Registered Nurse CV Example & Template (2026)

Updated May 2026 · 6 min read

A registered nurse CV should lead with your registration, specialism, and patient outcomes. Keep it clear and evidence-based, and mirror the ward/setting in the job spec.

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Key skills employers look for

Patient assessmentMedication administrationCare planningClinical documentationInfection controlPatient safety

List the ones that appear in the actual job description first — recruiters and ATS software both scan for an exact match.

ATS keywords to include

Applicant Tracking Systems rank you on keyword overlap with the posting. Common registered nurse keywords:

NMC registrationpatient careclinicalsafeguardingmedicationcare plansCPR / BLSEPR

Example bullet points: weak → strong

✗ "Cared for patients on the ward."

✓ "Managed a 28-bed acute ward caseload, maintaining a zero medication-error record across 18 months."

✗ "Helped improve care."

✓ "Led a falls-prevention initiative that reduced ward falls 35% over two quarters."

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Common mistakes to avoid

Not stating your NMC registration / PIN status near the top
Omitting the specialism or setting the job requires
Listing duties without patient-outcome or safety evidence
Leaving off mandatory training and certifications (BLS, safeguarding)

Frequently asked questions

Where do I put my NMC registration?

Near the top, in your professional summary or a dedicated registrations line — recruiters check it first.

How long should a nursing CV be?

Two pages is standard for nurses; include clinical placements and mandatory training.

Should I tailor a nursing CV?

Yes — match the specialism, ward type, and trust values in the job description.