CV writing for student nurses and newly qualified nurses

Writing a CV can be difficult at the best of times, but if you’re applying for your first ever nursing job it can be even trickier to know where to start. 

If you're a student or newly qualified nurse looking for advice on how to make your CV stand out from the crowd, the RCN's Career Service can help.

Your first nursing CV

Many students and newly qualified nurses worry that they won’t have adequate experience or skills to impress employers and compete with rival candidates. 

First of all, you have got experience, and lots of it. Think about all you’ve learnt at university through your lectures, assignments, research, presentations, studying and your dissertation. Then think about all the knowledge gained during your variety of placements, the coaching and support you received from your colleagues and mentors, and the skills, competencies, and lessons learnt first-hand whilst caring for your patients. What’s more, all this knowledge is fresh in your mind and ready to be put into practice. 

You will bring a positive and enthusiastic approach, along with passion, determination and an eagerness to learn; an asset to any employer.