Nursing License on Resume

Should You List Nursing License on Resume

It is essential to list your nursing license on a resume, especially when applying for nursing positions within the United States. The licensing requirements vary by country and state, but having a nursing license demonstrates that you have met the educational, exam, and character qualifications necessary to practice as a registered nurse. Listing this information can show potential employers your competency and legitimacy in the field.

Why to List Nursing License on Resume

Credibility

A nursing license is proof of your professional capabilities and credibility in the nursing profession. It ensures that you have completed an accredited nursing education program, passed a national exam, and maintain ongoing professional development. Including this information on your resume helps build trust with potential employers and establishes your expertise in the field.

Compliance with Hiring Requirements

Many employers require job applicants to hold a valid nursing license before they can be considered for employment. By listing your nursing license on your resume, you ensure that you meet the basic requirements for nursing positions, thus avoiding potential complications during the hiring process.

Where to List Nursing License on Resume

Contact Information

Include your nursing license number as part of your contact information at the top of your resume, following your name and other contact details. This allows employers to quickly verify your licensing status if needed.

Professional Summary or Objective Statement

Incorporate a brief mention of your nursing license in your professional summary or objective statement to highlight your qualifications. For example: "Registered Nurse with over 5 years of experience in acute care settings and a current RN licensure."

Skills Section

Create a section specifically for listing skills, where you can include relevant certifications, such as your nursing license number. Be sure to use keywords that are common in the job postings you're targeting.

Examples of How to List Nursing License on Resume

Nursing License in Contact Information

First Name Last Name RN License #123456 [Insert other contact details]

Mention of Nursing License in Professional Summary

Professional Summary: Registered Nurse with over 5 years of experience in acute care settings and a current RN licensure. Committed to providing exceptional patient care and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.

What to Avoid While Listing Nursing License on Resume

• Incorrect or outdated information: Always double-check your nursing license number, expiration date, and any renewal requirements to ensure accuracy.
• Excessive detail: Simply include the abbreviation RN (Registered Nurse) followed by your license number in most cases. More extensive explanations may not be necessary unless requested or needed for clarification.
• Missing License Renewal Dates: If you have recently renewed your nursing license, include the updated expiration date to demonstrate that it is currently valid. If it is nearing its expiration, indicate when it will be renewed in the near future.

How to List Advanced Practice Licensure (aprn, Crna, Cns, Etc.) on Resume

When listing your advanced practice licensure on a resume, it's crucial to present this information clearly and concisely while highlighting the nursing license associated with each role. Here are some best practices to help you:

• Highlight Nursing License

• Clearly state the type of nursing license held (e.g., APRN, CRNA, CNS) followed by the licensing board and the state where it was issued, such as "Advanced Practice Registered Nurse licensed in California by the Board of Registered Nursing."

• List Multiple Licenses

• If you hold multiple advanced practice licenses, list each one separately with the corresponding details for clarity.

• Include Years of Validity

• Optionally, include the validity period (e.g., "Valid through December 2025") to demonstrate your up-to-date licensure status.

• Order of Licenses

• List your advanced practice licenses before other nursing credentials or work experience, as they are crucial qualifications for most APRN positions.

• Consistency and Clarity

• Maintain consistent formatting and ensure that all details related to licensure are easy to find and understand.

Example 1: Advanced Practice Licensure (aprn, Crna, Cns, Etc.) on Nursing License Resume

• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse licensed in California by the Board of Registered Nursing (Valid through December 2023)

• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist licensed in Washington by the Washington State Department of Health (Valid through September 2025)

Example 2: Advanced Practice Licensure (aprn, Crna, Cns, Etc.) in Nursing License Context

• Work Experience: Certified Nurse Midwife at XYZ Clinic, New York (2018-Present)

• • Licensed as a Certified Nurse Midwife by the New York State Education Department and American Midwifery Certification Board (Valid through February 2022)

How to List Renewal Status and Expiration Date on Resume

• Include Specific Details: Clearly list your nursing license number, renewal status (active, inactive, expired), and the expiration date. This provides a clear picture of your current eligibility for employment.

Example: Active Nursing License #1234567-8, Expiration Date: December 31, 2023

• Location: If you hold multiple licenses in different states or regions, list each license separately and specify the state/region for clarity.

Example:

• Active Nursing License #1234567-8 (CA), Expiration Date: December 31, 2023

• Active Nursing License #9876543-2 (NY), Expiration Date: June 30, 2024

• Renewal History: If your license has been renewed multiple times, briefly mention this to show commitment and stability in the profession.

Example: Active Nursing License #1234567-8 (CA), Expiration Date: December 31, 2023. Successfully renewed annually since initial issuance in 2010.

• Continuing Education: Highlight any continuing education courses or workshops that contribute to the renewal of your nursing license. This shows your dedication to staying current with industry advancements and best practices.

Example: Active Nursing License #1234567-8 (CA), Expiration Date: December 31, 2023. Completed over 50 hours of continuing education in the past year, including courses on geriatric care and pain management.

Example 1: Renewal Status and Expiration Date on Nursing License Resume

Skills & Certifications

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) License #1234567-8, Expiration Date: December 31, 2023
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certified until January 2022

In this example, the job seeker provides their active nursing license number, renewal status, and expiration date. They also mention any relevant certifications that are associated with their nursing practice.

Example 2: Renewal Status and Expiration Date in Nursing License Context

Work Experience

Registered Nurse | ABC Hospital | Los Angeles, CA | March 2015 - Present

• Actively maintain RN license #9876543-2 (CA), Renewed annually since initial issuance in 2010
• Consistently exceed expectations in providing compassionate and high-quality care to patients of all ages

In this example, the job seeker demonstrates their commitment to maintaining an active nursing license by mentioning that they have renewed their license regularly. They also highlight the positive impact of their work as a registered nurse.

How to List Date of Initial Licensure on Resume

Best Practices for Listing 'Date of Initial Licensure' in a Nursing License Resume

• Include the Exact Date: Provide the exact date you received your nursing license, including month and year (e.g., January 2015). This helps employers easily compare your licensure with their hiring requirements.

  Example 1: January 2015 - Current: Registered Nurse License (RN), State Board of Nursing

• Place it Strategically: List the date of initial licensure in the 'Professional Certifications & Licenses' section of your resume, which is usually found under the work experience or skills sections. This highlights your ability to practice nursing professionally and complies with industry standards.

• Keep it Clear and Concise: Avoid using abbreviations or jargon for the licensure date. Use clear language that can be easily understood by recruiters and hiring managers, such as 'Date of Initial Licensure' instead of 'First Issuance Date'.

• Update Regularly: Make sure to update your resume whenever there is a change in the status or renewal date of your nursing license. This demonstrates your commitment to maintaining your professional qualifications and staying current with industry standards.

• Mention Renewals: If your nursing license has been renewed multiple times, you can consider listing the most recent renewal date alongside the initial licensure date. For example: Registered Nurse License (RN) - Initial Licensure Date: January 2015; Last Renewal Date: December 2020

Example 1: Date of Initial Licensure on Nursing License Resume

Professional Certifications & Licenses

• Registered Nurse License (RN), State Board of Nursing, January 2015 - Current

Example 2: Date of Initial Licensure in Nursing License Context

Work Experience

• Registered Nurse, University Medical Center, City, State
  • Provided direct patient care as a staff RN on the General Surgery Unit from January 2016 to Present
  • Maintained up-to-date nursing license with initial licensure date of January 2015 and regular renewals thereafter.

How to List State of Licensure on Resume

Best Practices:

• Include the State of Issuance: Clearly state the state where your nursing license was issued. This helps potential employers quickly understand your eligibility to work in their specific location.

  • Example: Nursing License (State of Issuance: California)

• Mention Expiration Date: If applicable, include the expiration date for your nursing license. This shows that you are up-to-date with the necessary certifications and regulations in your field.

  • Example: Nursing License (State of Issuance: California, Expiration: June 2024)

• Provide Nursing License Number: In some cases, including your nursing license number may be required or helpful. This can help employers verify your licensure status quickly and efficiently.

  • Example: Nursing License (State of Issuance: California, License Number: 1234567)

• Specify License Type: If you have multiple types of nursing licenses or certifications, be sure to specify the type of license that is most relevant to the job you are applying for.

  • Example: Registered Nurse License (State of Issuance: California)

• List in the Appropriate Section: Typically, the State of Licensure should be listed under the Professional Certifications and Licenses section of your resume, near other relevant credentials such as CPR certification or Advanced Life Support training.

Example 1: State of Licensure on Nursing License Resume

Professional Certifications & Licenses

• Registered Nurse License (State of Issuance: California)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certified (American Heart Association)

Example 2: State of Licensure in Nursing License Context

In the context of a nursing position opening in another state, you may want to emphasize your ability to secure licensure in that specific location:

Professional Licenses and Certifications

• Registered Nurse License (Currently licensed in California; eligible for reciprocity in [State])
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certified (American Heart Association)

How to List Rn or Lpn License Number on Resume

Listing your RN (Registered Nurse) or LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) license number is crucial when applying for nursing positions. Here are some best practices:

• Provide Complete Information: Include both the license number and the state where it was issued. This ensures clarity and avoids any confusion during the hiring process.

  Example 1:

  • Nursing License Information:
  • State: California
  • License Number: CN1234567

• Consistent Format: Maintain a consistent format for all your licenses, if you hold multiple ones. This makes it easy for recruiters to find and verify your licensing information.

  Example 2:

  • Professional Licenses:
  • California Registered Nurse License (CN1234567)
  • Florida LPN License (FL1234567)

• Easy Accessibility: Place your nursing license information in a section that is easily accessible and prominent, typically near the top of the resume under the contact information or personal information section.

  Example 1, continued:

  • Contact Information:
  • Name: Jane Doe
  • Email: jane.doe@example.com
  • Phone: (123) 456-7890
  • Nursing License Information:
  • State: California
  • License Number: CN1234567

• Include Expiration Date: If your nursing license has an expiration date, consider adding it to provide a complete picture of your licensing status.

  Example 2, continued:

  • Professional Licenses:
  • California Registered Nurse License (CN1234567) expires MM/YYYY
  • Florida LPN License (FL1234567) expires MM/YYYY

• Verification: Some employers may request verification of your nursing license, so it's essential to have a copy of the original or an official letter from the issuing board available for submission upon request.