How to Write a Nursing Resume Objective for a New Graduate with Examples

A well-written resume objective can expand and improve your job prospects as a recent nursing graduate. Reviewing your accomplishments to discover what you can contribute to a work environment can better prepare you to write your resume objective and other application materials. This article will define nursing resume objectives and provide numerous objective examples to give you a clear idea of what a good objective looks like for a new graduate.

What is a resume objective?

A resume objective is a short explanation of your skills and career goals as they relate to the job you’re applying for. You usually add a resume objective right below your contact information so it’s one of the first things an employer sees. This statement is your chance to impress an employer and provide an overview of what qualifies you to join their nursing staff. 

A good resume objective should concisely outline the following: 

  • Your professional goals
  • The nursing skills and abilities you bring to the position 
  • Your degrees and professional certifications

This statement should be no more than three sentences. It should make an impact so the hiring manager is compelled to read the rest of your resume. 

Resume objective examples for nursing graduates 

Here are some examples of nursing resume objectives for new graduates:

Example 1

‘Enthusiastic and dedicated nursing graduate with a calm disposition, crisis management skills and extensive clinical hours in an urgent care setting. Empathetic patient advocate who increased patient adherence to therapy protocols by 25% over a three-month period. Seeking an entry-level position as a staff nurse at Boulder Hospital to assist with increasing quality of care.’

This objective is effective because it includes information relevant to the specific position, including accomplishments and skills that align with the profession. This objective also includes relevant keywords in order to be recognized by applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Example 2

‘Patient-focused, empathic Registered Nurse pursuing a role as part of a growing medical practice. Bringing expertise and thorough knowledge of treatment to help change patients’ lives.’

This objective includes necessary elements such as the specific job title, certification and desired role.

Example 3

‘Hard-working, compassionate recent nursing school graduate seeking a role as a rural nurse. Experience working in high-stress situations in emergency rooms and other clinical settings.’

The mention of a specific job title, specific goal and situational experience make this objective concise and easy to read.

Example 4

‘Attentive, compassionate Registered Nurse with a comprehensive education seeking opportunity to work with children with special needs. Substantial administrative skills and thorough sense of detail perfect for a nursing management position.’

This objective shows the range of skills possessed by the individual and specific job goals which will make it stand out to employers.

Example 5

‘Recently graduated Nurse pursuing a position on the staff of a medical clinic dedicated to public access to healthcare. Detail-oriented and caring, with a desire to encourage a positive atmosphere for patients of all ages and needs.’

This objective is direct in the position desired and demonstrates a goal to create a positive work environment.

Example 6

‘Recent nursing graduate seeking an opportunity to mentor nursing students while offering quality healthcare in a large teaching hospital. Skills include a high level of professionalism in stressful situations and a comforting bedside manner.’

This graduate creates a two-sentence objective by delivering a concise statement that includes the job characteristics desired, skills offered and type of facility sought. 

Example 7

‘Nursing graduate and licensed RN seeking a role in which acquired and innate caregiving skills can be used to improve the health and lives of medically-vulnerable individuals seeking treatment in a clinical setting.’

Immediately presenting obtained licensure and a straightforward statement make this objective easy to skim and sets the tone for a more in-depth resume.

Example 8

‘Attentive ACLS-certified nursing graduate with a positive disposition, seeking a role as a Registered Nurse in a large inner-city hospital setting. Skills include flexibility, attention to detail and a genuine desire to nurture patients and assist doctors in their care.’

Leading with certifications, clearly stating the role sought and stating top skills make this concise objective informative and easy to read quickly.

Example 9

‘Motivated recent nursing graduate interested in an entry-level nursing position at a medium-sized hospital. Offers special skills in surgical assistance and post-operative patient care as well as experience in pharmaceutical oncology. Top skills include efficiency, attentiveness and an analytical approach to health problems.’

This objective is especially detailed but still easy to read.

Example 10

‘Nursing graduate seeking an entry-level role at a local healthcare center. Specialized training includes cardiac care, intravenous infusion and dialysis, and skills include building rapport and trust with patients and a willingness to continue learning.’

This graduate concisely explains what level of employment they’re looking for, where they want to work and what they’re specially trained in, which includes important keywords that make the statement stand out to ATS.

Example 11

‘Dedicated nursing graduate seeking a role as a Registered Nurse for a state hospital. Special knowledge and expertise include critical care, oncology and emergency room care.’

This objective offers special training, specified role and desired workplace, all of which will allow the resume to be recognized by ATS and easily read by hiring managers.

Example 12

‘Motivated nursing graduate seeking an opportunity to leverage skills in compassionate patient care, critical thinking and continuous learning in an entry-level nursing role at a clinic serving low-income community members.’

The skills in this objective are clear and relevant, and the role and place of work desired are concisely stated. Paired with relevant keywords, this objective will help this resume get attention from employers. 

Example 13

‘Recent nursing school graduate seeking a full-time position on a busy hospital nursing staff where I can offer my compassionate care and varied clinical skills to help the hospital maintain and increase quality and efficiency levels of patient care.’

This objective manages to concisely state how hiring this person will not only fulfill the applicant’s needs but also how they’ll add value to the facility using their specific skills.

Example 14

‘New nursing graduate seeking to offer compassionate care, communication and technical skills in a healthcare facility serving the elderly. Experience includes the successful completion of a one-year internship at a hospice care facility and multiple job-shadowing opportunities with established nurses and other medical professionals.’  

Since technology is constantly evolving, mentioning the skills related to technological advancements as well as compassion are likely to get an employer’s interest.