A CV (curriculum vitae) is a document that showcases your professional achievements, skills, and qualifications in an organized and concise manner. It is similar to a resume, but more detailed and comprehensive. A CV is often required when applying for nursing jobs, especially in the private sector, or when seeking membership in a professional organization. 
Writing a brilliant CV for nursing job applications can be challenging, but not impossible. You need to tailor your CV to the specific role and employer you are applying for, and highlight your relevant skills, experience, and knowledge in nursing. You also need to format your CV correctly, and make sure it is easy to read and error-free.
In this article, we will guide you through the steps of creating a winning nursing CV, and provide you with some tips and examples to inspire you. We will cover the following topics:
1.The structure and format of a nursing CV
2.The content of a nursing CV
3.The registration processes and procedures for nurses
4.The common mistakes to avoid in a nursing CV
5.The Structure and Format of a Nursing CV
The structure and format of your CV are important because they create the first impression of your document, and help the reader to navigate and find the information they need quickly. A well-structured and formatted CV will also demonstrate your professionalism and attention to detail.
Guidelines for structuring and formatting your nursing CV
Here are some general guidelines for structuring and formatting your nursing CV:
Use a simple, clear, and consistent font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, and a font size of 10 or 12 points.
Use black text on a white background, and avoid using too many colors, images, or graphics that may distract the reader.
Use headings and subheadings to organize your CV into sections, and use bullet points to list your achievements, skills, and responsibilities.
Keep your CV concise and relevant, and aim for no more than two pages in length.
Use reverse chronological order to list your work experience and education, starting with the most recent and working backwards.
Use action verbs and keywords to describe your achievements and skills, and quantify them with numbers, percentages, or outcomes where possible.
Proofread your CV carefully for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, and ask someone else to check it for you as well.
A typical nursing CV will have the following sections:
Name and contact details
Include your full name, phone number, email address, and location at the top of your CV. You can also add a professional title, such as Registered Nurse, or a personal statement, such as a summary of your skills, experience, and career goals.
Work experience
List your previous nursing roles, starting with the most recent and working backwards. For each role, include the name and location of the employer, the dates of employment, the job title, and a brief description of your duties, responsibilities, achievements, and skills. Use bullet points to make your CV easier to read, and focus on the aspects of your work that are relevant to the role you are applying for.
Education and qualifications
List your nursing qualifications, starting with the most recent and working backwards. For each qualification, include the name and location of the institution, the dates of study, the name of the qualification, and the grade or result. You can also include any relevant professional training, courses, or certifications you have completed, such as CPR, infection control, or wound care.
Skills
Highlight your key skills and competencies that are relevant to the role and employer you are applying for. You can include both hard skills, such as clinical skills, technical skills, or language skills, and soft skills, such as communication skills, teamwork skills, or problem-solving skills. You can also mention any nursing specialties or areas of expertise you have, such as pediatrics, oncology, or mental health.
References
Provide the names and contact details of two or three professional references who can vouch for your skills, experience, and character. You can include your current or former employers, supervisors, mentors, or colleagues. Alternatively, you can write “References available upon request” at the end of your CV, and provide them when asked.
The Content of a Nursing CV
The content of your CV is the most important part, as it showcases your skills, experience, and knowledge in nursing, and convinces the reader that you are the best candidate for the job. Therefore, you need to tailor your CV to the specific role and employer you are applying for, and highlight your relevant achievements and qualifications.
To write a brilliant CV for nursing job applications, you need to do some research on the role and employer you are applying for, and identify the skills, experience, and knowledge they are looking for. You can find this information in the job description, the employer’s website, or the industry standards and regulations. You can also use keywords and phrases from the job description to match your CV to the role.
Once you have done your research, you need to write your CV in a clear, concise, and persuasive way, using examples and evidence to support your claims. You need to show the reader how you have applied your skills, experience, and knowledge in nursing, and what results or outcomes you have achieved. You also need to show the reader how you can add value to the role and employer you are applying for, and what benefits or contributions you can bring.
Credit; Resume. Io
Example of How to Write the content of your nursing CV
Here are some examples of how to write the content of your nursing CV, based on the sections we have discussed above:
Name and contact details:
Mary Smith Registered Nurse Lagos, Nigeria +234 123 456 789 [email protected]
Personal statement:
I am a registered nurse with over five years of experience in providing high-quality care to patients in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. I have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Lagos, and I am certified in CPR, infection control, and wound care. I have excellent clinical skills, such as assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation, and I am proficient in using various medical equipment and software. I have strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, and I am passionate about delivering patient-centered and evidence-based care. I am seeking a challenging and rewarding nursing role where I can utilize my skills and experience, and further develop my professional and personal growth.
Work experience:
Registered Nurse Lagos General Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria January 2020 – Present
Provide comprehensive and compassionate care to patients in various wards, such as medical, surgical, emergency, and intensive care.
Perform physical examinations, vital signs measurements, blood tests, and other diagnostic procedures, and document the results and findings in the electronic health records system.
Administer medications, injections, intravenous fluids, and other treatments, and monitor the effects and side effects.
Implement and evaluate care plans, and update them as needed according to the patient’s condition and response.
Collaborate and communicate effectively with doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals, and participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and rounds.
Educate and counsel patients and their families on health issues, prevention, and management, and provide emotional support and comfort.
Maintain a safe and hygienic environment, and adhere to the infection control and quality standards and policies.
Supervise and mentor junior nurses and nursing students, and provide feedback and guidance.
Achievements:
Received the Nurse of the Year award in 2021 for demonstrating excellence in patient care and satisfaction, and leadership and teamwork skills.
Reduced the medication errors by 50% by implementing a double-check system and a barcode scanning system.
Improved the patient outcomes by 30% by initiating and conducting a research project on the effectiveness of a new wound care protocol.
Staff Nurse Lagos Clinic, Lagos, Nigeria June 2018 – December 2019
Provided primary and preventive care to patients in an outpatient setting, such as health assessments, immunizations, screenings, and referrals.
Managed chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma, and provided education and follow-up care.
Assisted doctors with minor procedures, such as suturing, dressing, and biopsies, and prepared the instruments and supplies.
Collected and processed laboratory samples, such as blood, urine, and swabs, and reported the results to the doctors and patients.
Ordered and maintained the inventory of medications, supplies, and equipment, and ensured their proper storage and disposal.
Achievements:
Increased the patient satisfaction by 40% by improving the appointment system and reducing the waiting time.
Enhanced the quality of care by participating in the accreditation process and the quality improvement committee.
Completed a certificate course in family planning and reproductive health, and provided counseling and services to patients.
Education and qualifications:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria September 2015 – May 2018
Graduated with a first-class honors degree, and achieved a GPA of 4.0 out of 4.0.
Completed 800 hours of clinical placements in various settings, such as community, mental health, maternal and child health, and geriatric care.
Conducted a dissertation on the impact of nurse-led interventions on the self-management of diabetes, and presented the findings at a national conference.
Participated in various extracurricular activities, such as the student nursing association, the peer mentoring program, and the volunteer service program.
Certificate in CPR Lagos Red Cross, Lagos, Nigeria June 2018
Completed a 16-hour course on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and obtained a valid certification.
Certificate in Infection Control Lagos Health Authority, Lagos, Nigeria July 2019
Completed a 24-hour course on infection control, and obtained a valid certification.
Learned about the principles and practices of infection prevention and control, such as hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, waste management, and outbreak management.
Certificate in Wound Care Lagos Wound Care Association, Lagos, Nigeria August 2020
Completed a 32-hour course on wound care, and obtained a valid certification.
Learned about the assessment, classification, management, and evaluation of various types of wounds, such as pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers, surgical wounds, and burns.
Gained practical skills in applying different wound dressings, such as hydrocolloids, alginates, foams, and silver.
Skills:
Clinical skills:
Proficient in performing physical examinations, vital signs measurements, blood tests, and other diagnostic procedures, and interpreting and documenting the results.
Skilled in administering medications, injections, intravenous fluids, and other treatments, and monitoring the effects and side effects.
Experienced in implementing and evaluating care plans, and updating them as needed according to the patient’s condition and response.
Knowledgeable in using various medical equipment and software, such as electrocardiograms, pulse oximeters, glucometers, thermometers, syringes, catheters, and electronic health records system.
Familiar with the nursing standards and protocols, such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) code of conduct, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) code of ethics, and the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
Technical skills:
Proficient in Microsoft Office, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and able to create and edit documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and emails.
Skilled in using the internet and social media, such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, and able to search, access, and share information and resources.
Experienced in using online learning platforms, such as Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy, and able to enroll, complete, and review courses and certificates.
Familiar with the basic principles and applications of computer programming, such as Python, HTML, and CSS, and able to write and run simple codes and scripts.
Language skills:
Fluent in English, both spoken and written, and able to communicate effectively with patients, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
Intermediate in French, both spoken and written, and able to understand and convey basic information and instructions.
Basic in Hausa, both spoken and written, and able to greet and introduce oneself and others.
Soft skills:
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, and able to listen, speak, read, and write clearly and respectfully.
Strong teamwork skills, and able to collaborate and cooperate with others, and contribute to the achievement of common goals and objectives.
Effective problem-solving skills, and able to identify, analyze, and resolve issues and challenges in a timely and appropriate manner.
High-level of professionalism and ethics, and able to maintain confidentiality, integrity, and accountability in all aspects of work.
Passionate and motivated, and able to demonstrate enthusiasm, initiative, and commitment to learning and improvement.
Specialties and areas of expertise:
Pediatrics: Experienced in providing care to children and adolescents, and addressing their physical, mental, and emotional needs and development.
Oncology: Skilled in providing care to patients with cancer, and managing their symptoms, complications, and treatments.
Mental health: Knowledgeable in providing care to patients with mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, and supporting their recovery and well-being.
References :
Dr. John Doe Consultant Physician Lagos General Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria +234 987 654 321 [email protected]
Ms. Jane Doe Nurse Manager Lagos Clinic, Lagos, Nigeria +234 876 543 210 jane [email protected]
Mr. James Doe Lecturer University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria +234 765 432 109 [email protected]
Registration Processes
The registration processes and procedures for nurses vary depending on the country, state, or region you are applying for. However, some common steps are:
Completing a nursing program that is accredited by the relevant authority, such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in the UK, or the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) in the US.
Passing a licensing exam that tests your knowledge, skills, and competencies in nursing, such as the Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE) in Nigeria, the Nursing and Midwifery Council Test of Competence (NMC TOC) in the UK, or the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in the US.
Applying for a license or registration from the relevant authority, such as the NMCN, the NMC, or the NCSBN, and providing the required documents, such as your CV, transcripts, certificates, identification, and fees.
Renewing your license or registration periodically, and meeting the continuing education and professional development requirements, such as completing courses, workshops, or seminars, or participating in research, projects, or publications
The common mistakes to avoid in a nursing CV are:
Writing a generic CV that does not match the role and employer you are applying for, and does not highlight your relevant skills, experience, and knowledge.
Writing a long and cluttered CV that exceeds two pages, and does not use headings, subheadings, bullet points, and reverse chronological order to organize your CV into sections.
Writing a vague and boring CV that does not use examples and evidence to support your claims, and does not show your achievements and qualifications, and how you can add value to the role and employer you are applying for.
Writing a poorly formatted and edited CV that contains spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, and does not use a simple, clear, and consistent font, and a black text on a white background.
Conclusion
A CV is a document that showcases your professional achievements, skills, and qualifications in an organized and concise manner. It is often required when applying for nursing jobs, especially in the private sector, or when seeking membership in a professional organization.
To write a brilliant CV for nursing job applications, you need to follow these steps:
Research the role and employer you are applying for, and identify the skills, experience, and knowledge they are looking for.
Structure and format your CV correctly, and use headings, subheadings, bullet points, and reverse chronological order to organize your CV into sections.
Write your CV in a clear, concise, and persuasive way, and use examples and evidence to support your claims. Highlight your relevant achievements and qualifications, and show how you can add value to the role and employer you are applying for.
Proofread your CV carefully for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, and ask someone else to check it for you as well.
The main sections of your nursing CV are:
Name and contact details: Include your full name, phone number, email address, and location at the top of your CV. You can also add a professional title, such as Registered Nurse, or a personal statement, such as a summary of your skills, experience, and career goals.
Work experience: List your previous nursing roles, starting with the most recent and working backwards. For each role, include the name and location of the employer, the dates of employment, the job title, and a brief description of your duties, responsibilities, achievements, and skills.
Education and qualifications: List your nursing qualifications, starting with the most recent and working backwards. For each qualification, include the name and location of the institution, the dates of study, the name of the qualification, and the grade or result. You can also include any relevant professional training, courses, or certifications you have completed, such as CPR, infection control, or wound care.
Skills: Highlight your key skills and competencies that are relevant to the role and employer you are applying for. You can include both hard skills, such as clinical skills, technical skills, or language skills, and soft skills, such as communication skills, teamwork skills, or problem-solving skills. You can also mention any nursing specialties or areas of expertise you have, such as pediatrics, oncology, or mental health.
References: Provide the names and contact details of two or three professional references who can vouch for your skills, experience, and character. You can include your current or former employers, supervisors, mentors, or colleagues. Alternatively, you can write “References available upon request” at the end of your CV, and provide them when asked.
By following these steps and avoiding these mistakes, you can write a brilliant CV for nursing job applications, and increase your chances of getting hired or accepted. Remember to tailor your CV to the specific role and employer you are applying for, and highlight your relevant skills, experience, and knowledge in nursing.
