Nurse CV
How to write a CV for nursing jobs
By Alexander Phillip · Career Coach and Recruitment Expert · Updated July 2026
Quick answer
A strong nurse CV leads with your nursing qualification and council registration, then your clinical experience by ward or department, the practical nursing skills you have, and any certifications. Keep it to one or two pages, show safe and compassionate patient care, and tailor it to the facility and specialty you are applying to.
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What hospitals and clinics look for in a nurse CV
Matrons, clinical managers and HR officers hire nurses on two things above all: that you are properly qualified and registered to practise, and that you can give safe, caring, competent treatment. Your CV should make your qualification and registration easy to find in the first few lines, then back it with real clinical experience.
Nursing is broad, so a CV that names the wards or departments you have worked in and the clinical skills you have used stands out far more than a general one.
What to include on a nurse CV
- Your nursing qualification, such as a Diploma or Degree in Nursing, with the institution and year
- Your registration or licence with the nursing council, where it is required
- Clinical experience by ward or department, such as medical, surgical, maternity, paediatrics or outpatient
- The clinical skills and procedures you are confident with
- Certifications such as Basic Life Support, and any specialist training
- The languages you speak, which matters for patient care
- Two referees, ideally a matron or supervisor, with their permission
Nursing skills worth highlighting
- Patient assessment and recording vital signs
- Administering medication safely and accurately
- Wound care, dressing and basic procedures
- Infection prevention and control
- Clear clinical documentation and handover
- Compassionate communication with patients and families
- Staying calm and working as a team under pressure
Turn nursing duties into achievements
| Instead of | Write |
|---|---|
| Worked in the maternity ward | Provided care in a busy maternity ward, supporting deliveries and newborn care |
| Gave patients their medication | Administered medication safely and kept accurate records for a full ward |
| Helped with infection control | Followed and promoted infection control that helped keep the ward safe |
Newly qualified or still in training?
If you are a new graduate or still on clinical placement, lead with your nursing qualification and your registration status, name the wards you rotated through, and list the clinical skills you have practised. Our guide to writing a CV with no experience covers this step by step.
Frequently asked questions
What should a nurse put on a CV?
Your nursing qualification and council registration, your clinical experience by ward, the nursing skills and procedures you are confident with, certifications such as Basic Life Support, languages, and referees. Put your qualification and registration near the top.
How do I write a nurse CV with no experience?
Lead with your nursing qualification and registration status, name the wards you rotated through on placement, and list the clinical skills you have practised. Focus on safe, careful patient care and your readiness to learn on the job.
Should I list my nursing registration on my CV?
Yes. Your registration or licence with the nursing council is one of the first things an employer checks, so state it clearly near the top of your CV, along with its status.
How long should a nurse CV be?
One page early in your career and up to two pages with more experience. Keep it focused on qualification, registration, wards, clinical skills and certifications.
How do I show clinical skills on a nursing CV?
Name the specific procedures and areas of care you are confident with, and tie them to the wards where you used them. Only list skills you can genuinely perform safely; never overstate your clinical ability.
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