Your travel nurse resume is the first impression that hiring managers have of who you are, your work experience, and whether you would be a good fit at their facility. Travel nursing has exploded as a career, and for popular assignments, there are typically many applicants vying for the same opportunity. When it comes to securing a top travel nursing assignment, a standout resume can make all the difference.
To help travelers craft the perfect resume, we’ve gathered insights from Ventura MedStaff’s lead nursing recruiters, Darrin and Tiffany. Here are their expert tips to make your resume shine.
1. General Tips for Creating a Standout Resume
“Recruiters need to know the actual location you worked in and not just the healthcare staffing agency you used,” said Tiffany. She explained that this provides valuable insight into the settings and environments where you’ve gained experience, plus this is a compliance requirement.
“Always list charting systems used, unit size, and patient ratios if applicable,” remarked Tiffany. “And be sure to note whether the position was permanent or a travel assignment. These details speak volumes about your adaptability and experience.”
Tiffany also emphasized the importance of including all licenses and certifications with expiration dates, as well as educational details such as schools attended, graduation dates, and relevant degrees. “These elements showcase your professional foundation,” she said.
Both recruiters agreed that adding a summary of yourself—your goals, key achievements, and relevant experience—sets the stage for a compelling resume. “Include specifics about each job that showcase your expertise,” said Darrin. “Instead of general statements like ‘assessed patients and administered medications,’ highlight specialized skills such as chest tube management, central line care, or drip titration.”
“Don’t forget to highlight what makes you unique,” Tiffany added. “Did you work in a highly specialized unit? Are you a Daisy Award winner or bilingual? These are key differentiators that make you stand out to hiring managers.”
Darrin also encouraged honesty about employment gaps. “Don’t be embarrassed about taking time off,” she noted. “Just let us know it was planned time off and not an oversight in your employment history.”
2. Mistakes to Avoid on Your Travel Nurse Resume
“Avoid cluttering your resume with irrelevant information,” Tiffany advised. She emphasized that job responsibilities should focus on common patient populations, floors or units worked on, and specific procedures performed.
She elaborated, “Many resumes are first screened by HR personnel or even automated systems. These systems look for keywords that match the job description. The more cluttered your resume, the harder it is to make an impression.”
3. Why a Good Travel Nurse Resume Matters
“Your resume is not just your first impression with a manager—it’s also the first thing your recruiter sees,” said Tiffany. “It gives us a clear picture of your qualifications so we can match you with the best positions.”
Plus, Tiffany pointed out that some travel positions don’t require formal interviews. “In those cases, your resume needs to speak for itself,” she said. “Highlighting achievements and showcasing your aptitude can make you more appealing to hiring managers.”
“Speed to market is another key factor,” Darrin remarked. “The better your resume, the quicker we can format it for facilities and submit you for the job you want.”
Darrin also suggested tailoring your resume to each job. “By aligning your skills with the specific position, you’re essentially marketing yourself directly to the facility,” she explained.
4. Additional Tips for Marketing Yourself
Tiffany stressed the importance of adaptability and leadership. “The market is more competitive than ever,” she said. “Highlight your ability to adapt to new environments and any leadership roles you’ve held. If you’re unsure about what’s relevant, consult your recruiter.”
Darrin encouraged travelers to remain open and flexible. “Recruiters might bring you opportunities you didn’t initially consider,” she noted. “Sometimes, those unexpected assignments turn out to be the best ones!”
Travel with Ventura MedStaff
By following these expert tips from Darrin and Tiffany, you can create a travel nurse resume that not only catches the eye of hiring managers but also opens the door to incredible travel opportunities. Start polishing your resume today and set yourself up for success on your next adventure!
We’d love to help you with any questions you have, help you with your resume, and find you the assignment of your dreams. Get in contact with a recruiter today to get started.
