions too.
- Patient Care
- Assess/Assessment
- Monitor
- Coordinate
- Collaborate
- Manage
- Educate/teach/coaching
- Communicate
- Advocate
- Record/document
- Delegate/direct/supervise
- Evaluate
- Organize
- Prioritize
Technical Nursing Skills: Hard Skills
Don’t forget these essential skills unique to the nursing field. These are common qualifications on job descriptions and, if absent from your resume, could exclude you from the selection.
- Inserting Foley Catheters
- IV insertion/management
- Administer medications
- Wound care/dressing changes
- Administer tube feedings
- chest tube management
Areas of Specialty
Every nursing unit has unique skills that they employ frequently or procedures that are specific to your unit. Are there specific conditions or a particular population unique to our area. For example, I work in a cardiovascular unit. We have to have specific training to handle patients with special heart equipment such as temporary pacers and Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs). We are also the only area in our hospital that cares for patients who have had heart or lung transplants. These specialty skills set you apart as having expertise in your area.
Certifications
Nursing jobs in direct patient care will require Basic Life Support (BLS). Bedside nursing in the hospital will also require Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS). Or, if you work with a younger population Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) may be more relevant. If you have any of these certifications, it is a must to include them on your resume. There are also many other specialty certifications available to nurses. You can find a list with the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Many employers will help pay for relevant certifications, so investigate the resources available to you.
Remember, your resume is the ticket to landing an interview. Don’t get cut from the selection process before you get a chance to shine in the interview and show them what you are made of!
Did you enjoy this article? Here are a few related topics you may also find helpful
- How I passed the FNP certification exam
- Finding Clinical Preceptors for Nurse Practitioner School
- Choosing between PA and APRN: What’s the difference?
- How I landed my first job as a Nurse Practitioner
- What I Learned at a Nursing Conference and Why Students Should Go
- Low back pain can be such a pain in the “you know what.”
- Nurses and Healthcare Workers: How are You Coping with the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Categories: Nursing Resumes
Tags: keywords, Nursing Resumes
6 replies ›
Trackbacks
- How I landed my first job as a Nurse Practitioner
- How I passed the FNP certification exam
- What I Learned at a Nursing Conference and Why Students Should Go
- Choosing between PA and APRN: What’s the difference?
- Top 11 Absolute Must Have Items to start Nursing School! – Free Nursing Career Information: Expert Tips for Success
- How Journaling can Benefit Nurses – Free Nursing Career Information: Expert Tips for Success
Free Nursing Career Information: Expert Tips for Success 