Registered Nurse License on Resume

Should You List Registered Nurse License on Resume

In most regions, especially within healthcare professions like nursing, it's crucial to include your registered nurse license on your resume. This is because it demonstrates your professional qualifications and legitimacy as a practicing nurse. However, this may vary depending on the country and industry standards. For instance, in the United States, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) requires a valid nursing license to practice, so listing this information is expected. In other countries, such as the UK or Australia, while it's not always explicitly required, including your registration details can still help validate your expertise.

Why to List Registered Nurse License on Resume

• Verifies Your Qualifications: Your nursing license confirms that you have met the necessary educational and experiential requirements to practice as a registered nurse. Employers want to ensure they are hiring qualified professionals who can provide safe, effective care.
• Demonstrates Compliance: Including your nursing license shows potential employers that you adhere to relevant regulations and standards within the healthcare industry. This helps build trust and credibility.
• Promotes Transparency: Listing your nursing license provides a clear picture of your professional status, helping employers determine whether you meet their qualification requirements for the role.

Where to List Registered Nurse License on Resume

Here are three common sections where you can list your registered nurse license:

• Contact Information: While not always necessary, some job seekers include their nursing license number along with their name and other contact details. This is especially helpful for international applicants or those in competitive job markets. Example: John Doe, RN #1234567

• Professional Summary/Objective: Including your nursing license number can be a powerful addition to your professional summary or objective statement, demonstrating your commitment to the profession and your readiness for employment. Example: Dedicated Registered Nurse with 10+ years of experience in adult critical care seeking a challenging opportunity at ABC Hospital. Currently licensed as RN #9876543 by the [state board of nursing].

• Skills/Certifications: Since your nursing license is a vital certification, it can be included within this section to emphasize its importance in your skill set.

Example

• Registered Nurse (RN), licensed by [state board of nursing] #1234567
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certified
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certified

Examples of How to List Registered Nurse License on Resume

Example 1: Inclusion in Professional Summary

Registered Nurse with a passion for providing exceptional patient care. Licensed as RN #9876543 by the [state board of nursing], I bring over 5 years of experience in adult critical care to my current role at XYZ Hospital.

Example 2: Inclusion in Skills/certifications Section

• Registered Nurse (RN), licensed by the [California Board of Registered Nursing] #1234567
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certified
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certified

What to Avoid While Listing Registered Nurse License on Resume

• Incorrect or Outdated Information: Always ensure your nursing license number, expiration date, and state board of nursing are accurate and up-to-date. Incorrect information can raise doubts about your credibility and professionalism.
• Leaving It Out Entirely: Depending on the region and industry standards, neglecting to include your registered nurse license could make it difficult for employers to verify your qualifications and may impact your chances of being considered for a position.

How to List Continuing Education and Professional Development on a Resume (Registered Nurse License)

Best Practices:

• Highlight Relevance: List only those courses or workshops that are directly related to nursing and your license. This demonstrates your commitment to maintaining a high level of expertise in the field.

  • Example: "Continuing Education Course: 'Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)', American Heart Association. Completed in January 2021, this course expanded my knowledge on the management of cardiovascular emergencies."

• Specify Dates: Include the year and month when you completed each course or workshop to help recruiters understand your most recent educational activities.

  • Example: "Professional Development Workshop: 'Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)', American Academy of Pediatrics, June 2020."

• Detail the Content: Briefly explain what was covered in each course or workshop. Avoid using jargon; instead, focus on practical skills and techniques that you learned.

  • Example: "Continuing Education Course: 'Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC)', National Association of EMS Educators. In this 40-hour course, I acquired advanced knowledge on pediatric emergency care."

• Mention Certification: If a course included certification, be sure to include it in your resume. This can help validate your expertise and commitment to professional development.

  • Example: "Certification: 'Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC)', National Association of EMS Educators, successfully completed in January 2021."

• Organize by Importance: Arrange your continuing education and professional development sections based on relevance to the job you're applying for. This allows recruiters to quickly assess your qualifications.

  • Example: "Relevant Continuing Education: ... Additional Professional Development: ..."

Example 1: Continuing Education and Professional Development on Registered Nurse License Resume

In the "Professional Development" section of her resume, a registered nurse may include:

• Continuing Education Course: 'Improving End-of-Life Care for Diverse Populations', American Nurses Association. Completed in June 2019. This course expanded my understanding and skills in providing culturally sensitive care to patients approaching the end of their lives.

• Professional Development Workshop: 'Safety and Health in the Healthcare Environment', Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). Completed in March 2021. Gained knowledge on safety regulations applicable to healthcare settings, ensuring a safe environment for both staff and patients.

• Certification: 'Basic Life Support (BLS)', American Heart Association, successfully completed in October 2018.

Example 2: Continuing Education and Professional Development in Registered Nurse License Context

In the "Continuing Education" section of his resume, a registered nurse might include:

• Relevant Continuing Education:

  • Continuing Education Course: 'Pain Management for Acute Care Nurses', American Society of Pain Management Nurses. Completed in October 2019. This course helped me improve my skills in assessing and managing pain in acute care patients.

• Additional Professional Development:

  • Professional Development Workshop: 'Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)', American Heart Association, completed in June 2020.

How to List Advanced Degrees Related to Nursing on Resume

Best Practices for Listing Advanced Degrees Related to Nursing:

• Highlight the Degree Type: Clearly state the type of advanced degree you have earned, such as Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or any other related nursing doctorate.

  Example: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Specialization: Nurse Education & Leadership

• Mention the Institution: Provide the name and location of the institution where you earned your degree to demonstrate credibility.

  Example: University of XYZ, City, State

• Include Graduation Date: List the year you completed your advanced degree, although you can omit the month and day if desired. This helps employers understand your timeline for educational advancement.

  Example: 2018

• Emphasize Relevance to Registered Nurse License: Highlight how your advanced nursing degree enhances your role as a registered nurse, especially if it includes relevant coursework or additional certification related to RN licensure.

  Example: Pursuit of an MSN focused on Adult-Gerontology Nursing further emphasizes my dedication to providing exceptional care for diverse patient populations in alignment with my Registered Nurse License.

• Leverage Keywords: Use relevant keywords, such as the specific advanced nursing degree and registered nurse license (RN), throughout your resume to optimize it for applicant tracking systems (ATS) and ensure that recruiters can quickly identify your qualifications.

Example 1: Advanced Degrees Related to Nursing on Registered Nurse License Resume

Education:

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Specialization: Nurse Education & Leadership
  • University of XYZ, City, State
  • Graduation Year: 2018
• Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • University of ABC, City, State
  • Graduation Year: 2015
• Registered Nurse License (RN), State Board of Nursing, State
  • Issue Date: Month Day, Year

Example 2: Advanced Degrees Related to Nursing in Registered Nurse License Context

Education:

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Specialization: Pediatric Oncology Nursing
  • University of DEF, City, State
  • Graduation Year: 2021
• Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • University of ABC, City, State
  • Graduation Year: 2017
• Registered Nurse License (RN), State Board of Nursing, State
  • Issue Date: Month Day, Year

In both examples, the advanced degrees are listed with relevant information, including degree type, institution, graduation year, and registration as a registered nurse. This helps demonstrate a clear progression of education and qualifications for potential employers within the nursing field.

How to List Specializations or Certifications on a Resume (for Registered Nurses)

Listing your specializations or certifications on a resume is essential when you're a registered nurse because it highlights your unique skills and expertise. Here are four best practices for including this subcategory:

• Accurately State Your Certification: Include the full name of the certification, such as Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). This ensures clarity and avoids confusion with other nursing titles.

  • Example 1:

    Certifications:

• Registered Nurse (RN), [State Board of Nursing], Year Issued

• Mention Expiration Dates: If your certification has an expiration date, include it to show that you are up-to-date and committed to maintaining your skills.

  • Example 1 (Continuation):

• Registered Nurse (RN), [State Board of Nursing], Year Issued - Current

• Highlight Relevant Specializations: Focus on specializations that are related to the job you're applying for. This demonstrates your ability to handle specific nursing situations effectively.

  • Example 2:

    Specializations:

• Pediatric Nursing, [Certifying Body], Year Issued - Current

• Gerontological Nursing, [Certifying Body], Year Issued - Current

• Detail the Certification Process: Briefly describe how you obtained your certification to give hiring managers insight into your dedication and work ethic. This can be particularly useful for newer certifications or less common specializations.

  • Example 2 (Continuation):

    Specializations:

• Pediatric Nursing, [Certifying Body], Year Issued - Current

  • Successfully completed an intensive training program in Pediatric Nursing

• Gerontological Nursing, [Certifying Body], Year Issued - Current

  • Completed a comprehensive course and passed the examination in Gerontological Nursing

Example 1: Specializations or Certifications on Registered nurse license Resume

A registered nurse who holds a certification in Neonatal Nursing may list it as follows:

Certifications:

• Registered Nurse (RN), [State Board of Nursing], Year Issued - Current
• Neonatal Nursing Certification, [Certifying Body], Year Issued - Current

Example 2: Specializations or Certifications in Registered nurse license Context

An experienced registered nurse with certifications in Pediatric and Gerontological Nursing may present their subcategory as follows:

Certifications:

• Registered Nurse (RN), [State Board of Nursing], Year Issued - Current
  • Successfully completed an intensive training program in General Nursing

Specializations:

• Pediatric Nursing, [Certifying Body], Year Issued - Current

  • Completed a comprehensive course and passed the examination in Pediatric Nursing

• Gerontological Nursing, [Certifying Body], Year Issued - Current

  • Completed a specialized training program in Gerontological Nursing

How to List Renewal Dates and Number of Renewals on Resume

Best Practices for Listing 'Renewal Dates and Number of Renewals' under a Registered Nurse License

• Specify the Renewal Dates: Mention the exact dates of each renewal, including the year, to provide a clear timeline of your licensed nursing activity. For example:

  • Registered Nurse License Renewal Dates: January 2018, January 2019, January 2020, and so forth.

• Provide the Number of Renewals: Include the total number of times you have renewed your license to demonstrate a consistent history of maintaining an active and up-to-date nursing registration.

  • Number of Registered Nurse License Renewals: 4 times (or equivalent) since obtaining the license.

• Highlight Compliance with Continuing Education Requirements: Briefly mention any significant continuing education courses, workshops, or seminars you have completed during your renewal periods, as they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and adherence to industry standards.

  • Continuing Education: Participated in 40 hours of mandatory ethics training and 30 hours of infectious disease control updates during each license renewal period.

• Include Information about Any Disciplinary Actions: If you have had disciplinary actions taken against your license, address these discreetly within this section, being honest and transparent without dwelling excessively on the matter. This helps to demonstrate integrity and a dedication to honesty in your professional life.

  • Disciplinary Actions: One-time sanction in 2015 for failure to comply with mandatory continuing education requirements; all requirements have since been met, and no further issues have occurred.

• Use Reverse Chronological Order: List the renewal dates in reverse chronological order, with the most recent date first, to help recruiters quickly understand your current registration status and ongoing commitment to professional nursing.

  • Registered Nurse License Renewal Dates (Reverse Chronological Order): January 2021, January 2020, January 2019, and January 2018.

Example 1: Renewal Dates and Number of Renewals on Registered Nurse License Resume

• Registered Nurse License: Active in the state of New York; Registered Nurse License #1234567, expiration date January 2023.
• Registered Nurse License Renewal Dates: January 2018, January 2019, January 2020, and January 2021. (Four times since obtaining the license)
• Number of Continuing Education Hours Completed: Minimum of 30 hours per renewal cycle, focused on topics such as patient safety, infection control, and evidence-based practice.

Example 2: Renewal Dates and Number of Renewals in Registered Nurse License Context

• Registered Nurse License: Active in the state of California; Registered Nurse License #9876543, expiration date January 2022.
• Registered Nurse License Renewal Dates: January 2017, January 2018, January 2019, and January 2020. (Four times since obtaining the license)
• Number of Continuing Education Hours Completed: Minimum of 40 hours per renewal cycle, focused on topics such as geriatric care, mental health nursing, and palliative care.
• Disciplinary Actions: One-time sanction in 2016 for failure to comply with mandatory continuing education requirements; all requirements have since been met, and no further issues have occurred.

How to List State of Issuance on Resume

Here are some best practices for listing the subcategory 'State of Issuance' on a resume that includes your registered nurse license:

• Provide the Full Name of the State: Avoid abbreviations and use the official name of the state where your registered nurse license is issued. For example, "California" instead of "CA".

• State of Issuance: California

• Place it in a Consistent Section: Ideally, include this information under the 'Licenses and Certifications' or 'Professional Credentials' section of your resume.

• Include Relevant Details: If applicable, provide the license number for transparency. However, ensure it is formatted appropriately and does not disrupt the readability of your resume.

• State of Issuance: California (License Number: CN1234567)

• Mention the License Type: Clearly state that it's a registered nurse license to avoid confusion with other healthcare licenses or certifications you might hold.

• State of Issuance: California (Registered Nurse License: CN1234567)

• Update the Information Regularly: Keep your resume updated with any changes in the state of issuance or license number, as required by specific job applications or to maintain accuracy.

Example 1: State of Issuance on Registered Nurse License Resume

In a healthcare setting application, you might list your registered nurse license information as follows:

Professional Credentials:

• Registered Nurse License (CN1234567)
  • State of Issuance: California
  • Expiration Date: January 2025

Example 2: State of Issuance in Registered Nurse License Context

When applying for a nursing position outside your current state, you might want to highlight the fact that your license is valid and transferable in the new location. Here's an example of how to modify your professional credentials section in such cases:

Professional Credentials:

• Registered Nurse License (CN1234567) - Valid in New York (Transferable)
  • State of Issuance: California
  • Expiration Date: January 2025