35+ Resume Keywords for Nurses and Nursing Roles

ATS-optimized keyword guide for RN, LPN, NP, and specialized nursing positions. Includes clinical terms, certifications, and EMR systems.

Nursing resumes and ATS

Major hospital systems like HCA, Kaiser, and the VA all use applicant tracking systems. Nursing resumes that don't include the right clinical keywords and certification formats get filtered out before a nurse manager ever sees them.

Certifications and licenses

RN (Registered Nurse), BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), MSN, NP (Nurse Practitioner), LPN/LVN, APRN, CNS, CRNA. BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP, TNCC, CEN, CCRN, OCN, CNOR. Always include both the abbreviation and the full name.

Clinical skills and procedures

Patient assessment, medication administration, IV therapy, wound care, ventilator management, telemetry monitoring, phlebotomy, catheterization, tracheostomy care, patient education, discharge planning, care coordination, triage, infection control.

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EMR and technology

Epic, Cerner, Meditech, CPSI, Allscripts, McKesson, electronic health records (EHR), electronic medical records (EMR), computerized physician order entry (CPOE), barcode medication administration (BCMA), telehealth, remote patient monitoring.

Specialties and departments

ICU/CCU, ER/ED, OR, PACU, Med-Surg, Labor & Delivery, NICU, Pediatrics, Oncology, Cardiac, Orthopedics, Psychiatric/Mental Health, Home Health, Hospice/Palliative Care, Ambulatory Care, Case Management.

Build your nursing resume

ATSBoost understands nursing-specific terminology and certification formatting. Upload your resume, paste the hospital job posting, and get instant ATS scoring with clinical keyword analysis.