How to Write a Good Resume as a Nurse Practitioner or NP Student

As the NP owner of Preceptor Link, I see a lot of resumes- both students and providers, so I wanted to provide some practical advice on crafting a resume that stands out. Whether you're an NP student trying to find a preceptor, a new grad NP trying to find a job, or an experienced nurse practitioner looking for a job change, your resume is your first chance to make a great impression. You want it to reflect your professionalism, experience, and strengths. (Here are links to some free email templates if you want to try those.)

A Note on Using AI to Help You Write a Resume

I’m personally not afraid of AI. So, try it, and see if it helps you. AI can be a valuable tool in crafting your resume by providing personalized suggestions, correcting grammar and spelling errors, and optimizing your content for clarity and impact. AI-driven platforms can analyze your work history and suggest the most relevant skills and experiences to highlight, ensuring your resume is tailored to the specific job you're applying for. Additionally, AI can help format your resume in a clean, professional manner, making it more likely to catch the attention of preceptors, recruiters, or hiring managers. Whether it’s ChatGPT, Gemini, or one of the other LLMs, consider giving it a shot. It can be really helpful. But make sure the final resume accurately represents YOU! 

Keep It Neat, Clean, and Professional

First impressions matter. A well-organized, concise, and professional resume is essential. Make sure it’s free from typos and grammatical errors—having a second set of eyes to review it can be invaluable. You can use Grammarly (great for students!)  or other AI to review it. If you need extra help, consider using a professional resume service. 

Name and Contact Information

Your name and title should be prominently displayed at the top of your resume. However, don’t include your home address. No one needs that unless you’re filling out a formal job application. Instead, include your city and state, email address, phone number, and consider adding a link to your LinkedIn profile if it's up to date and makes sense for this role. (Follow PreceptorLink®’s LinkedIn profile through that link!)

Crafting a Strong Summary

Most people agree that including a “Professional Summary” is good, and most also agree “Objectives” are dated and not advised. This brief summary is at the beginning of your resume, and it should highlight your strongest characteristics, key strengths, and relevant job experience. This section is your elevator pitch—use it to quickly convey what makes you a standout candidate. How do you differentiate yourself and why they should want YOU over other candidates. Yes, let’s face it. This is a competition. 

Education vs. Clinical Experience: What Comes First?

Deciding whether to list your education or clinical experience first depends on your situation. If you graduated from a highly reputed school, you might want to showcase that up front. On the other hand, if you have significant clinical experience that demonstrates your competencies and skills, lead with that. But, obviously, include both. (You’d be surprised how often I see Education missing from resumes!)

NP Students and New Grads: Highlight Your Clinicals

For NP students and new grads, briefly list your clinical rotations. This is where you can showcase the variety and breadth of your hands-on experience. Be concise but specific—mention the specialties you worked in and any notable achievements. This will help potential employers or preceptors understand your clinical background at a glance.

Experienced NPs: Omit Clinicals

If you're an experienced NP, there's no need to list your clinical rotations unless you think it gives you some special “in.” Your professional work experience should take center stage. Focus on your roles, accomplishments, and the skills you've developed in practice. Keep it succinct and descriptive. One or two sentences or a few bullets.

Leave High School Off Your Resume and Your Unrelated Jobs

High school education is not necessary and can clutter your resume or make you look really young- not always helpful when people want experience. Also, leave off unrelated jobs that don’t highlight you. Your focus should be on your nursing and healthcare education. There are exceptions to this, so use your judgment. (“Took time off to focus on raising my children.” You decide. I personally appreciate that) 

Keep It Concise

Remember, your resume should be no longer than two pages, even if you’ve been in practice for many years. Make it strong and succinct, and highlight your skills and strengths. Employers and preceptors are busy and prefer to scan through resumes quickly. Avoid unnecessary details and nursing-specific jargon—stick to what’s relevant to the role you’re seeking.

Describing Your Experience

When detailing your work experience, keep it succinct. You don’t need to explain every aspect of your previous nursing roles—focus on the key responsibilities and accomplishments that are pertinent to the job you’re applying for. For example, instead of listing every task you performed, highlight your work with specific patient populations or your role in managing complex cases.

References

At the end of your resume, simply state, “References available upon request.” There’s no need to list them unless specifically asked unless those listed will open an opportunity for you.

Final Thoughts

Your resume is a critical tool in your professional toolkit. It should be a clear reflection of your experience, skills, and professional journey. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a resume that opens doors. You’ve got this!

Best of luck in your career journey, and keep on learning!

About the Author: Lynn McComas, DNP, ANP-C, is an experienced nurse practitioner and an expert on the topic of precepting. Determined to make a difference in “the Preceptor Problem,” Lynn went on to obtain her Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) at the esteemed Duke University, where she focused on finding solutions to the preceptor shortage. She is the owner and founder of PreceptorLink®. The company’s goal is to simplify and streamline the process of preceptor matching while maintaining quality and professionalism throughout. www.PreceptorLink.com 

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