critical care nurse personal statement

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ICU Nurse resume examples & templates

ICU nurses job market and outlook

An ICU nurse’s job has never been an easy one. The work requires calm, efficiency and detail orientation as well as a caring demeanor. Pandemic times have doubled (or quadrupled) down on the difficulty of this highly skilled profession, but also on the demand for workers to fill these important frontline jobs. That means that if you can create a powerful ICU nurse resume, you can have your pick of positions.

Creating the resume that will land you that coveted interview is too important to leave to chance. You need to consult the experts. At Resume.io you will find all the resources a job seeker needs, as we provide resume guides and resume examples for 300+ professions, backed up by an easy-to-use resume builder. Learn how to present yourself as the skilled and dedicated professional ICU nurse that you are.

This resume guide, along with the corresponding resume example, will cover the following topics:

What does an ICU nurse do?

• Tips and tricks for writing an ICU nurse resume
• The best format for an ICU nurse resume
• Advice on each section of your resume (summary, work history, education, skills)
• Professional resume layout and design hints.

The job of an ICU nurse, also called a critical care nurse, stands in contrast to that of an ER nurse. ICU nurses are charged with caring for the most fragile patients for as long as they need intensive care. While ER nurses are bombarded with cases and must multi-task and make quick decisions constantly, ICU nurses must remain methodical and meticulous.

Patients in the intensive care unit require constant and consistent monitoring. ICU nurses need to be alert to any change in a patient’s health. They administer medications, care for medical machinery such as ventilators and any other medical equipment such as intravenous lines and catheters that a patient needs. Because of the fragility of their patients, ICU nurses may be called on at any time to administer CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or any other lifesaving techniques.

ICU nurses must also work closely with the entire medical team and are the main point of contact both with the patient and the patient’s family. Nurse.org points out that ICU nurses are vital to a hospital’s ability to care for trauma or end-of-life patients.

How much do ICU nurses earn?

You may not be surprised to know that experience and geography play a huge role in the answer to this question. ICU nurses may earn anywhere between $35.91 per hour to $54.94 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter , which lists New York as the best-paying locale and North Carolina at the top of the salary scale. 

Payscale.com reports a median hourly rate of $32.64 across the United States with newly minted ICU nurses earning $27.78 and those with 20+ years of experience commanding $41.61.

The pandemic has strained healthcare resources to their limits. Hospitals are short-staffed due to an increase in critically ill patients, healthcare provider burnout and staff illness. If you are willing to travel as an ICU nurse, you are highly sought after. From March to November of 2021, openings for travel ICU nurses skyrocketed 305%, according to a report by NurseFly . Along with the extreme demand has also come pay increases of 80%-90%. 

It is difficult to predict the demand over a longer period, but the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a typical growth of 9% from 2020-2030 for all registered nurses.

How to write an ICU nurse resume

The first step in writing your ICU nurse resume is knowing what components go into it. Your CV should contain the following elements:

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The resume skills section
• The education section

A great ICU nurse resume should elevate the heart rate of recruiters and have them scheduling an interview stat. Here are some points to remember:

• Adapt your CV to fit each different job remembering that each hospital and ICU department has its own needs.
• Create a vision impression that matches the professional personality you want to convey with a crisp, clean layout.
• Take into account the ATS and use pertinent keywords and phrases when applying for positions online.

Applicant Tracking Systems conveniently input all your data into the HR systems of the hospitals you’re targeting. That’s great if  as you know that they are also using algorithms to scan for specific keywords and phrases within your ICU nurse resume. That means you need to optimize your CV to try to rank high enough to get to human eyes.

To do that, analyze the job listing for the keywords and phrases your prospective employer lists. Then make sure you use those exact words and phrases in appropriate places within your resume. Don’t force it or overdo it, but do get many in as you can without compromising the quality of your text.

Choosing the best resume format for an ICU nurse

Yes, you want to stand out, but your resume format is not the place to do it. In general, resumes should all follow the reverse chronological order format in which you list your most recent position and work your way back. If you’re new to the field or are a seasoned ICU nurse, you may take a look at the hybrid or alternate formats we suggest.

The functional resume format works best for professionals with highly technical or niche skills. This may fit you if you have very specialized medical knowledge, because it reserves the most space for your skills instead of your work experience.

In most cases, however, we recommend you stick with reverse chronological order.

Resume summary example: A healthy description

The position of the summary of your ICU nurse resume, right at the top of your document, signals its importance. It may not be the first place a recruiter looks (that is likely your most recent work experience), but if they like what they see, you can be sure that they will read these 2-4 freestyle lines to learn more about you.

Your summary, also known as a profile, introduces your professional personality and wows the recruiter with your biggest successes. There’s no point in being modest here. You’re an excellent ICU nurse so use powerful adjectives to describe yourself, but don’t overstate your achievements. An ICU department is a cooperative endeavor, so giving your colleagues credit shows that you’re a team player. Check out the summary from our ICU nurse resume sample below.

If you’re not confident in yourself or you’re tentative about overdoing it, ask a trusted colleague and a friend or two to describe you in a few words. You may be surprised at what superlative words they use!

If you’re still unsure of how to approach this section, look at our related medical resume samples. We have a general nurse resume sample, a medical resume example and a healthcare resume sample to guide you. If you’re looking for an administrative position, the health care administration resume example or the clinic coordinator resume sample may inspire you.

Dedicated and compassionate ICU nurse with 8+ years of experience serving in some of the New York area's busiest hospitals. Adept in providing appropriate care for patients with a wide variety of complex medical needs.

Employment history sample: Chart your career

The bulk of your ICU nurse resume will be taken up by your work experience, unless you are new to the workforce. The keys to the employment history section are to use strong verbs that show you are action-oriented, followed by the results of your actions.

Your previous experiences should demonstrate to employers that you are already doing the job they have open or that your skills will directly transfer to the position you seek. Use the resume sample text below as a guideline for your own.

ICU Nurse at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York  June 2015 - Present 

• Provided high quality care for acute patients with diversified needs in a 48-person ICU department.
• Effectively communicated and collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to ensure desired patient outcomes.
• Monitored vital signs and any notified physicians of any clinical changes.
• Performed assessments and appropriate medical interventions as needed.
• Complied with rigorous standards of patient care service, maintaining a 95% compliance rate and achieving some of the highest levels of patient satisfaction in my department.
• Assessed and monitored patients' neurological statuses and pain levels.  

Registered Nurse at NYU Langone, New York  September 2013 - May 2015 

• Effectively communicated with all levels of the organization to ensure patient needs were met.
• Collected patient healthcare data systematically and continually using appropriate assessment techniques and instruments.
• Analyzed assessments to properly determine nursing diagnoses and suitable responses.
• Evaluated the patients progress toward attainment of expected outcomes.
• Continually maintained medical knowledge and competence to ensure the ability to fulfill responsibilities.

CV skills example: Compassion and competence

An ICU nurse needs very specific medical knowledge and the ability to administer medication, monitor vital signs and other bodily functions, and perform life-saving measures. Those are the basic hard skills necessary to do the job. But an ICU nurse also needs a wealth of soft skills. ICU nurses deal with families and patients at some of the most stressful times of their lives and their empathy and communication skills make a big difference.

Your CV skills section should come together as a blend of hard and soft skills that give an overview of the best of your abilities. Don’t forget that you need to take into account

Here are some other important skills, according to Onwardhealthcare.com .

• Extreme organization
• Caring and strong during difficult situations
• Ability to evaluate patients as their condition changes
• Excellent teamwork

Below you’ll find the skills section from our adaptable resume example.

• Patient Care
• Leadership Skills
• Assessment and Diagnosis
• Critical Care
• Bedside Monitoring
• Decision Making
• Patient Education

ICU nurse resume education example

As an ICU nurse, your education is important and so are your licenses and certifications. First, you became a registered nurse (RN) and then earned a certification, most likely certification for adult critical care nurses (CCRN) from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses .

You may list your education and your certifications in this section or choose to create a separate certification section if you have space. See our resume sample text below.

Master of Science in Nursing, Manhattan College, New York  September 2011 - August 2013  Bachelor of Science in Biology, Iona College, New Rochelle  September 2007 - May 2011

Resume layout and design: First impressions

The goal of your ICU nurse resume is to get that great job! That means taking into account that first impressions mean a lot. When a recruiter first sees your resume, what do you want them to think? The qualities of a great ICU nurse should come through in your layout and design.

Your organizational skills are a key component of your professional life; therefore, your resume must be well-organized and neat. Err on the side of a conservative design that uses easy-to-read fonts such as Georgia or Helvetica . If you want to add accents, try a serif type, or one that has the decorative flourishes that end letters, such as Rooney or Tisa .

To get your job search moving quickly and to eliminate the potential for formatting errors, use one of our field-tested resume templates and check out our resume samples to find the look that speaks to you.

Key takeaways for an ICU nurse resume

• The demand for ICU nurses is at an all-time high, so take advantage of the job market with an excellent CV.
• The well-honed organizational skills of an ICU nurse will serve you well as you compile and design your resume.
• To make it past the ATS, make sure you target your resume using keywords and phrases from the job listing.
• Our adaptable ICU nurse resume sample can put you on the path to creating a great layout and design.

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates

• • Worked in the cardiovascular unit to perform swift assessments and emergency medical procedures, also assisted staff during surgeries
• • Prepared all necessary documentation with great attention to detail - from medical histories to treatments and outcomes
• • Prepared individual care plans in accordance to patients' changing needs within the Emergency Department
• • Implemented care for patients assigned to a dynamic 30 bed ICU unit on a 12-hour-shift
• • Monitored life support equipment and swiftly responded to change - always with compassion and understanding
• • DealT with emergency situations calmly and efficiently
• • Evaluated symptoms and checked vital signs towards discharge of patients, ages 0-18
• • Administer medications and injections of up to 12 patients per shift
• • Monitored patient status and communicated updates with families
• • Collaborate with multidisciplinary team to provide the best patient care

5 ICU Nurse Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your ICU nurse resume must clearly highlight your critical care experience. Demonstrate your expertise in monitoring vital signs and life-support equipment. Showcase your proficiency in administering medications and performing advanced medical procedures. It's vital to emphasize your ability to work under intense pressure and make quick decisions.

All resume examples in this guide

Resume Guide

Resume Format

Resume Experience

Hard & Soft Skills

Certifications & Education

Resume Summary/Objective Tips

Additional Sections

Key Takeaways

Demonstrating your compassion and medical expertise in a high-stakes environment is pivotal in building a compelling ICU nurse resume. This first step in your application journey requires reflection and precision to effectively highlight your critical care skills.

In this guide, we'll help you craft an eye-catching ICU nurse resume that reflects your dedication, proficiency and ability to build rapport with both doctors and patients. Learn how to:

• use our real ICU nurse resume examples to inform your own writing process.
• choose an appropriate resume layout to
• impress healthcare recruiters with an informative resume objective.
• create a well-balanced talent section that compliments other resume sections.

If you need extra tips on customizing your resume for a specific nursing role, check out the resources below:

• Telemetry Nurse Resume Guide
• Perioperative Nurse Resume Guide
• ER Nurse Resume Guide
• NICU Nurse Resume Guide
• Critical Care Nurse Resume Guide
• Nurse Resume Guide
• Professional Icu Nurse Cover Letter Guide

How to format your ICU Nurse resume

Treat your ICU Nurse resume as you would your nursing progress notes:

• Be succinct
• Quantify your claims.
• Be selective.

You want to make sure hiring managers get a good overview of your abilities and expertise without taking too much of their time.

On average, recruiters spend only 7 seconds looking at a single resume and that’s only after it passes the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) scans beforehand.

So, to ensure your ICU Nurse resume reaches a recruiter’s desk:

• Choose the reverse-chronological resume format :   Even if your work falls under the volunteer work or residency category, organize it in reverse order. Display how your expertise and knowledge developed over time.
• Pick the hybrid resume format , if you have less than a year of experience: This layout is perfect for candidates switching from an adjacent medical field or those who don't have much clinical experience. That’s because it allows you to emphasize all your transferable skills and knowledge.
• Select the functional resume format , if you’re applying for your first nursing role:  Being a novice ICU nurse doesn’t mean you can’t build an outstanding resume. This functional layout will help you draw attention to your professional training and patient care skills.
• Include your nursing credentials in the resume header :   Don’t let recruiters reach the end of your resume to learn that you’re a Master of Science in Nursing. Add the title next to your name. Then, proceed by listing your contact information , including your address, phone number and email.
• Keep your certificate section up-to-date: Being in the medical field means you’re continuously honing your skills. As such, some certificates are valid for only a year. So, check before you list them.
• Remember to showcase your soft skills in the experience section: Highlight your active listening and excellent communication talents to underline your ability to work equally well with doctors and patients.
• Ensure your resume passes ATS checks: When listing specific tech skills, use the hiring manager’s phrasing. Review the job ad and search for resume keywords , denoting the skills required for the role. Then use the same words and phrases to describe your expertise. Recruiters often employ the same wording when setting the ATS software they use.
• Don’t let your ICU Nurse resume go over two pages : Stick to the nursing note-writing principles - keep it concise. Include only role-relevant information. You can leave the rest for your cover letter.
• Save your application as a PDF file : Regardless of the layout and design you choose, it won’t do you any good if everything breaks after you send it. Don’t rely on recruiters using the same device settings as you do.
• Pick a neat and readable font: You’ve heard of doctor’s handwriting, right? Don’t make the same mistake with your resume. Opt for a resume font , like   Raleway, Rubik, or any other serif and sans-serif fonts out there!

As mentioned, hiring managers don’t have the luxury to examine every little detail on your resume. Yet, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put effort into building an effective one.

More importantly, irrespective of the amount of knowledge and expertise you have, it’s the type that counts.

So, if most of your experience is derived from actual clinical work, you must reference your work history first and lay it out in reverse chronological order. Then, talk about your qualifications and academic background.

By contrast, if you’re a fresh nursing graduate with some medical experience, you can pick either the hybrid resume or functional resume format.

The hybrid layout  is more suited to applicants transferring from another medical-related position, because its aim is to showcase your expertise and transferable nursing skills. It also helps you prove you’re familiar with a hospital setting and all the medical standards and procedures.

On the other hand, the functional layout is more appropriate for college grads with no prior medical experience other than their residency. Given that the format begins with the candidate’s top skills, it puts the focus on your relevant nursing training and knowledge.

In both cases, it’s important you:

• Incorporate any residency programs you’ve completed or volunteer work done first.
• Discuss your education and professional credentials.
• Incorporate additional sections to emphasize other relevant experience and skill you have to offer.

Is your resume good enough?

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

Before you overcrowd your resume, make sure all the essential sections are present first:

The top sections on an ICU Nurse resume:

• Summary statement:  Provides a brief overview of your qualifications, including your nursing certification, years of ICU experience, and key skills to give a snapshot of your career.
• Clinical skills: Highlight your specific nursing abilities, such as patient assessment or critical care. Prove your competence in specialized areas of ICU nursing.
• Certifications and licenses:  As ICU nursing requires certain certifications, this is where you'll prominently display your nursing license, and specialty certifications like Critical-Care Registered Nurse.
• Work history:  Showcase your past ICU experience in different settings to give recruiters insights into your hands-on expertise and your ability to adapt to different work environments.
• Education section:  Demonstrate your foundational knowledge and commitment to the nursing field, including your efforts in attaining a Bachelor's or Associate’s degree in nursing.

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Clinical skills in critical care:  It’s crucial for ICU nurses to have specific skills, such as cardiac care, wound care, or trauma. This establishes their competence in dealing with critical situations and their readiness for the job.
• Years in critical care:  ICU nursing is a highly specialized field, so recruiters prioritize nurses who have spent considerable time working in critical condition atmospheres, which typically demonstrate growth, learning, and resilience.
• Relevant certifications:  Aside from the general nursing license, certifications like Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) show commitment to continued learning and specialization, which are highly valuable in an ICU setting.
• Emotional stability:  Taking care of severely ill patients requires emotional strength and resilience. Recruiters seek nurses who can handle high-pressure situations while maintaining empathy and support for patients and their families.
• Teamwork skills:  An ICU is a highly collaborative environment. Therefore, having strong teamwork and communication skills is important to ensure effective cooperation with doctors, other nurses, and medical staff for optimal patient care.

With that being said, let’s go over each resume section in detail/ We’ll discuss what type of information recruiters expect to see, as well as how to best frame it.

How to write your ICU Nurse resume experience

On the surface, the resume experience section  is where you lay out your work history, along with related career achievements.

However, hiring managers aren’t interested in what your duties and responsibilities were. Since they want to assess the scope of your abilities, recruiters are much more intrigued by your accomplishments.

Your success as an ICU nurse goes beyond what you know—so be mindful of how you convey your expertise.

As a result, the best way to really underscore your abilities is to put your career successes in context. Demonstrate that you’re mindful of the consequences of your actions as they affect not only your patients’ current health, but their future well-being, too.

Moreover, your actions influence your employer’s reputation. That’s why recruiters must also observe that throughout your resume you’re:

• Able to maintain patient confidentiality and details about any sensitive data you’ve analyzed.
• Able to adapt to dynamic working environments well and become an integral part of the team you work with.

To do this:

• Begin each bullet point with an action verb  to emphasize the scale of your achievement.
• Provide important details about the challenge you overcame and how you did it.
• Share the results of your work.

However, don’t forget to pay attention to the information surrounding your achievements. Make sure your experience section always includes:

• The legal name of your past employer.
• Where your role was located, even if it was a remote position.
• Details about your employer’s business operations.
• Your full job title.

Take a look at the example Nurse Practitioner experience section below:

• • Improved patient satisfaction by 85% .
• • Established over 1300 plans of care, thus boosting the overall health improvement rate by 45%.
• • Contributed to the discovery of 2 new advanced methods.

Notice how the lack of pertinent information about each achievement makes the whole section seem mediocre. True, the applicant has used action verbs  and numbers to illustrate the significance  of their accomplishments. Yet, because the descriptions are incomplete, the overall presentation is unimpressive.

Consider that some recruiters may want to know why the health improvement rate was only 45%. Especially, if higher standards have been set by the institution, seeking new ICU Nurses to fill its ranks. Consequently, hiring managers may think you’re not as dedicated to your job as other candidates are. By providing details about the type of patients and ailments you were responsible for monitoring, you can increase the significance of your achievements.

Finally, the resume states that the applicant’s employer was John Hopkins Hospital. Despite the institution’s infamy, it’s always best to describe your employer’s main business operations.

Once this candidate took our advice into account, here’s how they amended their experience section:

• • Improved patient satisfaction by 85% through actively communicating treatment plans and working with patients' carers.
• • Established over 1300 plans of care primarily for geriatric patients with prolonged chronic illness, thus boosting the overall health improvement rate by 45%.
• • Contributed to the discovery of 2 new advanced methods of high blood pressure treatments in geriatric patients by assisting researchers with proper record keeping and interpretation of data.

This version establishes the applicant as an expert on chronic diseases and other ailments affecting elderly patients.

If the institution’s ICU unit treats mainly these sorts of patients, then this is the perfect candidate for the job.

How to quantify impact on your resume

When we talk about including measurable accomplishments on your ICU Nurse resume, we’re not talking about the QCP-Ms (Quality Care Process Metrics).

Although these are also important, not every recruiter will be familiar with QCP-Ms. Plus, employers are concerned with the bigger picture.

As we’ve mentioned before, the institution’s reputation is at stake. So, when linking your achievements to concrete numbers , remember to protect the confidentiality of your past employers. The data you list may be in reference to the:

• Years you’ve worked in critical care:  Showcase the extent of your experience in the intensive care field and your familiarity with its unique demands.
• Patients you typically care for during a shift:  Display your ability to handle high-stakes multitasking and your efficiency as an ICU Nurse.
• Patients that have recovered significantly under your care:  Highlight the effectiveness of the patient care you provide.
• ICU units you’ve worked in:  Demonstrate your versatility and adaptability, which are important traits in an ever-changing healthcare landscape.
• Procedures you’re competent in:  Emphasize your diverse and comprehensive skill set.
• Number a nd type of training classes or courses you’ve attended:  Exemplify your dedication to continuous learning and professional development.
• P ercentage of crisis situations you’ve successfully navigated:  Indicate your problem-solving skills, as well as your ability to maintain composure and efficacy under pressure.
• Collaborative teams you’ve worked within the ICU framework:  Portray your teamwork skills and how effectively you can operate within interdisciplinary healthcare groups.

How do I write an ICU Nurse resume with no experience

If you’re yet to secure your first job  as an ICU Nurse, try to do thorough research on your potential employers.

Look at each of the following aspects:

• What are the health institution’s main mission and goals?
• What issues are its board of directors currently trying to resolve? How would these challenges affect your job?
• What are the top three types of patients visiting the institution’s ICU unit? This may be a bit tricky to figure out. But the hospital’s location and the type of health plans they cover are a good start.

Once you have your information, build a targeted resume . This way you’ll be able to align your current level of expertise with your potential employer’s goals.

• Read the job description carefully.
• Determine the mandatory criteria you have to cover, such as specific qualifications and skills.
• Think of an achievement or an example from your experience you can reference to illustrate your abilities.
• Incorporate a mix of technical and social talents for each of the experience entries you add to your resume.

Speaking of your critical care expertise and social abilities, we’ll review what makes an attention-grabbing skills section.

How to list your hard and soft skills on your resume

The skills section  is a place to reference other relevant talents you’ve acquired as part of your career development. Here you can demonstrate a balanced overview of both your technical and interpersonal skills.

The first type, also known as hard skills , encompasses your medical knowledge, ability to work with a variety of equipment, and treat patients.

On the other hand, your soft skills  reflect your:

• Ability to communicate your care plans effectively to patients.
• Identify and report important information to doctors.
• Discuss treatment plans with patients’ relatives and other caregivers.
• Ability to work under tremendous amounts of stress and think on their feet.

It’s recommended you include a well-rounded mix of both hard and soft skills on your resume—no matter the position.

However, given the nature of an ICU Nurse role, many of the tech skills listed in the job ad will be mandatory—not preferable.

In this case, do the following:

• Read your experience entries once again.
• Tick off any of the abilities you’ve covered.
• Add the ones you haven’t addressed yet in the skills section.
• Balance out this segment by filling the rest of the section with some of your top soft skills.

If you’re finding it hard to come up with examples or the job ad doesn’t provide enough details, check out the tables below for ideas:

Best hard skills for your ICU Nurse resume

• Patient Assessment
• Administration of Medication
• Critical Thinking
• Special Procedures (like intubation)
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Systems
• Ventilator Care
• Use of Monitoring Machines (EKGs, EEGs)
• Intravenous Therapy Administration
• Wound Dressing and Care
• Trauma Care
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Neurologic assessment
• Interpretation of Lab Results
• Patient and Family Education
• Infection Control Measures
• Triage Protocols
• Life Support Technologies

Best soft skills for your ICU Nurse resume

• Communication
• Multitasking
• Attention to Detail
• Crisis Management
• Emotional Stability
• Stress Management
• Quick Decision Making
• Adaptability
• Professionalism
• Active Listening
• Time Management
• Flexibility
• Problem-solving
• Conflict Resolution

Some of these skills, especially the technical ones, can only be supported with certifications and diplomas. So, next we’ll review what goes into framing the perfect education section for an ICU Nurse resume.

How to list your certifications and education on your resume

It goes without saying that your academic credentials are of vital importance. After all, you’re in charge of saving lives so employers want to make sure that you’re more than qualified.

Let’s begin with the education section .

If you already have a few years of clinical experience, a brief description will suffice:

• List the name of your degree and the qualifications you were granted upon completion.
• State the name and location of your college or university.
• Include the start and end date.
• Reference your top academic achievements.

On the other hand, if you’re a recent college grad or still doing your degree, you need to  also:

• Add your GPA .
• Cite some of your most relevant majors and minors .
• Amend the date of course completion to the expected date of graduation .
• Mention some of the coursework you've done .

Just remember to be brief with your descriptions. You can base your entry on the example below:

• • Co-authored and published a paper in Clinical Pharmacology on the topic of Advances and Applications on the Clinical Relevance of Antiviral Drug-Drug Interactions.
• • Majored in Advanced Pathology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Anesthesiology.

The other crucial part of this section is your licenses and certificates . Employers always check if your credentials are in good standing.

But before you list them on your ICU Nurse resume, make sure your licenses fits the job ad’s criteria. Especially, if you’re applying for a remote position or a role in a different state. Hiring managers must ensure that the candidate they pick can legally practice their craft and are up-to-date on current medical standards and practices. That’s why in addition to eligibility, you must also check your documents’ date of validity. Some licenses and certificates have to be periodically renewed.

Once you decide which certificates you wish to include, all you have to do is state what qualifications you’ve obtained and name the accrediting institution.

As demonstrated below:

Best certifications for your ICU Nurse resume

• Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN)
• Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)

How to write your ICU Nurse resume summary or objective

The best way to appeal to potential employers is by writing a strong resume profile .

This is a short paragraph right under the resume header that summarizes the highlights of your professional career.

In most cases, resume profiles fit into one of two categories:

• Resume objective
• Resume summary

The first type is geared toward specialists with less than three years of experience or those who are trying to secure a residency.

It aims to align the candidate’s current expertise and skills with the potential employer’s goals. This is where prior research of the health institution you’re applying to really helps.

Conversely, the resume summary is a good option for experienced professionals. This type of resume profile usually includes the candidate’s:

• Top career achievements.
• Notable past employers.
• Key skills and certificates.

To exemplify, have a look at the following sample ICU Nurse resume objective:

In an attempt to be succinct, this applicant has made their objective slightly unreadable. The main reason for this is the abundance of abbreviations.

Candidates must be mindful of those who are going to read the resume. Before your application is seen by someone from the medical team you’re going to work with, your resume will be reviewed by an HR specialist.

Secondly, the objective states that the applicant has one year of experience, but there’s no mention of where and under what circumstances this experience was acquired.

The more you share about the type of patients you’re used to treating, the better.

Taking into account the notes above, a better version of the resume objective would be:

Now, recruiters and medical experts can see that the candidate has obtained experience through clinical work and shadowing .

What’s more, the applicant has provided the name of the hospital, where they did their residency. This means that hiring managers can cross-check any of the candidate’s claims with the residency supervisor.

Next, consider the following ICU Nurse resume summary:

Presumably, this is the resume profile of an experienced specialist. However:

• Most of the crucial details surrounding the applicant’s work history are missing.
• Again, a lot of abbreviations have been used.
• There’s no indication as to how the listed accomplishments have been achieved.
• The provided metrics are ambiguous at best.

We’re aware that some candidates are afraid of being too wordy and this is a valid concern. But there’s a difference between being wordy and adding essential facts—remember, context is important. To illustrate:

This edit draws attention to role-relevant details. Thus, it better represents the scope of the applicant’s abilities and expertise.

Additional sections you can include on your ICU Nurse resume

You don’t have to stick to one particular resume template. As such, you’re not limited to a resume consisting of the mandatory sections  alone.

There’s a variety of other segments you can choose from to support your application.

It all depends on:

• How much real estate is left on your resume.
• How much clinical experience you have.
• What else you have to offer in terms of knowledge and skills.

With this in mind, here’s what else you can include on your ICU Nurse resume:

• Internships  and residency work
• Volunteer work  or experience as a family carer
• Relevant training and courses you’ve completed
• Research, academic papers, and/or presentations you’ve done
• Foreign languages

How to put a presentation section on a resume

If you’re fresh out of college, the easiest way to stand out is to give recruiters a glimpse of which medical areas you’re interested in.

One way to do so is to showcase some of the research you’ve conducted or presented before your peers.

If you decide to do this, leave enough space to fit the:

• Name of your project.
• Place where your research was conducted.
• Time period it took you to complete your project.
• Short description of the purpose of your research and its aims.
• Major insights you’ve gathered upon project completion.
• Link to an online space where your paper or presentation can be reviewed.

It may seem like a lot of information, but there’s a way to present everything neatly.

Use the example presentation section below for reference:

• • Presented at the 2023 Lessons from the Pandemic Conference at John Hopkins University.

Including an additional section to your resume shows hiring managers you’re willing to go the extra mile to secure the offered ICU Nurse role.

Key takeaways

To ensure your resume follows all the best resume writing and formatting practices set in our guide:

• Use the reverse-chronological resume format to outline your clinical experience.
• Include your professional credentials after your name when crafting the resume header.
• Build a powerful resume objective or summary to align your abilities and expertise to your potential employer’s mission.
• Provide the necessary details to present your achievements in the right context.
• Quantify your accomplishments, where possible.
• Give a well-rounded overview of your hard and soft skills.
• Ensure your academic qualifications and licenses are in good standing.

And this is how you build an impressive ICU Nurse resume!

Looking to build your own ICU Nurse resume?

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Critical Care Nurse Resume Examples

Are you looking to break into the critical care nursing field? Writing a resume can be a daunting task especially if you are new to the field. A resume should not only highlight your skills, but also showcase your experience specific to the job you are applying for. This guide will provide you with tips and tricks to create a standout critical care nurse resume as well as provide examples of resumes that have been successfully used to get hired. With just a few simple steps, you can be on your way to creating a professional and comprehensive resume that will have potential employers taking notice.

If you didn’t find what you were looking for, be sure to check out our complete library of resume examples .

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Critical Care Nurse

123 Main Street | Anytown, USA 99999 | Phone: (123) 456-7890 | Email: [email protected]

I am a compassionate and experienced Critical Care Nurse with over 5 years of experience in providing high- level care to a diverse range of patients. I have a strong understanding of critical care protocols and procedures, as well as excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. I am patient- focused and have a deep commitment to providing high quality, individualized care. I strive to stay up- to- date on the latest advancements in nursing care, and I am always enthusiastic about learning new techniques and methods.

Core Skills :

• Experience in providing critical care to a range of patients
• Extensive knowledge of critical care protocols and procedures
• Ability to effectively manage time and prioritize tasks
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to remain calm and composed in stressful situations
• Ability to provide compassionate care to patients

Professional Experience :

• Staff Nurse, Health and Wellness Hospital, 2016 – Present
• Provide critical care to a variety of patients in a wide range of medical conditions
• Assess patient conditions and develop appropriate interventions and treatments
• Monitor patient vitals and ensure that medical records are properly maintained
• Administer medications and IV treatments and monitor patient responses
• Assist with diagnostic tests and document all findings
• Provide emotional support and comfort to families and patients

Education :

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of California, 2013 – 2016
• Associates Degree in Nursing, Coastline Community College, 2011 – 2013
• Certified Nursing Assistant, Coastline Community College, 2010 – 2011

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Critical Care Nurse Resume with No Experience

Recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing interested in pursuing a career as a Critical Care Nurse. Possess a strong desire to provide high- quality care to patients in various critical care settings. Skilled in assessing and communicating patient’s health conditions, providing compassionate care and monitoring vital signs.

• Patient Assessment
• Vital Signs Monitoring
• Compassionate Care
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills
• Conflict Resolution & Problem- Solving
• Computer Proficiency

Responsibilities :

• Provide direct patient care in a critical care setting
• Assess and monitor patient’s health conditions
• Perform diagnostic tests and analyze test results
• Administer medications in accordance with the established protocols
• Communicate with multidisciplinary team members to ensure effective patient care
• Ensure timely and accurate documentation of patient care
• Provide compassionate care to patients and their families

Experience 0 Years

Level Junior

Education Bachelor’s

Critical Care Nurse Resume with 2 Years of Experience

Highly motivated and certified critical care nurse with 2 years of experience providing compassionate and patient- oriented care. Possess a deep understanding of advanced nursing practices, including triage, patient assessment, and critical care management. Demonstrated expertise in monitoring patient vital signs, administering medication, and providing comfort to family members. Possess a passion for providing care to critically ill patients, backed by excellent communication skills and a collaborative spirit.

• Patient assessment
• Critical care management
• Monitoring patient vital signs
• Administering medication
• Excellent communication skills
• Collaborative spirit
• Conducted primary assessments and triage of critically ill patients
• Evaluated patient status and prepared necessary documentation, including medical histories and reports
• Monitored patient vital signs and provided medical interventions as necessary
• Administered prescribed medications and treatments and provided comfort to family members
• Collaborated with the health care team in providing patient care and support
• Assisted with the development of comprehensive and individualized patient care plans
• Ensured compliance with safety standards, infection control practices, and other regulatory requirements

Experience 2+ Years

Critical Care Nurse Resume with 5 Years of Experience

I am an experienced and compassionate Critical Care Nurse with 5 years of experience in a variety of critical care settings. I deliver the highest level of quality care to all my patients and strive to ensure their wellbeing. I am well- versed in a variety of treatments and techniques, and I am also able to provide both emotional and physical support to patients and their families. I am confident that I can provide the high- quality care that is required in a critical care setting.

• Critical Care Nursing
• Advance Life Support
• Therapeutic Communication
• Emergency Response
• Patient Education
• Documentation
• Providing critical care to patients in both the inpatient and outpatient setting.
• Assessing patients and identifying potential health risks.
• Performing advance life support procedures.
• Developing and implementing treatment plans.
• Monitoring vital signs and ensuring patient safety.
• Providing emotional support to patients and their families.
• Educating patients on their condition and recommending lifestyle changes.
• Ensuring accurate and timely documentation of patient care.

Experience 5+ Years

Level Senior

Critical Care Nurse Resume with 7 Years of Experience

I am a highly experienced and dedicated critical care nurse with 7 years of experience in the nursing profession. I am able to perform effectively in both clinical and administrative roles, ensuring that all medical needs of the patient and family are taken care of. I am knowledgeable in patient care protocols and care delivery systems, and I am a team player with excellent communication and organizational skills.

• Critical care nursing
• Patient and family advocacy
• Diagnosis and treatment
• Medication administration
• Infection control
• Documentation and charting
• Emergency care
• Risk assessment
• Team leadership
• Therapeutic communication
• Monitoring and assessing the patient’s condition, making necessary clinical decisions
• Reviewing laboratory results and making necessary adjustments to the patient’s care plan
• Administering medications and performing intravenous therapy
• Educating patients and families on critical care nursing and therapies
• Carrying out clinical research and participating in quality improvement projects
• Providing emotional support to patients and families during challenging times
• Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes
• Maintaining accurate patient records and documentation

Experience 7+ Years

Critical Care Nurse Resume with 10 Years of Experience

An experienced Critical Care Nurse with 10 years of experience in providing highly skilled health care services to critically ill patients. Expert in performing advanced nursing interventions while monitoring and evaluating patient response, while providing emotional support to both patients and families. Proven ability to work collaboratively with physicians and other health care team members to deliver the highest quality care to each and every patient.

• Patient assessment and monitoring
• Advanced nursing interventions
• Pain management
• Critical care procedures
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Emotional support
• Excellent communication
• Clinical documentation
• Perform physical exams and patient assessments to accurately diagnose conditions
• Monitor and evaluate patient responses to treatments and medications
• Administer medications and treatments according to physician orders
• Provide education and support to patients and families regarding their care and treatment
• Manage pain management and assist with critical care procedures as needed
• Utilize strong communication and collaboration skills to work closely with physicians and other health care team members
• Provide emotional support to patients and their families
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation in the patient record

Experience 10+ Years

Level Senior Manager

Education Master’s

Critical Care Nurse Resume with 15 Years of Experience

Highly experienced Critical Care Nurse with 15 years of professional experience in providing superior care and treatment to critically ill patients. Adept in taking vital signs, administering medication, and providing emotional support to patients and their families. Skilled in numerous areas of nursing including intensive care, trauma, and post- operative care. Committed to providing best- in- class care while promoting a positive environment.

• Excellent patient assessment skills
• Knowledge of critical care protocols and standards
• Excellent documentation skills
• Experienced in administering medication
• Excellent communication, problem- solving, and negotiation skills
• Strong clinical judgment and decision- making
• Knowledge of medical terminology and conditions
• Providing comprehensive critical care to acutely ill patients
• Monitoring and assessing patients’ conditions and document progress
• Administering medications, IVs and other treatments
• Completing nursing documentation according to hospital policy
• Maintaining patient confidentiality and advocating for their rights
• Providing emotional support to patients and families
• Developing and implementing individualized patient care plans
• Responding to medical emergencies in a timely manner
• Educating patients and their families on health and wellness
• Collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals
• Performing bedside procedures, such as wound care and catheterization

Experience 15+ Years

Level Director

In addition to this, be sure to check out our resume templates , resume formats ,  cover letter examples ,  job description , and  career advice  pages for more helpful tips and advice.

What should be included in a Critical Care Nurse resume?

A critical care nurse resume should include the following components:

• Education: List all educational credentials, including relevant certifications and licenses.
• Professional Experience: Include all details of past work experience, such as job titles, duties, and dates of employment.
• Skills: Include any relevant skills that demonstrate the candidate’s qualifications for the position, such as knowledge of critical care protocols, ventilator management, and IV therapy.
• Professional Accomplishments: Highlight any awards or accolades that the candidate has earned, such as completing a specially certified program or nursing class.
• Contact Information: Include the candidate’s name, address, phone number, and email.

Having an effective and comprehensive critical care nurse resume can be the difference between getting an interview and not. Make sure to include all the above information for the best possible chance of success.

What is a good summary for a Critical Care Nurse resume?

A critical care nurse resume should succinctly summarize the candidate’s professional qualifications, emphasizing their most relevant skills and experience. It should demonstrate their knowledge of the specific critical care environment, their understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a critical care nurse, and their ability to collaborate with a team of medical professionals. The resume should also showcase the candidate’s qualifications as a leader, their ability to stay calm and collected under challenging situations, and their commitment to providing the highest quality care to their patients. When writing the resume summary, it is important to focus on the candidate’s most impressive achievements, such as certifications, awards, and any specialized training they have obtained. Finally, the resume should illustrate their dedication to their profession and their passion for providing the best possible care to their patients.

What is a good objective for a Critical Care Nurse resume?

A Critical Care Nurse is a specialized form of nursing that requires specialized skills, experience, and training. Writing a resume for this position can be a challenge, so a good objective statement is key to setting yourself apart from other applicants. Here are some tips for crafting a strong objective for a Critical Care Nurse resume:

• Demonstrate your enthusiasm for critical care nursing. Your objective should make it clear that you are passionate about this specialty, and what you can contribute to the field.
• Highlight your skills and experience. Showcase the specific qualifications, certifications, and experience that make you a great candidate.
• Focus on the organization’s needs. Show that you understand the organization’s needs and how your skills and experience can help them meet those needs.
• Showcase your communication and problem-solving abilities. Critical care nursing requires strong communication and problem-solving abilities. Be sure to highlight these in your resume.

By focusing on these key points, you can craft an objective statement that will stand out from the crowd and give potential employers an accurate picture of your qualifications and dedication to critical care nursing.

How do you list Critical Care Nurse skills on a resume?

When you are applying for a position as a critical care nurse, it is important to list your skills in your resume. A critical care nurse needs to possess a range of medical and interpersonal skills in order to provide the best care for their patients. Here are some of the key skills to include in your resume:

• Clinical and Technical Skills: Critical care nurses must have a wide range of clinical and technical skills. This includes an understanding of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, and physical assessment. They also need to be aware of the latest treatments, medications, and technology used in critical care medicine.
• Interpersonal Skills: Critical care nurses need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. This includes the ability to listen actively, empathize with patients, stay calm under pressure, and work closely with doctors.
• Critical Thinking: Critical care nurses must be able to make fast and accurate decisions in order to provide the best care for their patients. This includes the ability to assess symptoms, diagnose, analyze data, and evaluate treatments.
• Leadership: Critical care nurses also need to be able to lead a team of healthcare professionals. This includes being able to delegate tasks, provide feedback, and ensure a safe and efficient working environment.
• Documentation: Critical care nurses must be able to accurately and completely document their patients’ conditions and treatments. This includes keeping up-to-date records, documenting procedures, and organizing charts.

By including these skills in your resume, you will demonstrate to potential employers that you are well-suited for the position of a critical care nurse.

What skills should I put on my resume for Critical Care Nurse?

When applying for a job as a critical care nurse, employers want to see a comprehensive resume that outlines your skills and qualifications. It is important to list the relevant skills you possess to highlight the value you would bring to the role. Below is a list of skills and qualifications that should be included on your resume when applying for a critical care nurse position:

• Knowledge of Critical Care Medicine: Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of critical care medicine including triage, airway management and clinical assessment.
• Leadership Skills: Showcase your ability to lead and manage a team of medical professionals in a high-pressure environment.
• Communication Skills: Highlight your ability to effectively communicate with patients and their families, and to collaborate with other medical professionals.
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrate an ability to work well with a variety of people and personalities.
• Problem-Solving: Showcase your problem-solving skills in a critical care setting, such as your ability to make decisions quickly and accurately.
• Compassion: Mention your ability to provide compassionate care to critically ill patients and their families.
• Computer Skills: Demonstrate your ability to use computer systems and applications related to critical care nursing.

By showcasing your skills and qualifications, you can prove to employers that you are the right fit for the job. By including these skills on your resume, you will demonstrate to employers that you are the ideal candidate for the job.

Key takeaways for an Critical Care Nurse resume

When writing a resume as a critical care nurse, there are several key takeaways that should be included.

• Highlight your experience. As a critical care nurse, you have experience in providing direct care to critically ill patients and should be sure to include this in your resume. Include details such as the number of years you have been a critical care nurse and list any certifications you may have.
• List your skills. Critical care nurses must have a wide range of skills, such as the ability to work calmly under pressure, excellent communication skills, and the ability to multi-task. Be sure to list these skills on your resume to demonstrate your ability to handle the challenges of the job.
• Emphasize your education. Critical care nurses need to have a strong educational background, so make sure to include information about your educational achievements on your resume. Include details such as the college you attended and any certifications or degrees you have obtained.
• Include relevant awards. If you have received awards or honors for your work as a critical care nurse, be sure to mention these on your resume. This will help demonstrate your commitment to excellence and can help you stand out from other applicants.

By including these key takeaways on your resume, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified critical care nurse and are an excellent candidate for the job.

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Band 6 Nurse Personal Statement Examples & Tips | Get Helpful Advice from CVLocum

Get a Head Start on Writing Your Nurse Personal Statement with our Band 5, 6, and 7 Examples.

A nursing personal statement is one of the essential elements of a successful nursing application. It is a chance to showcase your skills, knowledge, and experiences that make you the best possible candidate for the course and the profession.

For a band 6 nursing personal statement, you need to provide detailed evidence of your abilities, including communication skills, multi disciplinary working, and evidence-based practice. In this blog post, we will explore some successful examples of band 6 nurse personal statements, highlighting what you should include and how you can make your statement unique.

What to Include in a Nursing Personal Statement

Writing an effective personal statement is important because it serves as a reflection of one’s passion, commitment, and suitability for a career in nursing.

It provides an opportunity to showcase relevant experiences, skills, and qualities that make an individual a strong candidate for nursing school or a nursing position. A well-crafted personal statement allows applicants to convey their understanding of the nursing profession, their motivation for choosing this path, and their potential to contribute to the field.

It helps admissions committees and employers gain insight into an applicant’s character, values, and potential for success as a registered nurse. A compelling personal statement can set an applicant apart from others and demonstrate their genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of patients and the healthcare community as a whole.

Related: Crafting the Perfect CV Nurse Writing Tips, Templates and examples included.

Related: 11 Example Nurse Safeguarding Questions for Interview + Answers | CVLocum

It is worth mentioning these important points when writing your nursing personal statement:

– Introduce yourself and explain your passion for nursing.

– Highlight any relevant experiences, such as clinical placements or healthcare volunteering, and describe how they have shaped your desire to pursue nursing as a career.

– Discuss your understanding of the nursing profession, including the challenges and rewards it entails.

– Demonstrate your knowledge of and commitment to providing compassionate and patient-centred care.

– Emphasise your ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and a multi disciplinary team.

– Showcase your dedication to lifelong learning and medical profession development in the field of nursing.

– Discuss any specific areas of nursing that you are particularly interested in or have experience in, such as adult nursing, mental health nursing, or paediatric nursing.

– Highlight any relevant skills and qualities, such as empathy, resilience, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

– Reflect on any personal qualities or experiences that have prepared you for a career in nursing, such as being a good listener, working well under pressure, or being able to adapt to changing situations.

– Conclude by summarising your commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of patients and your enthusiasm for embarking on a nursing career.

Example of Band 6 Personal Statement:

A Band 6 person statement may differ from other bands as it represents a higher level of experience, expertise, and responsibility. As a Band 6 Registered nurse, you are expected to demonstrate advanced clinical skills, leadership abilities, and the capacity to work autonomously.

Additionally, showcasing your ability to adapt to changing healthcare environments and your dedication to delivering person-centred care will set you apart as a strong candidate for a Band 6 nursing role.

Band 6 Personal Statement Example 1:

”As a dedicated and compassionate nurse, I am excited to apply for the Band 6 position in your hospital. With several years of experience working in various healthcare settings, I have developed a deep understanding of patient care and a passion for delivering high-quality services.

My clinical expertise extends across different specialties, including medical-surgical, paediatric, and geriatric nursing. I pride myself on my ability to establish therapeutic relationships with patients and their families, providing empathetic and patient-centred care.

My goal is to contribute to the enhancement of healthcare delivery, advocate for patient rights, and promote evidence-based practice. I believe that my experience, skills, and passion make me a strong candidate for the Band 6 role, and I am eager to contribute to the team and make a positive difference in the lives of patients”

Band 6 Personal Statement Example 2:

”As an experienced nurse with a strong passion for patient care since a young age, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to join the your team. With a solid foundation in various healthcare settings, I possess the skills and knowledge necessary to provide compassionate and evidence-based care.

My commitment to continuous professional development ensures that I stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in nursing practice. I thrive in collaborative environments and am dedicated to working alongside interdisciplinary teams to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

With a patient-centred approach and a focus on delivering high-quality care, I am confident in my ability to make a positive impact as a Band 6 nurse.”

Adult Nursing Personal Statement Example:

Your adult nursing personal statement should highlight your knowledge and skills related to adult care. Additionally, showcasing your understanding of the unique challenges and needs of adult patients.

Your personal statement should also highlight your commitment to continuing professional development and your dedication to staying updated with evidence-based practices in adult nursing.

Adult Nursing Personal Statement Example 1:

”I have always been passionate about providing high-quality care to individuals during their most vulnerable moments. As an aspiring adult nurse in the UK, I am dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of adult patients and their families in your nursing home.

I possess excellent communication skills, enabling me to establish trusting relationships with patients and effectively collaborate with interdisciplinary teams. My empathetic nature and ability to remain calm under pressure allow me to provide compassionate support to patients facing challenging health conditions.

With a commitment to lifelong learning and a desire to continuously enhance my skills, I am eager to embark on the next step of my career as an adult nurse, contributing to the well-being of individuals in need.”

Adult Nursing Example 2:

”I am a dedicated and compassionate nurse and particularly a nurse for elderly patients. Through my experience as a healthcare assistant, I have developed essential skills in administering medications, providing personal care, and supporting patients with diverse needs.

I possess excellent communication and teamwork abilities, which enable me to establish rapport with patients and collaborate effectively with healthcare professionals. With a focus on delivering patient-centred care, I am committed to upholding the highest standards of nursing practice.

I am excited to embark on the next chapter of my career as an adult nurse in your nursing home and make a positive impact on the lives of individuals in need.”

Example of Band 5 Personal Statement:

Band 5 personal statement example 1:.

”As an enthusiastic and dedicated nurse, I am excited to start my career as a Band 5 nurse after completing my nursing degree. With extensive experience in various healthcare settings, including medical-surgical units and mental health facilities, I possess strong assessment and medication administration skills.

I excel in building rapport with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams, prioritising effective communication. Committed to lifelong learning, I stay updated with evidence-based practices to provide high-quality care.

With my passion for nursing and drive for continuous improvement, I am ready to make a positive impact as part of a healthcare team as that is where my own personal fulfilment lies.”

Band 5 Example 2:

”As a passionate and caring individual, I am thrilled to embark on my journey as a Band 5 nurse. With a solid foundation in nursing education and hands-on clinical experience, I have honed my skills.

I am adept at fostering therapeutic relationships with patients and their families, providing emotional support, and promoting their well-being. Collaborating effectively with healthcare teams is a priority for me, as I believe in the power of multidisciplinary care to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

Through ongoing professional development and a commitment to evidence-based practice, I strive to deliver compassionate and patient-centred care. With a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for nursing, I am eager to contribute to the healthcare profession.”

Example of Band 7 Personal Statement:

Band 7 personal statement example 1:.

”As an experienced Band 7 nurse, I am dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care, leading quality improvement initiatives, and mentoring junior staff.

With advanced clinical expertise and a commitment to ongoing professional development, I strive to enhance patient outcomes through evidence-based practices. By fostering collaborative relationships and prioritising patient well-being, I create a supportive and innovative healthcare environment.

I am eager to utilise my skills and passion for nursing to make a positive impact.”

Band 7 Example 2:

”As a Band 7 nurse, I want to feel a high level of job satisfaction in a rewarding field of healthcare, I possess extensive clinical knowledge and leadership skills that enable me to deliver high-quality care and drive positive change in healthcare settings.

With a focus on evidence-based practice, I continuously seek opportunities for professional development and stay abreast of advancements in nursing. Through effective communication, teamwork, and a patient-centred approach, I strive to provide personalised care and create a supportive environment for both patients and colleagues.

With a strong commitment to excellence and a passion for nursing, I am dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the field.”

Conclusion:

In conclusion, a nursing personal statement is a chance to showcase your skill sets, knowledge, and nursing experience that make you the best possible candidate for the profession. Emphasise your passion, commitment, and desire to provide the best possible care for patients.

Good luck in your journey towards becoming a great nurse!

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Registered Nurse – Nursing Home – Isle of Man £20p/h+

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Critical Care Nurse CV example

Build your CV on this template 

In the most challenging medical situations, your care is critical. Your CV should pulse with your advanced clinical skills and compassionate patient care.

Our guide, along with a Critical Care Nurse CV example, will help you present a case for your dedication and expertise.

Article contents

Critical Care Nurse CV example

CV templates 

This is a good example of a Critical Care Nurse CV which is professionally formatted, and structured in a way that allows recruiters to easily find and understand the candidate’s key selling points.

Take some time to look at this CV and refer to it throughout the writing of your own CV for best results.

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Critical Care Nurse CV format and structure

If you focus purely on the written content of your CV but ignore the style and layout, your efforts could end up wasted.

No matter how suitable you are for the role, no recruiter wants to spend time squinting and trying to navigate a badly designed and disorganised CV.

Instead, make sure to organise your content into a simple structure and spend some time formatting it for ease of reading – it will ensure every recruiter and hiring manager can read your CV with ease.

Tips for formatting your Critical Care Nurse CV

• Length: Two sides of A4 makes for the perfect CV length , though one page is okay for less experienced applicants. This forces you to make sure that every single sentence adds value to your CV and ensures you avoid unnecessary  info.
• Readability : To help busy recruiters scan through your CV, make sure your section headings stand out – bold or coloured text works well. Additionally, try to use bullet points wherever you can, as they’re far easier to skim through than huge paragraphs. Lastly, don’t be afraid of white space on your CV – a little breathing space is great for readability.
• Design & format: While it’s okay to add your own spin to your CV, avoid overdoing the design. If you go for something elaborate, you might end up frustrating recruiters who, above anything, value simplicity and clarity.
• Photos: You can add a profile photo to your CV, if you want to add some personality to it, but they are not a requirement the UK, so you don’t have to.

Quick tip: Creating a professional CV style can be difficult and time-consuming when using Microsoft Word or Google Docs. To create a winning CV quickly, try our quick-and-easy CV Builder and use one of their eye-catching professional CV templates.

CV structure

Divide your CV into the following major sections when writing it:

• Name and contact details  – Head your CV with your name and contact details, to let the reader know who you are and how to contact you.
• CV profile – A brief paragraph which summarises your skills and experience and highlights why you’re a good match for the role.
• Core skills list – A snappy, bullet-pointed list of your most relevant skills.
• Work experience – A structured list of your work experience in reverse chronological order.
• Education – A summary of any relevant qualifications or professional training you’ve completed.
• Hobbies and interests – An optional section, which should only be used if your hobbies are relevant to the jobs you’re applying to.

Now you understand the basic layout of a CV, here’s what you should include in each section of yours.

Contact Details

Tuck your contact details into the corner of your CV, so that they don’t take up too much space. Stick to the basic details, such as:

• Mobile number
• Email address – It should sound professional, such as your full name.
• Location -Just write your rough location, rather than your full address.
• LinkedIn profile or portfolio URL – If you include these, ensure they’re sleek, professional and up-to-date.

Critical Care Nurse CV Profile

Grab the reader’s attention by kick-starting your CV with a powerful profile (or personal statement , if you’re a junior applicant).

This is a short introduction paragraph which summarises your skills, knowledge and experience.

It should paint you as the perfect match for the job description and entice recruiters to read through the rest of your CV.

How to write a good CV profile:

• Make it short and sharp: Recruiters have piles of CVs to read through and limited time to dedicate to each, so it pays to showcase your abilities in as few words as possible. 3-4 lines is ideal.
• Tailor it: If recruiters don’t see your suitability within a few seconds, they may close your CV straight away. Your CV profile should closely match the essential requirements listed in the job ad, so make sure to review them before you write it.
• Don’t add an objective: Want to talk about your career goals and objectives? While the profile may seem like a good space to do so, they’re actually much better suited to your cover letter .
• Avoid generic phrases: If your CV is riddled with clichès like “Dynamic thought-leader”, hit that delete button. Phrases like these are like a broken record to recruiters, who read them countless times per day. Hard facts, skills, knowledge and results are sure to yield far better results.

Example CV profile for Critical Care Nurse

Detail-oriented Critical Care Nurse with specialist training in supporting patients on the intensive care wards. Proficiency in advanced clinical procedures, emergency pharmacology, and resuscitation techniques supported by 15+ years of experience in hospital nursing for the NHS. Adaptable clinician with a commitment to ongoing professional development, contributing to system improvement initiatives.

What to include in your Critical Care Nurse CV profile?

• Experience overview: Start with a brief summary of your relevant experience so far. How many years experience do you have? What type of companies have you worked for? What industries/sectors have you worked in? What are your specialisms?
• Targeted skills: Employers need to know what skills you can bring to their organisation, and ideally they want to see skills that match their job vacancy. So, research your target roles thoroughly and add the most important Critical Care Nurse skills to your profile.
• Important qualifications: Be sure to outline your relevant Critical Care Nurse qualifications, so that anyone reading the CV can instantly see you are qualified for the jobs you are applying to.

Quick tip: If you are finding it difficult to write an attention-grabbing CV profile, choose from hundreds of pre-written profiles across all industries, and add one to your CV with one click in our quick-and-easy CV Builder . All profiles are written by recruitment experts and easily tailored to suit your unique skillset.

Core skills section

Add a core skills section below your profile to draw attention to your most applicable skills and make them stand out to readers.

This should consist of 2-3 columns of bullet points that emphasise your relevant skills.

Before creating this section, review the job description and compile a list of any specific skills, specializations, or knowledge needed. Incorporate these findings into your list to portray yourself as the ideal candidate for the position.

Important skills for your Critical Care Nurse CV

Advanced Life Support – Proficient in providing advanced life support measures, including CPR and emergency interventions.

Ventilator Management – Able in managing and operating mechanical ventilators for patients in critical care.

Critical Thinking – Demonstrated ability to think critically and make swift decisions in high-pressure situations.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration – Effective collaboration with a multidisciplinary healthcare team to ensure comprehensive patient care.

Invasive Procedures – Competence in performing invasive procedures, such as inserting central lines and arterial catheters.

Patient Assessment – Thorough and accurate patient assessments, including monitoring vital signs and recognising subtle changes.

Pharmacological Knowledge – In-depth knowledge of administering and monitoring the effects of various medications in critical care.

Emergency Response – Rapid response to medical emergencies, coordinating and leading efforts for optimal patient outcomes.

Wound Care Management – Expertise in managing complex wounds and ensuring infection control in critical care settings.

Continuous Education – Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying updated on the latest advancements in critical care nursing practices.

Quick tip: Our quick-and-easy CV Builder has thousands of in-demand skills for all industries and professions, that can be added to your CV in seconds – This will save you time and ensure you get noticed by recruiters.

Work experience

Next up is your work experience section, which is normally the longest part of your CV.

Start with your current (or most recent) job and work your way backwards through your experience.

Can’t fit all your roles? Allow more space for your recent career history and shorten down descriptions for your older roles.

Structuring each job

Whilst writing your CV, it’s essential to look at it from the eyes of a recruiter.

If they’re met with giant blocks of text which are impossible to navigate, they might get frustrated and skip onto the next CV.

Instead, make use of the 3-step structure shown below, to give them a pleasant reading experience.

Firstly, give the reader some context by creating a punchy summary of the job as a whole.

You should mention what the purpose or goal of your role was, what team you were part of and who you reported to.

Key responsibilities

Using easy-to-read bullet points, note down your day-to-day responsibilities in the role.

Make sure to showcase how you used your hard sector skills and knowledge.

Key achievements

Finish off by showcasing 1-3 key achievements made within the role.

This could be anything that had a positive effect on your company, clients or customers, such as saving time or money, receiving exemplary feedback or receiving an award.

Sample job description for Critical Care Nurse CV

Contribute to the critical care team at the Royal Coventry Hospital, providing specialised nursing care to patients on call and in the 15-bed ICU.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer advanced clinical procedures, including intravenous medications, ventilator management, and continuous renal replacement therapy
• Monitor and document critical patient data, including hemodynamic parameters, fluid balance, and neurological status
• Clean wounds and administer dressings and pain relief
• Participate in code blue and emergency response teams, demonstrating proficiency in resuscitation and defibrillation techniques

Quick tip: Create impressive job descriptions easily in our quick-and-easy CV Builder by adding pre-written job phrases for every industry and career stage.

Education section

Although there should be mentions of your highest and most relevant qualifications earlier on in your CV, save your exhaustive list of qualifications for the bottom.

If you’re an experienced candidate, simply include the qualifications that are highly relevant to Critical Care Nurse roles.

However, less experienced candidates can provide a more thorough list of qualifications , including A-Levels and GCSEs.

You can also dedicate more space to your degree, discussing relevant exams, assignments and modules in more detail, if your target employers consider them to be important.

Hobbies and interests

Although this is an optional section, it can be useful if your hobbies and interests will add further depth to your CV.

Interests which are related to the sector you are applying to, or which show transferable skills like leadership or teamwork, can worth listing.

On the other hand, generic hobbies like “going out with friends” won’t add any value to your application, so are best left off your CV.

An interview-winning CV for a Critical Care Nurse role, needs to be both visually pleasing and packed with targeted content.

Whilst it needs to detail your experience, accomplishments and relevant skills, it also needs to be as clear and easy to read as possible.

Remember to research the role and review the job ad before applying, so you’re able to match yourself up to the requirements.

If you follow these guidelines and keep motivated in your job search, you should land an interview in no time.

Best of luck with your next application!

Top 16 Critical Care Nurse Resume Objective Examples

Updated July 6, 2023 14 min read

A resume objective is a concise statement at the top of a resume that highlights an applicant's skills and experience relevant to the position they are applying for. When writing a resume objective for a critical care nurse position, it is important to focus on specific qualifications and attributes that will make you stand out from other applicants. For instance, include information about your education and certifications, as well as any specialized training or experience you have in critical care nursing. Additionally, emphasize any accomplishments that demonstrate your capability in providing excellent patient care and managing complex medical scenarios. Examples of strong objectives include: "Recent graduate with BSN looking to leverage my education and clinical skills in providing compassionate care to critically ill patients" or "Experienced critical care nurse seeking to use my 10 years of experience in providing superior patient-centered care." Finally, be sure to keep your objective short and concise while emphasizing your most relevant qualifications.

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Top 16 Critical Care Nurse Resume Objective Samples

• To obtain a challenging position as a Critical Care Nurse where I can utilize my clinical expertise and experience to provide quality patient care.
• To utilize my skills in critical care nursing to provide the highest quality of care for critically ill patients.
• To work in an environment that will allow me to utilize my critical care nursing skills and experience to help improve patient outcomes.
• Seeking a position as a Critical Care Nurse where I can use my knowledge and experience to contribute to the health and well-being of patients.
• To make a difference in the lives of critically ill patients by providing compassionate, evidence-based, and patient-centered care as a Critical Care Nurse.
• Utilizing my knowledge and experience in critical care nursing to provide quality patient care with compassion, respect, and dignity.
• To work as a Critical Care Nurse utilizing my expertise in providing comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care.
• Seeking a position as a Critical Care Nurse where I can apply my strong clinical skills and commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery.
• To use my experience in critical care nursing to ensure the best possible outcomes for critically ill patients while delivering compassionate and individualized patient-centered care.
• Applying my knowledge of evidence based practice principles to deliver high quality critical care services while promoting positive patient outcomes.
• Aiming for an opportunity as a Critical Care Nurse where I can use my extensive clinical background and advanced training in order to provide exceptional patient care.
• Looking for an opportunity as a Critical Care Nurse where I can use both my technical expertise and interpersonal skills to promote positive outcomes for critically ill patients.
• Seeking an opportunity as a Critical Care Nurse where I can apply my strong communication skills along with excellent organizational abilities while providing quality healthcare services.
• To bring forth exceptional interpersonal communication skills along with extensive clinical knowledge in order to provide superior critical care services at all times.
• Seeking an opportunity as a Critical Care Nurse that will allow me to utilize both my technical competencies and caring attitude towards critically ill patients while delivering high quality healthcare services.

How to Write a Critical Care Nurse Resume Objective

A critical care nurse resume objective is a powerful tool for any job applicant seeking a role in the field of critical care nursing. It allows an applicant to succinctly and effectively communicate their qualifications and values to potential employers. A well-crafted resume objective can be the difference between getting an interview or being overlooked. When writing your own critical care nurse resume objective, there are several important elements to keep in mind.

First, it should be concise and specific. Your resume objective should be no longer than two sentences, as you want employers to read it quickly and easily understand why you’re the best candidate for the position. Be sure to include any relevant certifications or experience that you have that make you qualified for the role.

Second, emphasize how your skills and experience will benefit the employer. You want to focus on what makes you unique from other applicants, such as specialized training or knowledge, research experience, or clinical skills that are valuable in a critical care setting. Show them what sets you apart by highlighting your strengths and capabilities.

Third, make sure your resume objective reflects your career goals and values. Employers will appreciate knowing what motivates you and drives your work ethic; include statements about why you’re passionate about the field of critical care nursing and how it fits into your long-term professional objectives.

Finally, make sure that all information included in your resume objective is accurate and up-to-date. Employers will take note if there are discrepancies between what’s listed on your resume and what’s stated in your objective statement; always double check for accuracy before submitting an application!

By following these tips when crafting a critical care nurse resume objective, job applicants can ensure they present themselves in the most positive light possible to potential employers. With a well-written statement of purpose, applicants can set themselves apart from other candidates vying for a role in this rewarding field of healthcare!

Related : What does a Critical Care Nurse do?

Key Skills to Highlight in Your Critical Care Nurse Resume Objective

As a critical care nurse, your resume objective should clearly demonstrate your proficiency in providing high-quality care to critically ill patients. This section, 'Key Skills to Highlight in Your Critical Care Nurse Resume Objective', will guide you on how to effectively showcase your skills and competencies that are highly valued in this field. These key skills not only reflect your ability to perform the job efficiently but also set you apart from other candidates. From technical abilities to soft skills, we will delve into what potential employers look for in a critical care nurse's resume.

Triage is a crucial skill for a critical care nurse as it involves quickly assessing and prioritizing patient needs based on the severity of their condition. This skill is necessary to ensure that those who are in most urgent need of care receive it promptly. In a resume objective, mentioning this skill can demonstrate the ability to make fast, accurate assessments under pressure, manage time effectively, and prioritize tasks - all of which are vital in a critical care setting.

2. Ventilator management

A critical care nurse often deals with patients who are in serious, life-threatening conditions. Ventilator management is a crucial skill for this role as many of these patients may require assistance with breathing due to their critical condition. This skill shows potential employers that the nurse is capable of providing comprehensive care for critically ill patients and has the necessary expertise to operate complex medical equipment, ensuring patient safety and wellbeing.

3. Hemodynamic monitoring

Hemodynamic monitoring is a crucial skill for a critical care nurse as it involves measuring the blood pressure inside the veins, heart, and arteries. It also measures blood flow and how much oxygen is in the blood. This skill is necessary for a resume objective because it showcases the ability to assess, monitor, and treat patients with life-threatening conditions effectively. It also demonstrates an understanding of advanced medical equipment and procedures, which are vital in a critical care setting.

4. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

A Critical Care Nurse is often required to handle medical emergencies where a patient's heart or life may be at risk. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is a set of clinical interventions for the urgent treatment of cardiac arrest, stroke and other life-threatening medical emergencies. Having this skill on a resume indicates that the nurse is highly trained and capable of providing immediate life-saving care. This can make them more attractive to potential employers, particularly in high-stress environments like emergency rooms or intensive care units.

5. Intravenous therapy

Intravenous therapy is a crucial skill for a critical care nurse as it involves administering medications, fluids, and blood products directly into a patient's veins. This skill is often required in critical care settings where patients may be severely ill or injured and require immediate and precise treatment. Having this skill on a resume objective shows potential employers that the candidate is capable of performing essential nursing duties effectively, which can increase their chances of being hired. Furthermore, it demonstrates the candidate's ability to handle high-pressure situations, make accurate dosage calculations, monitor patient reactions, and maintain patient safety.

6. Wound care

A critical care nurse often deals with patients who have serious, complex, and acute illnesses or injuries that require very close monitoring and treatment. The ability to provide wound care is crucial in this role as it's a common need among these patients. Proficiency in wound care demonstrates the nurse's capability to handle patient needs effectively, reduce the risk of infection, and promote healing. Including this skill in a resume objective can highlight the nurse's competence and commitment to providing comprehensive patient care.

7. Pain management

A Critical Care Nurse often deals with patients who are in severe pain or discomfort due to their medical conditions. Therefore, possessing strong skills in pain management is crucial. This skill demonstrates the nurse's ability to effectively monitor patients' pain levels, administer appropriate medications, and utilize non-pharmacological interventions when necessary. It also shows their capacity to provide comfort and support to patients during critical situations. Including this skill in a resume objective can highlight the nurse's competence in providing high-quality care and their commitment to alleviating patient suffering.

8. Electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation

A Critical Care Nurse is often faced with life-threatening situations where quick and accurate decisions are paramount. The ability to interpret Electrocardiogram (ECG) results is a critical skill as it enables the nurse to understand the patient's heart condition, identify any abnormalities or diseases, and provide appropriate care. Including this skill in a resume objective demonstrates the candidate's competence in assessing patients' cardiac health, which is crucial for success in a critical care setting. It can also highlight their technical knowledge and their ability to use diagnostic tools effectively, making them more attractive to potential employers.

9. Central line maintenance

A critical care nurse is often responsible for patients who are in serious, life-threatening conditions and may require invasive monitoring and treatment methods. Central line maintenance is a crucial skill as it involves managing central venous catheters which are used to administer medication, fluids, or gather blood samples directly from major veins. This skill demonstrates the nurse's ability to handle complex patient care tasks, reducing the risk of complications like infections. Including this skill in a resume objective can showcase the candidate's proficiency in providing high-level care in critical situations.

10. Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a crucial skill for a Critical Care Nurse as it demonstrates the ability to manage and operate highly specialized life-support equipment. This skill is particularly relevant in critical care settings where patients may require advanced respiratory or cardiac support. Including this skill in a resume objective can highlight the candidate's technical competencies, their readiness to work in high-stakes environments, and their ability to deliver complex patient care, making them stand out as a valuable asset for any critical care unit.

In conclusion, your critical care nurse resume objective should effectively showcase the key skills that make you an exceptional candidate for the role. It's essential to carefully select and highlight those abilities that align with the job requirements and demonstrate your expertise in providing high-quality critical care. Remember, your objective is a powerful tool to grab the attention of potential employers, so make sure it succinctly communicates your competencies and commitment to excel in critical care nursing.

Related : Critical Care Nurse Skills: Definition and Examples

Common Mistakes When Writing a Critical Care Nurse Resume Objective

Writing a resume objective for a critical care nurse is an important step to getting the job you want. A well-written resume objective can help you stand out from other applicants and show employers why they should hire you. However, there are some common mistakes that many people make when crafting their resume objectives, which can cost them a great job opportunity. This essay will discuss some of these common mistakes and provide tips on how to avoid them.

One of the most common mistakes made when writing a critical care nurse resume objective is not tailoring it to the specific position. Many resumes will have generic objectives that could be used for any type of nursing job, instead of focusing on the particular strengths and experience required for the role. It’s important to tailor your objective to the specific job you’re applying for and highlight your relevant skills and experience. This will help you stand out from other candidates who may have similar qualifications but lack the focus needed for this particular role.

Another mistake often seen in critical care nurse resume objectives is being too vague or general in describing your skills and experience. Employers want to know what makes you uniquely qualified for this position, so make sure your objective clearly outlines what sets you apart from other applicants. Avoid using generic phrases like “I am an experienced nurse” or “I have years of experience in this field” as these won't tell employers anything unique about your qualifications or background. Instead, focus on specific skills or experiences that are relevant to the position such as “I have extensive experience with complex patient cases in critical care units” or “I am skilled in providing compassionate yet effective care to critically ill patients."

Finally, another mistake people often make when writing a critical care nurse resume objective is including irrelevant information or details that don't relate to the position they're applying for. For example, if you're applying for a critical care nursing job, it's not necessary (or recommended) to include information about previous jobs unrelated to nursing or additional activities outside of work such as volunteering or hobbies. This will only distract employers from focusing on your relevant qualifications and may even give them a negative impression about your attention to detail and commitment level.

By avoiding these common mistakes when writing a critical care nurse resume objective, you can ensure that your application stands out from others and gives employers an accurate picture of why they should hire you over other applicants. Keep it focused on the particular position, outline what makes you uniquely qualified for it, and leave out any irrelevant information – following these tips can help make sure employers take notice of your application!

Related : Critical Care Nurse Resume Examples

A right objective for a critical care nurse would be to provide high-quality patient care while adhering to all professional standards, while a wrong objective might be to become the most well-known critical care nurse in the area.

Editorial staff

Brenna Goyette

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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Cardiac ICU Nurse, CRNA, Med/Surg

Updated: Jan 15

I have six years of bedside experience as a Critical Care ICU nurse with medical/surgical ICU, cardiac ICU, and post-open-heart experience. During my nursing career, I have often felt frustrated in situations where it was clear what needed to be done but unable to do so because I lacked the authority and had to refer to someone who had it. My interest in becoming a Nurse Anesthetist was initially fired when I was doing a ‘critical care consultation’ on a new ICU patient who needed urgent surgery and would not survive without it. I discussed the case with the surgeon and continued with my duties. When the patient returned to the ICU, I was paged. I noted that a CRNA accompanied the patient. I was extremely impressed by his calm, professional, and confident demeanor; he made his report, addressed the drips, and did everything helpful for the patient’s comfort and recovery. I saw him accompany the patient safely through surgery and recovery. I realized that he possessed the oversight, authority, and autonomy that I had long desired to exercise for the benefit of my patients.

I have a long-standing interest in pain management. I aim to acquire the high-level skills, knowledge, and experience to become an expert nurse anesthetist capable of adding value to the profession through research. I see the program as providing an avenue to enable me to maximize my utility as a nurse serving at the peak of the profession. I also seek to fully realize my potential and apply my experience and training to date in a more challenging and satisfying role. I am particularly interested in assisting patients who are fearful or have difficulties understanding, because of age, low educational level, or language barriers, what the procedure proposed involves, and why it is necessary.

I am aware that not every nurse is a potential CRNA. The role calls for a remarkably elevated level of technical skill, knowledge, and, more importantly, personal characteristics with which few are blessed. Among these, I would cite exceptional academic potential to succeed in the program and a career beyond; self-confidence; decisiveness, planning skills, the ability to work autonomously but also in close cooperation with others and to direct others where necessary; the ability to remain composed in possibly extreme situations; ability to communicate with exceptional clarity and accuracy with colleagues, patients, and their families; the ability to be empathetic and reassuring but perhaps, most importantly, to possess a genuine love of nursing and the patients in one’s care. I would not be making this application were I not convinced that I could meet these criteria.

It might be appropriate to state that I come from a poor white background and, on top of a poor educational start, parental indifference to my ambitions, and severe financial obstacles, I also lost my husband young. Nevertheless, I have met my goals to date. I graduated from Vanderbilt with a 3.9 GPA and got inducted into Sigma Theta Tau (nursing honor society).

This has called for exceptional determination, single-mindedness, and hard work that I believe will enable me to excel rather than merely succeed in the program and beyond. I am fully aware that it is necessary to be highly culturally aware and sensitive in the role I hope to fill. I have happily studied, worked, treated, and socialized with people of many cultural and social backgrounds and enjoy doing so. In this connection, I should mention my volunteer work in South America, assisting in setting up clinics in remote areas.

I have long had an interest in pain and its management: I am particularly interested in those factors that affect the individual’s experience of pain, such as genetics and how bodies process chemicals and feel pain differently in both acute and chronic forms; the biochemical processes, beyond just the extent of tissue damage and how our diet, biochemical pathways, genetics, reactions to medications, etc. alter our perception of pain. I have often wondered why one person may be in agony while another person only suffers some discomfort with the same condition and why one person reacts violently to a particular medication whereas another does not. I hope, at some stage, to assist in research in these areas.

I shall seek to acquire extensive experience in the role in a hospital setting to become an expert practitioner and then pursue further studies. My goal is to obtain a post-doctoral certificate in pain management. I want to develop ways of decreasing post-operative complications by identifying ways to tailor anesthesia and pain management to the individual. Patients with less post-operative pain can better participate in rehab activities, use fewer postoperative opioids, and thus recover bowel function faster and have less risk of postoperative pneumonia and ileus, resulting in shorter hospital stays. I want to find alternative therapies to opioids for acute and chronic pain management. I would also like to help make people comfortable without becoming dependent on opioids despite the risks of dependency. I would seek ways to prevent acute pain from becoming chronic pain.

I am applying specifically to the UXX program because I seek a highly challenging but supportive academic environment. I am also extremely impressed by the advanced simulated teaching facilities and the high proportion of successful students and their career outcomes.

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College personal statement examples and writing tips.

A crucial step in your nursing journey is learning how to write a personal statement that resonates with admissions committees and vividly portrays your passion for healthcare. This collection of amazing personal statement examples is curated to guide and inspire you as you articulate your aspirations, experiences, and motivation to pursue nursing.

What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a written narrative that typically forms a significant part of an application to universities, colleges, or professional programs, particularly in fields like nursing. It’s an opportunity for junior year applicants to present themselves beyond test scores and grades, offering insights into their personalities, experiences, goals, and motivations.

In a personal statement, applicants explain why they are interested in a specific field of study or profession, what they hope to achieve through the program, and how their background and experiences have prepared them for this path. It’s a chance to highlight unique attributes, significant life experiences, challenges overcome, or special achievements that make them an ideal candidate for the program.

Why Read Personal Statement Examples?

Reading personal statement essay examples is immensely beneficial for several reasons, especially when preparing your own statement for applications to nursing programs:

• Inspiration and Ideas: Examples can inspire you and provide ideas on structuring your statement, what kind of content to include in your application essay, and how to convey your story and passion effectively.
• Understanding Expectations: They offer insight into what admissions committees look for, helping you understand the level of detail, tone, and approach that resonates successfully in such applications.
• Learning from Others: Seeing how others have articulated their experiences, challenges, and aspirations can guide you in reflecting upon and articulating your own journey and motivations.
• Avoiding Common Mistakes: By examining a range of examples, you can identify common pitfalls and clichés to avoid, ensuring your statement stands out and feels genuine.
• Gaining Confidence: Reading successful common app essays can boost your confidence, showing you that crafting a compelling narrative that combines personal experiences with professional aspirations is possible.
• Diverse Perspectives: Examples offer a glimpse into the diversity of paths and motivations that lead people to nursing, potentially broadening your perspective and enriching your own approach to writing your statement.

How Long Should a Personal Statement Be?

The length of your personal statement should ideally align with the guidelines provided by the institution or program you are applying to. Personal statements are expected to be concise yet comprehensive, often ranging around 500 to 650 words , translating to about one to two pages. 

This word count allows enough space to clearly articulate your experiences, motivations, and aspirations without overloading the reader with information. It’s important to always adhere to the program’s specific word or character limits to demonstrate your ability to follow instructions and present your thoughts.

What Should a Personal Statement Include?

A well-written college admissions essay should include several key elements to effectively communicate your suitability for the program or position you are applying for. Here’s what to typically include:

Introduction

Your personal statement should begin with an engaging introductory paragraph that captures the essence of your motivation for pursuing your chosen field. This could be a brief narrative of a defining moment, an experience that ignited your passion, or a clear articulation of your interest and enthusiasm.

The introduction sets the tone and should intrigue the reader, providing a glimpse into your unique journey and motivation. It’s important that this section hooks the reader’s attention and provides a compelling reason to continue reading your statement.

Academic and Professional Background

In this section, brainstorm and detail your relevant academic and professional experiences that have prepared you for this next step. Highlight key academic achievements, coursework, research, or projects that align with the field you are pursuing.

Also, include any relevant work experience, internships, or positions that have given you practical skills and insights. This part of the statement is crucial for showcasing your foundational knowledge and preparedness for advanced study or professional development and gaining a scholarship in your chosen area.

Extracurricular Activities and Volunteering

Your involvement in extracurricular activities and volunteering can significantly enrich your personal statement. This section should reflect how these activities have contributed to your personal growth, skills development, or understanding of your field.

Whether it’s a hobby, leadership roles in clubs, participation in sports teams, or volunteer work in community organizations, these experiences demonstrate your broader interests, commitment, and ability to balance multiple responsibilities. It’s an opportunity to show aspects of your character and values that academic achievements alone might not convey.

Personal Qualities and Skills

Reflect on and draft the personal qualities and skills that make you suited for your chosen path. This might include traits like resilience, empathy, critical thinking, or effective communication. Use specific examples or experiences to demonstrate how you have developed and applied these traits.

This personal reflection not only provides depth to your statement but also gives the admissions committee a clearer picture of who you are as an individual, beyond academic and professional achievements.

Career Goals and Aspirations

Discuss your career aspirations and how the program or position you are applying for aligns with these goals. This section should convey a clear vision of where you see yourself in the future and how the specific program or role will be a stepping stone toward that vision.

It’s important to show that you have a direction and purpose and that you see this opportunity as integral to your career journey. This not only demonstrates foresight and planning but also shows your commitment and seriousness about the path you are choosing.

Reasons for Choosing the Specific Program or Institution

Clearly articulate why you are applying to this particular program or institution. Discuss what specific aspects of the program, faculty, institution’s philosophy, or opportunities available are particularly attractive to you and why they resonate with your goals and preferences.

This shows that you have done your research and are making a well-informed decision. It also indicates that you have a genuine interest in what the program or institution uniquely offers, rather than a generic application.

Conclude your statement with a strong, memorable closing that encapsulates your main points and reaffirms your enthusiasm and suitability for the program or career. This is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression, summarizing why you believe you are an ideal candidate.

The conclusion should tie back to your opening, creating a cohesive narrative that leaves the reader with a clear understanding of your passion, commitment, and readiness for the next step in your academic or professional journey.

What Does an Admissions Officer Look for in a Personal Statement?

When reviewing a personal statement, admission officers are looking for several key elements to assess the suitability of a candidate for their program:

• Clarity of Purpose: Admissions officers want to see a clear understanding of why the applicant wants to pursue a particular field or program. The statement should convincingly articulate the candidate’s passion, motivation, and how the program aligns with their career goals.
• Personal Insight and Self-Reflection: A strong personal essay offers insight into the applicant’s personality, experiences, and the factors that have shaped their decision to pursue a specific path. Admissions officers look for depth of reflection and a sense of how past experiences have driven the candidate’s current ambitions.
• Relevant Experience and Skills: It’s important for the statement to highlight any relevant academic, professional, or volunteer experiences that demonstrate preparedness for the program. Admissions officers are interested in how these experiences have contributed to the development of skills and knowledge pertinent to the field.
• Writing Quality and Structure: The ability to communicate effectively and coherently through writing is crucial. Admissions officers pay attention to the overall quality of writing, including grammar, clarity, coherence, and the ability to organize thoughts logically.
• Individuality and Authenticity: They seek to understand what makes each applicant unique. A personal statement should reflect the individual’s authentic self, showcasing unique perspectives, diverse experiences, and personal growth.
• Commitment and Passion: Demonstrating genuine enthusiasm and a strong commitment to the field is essential. Admissions officers look for candidates who are likely to thrive in the program and contribute positively to their field.
• Alignment with Program Values and Goals: Candidates who show that their personal and professional values align with those of the program or institution often stand out. Admissions officers look for indications that the candidate has researched the program and understands how it fits into their broader aspirations.
• Future Potential: Finally, they are interested in the applicant’s potential for future success and contribution to the field. A compelling statement should give a sense of the candidate’s ambition to go to college and how they intend to utilize the education and opportunities provided by the program to achieve their long-term goals.

The Best Personal Statement Examples

Here are some nursing statement examples that illustrate effective writing styles, clear articulation of goals, and the ability to connect personal experiences to broader career or academic aspirations:

Personal Statement Example #1 

Personal statement example #2, college essay example #3, personal statement example #4, application essay example #5, personal statement example #6, personal statement example #7, personal statement example #8, personal statement example #9, personal statement example #10, personal statement example #11, personal statement example #12, personal statement example #13, personal statement example #14, personal statement example #15, child nursing personal statement examples, community nurse personal statement examples, key takeaways for writing a great personal statement.

When reflecting on the nursing personal statement examples provided, several key takeaways emerge that are crucial for anyone crafting their statement. These insights are vital for effectively conveying your passion, commitment, and suitability for a career in nursing:

• Clearly articulate your personal motivation for choosing nursing.
• Highlight your relevant healthcare experiences and achievements.
• Specify your interest in any particular nursing specialty.
• Showcase qualities and skills that make you suitable for nursing.
• Outline your long-term professional aspirations in nursing.
• Acknowledge the challenges and rewards in the nursing profession.
• Express dedication to ongoing learning and professional development.
• Ensure clarity, structure, and coherence in your statement.
• Customize your statement for each specific nursing program.
• Maintain authenticity and genuineness throughout your statement.

Final Thoughts: Personal Statement Essay Examples

These nursing personal statement examples and key takeaways provide valuable insights for anyone aspiring to enter the nursing freshman year. They demonstrate the importance of a well-crafted statement that blends personal motivation, relevant experiences, and a clear understanding of the nursing profession’s demands and rewards. 

An effective personal statement is not only a reflection of your qualifications and aspirations but also a testament to your passion, empathy, and commitment to the field of nursing. It’s a unique opportunity to showcase your individuality and suitability for a career that is as challenging as it is rewarding. 

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• Nursing Masters Personal Statement Sample

Written by Sarah Hastings-Woodhouse

This is an example personal statement for a Masters degree application in Nursing. See our guide for advice on writing your own postgraduate personal statement .

As a qualified nurse with over three years’ professional experience, I was immediately drawn to your MSc in Advanced Nursing, as I believe it will not only enable me to enhance my own clinical practice, but also to acquire the skills necessary to improve patient care on a wider scale.

I graduated with my Bachelors in Adult Nursing in 2018, and quickly secured a role as a Practice Nurse at a GP surgery. I very much enjoyed delivering care in a community setting and developed a deep interest in the long-term management of chronic conditions.

This course’s optional module in diabetes prevention and care particularly sparked my interest – having witnessed the impact of diabetes on countless patients and their families, I would be especially eager to develop and understanding of how it can be better managed, both at level of individual practice in and in terms of wider health policy frameworks.

I believe that my willingness to meet the challenges posed by Covid-19 has demonstrated that I am well-placed to train for a more senior role in my field. Over the past two years, I have been keen to deploy my skills at the frontline of our battle against the virus. In April 2020, was among the first health professionals in my trust to staff the newly-constructed Nightingale Hospital at London’s ExCel centre, where I would later deliver vaccinations to hundreds of people in early 2021. That summer, I decided to join my local Rapid Response and Treatment Team, where I responded to urgent referrals for seriously ill care home residents and helped to create treatment plans that would prevent hospital admission.

Since 2020, then, I have demonstrated my versatility by working in primary, secondary and social care settings. I have an in-depth understanding of how various branches of the NHS interact, which I believe would be invaluable when studying Nursing at Masters level.

Working as a registered nurse throughout the coronavirus pandemic has solidified my resolve to advance in a field that showcases the best of human resilience and compassion. However, it has also made clear to me an ever-growing need for structural change within the healthcare sector. For this reason, I was particularly drawn to the opportunities within this course to develop my management and leadership skills. I believe this will equip me with the skills needed to instate positive change and improve patient care at both an organisation and regional level.

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acute care personal statement

Nurses General Nursing

Published Jan 7, 2016

itsjlarious

Hi! I'm looking for feedback on my personal statement for USF's adult-gero acute care NP program. The questions were 1: Why acute care over other types of advanced practice nursing and 2: What does your future as an NP look like? Include clinical setting.

Statement of Professional Goals

After two years of working on the orthopedic unit at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, I had an epiphany within myself to learn more about my specialty area as well as others. When Sarasota Memorial Hospital became a Level II Trauma Center in May 2015, I knew I had found my niche. This was the perfect opportunity for me to expand my skills and knowledge. I am passionate about orthopedics and have gained multitudes of information about total joint replacements and fractures, but as I matured in my career I started to become captivated towards the acutely ill patient population. I find myself intrigued by patient admissions from the emergency room and intensive care unit. When the hospital received its trauma certification, our orthopedic patient population changed drastically. I was no longer dealing with the usual joint replacement and hip fracture patients. My patients were now involved in vehicle and motorcycle accidents as well as other traumas. It has been a major, dramatic learning curve for me, but also thrilling. When my unit was turned into an orthopedic trauma step-down unit, I received the chance to expand my knowledge into other areas of nursing. This experience overall has helped prepare me to further my education by becoming an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.

The patients on the trauma step-down unit are not always guaranteed to be orthopedic patients. I appreciate using my skills and knowledge to help heal patients that have multiple system traumas as well as orthopedic injuries. It allows me to think critically and work closely with the mid-level practitioners and physicians on the trauma team. The adult patients on my unit are seventeen and older, and I enjoy the diversity that comes along with caring for a wide variety of patients. I want to immerse myself into patient care by becoming an AG-ACNP. The increase in the acutely ill older adult and the lack of physicians creates a need for more nurse practitioners in the hospitals. The percentage of Sarasota County's residents over 65 years of age is expected to increase from 30% to 40% by 2030 (How are we aging? 2012). The hospital populations will more than likely reflect this. I want to be at the front lines in making decisions about these patients' care beyond the bedside. Furthering my education is how I feel I will be able to be the most proficient advocate for my patient's in the future. I will still be able to provide care in the holistic way that bedside nursing has taught me, but it will be catered toward the specific needs of the community.

As an AG-ACNP, I want to work in a hospital setting. Hospitalists and Nurse Practitioners play a vital role in the health care system. After working extensively with the trauma nurse practitioners on my unit, I feel that I could make the most prevalent impact as a nurse practitioner on the trauma team. I want to work mainly in the emergency room, intensive care units, and step-down units. I would care for trauma patients on several different units of the hospital, all who have different levels of acuity which interest me the most. Additionally, I would provide follow up care and education at a clinic once a week for trauma patients who have been discharged.

Attending the University of South Florida for my Master's degree would provide me with the proper tools and skills to advance my career to provide the best patient care that I can. It is the only AG-ACNP program in the state university system, so it is the opportunity of a lifetime for me. USF's mission statement and values align closely with mine, placing an importance on research and evidence based practice to improve patient health. Completing my Master's degree and gaining experience as a Nurse Practitioner will prepare me for my future doctoral study at USF. The AG-ACNP program will challenge and help me to further pursue a rewarding career that has meaning to me. The last time I saw my grandfather, he said, You are built for a challenge.” I agree with him; I am highly motivated and determined to succeed.

• + Add a Comment

VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN

22 Articles; 9,994 Posts

This wall of text is overwhelming and hard to read. Please consider asking the mods to reformat your post with paragraphs so other members don't pass it by. Best of luck to you in your endeavors.

iluvivt, BSN, RN

2,774 Posts

You really need to rework this. You go about answering the questions in a very round about way and you need to be more succinct and the first sentence needs help plus many others can be improved.

I really have to hunt for the answer of why you desire acute care over other settings in advanced practice nursing. One way to do this is just to restate the question. My desire is to practice as an advanced practice nurse in an acute setting because my experience thus far as taught me (or shown me) that I thrive in a fast paced dynamic environment and one in which I can work collaboratively with other providers and nurses.The acute care setting also offers a diverse patient population that affords me the opportunity to continually learn and then apply that knowledge to provide therapeutic intervention and care. I also enjoy formulating a plan of care for patients suffering from acute injuries or illnesses since the care and treatment provided can have an immediate impact on the health of the client

That is just an example. You also seem to give your nursing history and experiences and the reader is supposed to gleam the answers to the questions and you need to just answer the questions directly. I think the first one is more important and you need to list more reasons than I did in the sample because they really need to know why you are committed to this setting.You can give a little bit of history but way less than you did and more reasons why you are attracted to acute care. You can say for example. I realized that when I began to work with complex acute orthopedic trauma patients that I had an intense passion to further my knowledge about this patient population and sharpen my ability to critically think to meet their complex needs.

I can give you a lot more suggestions but I am getting tired and you will need to tell me what you think thus far but you can and should make this a lot better!

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B

9 Articles; 4,800 Posts

First off, good for you for wanting to do more.

Secondly, this is good, but it could be better. You are writing as if you are sure that you CAN be an NP in a hospital setting. Can you? Are these jobs available? And you would bounce from one unit to another? As a hospitalist? What is the feasibility? Have you had a conversation with the powers that be about your goals? In other words, is your goal in alignment with a job?

Trauma/acute--these are 2 different things. As is a doctorate and an NP--are you talking a doctorate in nursing or an MD? Would it be feasible to get your critical care/trauma/ortho RN certifications prior to starting the NP program? Would that make you more marketable in the long run?

Love your passion and your use of mission statements, and your grandpa analogy. But be more specific on what this means in a way that is specific to the need in your area. In other words, you do not want to go through a program of study that at the end of the day you can not be employed due to your facility, or others in your area, not using NP's. Further, if this is the only program of its kind, how large is the class? Will you be one of 100 or one of 10?

My suggestion would be to get your certifications and work them first. Then as you get a sense of what advanced practice people your facility uses (some use PA's for this kind of stuff) THEN decide where to go from there. For instance PA school requires several hundred clinical hours prior to their programs. NP (which in some areas is the new black) requires several hundred clinical hours as part of the program.

I am not trying to quash your dreams. Just that you need to be sure that you can be employed once you achieve them.

Thank you for your suggestions and taking the time to read this. I am going to rework it.

Yes, these NP jobs are available. I work with several of them. Thank you for your feedback. I knew I needed to rework my essay but I didn't know where to start. Greatly appreciated.

Great..will look for the new version when you post it!

I decided to make it flow better by adding a bit of organization:

History, Why acute care?, Why gero?, What clinical setting?, Conclusion

Here is a copy with your examples worked in. I will have to reword it completely and add more specific examples, but take a look at this very rough draft for now:

After two years of working on the orthopedic unit, I found myself wanting to learn more about my specialty as well as other areas of nursing. When Sarasota Memorial Hospital became a Level II Trauma Center in May of 2015, I knew I had found my niche. This was the perfect opportunity for me to expand my skills and knowledge, and it happened at just the right time. I am passionate about orthopedics and I have learned so many interesting things about total joint replacements and fractures, however I started to become more interested in the acutely ill patient population. I found myself interested in the patient admissions from the emergency room and intensive care unit. I realized that when I began to work with complex, acute orthopedic trauma patients, I had passion to further my knowledge about this patient population and sharpen my ability to critically think to meet their complex needs. This experience has prepared me to advance my nursing career by becoming an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.

My desire is to practice as an advanced practice nurse in an acute care setting because my experience thus far has taught me that I thrive in a fast paced dynamic environment and one in which I can work collaboratively with other providers and nurses. The acute care setting also offers a diverse adult patient population that allows me to continually learn and then apply that knowledge to provide therapeutic intervention and care. I also enjoy formulating a plan of care for patients suffering from acute injuries or illnesses because the treatment provided can have an immediate impact on the health of the patient. There is nothing more rewarding than caring for a trauma patient who is able to be completely rehabilitated and be discharged home.

I want to work with older adults because the increase in the acutely ill older adult patient population and the lack of physicians creates a need for more nurse practitioners in the hospitals. The percentage of Sarasota County's residents over 65 years of age is expected to increase from 30% to 40% by 2030 (How are we aging? 2012). The hospital population will likely reflect this, as the geriatric population represents the majority of traumas and other hospital admissions in my area. I want to be able to make decisions about these patients' care beyond the bedside. I will still be able to provide care in the holistic way that bedside nursing has taught me, but it will be catered more toward the specific needs of the community and I will have more autonomy.

As an AG-ACNP, I want to work in a hospital setting. Hospitalists and intensivists play a vital role in the health care system, and there is a lack of them in the hospital where I work. After working closely with the trauma nurse practitioners on my unit, I feel that I could make the most impact as a nurse practitioner on the trauma team. I would be working mainly in the emergency room, intensive care units, and step-down units. I would care for trauma patients on several different units of the hospital, all who have different levels of acuity. Additionally, I would provide follow up care and education at a clinic once a week for trauma patients who have been discharged.

Attending the University of South Florida for my Master's degree would provide me with the proper tools and skills to advance my career and provide the best patient care that I can. It is the only AG-ACNP program in the state university system, so it is the opportunity of a lifetime for me. USF's mission statement and values align closely with mine, placing an importance on research and evidence based practice to improve patient health. Completing my Master's degree and gaining experience as a nurse practitioner will prepare me for the Doctorate of Nursing Practice program at USF. The AG-ACNP program will challenge me and help me to further pursue a rewarding career that has meaning to me. Furthering my education is how I will be able to do the most good in the nursing profession. The last time I saw my grandfather, he said, You are built for a challenge.” I agree with him; I am highly motivated and determined to succeed.

drdrstrange

Hey itsjilarious! How did it go? Hope you got into the school!

I also thought about sharing some samples of personal statements I think are helpful:

• Critical Care Personal Statement Sample
• Social Worker Personal Statement Sample
• Critical Care Fellowship Personal Statement Sample

• Financial Aid
• Request Information

Essential Function Statement

The essential functions are the basic cognitive, psychomotor, and affective activities that are essential to successful completion of the NPC nursing curriculum and in leading to initial licensure as a nurse. Essential functions are categorized as: Intellectual and cognitive abilities (reading, arithmetic competence, analytical thinking and critical thinking), professional and social attributes (interpersonal skills, communication, and professional standards). Sensory (tactile, visual, hearing and olfactory) communication, psychomotor (gross motor skills, fine motor skills, physical strength, and mobility), and emotional stability.

The following are examples of essential functional abilities needed to be successful in the National Park College Nursing Program. All students are required to meet all, but not limited to, these functions. Allowing for individual differences and encouraging program completion for students with a documented disability, the Nursing Program will work with the student and Disability Services to provide any reasonable accommodation to meet these essential functions. Contact the Nursing Department at 501-760-4290 or 501-760-4160 if you have questions regarding these requirements.

Critical Thinking

• Standard: Critical Thinking ability for effective clinical reasoning and clinical judgment consistent with level of educational preparation.
• Identification of cause/effect relationships in clinical situations
• Use of the nursing process in the development of patient care plans
• Evaluation of the effectiveness of nursing interventions
• Handle multiple tasks and problem solve simultaneously in stressful situations
• Apply classroom knowledge to the clinical setting
• Comprehend and apply abstract and concrete concepts

Intellectual and Cognitive Abilities

• Standard: The ability to collect and analyze data to aid in problem solving in both
• Remember multiple messages and information and be able to apply them as necessary
• Make appropriate rapid decisions in stressful or emergency situations
• Adapt rapidly to environmental changes and multiple task demands
• Maintain concentration and focus in professional care settings
• Use and analyze measurement tools recognized as central to the care of patients/clients (thermometer, manual blood pressure cuff, etc.)
• Read measurement marks
• Read digital displays (thermometer, blood pressure machines, monitors, ventilators, etc.)
• Read graphic printouts (EKG's)
• Add, subtract, multiply, and or divide whole numbers
• Compute fractions (medication doses)
• Utilization of a calculator
• Convert numbers to and/or from metric system
• Tell time on a wall clock, utilize a second hand for counting seconds
• Measure time (count duration of contractions)
• Count rates (pulse, heartrate)
• Read and understand columns of writing (flowsheets, charts)

Professional Relationships

• Standard: Interpersonal skills sufficient for professional interactions with a diverse population of individuals, families and groups
• Establishment of rapport with patients/clients and colleagues
• Capacity to engage in successful conflict resolution, including negotiating interpersonal conflict
• Respect differences in patients/clients and co-workers
• Function as an interdisciplinary team member
• Including participation in group work and clinical and classroom activities
• Interact with patients/clients, family members, team members, and peers form various social, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds
• Practice in a manner that is non-judgmental and non-discriminatory

Communication

• Standard: Communication adeptness sufficient for verbal and written professional interactions
• Teaching of the patient/client and family, patient/family understanding of teaching
• Assessments, care plans, progress notes, vital signs, orders, etc.
• Clarify the meaning of non-verbal communication
• Use physical touch as a therapeutic non-verbal intervention
• Communicate relevant, accurate, and complete information in a concise and clear manner both verbally and in writing to patients and health care members
• Standard: Physical abilities sufficient for movement from room to room and in small spaces
• Stand, bend, walk, stoop, squat while providing patient care
• Move above patient for chest compressions and manually ventilate patient
• Move, position, turn, transfer, assist with lifting and/or carrying adult or pediatric patients without injury to patient, self, or others
• Lift, push, pull or transfer (bed-to-chair, bed-to-bed) an adult or pediatric patient

Motor Skills

• Standard: Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient for providing safe, effective nursing care
• Calibration and use of equipment
• Therapeutic positioning of patients
• Handle small delicate equipment/objects or hand-held devices without extraneous movements, contamination or destruction
• Use hands, wrists, and arms to apply up to 10 pounds of pressure to bleeding sites or when performing CPR
• Coordinate eye/hand, fine and gross motor movements
• Perform electronic keyboarding/documentation and or extensive writing with a pen and/or pencil
• Draw up medication/solution in a 1/2 mL syringe
• Pinch/pick or otherwise work with fingers (manipulate a syringe)
• Squeeze with fingers (eye dropper)
• Grasp small objects with hands (IV catheters, pencil, pills)

Hearing Ability

• Standard: Auditory ability sufficient for monitoring and assessing health needs
• Ability to hear monitoring device alarm(s), emergency signals, ringing telephones, and calls for assistance
• Be able to respond and react immediately to spoken instruction and/or monitor equipment
• Ability to discern auscultated sounds and cries for help
• Assess changes in heart, breath, abdominal, vascular sounds using a stethoscope or modified stethoscope
• Distinguish sounds and understand verbal communication in environments with multiple auditory inputs

Visual Ability

• Standard: Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in patient care
• Observe changes in skin integrity
• Observe changes in breathing patterns (including absence of respiratory movement)
• Skin color/intensity such as the ability to identify cyanosis
• Allergic responses such as skin rashes
• Identify signs/symptoms
• Wound drainage, color, appearance, depth, etc.
• Distinguish and appropriately respond to multiple visual inputs
• Prepare and administer medications including correct use of small calibrated syringes (1/2 mL), ampules, etc.

Tactile Ability

• Standard: Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment

Ability to palpitate in physical examinations and various therapeutic interventions

• Palpate for pulse
• Temperature
• Texture hardness or softness
• Physical landmarks
• Assess skin turgor
• Assess rashes
• Palpate veins

Olfactory Ability

• Standard: Olfactory ability sufficient to discern various odors from patients and the environment
• Ability to detect smoke
• Ability to tolerate occasional unpleasant odors
• Foul smelling drainage
• Alcohol breath

Emotional Stability

• Standard: Must develop mature, sensitive, and effective professional relationships with others. Must be able to tolerate taxing workloads and function effectively under stress and be able to adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and function in the face of uncertainties and ambiguities.
• Establish therapeutic boundaries with patients/clients and families as well as instructors
• Provide patient/client and/or families with emotional support
• Function effectively under said stress
• Death of a patient
• Failure of an exam/test
• Personal crisis
• Provide unbiased non-judgmental care to patients and families with belief systems that may differ from your own
• Focus attention on tasks
• Know when to ask for help from a peer, teacher, or clinical instructor
• Perform multiple responsibilities concurrently
• Assume responsibility/accountability for own actions
• Adapt effectively to changing environments and increasing tension levels in a variety of situations (classroom, clinical, patient care, emergencies)

Data and form adapted from The Americans with Disabilities Act; Implications for Nursing Education and additional data adapted from the University of Arkansas Little Rock Department of Nursing Essential Functions Statement .