Nurse CV example
In nursing, your CV must make clear which units you've worked in, which clinical skills you master and that you're NMC-registered. This example organises it so a ward manager sees it at a glance.
Template: Modern · Fictional example: names, companies and details are made up to illustrate the format.
Tips for this CV
- 1Name the specific units: A&E, ICU, theatres, acute medicine… It's the first thing they look for.
- 2Include your licence and current certifications (BLS, ILS, ALS) with their dates.
- 3For NHS trusts, add your CPD with its hours (it also supports NMC revalidation).
- 4If you've been a preceptor, nurse in charge or joined a protocol committee, say so: it shows commitment.
Nurse interview questions (and how to answer them)
The questions that come up most in interviews for this role, and what the interviewer is really checking.
- 1
What is your typical patient-to-nurse ratio in high-acuity units like A&E or acute medicine?
Hospital managers need to know your clinical capacity and comfort level with heavy patient loads. Give volume numbers: patients per shift, bed counts, and admission rates. For example: In my previous acute medical ward, I routinely managed a ratio of [1:5 to 1:6] acute patients across a 36-bed ward.
- 2
Which EMR systems and clinical certifications do you currently hold?
They must verify your technical readiness and compliance credentials instantly. Name your software experience and active life-support certifications. For example: I am proficient in Cerner and System C electronic patient records, and I hold active BLS, ALS and sepsis screening certifications.
- 3
How do you prioritize patient care when multiple alarms go off simultaneously?
They test your clinical judgment and emergency triage under extreme stress. Explain how you assess immediate life threats using the ABCDE framework. For example: I quickly evaluate sound urgency and patient visual cues, immediately addressing airway and breathing issues first while delegating support to assistive staff.
- 4
Describe a time when you caught a doctor's medication order error before it reached the patient.
Patient safety is your primary responsibility. Share a concrete example of your vigilance and professional communication. For example: While reviewing a dosage calculation for a post-op patient, I noticed a tenfold discrepancy and immediately contacted the consultant to verify before administration.
- 5
How do you handle an aggressive or disoriented patient who refuses treatment?
They check your de-escalation skills, empathy, and adherence to safety protocols. Detail how you maintain a calm demeanor and involve security or psychiatry when necessary. For example: I speak in a low, reassuring voice, respect their personal space, and collaborate with the care team to find safe alternatives.
- 6
State your availability for night shifts, weekend rotations, and holiday scheduling in your summary.
Healthcare operates 24/7, making shift flexibility a core hiring prerequisite. Be precise about your schedule preferences. For example: I am fully available for night shifts, rotating weekends, and holiday coverage as outlined in my CV summary.
Frequently asked questions
Should I put my NMC PIN on my nursing CV?
Say you're NMC-registered and in which field (Adult, Child, Mental Health, Learning Disabilities). Employers check the register online, so the PIN itself is optional — “available on request” is fine.
Do I list every agency or bank shift?
Group them: “Agency and bank shifts, various NHS trusts (2019–2021)”, with the wards you worked on. That way you don't fill half a page with short contracts.