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Table of contents

NICU nurse resume examples
Choose a resume format for your NICU nurse resume
How to write a NICU nurse resume in 5 simple steps
Add a cover letter
Key takeaways for your NICU nurse resume
Frequently asked questions from job seekers

As a NICU nurse, your passion and commitment to your precious patients is paramount. From providing newborns with critical care to clearly and compassionately communicating with parents and families, your role is vital to the health care of the most vulnerable of people. Your ability to adapt, maintain a cool head in a demanding environment and make key decisions under pressure allows you to deliver the best possible outcomes to your patients and their loved ones.

With such an important and demanding job, you need a resume that conveys all that you can do. Your dedication and enthusiasm as well as your training, experience and skills should all shine through every word of your resume. We can help make that happen. With the right foundation, a library of resume examples to inspire you and step by step help building each section of your resume, our guide makes this confusing process easier, so you can focus on the important stuff.

This guide will cover:

Inspiring NICU nurse resume examples.
Steps to write a strong resume for a NICU nurse.
Optional sections to enhance your nursing resume.
The importance of composing an effective cover letter.
Key insights to improve your job-seeking journey in the health care field.

Interested in generating a compelling resume in just a few minutes? Try our AI Resume Builder. Choose a format that reflects your personality and work ethic and receive expert guidance for each section, ensuring your content truly reflects your clinical expertise and dedication to patient care.

NICU nurse resume examples

Entry-level NICU nurse resume example

Resume entry level example neonatal intensive care nurse

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Why this entry-level NICU nurse resume works:

Focuses on skills
Because this NICU nurse sample resume represents a candidate who is just entering the field of NICU nursing, instead of placing her experience at the center of her resume, it uses a “professional skills” section which allows her to highlight all the ways that her relatively limited nursing experience contributes to skills that will transfer to a NICU nurse career.
Includes soft skills
The NICU can be an emotionally charged place with extreme highs and lows for both patients and staff. No amount of medical training can completely replace the importance of strong soft skills. This candidate emphasizes sensitivity and decision-making, showing that she can keep a cool head in the NICU and provide compassionate communication to patients’ families.
Uses active language
Terms like “assessed” and “facilitated” add a sense of energy to this candidate’s resume. Using active verbs shows passion and avoids the boring “laundry list” effect that resume filler can have.

Experienced NICU nurse resume example

Resume experienced example neonatal intensive care nurse

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Why this experienced NICU nurse resume works:

Focuses on experience
Because this candidate has over a decade of experience in the NICU, honing in on his work history allows him to put his best foot forward and show off his greatest accomplishments.
Uses numerical data
While the impact of a great NICU nurse cannot be quantified, including some measurable achievements is a great way to demonstrate the concrete effect that you’ve had in your role. This sample NICU nurse resume feels more impactful thanks to the numbers it includes.
Includes certifications
Certifications in lifesaving protocols are crucial to a career in NICU nursing. This candidate lists several certifications that show his commitment to NICU nursing and his ability to provide critical care.

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Choose a resume format for your NICU nurse resume

Choosing the right resume format is a crucial decision for a NICU nurse. The format you choose guides the reader through the story of your nursing career. Consider which one of these three formats best represents your career profile:

The chronological resume format is the best choice for seasoned NICU nurses. It showcases your nursing experience in reverse-chronological order, allowing the reader to follow the story of your career beginning with your most relevant roles.
The combination resume format supplements your experience with a detailed skills section. This format is a great choice for midcareer applicants and nurses looking to transition into a NICU role from other health care sectors.
The functional resume format focuses on your skills. This format allows you to show off your best qualities without focusing too much on experience. This is the best way to organize a resume for a candidate lacking in experience.

Now that you’ve chosen the perfect format, it’s time to pick your resume template.

Select the right resume template for your NICU nurse resume

Create your resume

Your resume template should embody the dedication, professionalism and the good judgment expected of a NICU nurse.

For NICU nurses looking to create a professional resume quickly, a simple resume template may be the way to go. Its clean design makes your skills and experience easy to read and understand at a glance.

For a resume that leaves a lasting impression, try a creative or modern resume. These styles add a touch of character and personality to your resume. Just be sure not to pick something too distracting, as your qualifications should take precedence over your unique style.

Our resume templates are available in a variety of file types. Word resume templates and Google Doc templates are free to download and customize for your unique needs.

Choosing the right resume style may seem trivial, but the layout of your resume has a big effect on its readability. Now that you’ve picked the perfect template, it’s time to start writing!

How to write a NICU nurse resume in 5 simple steps

Your resume is your introduction to the hiring department for the role that you’re seeking. It’s crucial that you use the space on your resume to tell the story of your career. Your experience, skills and training make you the incredible NICU nurse that you are. Now, it’s time to show it by giving each section of your resume the care and detail that it deserves.

Let’s dissect this process step by step.

Step 1

Review the NICU nurse job listing for keywords

Before you even begin writing the content of your resume, take a look at the NICU nurse job description for the role that you’re pursuing. A great resume needs to be catered to the specific position. Take a close look at the job listing and try to identify the key qualifications that the role is looking for. Including phrases from the listing will help demonstrate that you’re the right fit for the role while also helping your resume pass the screening process that many departments use.

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) automatically screen out resumes that lack certain key competencies. As long as you really have the skills that you list, using keywords can be a great way to come out on top of ATS screening.

To create a resume compatible with ATS systems, make sure your content includes specific terms found in the job description. For example, if “advanced neonatal care” or “team collaboration” are highlighted, incorporate these into your professional summary, skills section and work history.

Step 2

Summarize your career achievements

Your resume should open with a resume profile. This is your formal introduction to your career. There are two primary types of resume profiles: professional summaries and career objectives. Both provide a bit of information about your career, but they have different focuses that allow you to approach your career story differently.

A professional summary provides a comprehensive overview of your experience as a NICU nurse, ideally suited for seasoned candidates. They are particularly impactful for experienced NICU nurses.

On the other hand, a resume objective outlines your career aspirations as a NICU nurse. It focuses on your goals for the future and your career growth. This is the perfect choice for applicants who are new to the NICU nursing role.

Let’s explore how each of these would appear on a NICU nurse’s resume.

NICU nurse professional summary example:

Dedicated NICU nurse with over a decade of experience in providing compassionate care to critically ill newborns and premature infants. Skilled in managing complex medical cases and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the best outcomes. Known for maintaining a calm and reassuring presence in high-stress situations, delivering optimal care to our tiniest patients.

NICU nurse resume objective example:

Aspiring NICU nurse with a strong foundation in pediatric nursing and a deep commitment to the well-being of neonates. Eager to leverage my clinical skills, empathy and attention to detail to provide exceptional care to premature babies and their families. Committed to continuous learning and growth in the specialized field of neonatal intensive care.

Step 3

Highlight your essential NICU nurse skills

In a NICU nursing role, your ability to manage your responsibilities has uniquely high stakes. That’s why you need a skills section that demonstrates your commitment to exceptional patient care. To do that, your skills section should present a balanced mix of hard and soft skills. Let’s examine both.

First, there are hard skills. As a NICU nurse, this encompasses proficiency in neonatal care procedures, patient monitoring, medical equipment operation and a deep understanding of neonatal health principles. These are tangible and teachable abilities crucial to providing high-quality care in the NICU.

The second group is known as soft skills. Your soft skills relate to your interpersonal attributes and leadership qualities. Effective communication, teamwork, adaptability to changing medical conditions and the ability to comfort and support both infants and their families are vital in the world of neonatal care. These skills underpin your capability to provide compassionate and competent care to the tiniest patients and their parents.

Your role as a NICU nurse is pivotal in ensuring the well-being of premature infants and critically ill newborns. Your skills should reflect your ability to provide exceptional care and support during their fragile moments.

Key skills for a NICU nurse resume

Hard Skills

Neonatal care procedures
Patient monitoring
Medical equipment operation
Neonatal health principles
Respiratory care

Soft Skills

Effective communication
Team collaboration
Adaptability to changing conditions
Compassion and empathy
Family support

Here’s an illustration of a persuasive NICU nurse skills section:

Proficient in neonatal care procedures and protocols.
Experienced in closely monitoring and assessing the health of premature infants.
Skilled in operating specialized neonatal medical equipment.
In-depth knowledge of neonatal health principles and best practices.
Effective communication skills with both medical teams and families.
Proven ability to adapt swiftly in a dynamic NICU environment.
Compassionate and empathetic approach to comforting and supporting families.

Pro tip

Stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in neonatal care, including medical equipment and emerging medical techniques. Demonstrating your awareness of cutting-edge practices and tools that can emphasize your commitment to providing exceptional care to premature infants and their families.

Step 4

Describe your NICU nurse work history

Working as a NICU nurse is both dynamic and demanding. Your resume should demonstrate that you can handle the pressure by explaining your previous roles and the ways that you’ve succeeded in them. Your achievements prove that you are a strong candidate for a NICU nursing role.

When writing your work experience section, you’re not just listing job roles; you’re showing that you have the ability to apply your qualifications to real-world nursing scenarios.

To make the most of your work experience section, discuss specific cases that challenged your expertise, the unique medical challenges you overcame, leadership roles you undertook and innovative tools you employed. Describing your career history in detail is a great way to demonstrate the impact of your career.

To showcase your contributions, use action words in your resume. Words like “provided,” “led” and “collaborated” emphasize the energy and enthusiasm that you bring to your role.

Example NICU nurse work history entry:

NICU Nurse, Hope Hospital
Los Angeles, CA
April 2018 – Present

Manage critical care for neonates in a bustling NICU, overseeing a team of dedicated health care professionals.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure the best possible care and outcomes for premature infants and their families.
Implement evidence-based nursing practices and innovative medical technologies, optimizing patient care and reducing recovery times.
Adapt swiftly to evolving medical situations, making timely and informed decisions to ensure the well-being of the tiniest patients.
Mentor and guide fellow health care professionals, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment within the NICU.

Pro tip

Illustrate your accomplishments with quantifiable metrics. Whether it’s improved patient outcomes, reduced recovery times or enhanced teamwork, numbers convey the impact of your dedication and expertise in neonatal intensive care.

Step 5

Showcase your education

Education is an essential part of your nursing qualifications. Begin with your highest level of education and create a concise education section. Start by listing your degrees and ensure that you highlight any relevant neonatal care training, workshops or certifications in addition to your formal education.

How to present your education and credentials:

EDUCATION

B.S. in Nursing
Hope University, Los Angeles, CA

CERTIFICATIONS

Neonatal Intensive Care Certification, National Nursing Certification Board
Advanced Life Support (ALS) Certification
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification

Additional sections for your resume

Languages

Being proficient in multiple languages can enhance communication with your patients and their families. This skill is highly valued in the health care field, so make sure to include any additional languages you speak on your resume.

How to list languages on your resume:

Fluent in English and Spanish
Proficient in French

Hobbies and interests

Highlighting personal projects or hobbies, especially those related to health care or education, provides a more well-rounded view of your passion for nursing and patient care.

How to feature hobbies and interests on your resume:

Love for babies, making me the go-to babysitter for family and friends with young children.
Avid reader of medical and psychological journals to keep technical knowledge up to date and prepare to communicate with parents compassionately and support them better while their baby is under our care.

Community engagement and collaboration

Showcasing your involvement in community projects, particularly those related to health care or nursing education, demonstrates your commitment to improving health care beyond your professional role.

How to showcase community engagement on your NICU nurse resume:

Collaborated with local schools to provide health education programs, promoting neonatal care awareness and supporting the health of newborns and their families.
Participated in community health fairs, offering free neonatal care consultations and engaging with families to promote infant well-being.

Add a cover letter

Cover letter example neonatal intensive care nurse

Create your cover letter

To go above and beyond, your resume should be accompanied by a persuasive cover letter. Your cover letter gives you the opportunity to communicate further with the hiring department. You can add context to your resume and explain any unique career steps you’ve taken. More importantly, you have the opportunity to explain why you want the role, why it excites you and highlight the passion and enthusiasm that you intend to bring to it.

For expert guidance on creating a persuasive cover letter, explore our comprehensive guide on how to write a cover letter and draw inspiration from our extensive library of cover letter examples.

To maintain a consistent visual appearance between your cover letter and resume, consider using a professionally designed cover letter template from our Cover Letter Builder.

Let your cover letter reinforce your position as the ideal candidate for the role of a NICU nurse.

Key takeaways for your NICU nurse resume

Personalize your resume for each opportunity

Customize your resume to align with the specific requirements of each NICU nurse role, emphasizing your skills in neonatal care, patient monitoring and teamwork.
Highlight your NICU nursing experience

Showcase your hands-on involvement in providing care for premature infants and critically ill newborns, from assessment to treatment, demonstrating your ability to excel in fast-paced health care environments. Study some NICU nurse resume examples for help visualizing what a strong work history section should look like.
Emphasize your dedication to continuous learning

Highlight any advanced courses, certifications or workshops you’ve completed in the field of neonatal care, underscoring your commitment to staying updated on the latest medical practices and technologies.
Express your passion for NICU nursing

While your resume provides a summary of your skills, a well-crafted cover letter can convey your genuine passion for providing critical care to newborns and their families, adding a personal touch to your application.
Highlight measurable achievements

If you’ve contributed to improved patient outcomes, reduced recovery times or played a key role in critical medical situations, emphasize these accomplishments with specific metrics and results.
Showcase collaboration and team leadership

In the field of NICU nursing, collaboration is essential. Highlight instances where you’ve effectively worked with interdisciplinary teams, showcasing your ability to foster a collaborative health care environment for optimal patient care.

Frequently asked questions from job seekers

Last Updated: June 10, 2024

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Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.