How to put RN license on resume: Clearly display your Registered Nurse (RN) license by listing it in a dedicated “Licenses & Certifications” section or within your contact information. Ensure accuracy with the full license number, state of issuance, and expiration date to highlight your qualifications effectively and impress hiring managers.
Navigating the job market as a Registered Nurse can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to presenting your qualifications perfectly on your resume. You’ve worked hard to earn your RN license, and it’s a crucial credential that employers look for. But where and how do you best showcase it? Many nurses wonder if it’s enough to just mention it somewhere. This can lead to frustration and missed opportunities. Don’t worry, though! I’m here to guide you through the simple, proven steps to make sure your RN license shines on your resume, helping you stand out to potential employers. Let’s get your qualifications noticed!
Why Your RN License Belongs on Your Resume
Your Registered Nurse (RN) license is more than just a piece of paper; it’s your professional passport to practicing nursing. It signifies that you have met the rigorous standards set by the state board of nursing and are qualified to provide safe and effective patient care. In the healthcare industry, this credential is non-negotiable for most nursing positions.
Hiring managers and recruiters actively search for this specific qualification. When it’s clearly and accurately displayed on your resume, it tells them immediately that you possess the fundamental requirements for the role. This saves them time and can significantly speed up your application review process. Think of it as your golden ticket – it proves you’re eligible to work and ready to contribute to their team.
For students and recent graduates, this is especially important. Your RN license is likely your most significant professional achievement to date. Highlighting it prominently assures employers that despite potentially limited work experience, you have the necessary legal and educational foundation to begin your nursing career.
Key Information to Include About Your RN License
When you decide to include your RN license on your resume, accuracy is paramount. Employers need to verify your credentials, and providing the correct details makes this process smooth. Here’s the essential information you should always include:
- Full License Number: This is your unique identifier as a licensed nurse in a specific state.
- State of Issuance: Clearly state the state(s) where you hold an active RN license. If you are licensed in multiple states, list them all.
- License Type: Specify that it is a “Registered Nurse” or “RN” license.
- Expiration Date: While not always mandatory, including the expiration date can be helpful, especially if your license is current and will remain so for a while. It demonstrates ongoing compliance.
- Verification Information (Optional but Recommended): You can include a link to the state’s Board of Nursing verification portal, allowing employers to easily check your license status.
Ensuring all these details are correct and up-to-date is crucial. Double-check your license certificate or your state’s Board of Nursing website for the exact information.
Where to Place Your RN License on Your Resume
The placement of your RN license on your resume can significantly impact how easily a hiring manager finds this critical information. There are a few strategic locations where it fits perfectly:
1. Dedicated “Licenses & Certifications” Section
This is the most common and recommended place for your RN license. It creates a clear, organized space for all your professional credentials. This section is typically placed after your “Summary” or “Objective” and before your “Work Experience.”
Example:
Licenses & Certifications Registered Nurse (RN), License # [Your License Number] State of [State Name] Expires: [MM/YYYY] Verification: [Link to State Board of Nursing Verification Page]
If you hold licenses in multiple states, you can list them like this:
Licenses & Certifications Registered Nurse (RN), License # [Your License Number] State of California, Issued: [MM/YYYY], Expires: [MM/YYYY] Registered Nurse (RN), License # [Your License Number] State of Nevada, Issued: [MM/YYYY], Expires: [MM/YYYY]
2. Contact Information Section
For a more immediate display, you can also include your primary RN license directly within your contact information. This is particularly effective if you are applying for positions in the state where you are licensed and want to make that immediately apparent.
Example:
Jane Doe, RN (123) 456-7890 | jane.doe@email.com | linkedin.com/in/janedoe [Your City, State] | RN License: [State Name] # [Your License Number]
This approach is concise and immediately signals your RN status to anyone glancing at your resume.
3. Within Your Summary or Objective (Use Sparingly)
While not the primary placement, you can briefly mention your RN status in your professional summary or objective statement, especially if you are a recent graduate highlighting your entry into the profession.
Example Summary Snippet:
“Highly motivated and compassionate Registered Nurse with a newly acquired RN license in [State Name], eager to contribute to patient well-being in a fast-paced hospital environment.”
However, avoid putting the full license number and expiration date here. This section is for a brief overview of your professional profile.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Put RN License on Resume
Let’s break down the process into simple, actionable steps:
Step 1: Gather Your RN License Information
Before you start editing your resume, make sure you have all the correct details of your RN license. This includes:
- Your full RN license number.
- The state where your license was issued.
- The exact expiration date (if applicable).
- The official name of the license (e.g., Registered Nurse).
You can find this information on your official license certificate or by logging into your account on your state’s Board of Nursing website. For example, if you are licensed in Texas, you would visit the Texas Board of Nursing website.
Step 2: Choose the Best Placement
As discussed earlier, the most professional and effective places are either a dedicated “Licenses & Certifications” section or within your contact information. For most situations, a dedicated section offers more clarity and space for multiple licenses or certifications.
Step 3: Format Your RN License Entry
Consistency in formatting is key. Here are a few standard ways to present your license information:
- Option A (Dedicated Section):
Licenses & Certifications Registered Nurse (RN) | License # [Your License Number] State of [State Name] | Expires: [MM/YYYY] - Option B (More Detail):
Licenses & Certifications Registered Nurse (RN) State: [State Name] License Number: [Your License Number] Expiration Date: [MM/YYYY] - Option C (Contact Info Integration):
Jane Doe, RN ... RN License: [State Name] # [Your License Number]
Choose the format that best suits your resume’s overall design and the amount of information you need to convey.
Step 4: Proofread Meticulously
This is perhaps the most critical step. Any error in your license number or state can lead to your application being rejected. Read it aloud, have a friend or colleague review it, and compare it against your official license document one last time. Ensure there are no typos, missing digits, or incorrect state abbreviations.
Step 5: Save and Submit
Once you’ve finalized your resume with the correctly formatted RN license information, save it as a PDF. This preserves your formatting and ensures it looks the same on any device. When uploading your resume to job application portals, always choose the PDF option.
Handling Multiple RN Licenses
If you hold RN licenses in more than one state (e.g., you have a compact license or are licensed in states where you’ve previously lived or worked), it’s important to list them all clearly. This can be a significant advantage, especially for positions that require flexibility or travel.
In your “Licenses & Certifications” section, list each license separately. You can use the following format:
| License Type | State | License Number | Expiration Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | California | [CA License #] | [MM/YYYY] |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Arizona | [AZ License #] | [MM/YYYY] |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Nevada | [NV License #] | [MM/YYYY] |
Alternatively, you can list them as bullet points within the section:
- Registered Nurse (RN), State of California, License # [CA License #], Expires: [MM/YYYY]
- Registered Nurse (RN), State of Arizona, License # [AZ License #], Expires: [MM/YYYY]
By listing all your active licenses, you demonstrate your broad eligibility and willingness to work across different geographical areas, which can be a strong selling point.
When Your RN License is Pending
What if you’ve passed your NCLEX-RN but are still waiting for your official license number? It’s still crucial to communicate your status to potential employers. You can indicate that your license is pending.
Here’s how you can address this:
- In your Summary: “Recent graduate and aspiring Registered Nurse, having successfully passed the NCLEX-RN exam, awaiting official state licensure.”
- In your “Licenses & Certifications” Section:
Licenses & Certifications NCLEX-RN Passed: [Date] Registered Nurse (RN) License – Pending State of [State Name]
This shows that you have completed the necessary steps and are legally cleared to practice once the license is issued. Many healthcare facilities will hire candidates who are pending licensure, provided they are actively working towards it.
Additional Tips for Showcasing Your RN Credential
Beyond the basic placement, here are some expert tips to make your RN license information even more impactful:
- Be Specific: Always use “Registered Nurse” or “RN.” Avoid generic terms like “Licensed Nurse.”
- Active Status: Ensure your license is active and in good standing. If it’s inactive or expired, do not list it.
- State Boards of Nursing: Familiarize yourself with your state’s Board of Nursing. For instance, the New York State Board of Nursing provides official resources for nurses.
- Compact Licenses: If you hold a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) license, mention it. This allows you to practice in other NLC states. You can find more information on the NCSBN website.
- Keep it Updated: As you renew your license or obtain new ones, update your resume promptly.
- Consider Professional Organizations: If you are a member of relevant nursing organizations (e.g., American Nurses Association), you can list these in a separate “Professional Memberships” section.
Remember, your resume is a living document that should reflect your current qualifications accurately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with clear guidance, some common pitfalls can undermine the effectiveness of how you present your RN license:
- Incorrect License Number: A single digit off can be a deal-breaker. Always double-check.
- Missing State Information: Employers need to know where you are licensed to practice.
- Listing Expired or Lapsed Licenses: This can raise red flags. Only list active, valid licenses.
- Vague Descriptions: Using terms like “Nursing License” instead of “Registered Nurse (RN) License” can cause confusion.
- Hiding the Information: Burying your license details deep within your experience section makes it hard for recruiters to find.
- Typos in Expiration Dates: This can suggest a lack of attention to detail.
Avoiding these mistakes will ensure your resume makes a strong, positive impression.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need to include my RN license number on my resume?
Yes, it is highly recommended to include your full RN license number, the state of issuance, and the expiration date. This provides verifiable proof of your qualifications to potential employers.
Q2: Where is the best place to put my RN license on my resume?
The most professional and effective placement is in a dedicated “Licenses & Certifications” section. Alternatively, you can integrate it concisely into your contact information.
Q3: What if I have an RN license in multiple states?
List each active RN license separately in your “Licenses & Certifications” section, clearly stating the state, license number, and expiration date for each.
Q4: What should I do if my RN license is still pending?
If you’ve passed the NCLEX-RN but are awaiting your official license, state “Registered Nurse (RN) License – Pending” in your certifications section and mention passing the NCLEX in your summary.
Q5: Should I include my license verification link?
Including a direct link to your state’s Board of Nursing license verification page is optional but helpful. It allows employers to easily confirm your license status.
Q6: Is it okay to put “RN” after my name in my contact information?
Yes, appending “RN” after your name in your contact information (e.g., “Jane Doe, RN”) is a common and accepted practice that immediately highlights your professional designation.
Conclusion
Presenting your RN license on your resume is a straightforward yet critical step in your job search. By accurately detailing your license number, state of issuance, and expiration date, and by placing this information strategically in a dedicated section or your contact details, you ensure employers can quickly verify your qualifications. Remember to always proofread meticulously to avoid any errors. Whether you’re a seasoned nurse with multiple licenses or a new graduate eagerly awaiting your credential, following these proven steps will help your resume stand out and open doors to exciting career opportunities. Keep your resume updated, stay confident in your skills, and you’ll be well on your way to landing your next nursing role!