CV Writing

The RCN Careers Service can offer you advice and ideas on transforming your nursing CV into a powerful marketing tool that showcases all your skills and experience.

If you're a member, make sure you're logged in so you can download our sample CVs and take advantage of our free CV checking service.

Your nursing CV

Whilst most jobs will ask you to complete an application form, it’s also useful to create a CV that you can include in your portfolio and present to prospective employers or useful contacts. If you’re applying for jobs in the private sector, there may not be a formal application process, so a good CV will be even more essential.

Successful CVs are logical, engaging and concise. Most importantly they’re tailored to the people reading them, so make sure you adapt yours accordingly by matching it up to the job you’re applying for and using relevant keywords. 

If you're a student nurse, you can also read CV writing for student and newly qualified nurses.

Checklist

Length - Ideally no more than 2 sides of A4

Layout - Clear, logical, flows nicely, easy to read

Presentation - Organised, neat, uncluttered, professional

Tailor - Make it relevant to the job you’re applying for

Review - Use spellcheck and get at least 2 other people to proof read it

Action words - Try to use ‘action’ words, to bring your CV to life. Attention-grabbing terms like 'identified', 'created,' or 'initiated,' really demonstrate to an employer that you are able to put your skills into practice. Our Careers guide, “Applying for jobs” has more information and examples of action words.

Covering letter - Do you need to include a covering letter as well?

Create a 'Master CV'

Structuring your CV

The structure of your CV is incredibly important, as you'll want to ensure the reader can find out what they need to know quickly and easily. 

If you're not sure what format to use, follow the suggested layout below. In addition, you can download our example CVs for some inspiration. 

Personal Summary / Personal Statement

This should be a short paragraph to open up your CV and tell your prospective employer a bit about yourself. Remember, first impressions go a long way. 

Always tailor this section to the job you’re going for. You may want to describe your personal qualities and strengths, offer a summary of your career history and experience, and then conclude with a career objective.

Try to be original. Some of the most commonly used words or phrases within healthcare CVs are: 

• Compassionate 
• Caring
• Professional
• Hard working
• Good communicator
• Works well individually and as part of a team. 

These are all great descriptors but if you use them, make them sound meaningful by giving context or examples, and making it personal to you wherever possible.

Key Skills and achievements

Next, bullet point 4 - 5 of your key skills and/or achievements. This could include your clinical skills, interpersonal skills, notable achievements, qualifications and experience.

You should always tailor this section carefully, thinking about what would be the most relevant or most attractive to your prospective employer. Studying the job advert, job description person specification and organisation values of the employer will help you do this.

Including this section early on in your CV allows you grab the employer's attention by highlighting the things that are most impressive or the most relevant to the job, and making yourself look like the best match.

Employment and experience

Starting with the most recent, detail your employment history, including job title, name of employer and relevant dates. You can then include a few bullet points to showcase duties and responsibilities, skills, knowledge and/or achievements. Again, prioritise the most relevant or impressive, and make sure you use action words to make an impact. 

You don't have to list all the jobs you've ever had. If you need to save space you can summarise experience from older jobs. E.g. "Prior to 2007, held a variety of different roles within settings such as surgical, A&E and elderly medicine, acquiring skills such as..."  

You may decide to draw attention to a non-healthcare role, or a role from several years ago if this would be relevant now. (E.g. You're applying for a nurse team leader post, and previously worked as a manager within the retail industry before you worked in healthcare.)

Education and Qualifications

Starting with the most recent, list your qualifications, including dates and the educational institute or awarding body and grades if applicable.

If you have done a lesser known qualification or an international qualification, you may want to explain briefly what the qualification entailed, or list an equivalent qualification for comparison.

Professional Activities and Training

Here you can list training days, courses or study days you've attended, articles published, or membership of professional organisations or networks. 

You don't have to list absolutely everything. Prioritise the most recent and the most relevant. You can summarise to save space if needed. E.g. "Prior to 2014, have attended over 20 study days in areas such as catheter care, venepuncture, IV therapy and...."

Additional information 

Write a sentence or two about your interests or hobbies. Don't be afraid to be original. You can also include information about whether you hold a driving license, if you speak other languages, IT skills that you possess, details of your LinkedIn account (if you have one,) or anything else you think your prospective employer would benefit from knowing.

References 

If you have space, consider listing a referee or two with their contact details. Alternatively you could write, "Available upon request."

Want to discuss your CV?

To discuss your CV and get feedback over the phone, call RCN Direct on 0345 772 6100 to book an appointment with the Careers Service.

You may also want to see our online advice on Job applications, Transferable skills and Interview skills.

Please note: CVs will be checked based on UK requirements.