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Nurse skills for your resume and career

Q: What skills stand out on Nurse resumes?

Firstly to be a nurse, you have to pass multiple skills and technical duties to even be allowed to practice - one is not more important than another since all are patient care skills, and our graduates are taught to be safe providers. In addition, you have to pass a challenging board examination, the NCLEX. You need to be well-rounded and have technical skills as well as the mental capacity to assess and make safe decisions. Resilience and the ability to function safely in an ever-changing healthcare system are important. A kind and caring attitude with a hardworking spirit are what makes a great nurse. The ability to empathize and think on your feet is always important - not just during the current COVID situation. Hands that give kind care as well as a heart that cares. Advanced practice skills/certifications generally increase your income potential.

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted Experts

Angela Mund,

Angela Mund

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical nurse skills. We ranked the top skills for nurses based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 21.3% of nurse resumes contained patients as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a nurse needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 nurse skills for your resume and career

1. Patients

Here's how nurses use patients:

Managed high-acuity cardiac/pulmonary and psychiatric patients
Administered advanced nursing care to patients with multiple diagnosis including, but not limited to patients with tracheotomy and mechanical ventilation.

2. Home Health

Here's how nurses use home health:

Assessed patients referred for home health services for eligibility utilizing Medicare, Medicaid, and/or private insurance standards.
Home health care- providing critical care to child- including connection to mechanical ventilator

3. CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR is a medical procedure that involves chest compression to help a patient breathe. This artificial ventilation helps in keeping the brain function in place and regulates blood throughout the body. CPR is a lifesaving procedure that is used in emergencies.

Here's how nurses use cpr:

Received my CPR instructor certification.
Experience in critical care of preterm newborns, monitoring vital signs, administering IV fluids, medications and CPR if needed.

4. BLS

Here's how nurses use bls:

Licensed in the District of Columbia and Virginia - was licensed in Arkansas, Massachusetts and Minnesota in the past, BLS
Officer in charge of unit Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) training programs.

5. Acute Care

The branch of secondary healthcare which is responsible for giving short-term care to patients recovering from severe injuries or urgent medical problems is known as acute care. Acute care comprises multiple domains like; emergency care, urgent care, short-term stabilization, pre-hospital care, critical care, and trauma care.

Here's how nurses use acute care:

Provided acute care for post-operative patients recovering, encompassing ambulatory surgical procedures, invasive and extensive surgeries and traumas.
Registered NurseI worked as a registered nurse providing supplemental staffing in local acute care hospital settings.

6. Acls

Here's how nurses use acls:

Acted as Outreach Coordinator, responsible for coordinating and teaching ACLS, PALS and TNCC classes to area nurses and providers.
Increased PALS certification of RN staff members by over 50%; revamped ACLS to improve satisfaction, decrease costs.

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7. Quality Care

Here's how nurses use quality care:

Provision and coordination of quality care, maintaining productivity goals with consideration of case mix, providing accurate and timely documentation.
Utilized operational and clinical practice guidelines developed to ensure a safe environment while providing quality care which facilitated positive outcomes.

Select Skills To Add To Your Resume

Patients

Home Health

CPR

BLS

Acute Care

Acls

8. Discharge Planning

Here's how nurses use discharge planning:

Participate in physician/nursing rounds, patient discharge planning, educate patients/family with regard to medications, equipment and pulmonary disease management.
Recognized by supervisor for being highly effective in collaborating with community organizations and programs to ensure quality discharge planning.

9. Infection Control

Infection control describes the principles and practices used in hospitals and other healthcare facilities to control and minimize the spread of infections with the aim of lowering rates of infection. Infection control refers to the process of detecting and controlling pathogens in order to reduce their spread.

Here's how nurses use infection control:

Developed and implemented infection control policies including: mandatory immunization requirements, medication management, and infection control and quarantine procedures.
Complete educational programs and in-services to remain current on nursing practices, infection control practices and worker/patient safety.

10. Emergency Situations

Here's how nurses use emergency situations:

Identify safety/emergency situations and respond in accordance with procedures/policies
Complete patient assessments and evaluations, monitor recovery process and quickly address emergency situations, such as heart or respiratory cessation.

11. Vital Signs

Vital signs are a set of values indicating different body systems' performance. They are measurements of the body's most basic functions. The four major vital signs used in medicine to assess a patient are body temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure.

Here's how nurses use vital signs:

Observed patients post-operative recovery progress through ongoing assessment including checking vital signs and supervising operative sites for bleeding.
Collect and interpret clinical data including vital signs, laboratory results and response to medical intervention.

12. Triage

Triage is a method of prioritizing a patient or a group depending on the severity, diagnosis, and condition of the disease needing immediate medical care. It is often to determine a condition and identifying the appropriate destination before assessing where the patient will be going. A triage nurse commonly performs it.

Here's how nurses use triage:

Provided telephone-based clinical triage, medical assessments, and provided medical advice based on standardized clinical protocols.
Staff nurse for maximum security facility performing triage assessments and emergency treatment for large incarcerated population.

13. Rehabilitation

Here's how nurses use rehabilitation:

Managed the Rehabilitation nursing which involved the diagnosis and treatment of individuals and groups related to altered functional ability and lifestyle.
Communicate abnormal diagnostic results to physicians and enter physician orders Accomplishments Completed Stroke certification Completed FIM scoring certification for Rehabilitation patients.

14. Critical Care

Here's how nurses use critical care:

Performed quality critical care management, active participation in unit council and relevant with staff education and training.
Provided critical care in hospital with comprehensive cancer center, vascular center of excellence and comprehensive diabetic center.

15. Surgery

Here's how nurses use surgery:

Communicated review outcomes to doctors and surgery schedulers and liaised closely with them to ensure utilization of network providers.
Fulfilled vital role within various departments including outpatient surgery, telemetry, medical/surgery and gynecology/postpartum for this community hospital.

12 Nurse Resume Examples

Build a professional nurse resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 12+ resume templates to create your nurse resume.


Alice Woods Nurse Contact Information Columbus, GA (750) 555-5114 awoods@example.com Skills • Life Support • Health Care • Acute Care • Pacu RN • Federal Regulations • Treatment Plans • Medical Surgical • Patient Care • Relief • Emergency Employment History Nurse 2018 - Present St. Francis Hospital Columbus, GA • Lectured at new RN orientations on peripheral vascular and cardiac disease and possible complications. • Implemented discharge planning and provided health care education to the patient and significant other to promote recovery. • Analyzed patient care through assessments, patient history and lab values. • Provided direct patient care for assigned patients and assisted in care of other patients as needed. • Report patient care/condition/progress to patient's physician and Clinical Manager on a continuous basis. Critical Care Nurse 2013 - 2018 St. Francis Hospital Memphis, TN • Trained to work all areas including IV team, Oncology, ICU, CICU, etc. • Performed quality patient care for telemetry-monitored patients. • Provided direct patient care to critically ill patients. • Provide report to floor nurse on patient condition and continuation of patient care. Scrub Nurse 2011 - 2013 Professional Placement Resources Jacksonville, FL • Achieved the ability to function in a new setting as a critical care RN. • Ensured patients were comfortable and all post surgical physician orders and prescriptions were ready before patient discharge. • Care for the postpartum mom during hemorrhage or other emergency situations. Education Associate's Degree Nursing 2004 - 2006 Florida State College at Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL


Jose Holmes Nurse Contact Info Tucson, AZ (690) 555-2771 jholmes@example.com Skills CPRAcute CarePatient CarePediatricsEmergencyDaily OperationsHealth CareLife SupportICUHospital Setting Employment History Nurse 2018 - Present Univ Med Cent of Fresno Tucson, AZ • Oversee and coordinate Risk Management, Employee Safety, QualityAssurance, Performance Improvement and Regulatory Compliance programs in collaboration with doctors. • Charge nurse, CPR instructor, preceptor Cross-trained to mother baby • Organized day-to-day operation of cardiac/pulmonaryrehabilitation unit.Telemetry Floor * Provided comprehensive nursing care to cardiac/medicalpatients. Registered Professional Nurse 2008 - 2018 Univ Med Cent of Fresno Tucson, AZ • Staff Nurse, Charge Nurse at a Level One Trauma Center • Provide Total Patient Care of post surgical patients. • Assist with hiring and disciplinary actions for staff members. • Used nursing knowledge to provide complete patient care in preparation of post-graduate clinical practice. Charge Nurse, Cardiac Interventional Care 2001 - 2008 St. Mary's Hospital for Children Tucson, AZ • Collaborated with health care practitioners to support patient care, assessing patient status, collecting vital signs, and documenting findings. • Coordinated with healthcare team to ensure optimal patient care. • Experience in Wound Vac Therapy and Cardiac Telemetry • Administered nursing care on Acute care Medical Surgical floor. Education Associate's Degree Nursing 1999 - 2001 Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZ


Helen Lawson Nurse Malvern, PA hlawson@example.com (860) 555-8163 Experience Nurse 2020 - Present DaVitaMalvern, PA • Note signs of trauma, patients' general physical and mental condition, and review dialysis orders. • Lead RN to a team of LPNs and Patient Care Techs for acute hemodialysis patients. • Assess, manage and coordinate care for patients on hematology clinical trials. • Staff RN providing primaries nursing care to the general pediatric population in a high-volume Acute Care setting. Practical Nurse 2017 - 2020 DaVitaNew York, NY • Provided direct patient care for assigned patients and assisted in care of other patients as needed. • Complete assessments, care plans, and carry out physician orders. • Coordinated a team of LPNs and Patient Care Techs as the Lead RN for chronic hemodialysis patients. • Associate Nursing Practice (RN) Patient Care and Procedures • Communicate promptly and effectively with health care providers to coordinate patient care with multiple providers. Cardiac Care Unit Nurse 2016 - 2017 DaVitaNew York, NY • Have RN licenses in the sta6e of Illinois and Indiana. • Provide day-to-day work direction, review, advice, and/or mentoring to LPN/LVNs, Patient Care Technicians and Reuse Technicians. Skills Mental Health Pressure Ulcers RN Procedures Treatment Plans Communication FTE Internal Medicine Osha Health Care Education Associate's Degree Nursing 2014 - 2016 Kent State UniversityKent, OH


Deborah Fisher Nurse Employment History Nurse 2020 - Present Florida Hospital CtrOrlando, FL • Feed, change, weigh, bathe babies * Performed wound care, perineal care * Discontinued Foley catheters • Identify coding or clinical documentation issues and work to correct the errors in a timely manner. • Direct patient care as needed on unit. • Fax prescriptions for home health care needs, such as medications, home apnea monitors, any equipment and supplies necessary. • Co-ordinated with Social Workers, Epidemiologists, Certified Disease Investigators, and other multi-disciplinary personnel. Nurse's Companion 2010 - 2020 Akron Children's HospitalKent, OH • Helped the school In medical emergency acted as the school nurse. • Assisted elderly patients with medical needs Assisted elderly patients with hygiene such as perineal care, grooming, and oral hygiene • Have worked in multiple environments as a CNA. • Assisted elderly patient with activities of daily living Provided companionship and assisted with medical appointments • Provide personal care: bathing, toileting, grooming, dressing, and undressing. Cardiac Nurse Specialist 2008 - 2010 Akron Children's HospitalKent, OH • Provided ongoing assistance to physicians and geriatric health care professionals from routine appointments to crisis management care. • Collaborate with physician and nursing supervisor to maintain communication and provide clinical level of patient care. • Delegated and assigned patient care tasks to licensed and unlicensed health care workers. • Provide direct quality patient care including daily monitoring, recording and evaluating patient's condition. • Oversee direct patient care labor hours, ensuring budget is adhered to. Education Bachelor's Degree Nursing 2000 - 2003 Kent State UniversityKent, OH Contact Information Orlando, FL (390) 555-3184 dfisher@example.com Skills Companionship RN CPR Health Care Telemetry Treatment Plans Acute Care Family Education Cardiac Rhythms Rehab


Alexis Evans Nurse Philadelphia, PA (710) 555-0433 aevans@example.com Skills Surgical Procedures Community Resources CPR Stamina RN FTE Treatment Plans Health Care Acute Care IV Employment History Nurse 2018 - Present Albert Einstein Medical AssociatesPhiladelphia, PA • Trained 10 staff nurses to provide top-quality patient care. • Monitored all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity. • Assessed and managed patient care plans Supervised nursing assistants within the nursing department Analyzed progress and outcome of patient and family understanding • Delivered a complete range of RN services and expertise. Step-Down Nurse 2016 - 2018 MedicalPhiladelphia, PA • Interpret labs and report any critical/abnormal lab values to the appropriate healthcare provider. • Coordinate with other team members regarding patient care to achieve goals. • Inserted and managed IVs and managed IV drips. Relief Charge Nurse 2012 - 2016 St. Francis HospitalWilmington, DE • Provide quick and accurate nursing assessments and care to patients within the acute care/urgent/emergent care setting. Education Associate's Degree Nursing 2005 - 2007 Miami Dade CollegeMiami, FL


Madison Jackson Nurse Coppell, TX (310) 555-6414 mjackson@example.com Experience: Nurse DaVita Coppell, TX 2017 - Present • Direct care of hemodialysis patients in the acute care setting of three hospitals in Hernando county, Florida • Coordinate all aspects of patient care with the appropriate staff members. • Have RN licenses in the sta6e of Illinois and Indiana. • Performed utilization review for inpatient and home health reviews using Milliman Criteria Guidelines. • Cut the budget, replaced and hired staff.Payroll/staffing/budget/evaluations/oversaw patient care. Pediatric Oncology Nurse Kaiser Permanente San Francisco, CA 2015 - 2017 • Contracted through American Mobile Healthcare Beside care of Medical, Surgical, Cardiac, and Neurological ICU patient populations. • Advanced from Clinical RN I to Clinical RN II then to Charge RN • Provide services to patients in urban and suburban settings of all socio-economic backgrounds with multiple co-morbidities and complex health care needs. Surgical Nurse Kaiser Permanente Oakland, CA 2014 - 2015 • Float to Emergency Holding Department as needed. • Participated in emergency intubations and resuscitation of patients. • Flex Float RN Mother Baby NICU Gyn Labor and Delivery Perinatal Pediatrics Pediatric ICU Maintained NRP status Skills • Patient Care • Health Care • Med/Surg • OCN • Hematology • Telemetry • ONS • Acute Care • Oncology • ICU Education: Associate's Degree Florida State College at Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL 2012 - 2014 • Major: Nursing


Randy Williams Nurse Malvern, PA (470) 555-1698 rwilliams@example.com Experience: 2020 - Present Nurse / DaVita / Malvern, PA • Train new RN's for DaVita and other contracted entities. • Supervised the Licensed Practical Nurses and Patient Care technicians on my shift. • Coordinated a team of LPNs and Patient Care Techs as the Lead RN for chronic hemodialysis patients. • Cut the budget, replaced and hired staff.Payroll/staffing/budget/evaluations/oversaw patient care. • Developed and implemented new patient care plan increasing patient confidence 35%. 2010 - 2020 Ward Nurse / Agrace / Madison, WI • Provided support to patients and families in coping with emergency situations. • Total patient care under the supervision of an RN. • Reviewed policies, procedures and processes and made recommendations to improve patient care model. 2008 - 2010 Neonatal Nurse / St. Mary's Hospital for Children / Madison, WI • Worked closely under the direction of RN Participated in multidisciplinary meeting • Staff nurse on busy oncology unit. • Reported to Unit Nurse Manager and Patient Care Coordinator. • Assisted nurse manager to de- velop new policies and procedures for the telemetry unit. • Company name was changed to Cumberland Nursing and Rehab. Skills: CPR, Patient Care, Health Care, RN, Diagnostic Tests, Treatment Plans, Memorial Hospital, Emotional Support, Bed Level, Emergency Education: 2005 - 2008 Bachelor's Degree Nursing / Walden University / Minneapolis, MN


Wayne Wood Nurse Berwyn, PA \| (740) 555-3512 \| wwood@example.com Work Experience Nurse, DaVita - Berwyn, PA 2020 - Present Make recommendations to the physician for the patient care. Work side by side with IR physician and IR tech during procedure After hours on-call RN for patients concerns and emergency procedures Coronary Care Unit Nurse, Good Samaritan - Baltimore, MD 2018 - 2020 Experienced in providing these services to all age groups and all levels of care in the acute care setting. Provided individual patient care and assisted physicians with bedside procedures. Provided education to patients and their families regarding their healthcare needs. Provided mentoring and planning for the future of acute care nurse practitioners. ICU Staff Nurse Staff, NYU Langone Health - New York, NY 2010 - 2018 computerized documentation and collaboration with other staff members. Provide direct nursing care to emergency room patients of all ages with a variety of clinical problems. Provided patient-centered care to patients on a 24-bed adult psychiatric acute care unit. Compiled, analyzed, and recorded data obtained from monitoring or diagnostic tests. Skills Procedures, Patient Care, GI, Acute Care, MDS, ICU, Health Care, Life Support, Family Education, Community Resources Education Bachelor's Degree Nursing 2007 - 2010 New York University - New York, NY


Logan Perkins Nurse New York, NY (850) 555-4257 lperkins@example.com Experience Nurse, Kings County Hospital Center, New York, NY 2012 - Present • Experience in various units med-surg, rehab, psychiatric/behavioral health units, neuro, cardiac, etc. • Worked closely with multiple Principal Investigators, to conduct various research studies taken place in the Emergency Department. • Implemented physician orders within a timely fashion and assisted physicians with vaginal deliveries, cesarean sections and surgical procedures as needed. • Improved patient care by serving as Performance Improvement Officer. Pediatric Nurse, Kings County Hospital Center, New York, NY 2010 - 2012 • Served as a member of interdisciplinary healthcare teams in providing direct patient care to acute and critically ill pediatric patients. • Collaborate with multi-disciplinary team to provide optimum patient care, outcome and training. • Prioritized and delegated assignments, contributing to a higher standard of patient care and staff retention. • Employed as a Nurse Extern in the Emergency Department while in nursing school. Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner, Passaic Beth Israel Hospital, New York, NY 2007 - 2010 • provided primary health care of adult patients. • Perform history taking, physical examination, diagnosis and therapeutic treatment planning in EMR. • Referred patients for pacemaker and ICD implantation.Proficient in 3 EMR systems. • Promoted patient well care, health care maintenance and education. • Set up a nurse led PICC service, became PICC placement certified and trained RN's to place PICCS. • Manage ortho/neuro/trauma patient care per hospital standards and protocols Communicate effectively with patients, families and other team members Skills • Trauma • Pacu • Treatment Plans • Blood Products • Patient Care • Staff Members • Emergency • Health Care • Key Achievements • Pressure Ulcers Education 2006 - 2007 Master's Degree Nursing, New York University New York, NY 2003 - 2006 Bachelor's Degree Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey New Brunswick, NJ


Janice Freeman Nurse Pasadena, CA \| (890) 555-7232 \| jfreeman@example.com Employment History: St. Jude Medical Center - Pasadena, CA 2020 - Present Nurse • Coordinated patient care with ancillary staff and other team members to ensure comprehensive coverage. • Cared for the cardiac and ICU step-down patients as their primary RN • Worked in Emergency dept/PCU TELE Holding area • Organized the 1st Scottsdale child abuse conference attended by 92 Arizona healthcare professionals. Kaiser Permanente - Pasadena, CA 2015 - 2020 Nurse • Collaborate with internal physicians to screen and assess treatment plans and with external physicians regarding medical care and treatment. • Assisted and managed the delivery of care during acute events: trauma, chest pain, viral and respiratory illnesses. • Consulted and coordinated with health care team members to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care plans. • Hired on the groundbreaking of this national health care system's expansion into the North Carolina region. • Partnered with other medical personnel to communicate with patients family members to ensure the best and most cohesive patient care possible. • Obtain and monitor vital signs Report changes in patients to RN Chart while maintaining privacy of patient information Texas Health Resources - Denton, TX 2013 - 2015 Telemetry Nurse • Provide primary patient care and assessment. • Provide patient care as well as support anesthesia. • Complete documentation of patient care and observations. • Conducted triage and evaluations in a busy emergency room. Skills: Staff Members, Treatment Plans, RN, Patient Care, DON, Relief, Stamina, CMS, Health Care, Telemetry Education: Texas Woman's University - Denton, TX 2011 - 2013 Associate's Degree Nursing


Brenda Williams Nurse phone(320) 555-1889 addressNew York, NY emailbwilliams@example.com Experience 2011 - Present Nurse New York University · New York, NY • Attended weekly lectures regarding emergency management care. • Maintain regular communication with the attending physician concerning patient/family care needs and response to interventions. • Case Manager with caseload of 30-40 patients Liaised between patients and physicians to ensure patient comprehension of treatment plans. 2009 - 2011 Telemetry Nurse Medical · New York, NY • Execute CPR and assist intubations during emergency cases. • Staff RN on a Medical/ Surgical Nursing Unit/ with some Wound Care Experience. 2005 - 2009 Surgical Nurse Akron Children's Hospital · Kent, OH • Lead facilitator of annual RN competencies. • Evaluated and determined the proper course of treatment for telemetry patients. • Directed and coordinated activities of medical, nursing, clerical personnel of health care unit. Skills • RN • Acute Care • Trauma • Personal Care • MDS • Patient Care • Treatment Plans • Federal Regulations • Dexterity • Medical Records Education 2003 - 2005 Associate's Degree Nursing Kent State University · Kent, OH


Kelly Harrison Nurse phone:(420) 555-8045 email:kharrison@example.com address:Baltimore, MD Employment History Nurse 2018 - Present DaVita · Baltimore, MD • Oversee the delivery of patient care. • Lead RN to a team of LPNs and Patient Care Techs for acute hemodialysis patients. • Prepare patient care plans and present to health care team: MD, RD, SW, Clinical manager. • Direct involvement with admission, conscious sedation, and with assisting M.D. • Communicated with and educated patients and families on health care needs, tests, and procedures. • Fulfilled the role as a staff RN at Mountain. Industrial Nurse 2015 - 2018 DaVita · College Park, MD • Collaborate daily with health care staff to achieve optimum patient care. • Coordinated a team of LPNs and Patient Care Techs as the Lead RN for chronic hemodialysis patients. • Modify patient treatment plans as indicated by patients' blood pressure and fluid volume Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner 2011 - 2012 The Washington Hospital · College Park, MD • Center, Washington, DC Occupational health care management of adults. • Worked collaboratively with all physicians in the acute care setting. • Provided acute emergency medicine to pediatric and adult patients. • Coordinated patient care with the primary team, case management, social work, and consult services. Skills Health Care Oncology Medical Records Acute Care Health Clinic Social Workers IV Trauma RN Fmla Education Doctoral Degree Nursing 2012 - 2015 University of Maryland - College Park · College Park, MD Master's Degree Public Health 2010 - 2011 University of Maryland - College Park · College Park, MD Bachelor's Degree Nursing 2007 - 2010 The University of Texas at Arlington · Arlington, TX

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What skills help Nurses find jobs?

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What type of skills will young Nurses need?

Angela Mund

Vice President, American Association of Nurse Anesthetists

To meet the needs of our current volatile and complex healthcare landscape, all healthcare providers will need to understand the business of healthcare, in addition to providing expert patient care. Starting in 2025, all graduates from nurse anesthesia programs will be awarded a doctoral degree, a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP), or a doctorate in nurse anesthesia practice (DNAP). These degree programs include additional anesthesia experience as well as an understanding of effective leadership, healthcare economics and reimbursement, the use of big data for improving patient outcomes, and evidence-based practice.

What skills stand out on Nurse resumes?

Angela Mund

Vice President, American Association of Nurse Anesthetists

To become a CRNA, the applicant must first be a registered nurse and graduate of a baccalaureate nursing program. A minimum of one year of clinical experience in an intensive care unit (ICU) is required. The application process is rigorous, and many nurse anesthesia programs are seeing higher than typical applicant numbers, perhaps due to the impact of COVID-19 on the ICU nurse workforce.

The most competitive applicants will have an overall GPA >3.5. Basic science courses are heavily weighted with respect to both course grade and type of course. A competitive resumé should include evidence of clinical expertise, leadership, volunteerism, and scholarly work. In addition, all registered nurse applicants should have shadowed a CRNA to learn about the profession prior to application. The interview process may include assessments of critical thinking, decision-making, and emotional intelligence.

What soft skills should all Nurses possess?

Diane Salvador Ph.D.

Executive Director and Professor, Elmhurst University

The most important skill for new nursing graduates is critical thinking. You will be put into varying roles and assume different responsibilities. You must critically think and evaluate situations you find yourself in and make wise nursing decisions. Another important skill that we emphasize in education is communication - this is key to safe, quality care.

What hard/technical skills are most important for Nurses?

Diane Salvador Ph.D.

Executive Director and Professor, Elmhurst University

New nurses should be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in basic nursing care and procedures. It is important to realize that each hospital has its own policy and procedure to follow, so taking advantage of your nurse preceptor and orientation program will ensure you are familiar with these basic procedures.

What Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Michelle Hampton Ph.D.

Associate Professor, San Jose State University

I think there are always opportunities to work and gain experience once the nurse is licensed. They might need to be creative, flexible, and work where there's a need. That might be a specialty area they hadn't considered or a geographic area that requires some travel. I don't think a gap year is inevitable for all new graduates and there might be opportunities for them to find work, and they can always continue the learning process after you're employed, even if it's not your dream job. The more significant obstacle seems to be for students who are currently still in nursing programs.

Clinical sites weren't accepting students for several months, and now that they are again, they have significantly limited the number of students allowed at one time and the number of hours they can train. When a staff member or patient tests positive, students are pulled from the site for some time, and students are struggling to get the minimum number of hours required to continue progressing in the nursing program. Some schools have even suspended admission for new groups of students instead choosing to focus on getting the current students through the program.

What technical skills for a Nurse stand out to employers?

Dr. Antonio Fernandez

Professor, Barry University

To properly implement this new, inevitable working culture which will impact the job market, the employers will start looking for the new type of employee, capable of efficiently working alone, remotely, flexible in the hours, and schedule accommodation since no physical buildings will be necessary thus eliminating the need for the teams sharing a location in a given city or even country. Meeting, conferences, discussions will be held with participants in different geographical and time zones. The capacity to adapt to continuous changes and innovation will be an indispensable skill sought after by employers second only to the most important, the highest valued skill technical knowledge and expertise in the new formats. Computer, digitalization, web navigation, encryption of data and messages.

Do you want to know more?

List of nurse skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a nurse resume and required skills for a nurse to have include:

Patients
Home Health
CPR
BLS
Acute Care
Acls
Quality Care
Discharge Planning
Infection Control
Emergency Situations
Vital Signs
Triage
Rehabilitation
Critical Care
Surgery
Direct Patient Care
IV

Medication Administration
Appeals
Patient Education
Compassion
Medicaid
Good Judgment
Oncology
Medical Care
ICU
Patient Safety
Medical Equipment
Electrocardiogram
Senior Care
Advanced Life Support
Physician Orders
HIPAA
Primary Care

Midwifery
Blood Pressure
Catheter
Emergency Care
EMR
Health Education
Diagnostic Tests
PACU
Telemetry
Resuscitation
Family Education
Standing Orders
EKG
Immunization
Test Results

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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Updated January 8, 2025

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