Simply put, to write your RN license on your resume, clearly state “RN” followed by your state and license number in your contact information or a dedicated licensure section. Ensure it’s accurate and easy to find for recruiters.
Navigating the early stages of your nursing career can feel like deciphering a secret code. One common question that pops up is how to properly showcase your Registered Nurse (RN) license on your resume. It’s a crucial piece of your professional identity, and getting it right can make a big difference when applying for jobs. Many new graduates and even experienced nurses sometimes feel unsure about the best placement and format. Don’t worry, it’s a common hurdle! This guide will walk you through the most effective and professional ways to present your RN license, ensuring it catches the eye of hiring managers and makes your application shine. We’ll cover everything from where to put it to what details are essential.
Why Your RN License Matters on Your Resume
Your RN license is more than just a credential; it’s your official authorization to practice nursing. It signifies that you have met the educational requirements, passed the rigorous NCLEX-RN examination, and are competent to provide safe and effective patient care. For employers, it’s a non-negotiable requirement. They need to know immediately that you are legally qualified to fill the nursing positions they are offering. Displaying your RN license prominently and correctly on your resume is therefore essential for several reasons:
- Verifies Qualification: It instantly confirms you meet the minimum legal standard for the role.
- Builds Credibility: It adds a layer of professionalism and trust to your application.
- Facilitates Screening: Recruiters and HR professionals can quickly identify you as a qualified candidate.
- Demonstrates Compliance: It shows you understand and adhere to professional and regulatory requirements.
Think of it as your golden ticket to getting your resume past the initial screening. Without it, your application might be overlooked, no matter how impressive your experience or skills are. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), maintaining an active and valid license is a fundamental responsibility of every nurse.
Where to Place Your RN License on Your Resume
The key to showcasing your RN license effectively is to make it easily visible without disrupting the flow of your resume. There are a few prime locations where it fits naturally and professionally:
1. Contact Information Section (Most Recommended)
This is the most common and recommended place to list your RN license. Your contact information is typically at the very top of your resume, making it immediately accessible to anyone reviewing your application. It’s the first thing recruiters see after your name.
How to format it:
- RN, [Your State] License Number: [Your License Number]
- For example: RN, California License Number: 123456
You can also add the expiration date if it’s close to expiring or if you want to highlight its current validity. However, simply stating “RN” and your license number is usually sufficient here. If your license is active and in good standing, that’s the primary information employers need upfront.
Example:
Jane Doe, MSN, RN (123) 456-7890 | jane.doe@email.com | linkedin.com/in/janedoe | Anytown, USA RN, New York License Number: 987654
2. Dedicated Licensure & Certifications Section
If you have multiple licenses, certifications, or specialized training, creating a dedicated section can be very effective. This section is usually placed after your professional summary or experience and before your education.
How to format it:
- Create a clear heading like “Licensure & Certifications” or “Professional Licenses.”
- List each license or certification with its issuing body and number.
Example:
LICENSURE & CERTIFICATIONS Registered Nurse (RN), Texas Board of Nursing, License Number: 112233 (Active, Expires MM/YYYY) Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, American Heart Association (Valid Through MM/YYYY) Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), American Heart Association (Valid Through MM/YYYY)
This approach is particularly useful if you hold licenses in multiple states or have a variety of certifications that bolster your qualifications.
3. Within Your Professional Summary (Use with Caution)
While possible, mentioning your RN license directly in your professional summary is generally less recommended than the other two options. The summary should focus on your career highlights, skills, and career goals. However, if you are a brand-new graduate or a career changer, you might briefly mention your status.
Example of cautious use:
Highly motivated and compassionate Registered Nurse with a recent NCLEX-RN pass and active license in [State]. Eager to apply clinical skills and dedication to patient care in a fast-paced hospital setting. Seeking to contribute to a team focused on positive patient outcomes.
The primary goal of the summary is to hook the reader, not to list credentials. Let your contact or licensure section do the heavy lifting for your RN status.
What Information to Include
When listing your RN license, precision is key. Here’s what you should always include:
- “RN”: Always preface your license with “RN” to clearly identify your professional title.
- State of Licensure: Specify the state in which you hold your active license (e.g., California, New York, Texas).
- License Number: This is the unique identifier assigned to you by the state’s Board of Nursing.
Optional but sometimes helpful information:
- Expiration Date: Including the expiration date can be useful, especially if your license is current and you want to emphasize that. However, if your license is active and you don’t want to update it every time it renews on your resume, you can omit the expiration date.
- Compact License Status: If you hold a multistate license under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), you can mention this. For example, “RN, Multistate License (NLC).” You can find more information about the NLC on the NCSBN website.
Crucially, ensure the information is accurate. A mismatch can lead to your application being immediately disqualified. Double-check your license number and state against your official documentation.
Formatting Best Practices for Your RN License
Beyond what information to include, how you present it matters. Here are some formatting tips to ensure clarity and professionalism:
- Consistency: Maintain a consistent format throughout your resume. If you list other licenses or certifications, use a similar style.
- Clarity: Use clear, easy-to-read fonts and avoid overly stylized text.
- Bold Text: Bolding “RN” or the entire license information can help it stand out.
- Spacing: Ensure adequate white space around your contact information and any dedicated sections for readability.
Here’s a quick comparison of good vs. less ideal formatting:
| Good Formatting | Less Ideal Formatting |
|---|---|
| RN, Florida License # 123456 | My nursing license number is 123456 for Florida. |
| Registered Nurse, State of Texas, License: 987654 | Texas RN Lic #987654 |
| RN, California License Number: 765432 (Active) | Got my CA RN license! #765432 |
The goal is to be professional, direct, and informative. Avoid jargon or informal language.
What If You Have Multiple State RN Licenses?
If you are licensed in more than one state, you have a few options for how to present this information:
- List Primary State First: If you are applying for a job in a specific state, list that state’s license first, even if it’s not your original or longest-held license.
- Use the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC): If you are in a state that is part of the NLC and hold a multistate license, you can simply state: “RN, Multistate License (NLC).” You can check if your state is part of the NLC on the NCSBN website.
- List All Relevant Licenses: If the job description or location requires or implies a need for multiple state licenses, you can list them all. For example:
LICENSURE RN, New York License Number: 987654 (Primary) RN, New Jersey License Number: 123456 RN, Pennsylvania License Number: 654321
Always tailor this to the specific job you are applying for. If a job is in New York, highlighting your New York license is most important.
What If Your RN License is Pending or Expired?
This is a critical point, and honesty is the best policy.
Pending RN License
If you have graduated and are awaiting your NCLEX-RN results or your official license number, you can indicate this. However, be aware that many employers require an active license to begin employment.
How to phrase it:
- “Registered Nurse (RN) License Pending – NCLEX-RN Passed [Date]”
- “Eligible for RN Licensure in [State] – Awaiting License Number”
It’s also advisable to mention this in your cover letter. You can also state that you are actively pursuing your license and are confident in obtaining it by your projected start date. Some employers may be willing to hire you as a graduate nurse or temporary permit holder while you finalize your licensure.
Expired RN License
An expired license means you are not legally permitted to practice as an RN. If your license has expired, you should not list it as an active RN license. Instead, address the situation directly:
- If you are in the process of renewing: You can state, “RN License Renewal in Progress – [State].”
- If your license has lapsed and you have not yet renewed: It is best not to mention it as an active license. Focus on the steps you are taking to reinstate it. You might discuss this with a potential employer during the interview process rather than highlighting it on your resume.
It’s crucial to maintain an active license throughout your nursing career. Failure to do so can have serious professional consequences. Refer to your state’s Board of Nursing for renewal requirements and deadlines.
Tips for Recent Graduates
For recent graduates, your RN license is often one of your most significant qualifications. Here are some tailored tips:
- Highlight NCLEX Success: If you’ve passed the NCLEX-RN, absolutely mention it. This shows you’ve completed the final, critical step to licensure.
- Specify the State: Clearly state the state where you are licensed or have applied for licensure.
- Include Education Prominently: Place your nursing degree (e.g., BSN, ADN) and the institution’s name near the top, often right after your contact information or before your experience.
- Emphasize Clinical Rotations: If you have limited work experience, detail your clinical rotations, highlighting skills and patient populations you worked with.
Example for a recent graduate:
EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) University of Health Sciences, City, State | Graduated: May 2023 LICENSURE & CERTIFICATIONS RN, Georgia License Number: 543210 (Eligible for Renewal MM/YYYY) Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, American Heart Association
Tips for Experienced Nurses
Experienced nurses often have a wealth of certifications and multistate licenses. Here’s how to manage them:
- Prioritize Relevance: List licenses and certifications that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for.
- Use a Dedicated Section: A “Licensure & Certifications” section is ideal for showcasing multiple credentials.
- Include Specialty Certifications: If you have certifications like CCRN (Critical Care), CEN (Emergency Nursing), or others, include them. These can significantly boost your application for specialized roles.
- Multistate Licenses: If you have a multistate license, note it, especially if applying for positions in different compact states.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, some common errors can undermine your resume:
- Incorrect License Number: A typo here can be a deal-breaker. Always double-check.
- Expired License: Listing an expired license as current is misleading and unprofessional.
- Vague State Information: Simply saying “RN License” without the state is insufficient.
- Too Much Emphasis: While important, don’t let your license details overshadow your experience and skills in your summary or experience sections.
- Informal Language: Avoid casual phrasing. Stick to professional terminology.
Here’s a quick look at what to avoid:
| Mistake | Why It’s Bad | How to Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Missing State or Number | Cannot be verified, looks incomplete. | Always include state and license number. |
| Listing Expired License as Active | Misleading, shows lack of attention to detail. | State renewal status or omit if not actively renewed. |
| Using Informal Language (“Got my RN!”) | Unprofessional. | Use clear, formal phrasing: “RN, [State] License #XXXXXX.” |
| Hiding License in a Long Paragraph | Difficult for recruiters to find quickly. | Place in contact info or a dedicated section. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do I need to include my RN license number on my resume?
A1: Yes, it is highly recommended to include your RN license number, the state of licensure, and the title “RN” in your contact information or a dedicated licensure section. This confirms your qualification to employers.
Q2: Where is the best place to put my RN license information?
A2: The most effective place is in your contact information section at the top of your resume, right after your name and contact details. Alternatively, a dedicated “Licensure & Certifications” section works well, especially if you have multiple credentials.
Q3: What if my RN license is pending? How should I list it?
A3: You can list it as “RN License Pending – NCLEX-RN Passed [Date]” or “Eligible for RN Licensure in [State] – Awaiting License Number.” Be prepared to discuss this with potential employers, as some require an active license to start.
Q4: Should I include the expiration date of my RN license?
A4: It’s optional. Including it can show your license is current, but if you prefer not to update your resume every renewal cycle, you can omit it. Ensure it is active when you apply.
Q5: I have licenses in multiple states. How do I list them?
A5: Prioritize the license relevant to the job location. If applying in a specific state, list that one first. You can also list all relevant multistate licenses, especially if you hold a compact license (NLC).
Q6: Is it okay to just put “RN” without the license number?
A6: No, simply putting “RN” is not enough. Employers need to see the state and the license number for verification. It’s a critical piece of information that confirms your legal standing to practice.