In today’s competitive healthcare landscape, your resume is often the first (and sometimes only) impression you make on a potential employer. So, whether you’re an entry level nurse, fresh out of school, or a seasoned RN with years of experience, you’re bound to realize how important crafting an impactful resume is. A strong resume helps you stand out from the lot and convince the hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for the job. And there are so many ways to optimize your resume, like maintaining a reverse chronological order, prioritizing work ex and including a resume objective.

What is a resume objective?

To put it simply, a resume objective is a concise statement at the top of your resume that highlights your goals and qualifications. It’s a tiny blurb, 2-3 sentences long, and if strategically written, can act like a hook to grab a hiring manager’s attention.

This is especially important, considering how recruiters receive hundreds of applications every day. Most cannot even spend more than a few moments glancing through each resume, let alone evaluate them at length. That’s why by having a well-written resume objective, you can make the most of those precious few seconds and interest them further into reading your resume.

How to write your RN resume objective?

Now that you know how important a resume objective is, let’s get into the details of how you can write an impactful one to spruce up your resume.

1. A strong start

Begin your resume objective with a compelling statement that not only summarizes your career goals but also reflects your passion for nursing. Here’s an example: “Compassionate and dedicated RN seeking to leverage clinical experience and patient care skills in a dynamic healthcare environment.”

2. Add qualifications/ experiences

While your resume will contain detailed information about your qualifications and experiences, mentioning them in the objective itself can immediately assert your value as a suitable candidate.

3. Keep it concise

Ideally, a resume objective shouldn’t be any longer than 2-3 sentences. That’s why you must only include the most relevant information. Don’t include generic statements like ‘looking to gain more experience in pediatric care.’ Instead, add something like “eager to contribute to a team-focused approach to providing compassionate care for young patients.”

4. Use action words

Action words can be used to make your phrasing more dynamic and engaging. Instead of saying “responsible for patient care,” action verbs like “managed” or “provided” paint a clearer picture of your duties and achievements.

5. Include keywords

Go through the job description and pick up prominent keywords to use them in your resume objective. This can not only show compatibility but is also ATS friendly which can make it easier for employers to find your application.

6. Eliminate fillers

You’re already at constrained word limit when it comes to writing a resume objective. By excluding filler words like pronouns and articles, you can further optimize the space to include more relevant and impactful information like quantifiable values and such.

7. Tailor it to the position

A resume objective can only be effective if you tailor it to the position you’re applying to. Add information that directly addresses the needs of the position. That way, you can display your suitability and uniqueness in a way that can improve your chances of receiving a call back.

Also read: 5 Commonly Asked Behavioral Nursing Interview Questions (With Answers)

Who should include a resume objective?

With professional summaries becoming increasingly popular, resume objectives are beginning to be less preferred. But a resume objective can be more useful to you if are:

1. A new graduate: Being fresh out of school, you might have limited professional experience on your resume. A resume objective can allow you to emphasize your academic achievements, relevant hands-on skills learned during your clinical rotations. You can also highlight your eagerness to learn and contribute in a professional setting.
2. Transitioning to a different career path: If you’re transitioning to nursing from a different career or even to a different specialty in nursing itself, a resume objective can help you bridge the gap between your past experience and your newly chosen path. You can briefly address what motivated your career change and how your transferable skills can benefit you as a nurse.
3. Targeting a specific nursing role: If you’re applying for a specialized nursing position, you can use your resume objective to tailor your qualifications to perfectly match the job description. You can also highlight relevant skills and certifications you possess that demonstrate your interest and suitability for the specific nursing specialty.

Examples of resume objectives

Here are some resume objectives sample you can consider as a roadmap before you begin brainstorming to create your own RN resume objective:

Example 1: New Grad RN

“Highly motivated new graduate RN with a strong foundation in nursing fundamentals and a passion for providing compassionate care. Eager to learn and contribute to a team-focused environment in a hospital setting.”

Example 2: Transitioning to an RN role

“Highly organized and results-oriented professional with 5+ years of experience in project management, transitioning into a Registered Nurse career. Possess strong communication and problem-solving skills, eager to contribute to a fast-paced healthcare environment.”

Example 3: Experienced RN

“Experienced and results-oriented RN with 7+ years in critical care seeking a challenging position in a Level 1 Trauma Center. Proven ability to work effectively under pressure, maintain composure in critical situations, and implement evidence-based practices to ensure optimal patient outcomes.”

Over to you

Your RN resume objective is like the prologue to your resume. It sets the stage for the hiring manager to evaluate you for the second stage. That’s why you must ensure your entire resume is polished and professional. Use a clear format, impactful action verbs, and quantifiable achievements to create an impression on the hiring managers. Make sure you proofread your resume, as well. An attention-grabbing resume objective combined with a professional resume is the perfect pairing that can take you a little closer to landing your dream RN position!