Once you earn your nursing degree it is time to look for jobs. And the only way to be noticed and get the jobs you desire is to make a standout nursing resume. The golden ticket to have a professional and standout resume is your credentials. In this blog we will guide you in how to write nursing credentials for a professional resume.
What are Nursing Credentials?
The nursing credentials are the qualifications, certifications, and licenses that nurses have to verify their education, training and practice in different healthcare settings. While writing your nursing resume it is important to highlight these aspects to make sure that the future employees understand the value of your experience. The key aspects of nursing credentials are
- Licensure
- Certifications
- Education and degrees
- Continuing education hours
- Other designations
How to write your nursing credentials
Writing full name and contact information.
- Full name
- Phone number
- Email address
- LinkedIn profile
- Physical address
Nursing credentials
There are different types of credentials. Make sure you list your credentials from most to least relevant such as the following.
- Registered nurse licensure
- Advance practice licensure
- Certifications
- Specialized skills or training
How to list your nursing credentials according to the American Nurse Association?
According to American Nurse Association each RN must list their credentials in the same order such as.
- Highest degree earned: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), University of California, 2014
- Licensure: Registered Nurse (RN), California Board of Nursing, License #1122334, Exp. 12/2026
- State Designations or Requirements: California Certified Nurse in Medical-Surgical Nursing (CMSRN), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certified, California State
- National Certifications: Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN), Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, Exp. 11/2026
- Awards and Honors: Excellence in Patient Care Award, University Health System, 2021
- Other Recognitions: Volunteer, Nurses Without Borders, 2022-Present, Preceptor of the Year, St. John’s Medical Center, 2022
Tips for writing your credentials for Nursing Resume
Here is the list of tips to write your nursing credentials for professional resume.
- Make sure to list your credentials from most to least relevant.
- Include the date and expiry of the certifications.
- Highlight the continuing education and special skills.
- Make sure your credential matches your job description.
- Do not add unnecessary details.
- Use clear and easy to read format.
- Use bullet points, bold titles for easy scanning of your credentials.
Do you write BSN, RN or RN, BSN while writing nursing credentials?
The most commonly used format is RN, BSN. It highlights the RN (Registered Nurse) certification which is the professional designation followed by BSN (Bachelor of science in nursing) which is an academic degree.
How to write nursing credential after nurse’s name?
It is important to follow standard conventions while writing nursing credentials after name to ensure clarity and professionalism. Example to write RN, BSN title are as follows:
Rachel Green, RN, BSN
Ross Geller, RN, MSN, CCRN
What are the examples of credentials in nursing?
- Doctoral Degree: PhD, DrPH, DNS, EdD, DNP.
- Master’s Degree: MSN, MS, MA.
- Bachelor’s Degree: BS, BSN, BA.
- Associate’s Degree: AD, AND.
- Licensure and Credentials: RN and LPN.
Conclusion
In this blog we have discussed the important aspects of how to write nursing credentials for your nursing resume. It is important to properly highlight your credentials to make your resume standout and easy to read for the potential employers, so that you have a high chance of getting the job you desire. It is important to list your nursing credentials in correct order that is from most relevant to least. Nursing credentials such as your licensure, certification, degrees, and training should be listed in standardized order out lined by American Nurse Association. In this blog we have also discussed the tips for crafting professional nursing resumes and how to write your credential title in front of your name.
