ICU Nurse Resume Sample
Learn how to create an ICU nurse resume that highlights your skills, experience, and qualifications.
If you’re an ICU nurse looking for a new job, or you’re just getting started, you’ll need to create a resume that showcases your skills and experience. But where do you even start when it comes to writing an ICU nurse resume that makes you stand out? To get a job as an ICU nurse, you’ll need to be detail-oriented, organized, and able to communicate in a clear and concise manner when creating a resume.
Read through the ICU nurse resume example below and the steps to take to create your first draft.
5 Steps to Create Your ICU Nursing Resume
Think of your ICU RN resume as an ICU that has all the state-of-the-art tools you need to perform your job. Your resume should include all the key qualifications, skills, and professional accomplishments that make you an ideal candidate.
Below, you’ll find five key steps to follow when creating an ICU nursing resume.
1. Create a Compelling Career Summary
A compelling career summary serves as a recruiter’s first impression of your resume and makes a strong case for why you’re an ideal candidate for an ICU nursing position. When writing your career summary, briefly mention your job title and describe how you provide exceptional patient care.
Then, mention your key strengths and qualities such as problem-solving, teamwork, and the ability to work under pressure. Lastly, include your commitment to professional development and learning.
2. Make Your Credentials Stand Out
Your ICU RN resume should include your nursing education, certificates, and licenses. These show that you have completed the necessary education and training required to work in the ICU. Plus, it demonstrates your commitment to continuing education and professional development, which is highly valued in the healthcare industry.
3. Highlight Your Professional Experience
In your ICU nursing resume’s professional experience section, highlight your responsibilities and accomplishments from previous jobs, residencies, or clinical rotations. This should include ways you have improved patient outcomes in previous roles.
For example, you could mention patient care plans you coordinated, specialized nursing care you provided to critically ill patients, and education you provided to patients and their families. Also, quantify your achievements wherever you can. For instance, you could mention the number of beds in your unit.
4. List Relevant Skills
Only list the skills that are relevant to ICU nursing. These could include patient monitoring, patient prioritization, and the use of electronic health record systems. You should also tailor your skills list to the position you’re applying for by carefully reading through the job posting. It’s important to include keywords from the job postings such as “critical care” or “EHR.”
Recruiters often don’t have enough time to sort through a long list of skills that may not align with the job requirements. By focusing only on the relevant skills, you can demonstrate how you’re well-matched with an ICU nursing role.
5. Mention Professional Memberships
Nursing organizations offer opportunities for continuing education that help you to stay up to date with the latest nursing trends and best practices. Listing your nursing organization memberships on your resume demonstrates that you’re actively engaged in your profession.
This is particularly important in the healthcare industry, where new technologies, procedures, and treatments are always being developed. Include your role in the organization (e.g., member) and the name of the organization at the end of your ICU RN resume.
ICU Nurse Resume
Brogan Montoya
New York, NY | 555-555-5555 | BroganMontoya@email.com
Experienced ICU RN seeking to bring top-notch patient care to Hospital One. Possesses exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills with a proven track record of delivering high-quality patient care in a fast-paced environment. Skilled in handling complex medical cases and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Proficient in managing patient records, administering medications, and performing various medical procedures. Dedicated to continuous learning and professional development to enhance patient care and clinical expertise.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing | University One | New York, NY | 20XX
- Associate Degree in Nursing | University Two | New York, NY | 20XX
Certifications and Licensure
- Registered Nurse (RN) | State of New York | License Number: 5555555 | Expiration Date: January 1, 20XX
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification | American Heart Association | Expiration Date: January 1, 20XX
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification | American Heart Association | Expiration Date: January 1, 20XX
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification | American Heart Association | Expiration Date: January 1, 20XX
Professional Experience
ICU Nurse Hospital One | New York, NY | 20XX – Present
- Provide direct and specialized nursing care to critically ill patients in the ICU.
- Monitor patients' vital signs, administer medication, and perform various nursing interventions as ordered by physicians.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to develop and implement individualized care plans.
- Educate patients and their families on their health conditions, treatment plans, and post-discharge care.
- Ensure compliance with hospital policies and regulatory requirements.
- Serve as a charge nurse when needed.
Medical-Surgical Nurse Hospital One | New York, NY | 20XX – 20XX
- Provided comprehensive nursing care to medical-surgical patients in a 40-bed unit.
- Administered medications, monitored vital signs, and provided various treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Coordinated and facilitated patient care plans with interdisciplinary team members.
- Educated patients and their families on their health conditions and treatment plans.
- Assisted physicians with various procedures and treatments.
Skills
- Extensive knowledge of critical care nursing principles and practices.
- Proficient in managing and monitoring patients with complex medical conditions.
- Strong ability to prioritize patient needs and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.
- Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and medical equipment.
- Strong ability to remain calm and focused in stressful situations.
Professional Memberships
- Member, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
- Member, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
How to Find ICU Nurse Jobs
Now that you’ve learned how to create your ICU nurse resume, it’s time to focus on your job search. Monster’s salary data shows that ICU nurses typically earn $40.18 per hour. But you can earn anywhere from $29.08 to $54.04 per hour, depending on your experience level and location.
Monster’s Salary Tool can show you how much ICU nurses make in your area. Plus, it can provide you with a list of potential next steps in your career and locations where ICU nurses are in high demand.
Starting your job search? Look for jobs where ICU nurses are in high demand:
Plus, you can find other ICU nurse jobs across the U.S.
Give Your ICU Nursing Resume the Critical Care It Needs
You’ve worked hard to get the credentials and experience needed for an ICU nurse job. Don’t let it go unnoticed. At Monster, we know exactly what hiring managers in the healthcare industry are looking for in candidates. Our free resume review service can help make your ICU nurse resume stand out from the others. We’ll scan it and provide recommendations, so you can become the next top candidate for an ICU nursing job.