Healthcare / NHS
Nurse CV example (UK)
A UK nurse CV for adult, children's, mental health or learning disability nursing, in the NHS or private sector, built around your NMC registration.
Example CV profile
NMC-registered [adult / children's / mental health / learning disability] nurse with [two] years' experience in [a community mental health team / an acute surgical ward]. Delivers safe, person-centred care, keeps clear and accurate records, and works well with the wider multidisciplinary team. [Practice supervisor for student nurses.]
Key skills to include (if true for you)
- NMC registration: [field of practice] (PIN given on application)
- Patient assessment and care planning
- Medicines management (in line with local policy)
- Recognising and escalating deterioration (e.g. NEWS2, PEWS)
- Safeguarding adults and children
- Infection prevention and control
- Clinical record keeping on [SystmOne / EMIS / Epic]
- Supervising and assessing students (if you do)
Example experience bullet points
- Cared for [n] patients a shift on a [type] ward, prioritising and escalating care based on assessments and observations.
- Completed [IV / venepuncture] competencies and gave [oral / IV / subcutaneous] medicines safely, following local medicines policy.
- Wrote and reviewed person-centred care plans with patients and families.
- Worked with families and the wider team to plan [discharges / transfers of care / community follow-up] for [patient group].
- Supported [n] student nurses on placement as a practice supervisor and helped them work towards their NMC proficiencies.
- Made safeguarding referrals in line with local procedures and recorded them accurately.
- Took part in [audit / quality improvement project] on [topic], which led to [result].
Illustrative only. Replace with your own real roles, dates and results — never copy experience you don't have.
Education & training
- NMC registered nurse: [field of practice], registered [year]
- BSc (Hons) [Adult / Children's / Mental Health / Learning Disabilities] Nursing – [university], [year]
- [Immediate Life Support / PILS] – [year] (if held)
Keywords UK recruiters screen for
NMC registration · registered nurse · patient safety · care planning · medicines management · safeguarding · infection prevention and control · multidisciplinary team · person-centred care · NEWS2 · practice supervisor
Tips for a nurse CV
- Say you're NMC-registered and name your field of practice in the first line. Use "registered nurse" only if you're on the NMC register, as it's a protected title.
- Still a student or awaiting your PIN? Say "student nurse" or "awaiting NMC registration, expected [month year]", and lead with your placements.
- Say where you work and who you care for, for example a community team, a mental health unit, theatres or a children's ward, so the reader can match it to their service.
- Use the person specification's wording, but only for things you've done. NHS Jobs applications also ask for a supporting statement, which is where the detail goes.
- Keep it to about two pages, with your most recent role first. You don't need to list references.
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NHS nurses are paid on Agenda for Change bands, and most newly registered nurses start at Band 5. Private, agency and care home pay varies by employer. Check the advert. Salary checker (ONS data).
Official sources and further reading
- National Careers Service: Nurse job profile
- NMC: Search the register
- Health Careers: Agenda for Change pay rates
What nursing shortlisters look for
Most nursing adverts and person specifications ask for evidence of:
- Registration. Current NMC registration in the right field of practice.
- Safe care. Assessment, escalation, medicines management and accurate records.
- Person-centred care. Involving patients and families in decisions.
- Teamwork. Working with doctors, therapists, social workers and community teams.
- Learning. Supervising students, competencies and training.
Paste the advert into the free job ad keyword extractor to see which of these the trust asks for most.
Which nursing CV example do you need?
| Role | What the CV should lead with | CV example |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse (any field) | NMC registration, field, setting | This page |
| Band 5 staff nurse (acute ward) | Ward skills, NEWS2, discharge planning | Registered nurse CV |
| Healthcare assistant | Care Certificate, fundamental care | Healthcare assistant CV |
| Dental nurse | GDC registration, chairside skills | Dental nurse CV |
Check it before you send it
Run your CV through the free CV checker for a suggested fix on each issue. You can also build and preview a CV for free in the CV builder.
FAQs
What should a nurse CV include?
Your NMC registration and field of practice, where you've worked and with which patients, clinical skills and competencies, examples of safe and person-centred care, any supervision of students, and your training, such as life support.
Should I put my NMC PIN on my CV?
It's optional. Stating that you're NMC-registered, with your field of practice, is usually enough on the CV. The application form normally asks for your PIN, and anyone can confirm your registration on the NMC's online register.
How do I write a CV as a newly qualified or student nurse?
Lead with your degree, your expected registration date and your placements, covering the setting, patient group and skills signed off. Don't call yourself a registered nurse until you're on the NMC register.
Is this the same as the registered nurse CV example?
This page covers nursing CVs across all four fields and settings. For a Band 5 acute ward CV, see the registered nurse CV example.
Applying abroad? Is a nursing resume different?
In the US, Canada and Australia it's usually called a resume, and you'll need to register with that country's nursing regulator. Describe your NMC registration clearly.
Related examples
- Registered Nurse CV example
- Healthcare Assistant CV example
- Care Assistant CV example
- Dental Nurse CV example
- Carer CV example
Applying to the NHS?
NHS jobs are shortlisted on a supporting statement against the person specification. See NHS supporting statement examples by band (Band 2, Band 3, Band 4, Band 5, Band 6, Band 7).
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