Nursing Certification on Resume

What Is Nursing Certification

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the National Certification Corporation for Occupational Therapy Professionals (NCC) are two main organizations that issue nursing certifications in the United States. These certifications validate a nurse's specialized knowledge, skills, and practice expertise in various nursing specialties. They are highly significant in the industry as they demonstrate a commitment to excellence, advanced competency, and ongoing professional development. To be eligible for certification, nurses typically need to meet specific prerequisites such as completing an accredited nursing program, passing a national exam, and meeting experience requirements. Certifications are valid for a certain period, usually ranging from 2-4 years, and require renewal through continued education and professional development activities. The estimated time to prepare and pass the certification exam varies depending on the specialty, but can range from several months to a year or more.

Should I Include Nursing Certification on Resume?

Including nursing certification on your resume is highly valuable, especially for career stages where specialized skills are crucial. If you've recently obtained a certification, IT demonstrates your commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth. However, if the certification is outdated or no longer relevant to the position you're applying for, IT might be less important to include. In some cases, such as nursing management positions or specialized roles, having certain certifications can significantly enhance your credibility and set you apart from other candidates. On the other hand, in entry-level or generalist nursing roles, certifications may not be as critical, although they could still demonstrate a willingness to go above and beyond. Geographical and regional differences should also be considered; for example, certain certifications may hold more weight in specific regions due to local healthcare trends or regulations.

Hiring Managers And Nursing Certification on Resume

• Hiring managers view nursing certification as a strong indicator of a candidate's knowledge, skills, and dedication to their profession.
• They associate certifications with a higher level of competency, expertise, and commitment to ongoing professional development.
• In some industries, specific certifications may indicate a proven ability to work effectively in specialized settings or with specific patient populations.
• Certified nurses often stand out from other candidates due to their demonstrated mastery of their chosen specialty.
• However, hiring managers may have concerns if the certification is outdated or irrelevant to the position being applied for, as IT could suggest a lack of current knowledge and skills.

How to List Nursing Certification on Resume

• Use a bullet point format: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
• Include certification number/ID if relevant, but IT's not mandatory. Example: CRNA #1234567
• Note expiration/renewal dates by including the validity period, such as CRNA: Expires 08/2025.
• Include the certifying organization for clarity, like Certified by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).
• For in-progress certifications, use a phrase such as In progress: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certificate to show your commitment to continued learning.

Where to List Nursing Certification on Resume

• A dedicated certifications section is ideal for listing nursing certifications, making IT easily accessible for potential employers.

• If you have recently graduated and lack significant work experience, consider including the certification in your education section.

• In some cases, a brief mention of the most relevant certification(s) in your summary can grab the hiring manager's attention.

• Multiple placements are appropriate if you have earned certifications in various nursing specialties or if they are all equally relevant to the position being applied for.

• Prioritize the order and hierarchy based on the relevance of each certification to the job, with the most relevant appearing first. For example:

  Certifications

• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP-BC), National Certification Corporation, Expires 08/2025

• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Expires 03/2024

Examples of How to List Nursing Certification on Resume

Example 1 - In a Dedicated Certifications Section

Certification
Nursing Certification, the certifying organization, Valid: March 2022 – March 2025 (CRNA #1234567)

This format is ideal for a resume that emphasizes your professional certifications, as IT quickly showcases your qualifications relevant to the nursing field. IT also allows hiring managers to easily find and verify your credentials.

Example 2 - For a Recent Graduate

Education & Certification
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University X, Graduated: May 2021
Nursing Certification, the certifying organization, Valid: June 2021 – June 2024 (CRNA #1234567)

By incorporating your nursing certification into your education section, you can demonstrate that your degree and professional training are concurrent. This format is beneficial for recent graduates looking to showcase their fresh skills and qualifications.

Example 3 - In a Skills-First Resume Format

Relevant Skills & Certifications

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certified Basic Life Support (BLS) certified Nursing Certification, the certifying organization, Valid: January 2023 – January 2026 (CRNA #1234567)

For a skills-first resume format, IT's essential to list your nursing certification alongside relevant skills that align with the job you are applying for. This approach allows hiring managers to quickly understand your areas of expertise and how they can benefit their organization.

Example 4 - For a Technical Resume

Professional Certifications
12/2020 – 12/2023: Nursing Certification, the certifying organization (CRNA #1234567)

In a technical resume focused on detail-oriented information and qualifications, IT is best to list your nursing certification in a concise and straightforward manner. This format ensures that hiring managers can quickly grasp the specifics of your certification without being distracted by excessive details or formatting.