Travel Nurse as a New Grad – Resume Examples For 2025

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Starting out as a travel nurse as a new grad can feel both exciting and overwhelming. On one hand, it’s a chance to explore different hospitals, gain diverse clinical exposure, and build your nursing career faster. On the other, fresh graduates often worry about limited experience and how to stand out in a competitive field.

Hiring managers looking at new grad travel nurses typically value adaptability, strong clinical knowledge from your education and rotations, and a willingness to learn quickly in new environments. The good news? You don’t need years of experience to showcase these strengths—your resume can do it for you.

In this guide, you’ll find free copy-paste resume examples for new grad travel nurse, ready-to-use templates, formatting tips, keyword and action verb lists, and FAQs—everything you need to craft a professional resume that gets you noticed as a travel nurse, even with little or no prior experience.

New Grad Travel Nurse Resumes

If you’re just graduating, the biggest challenge is proving you’re ready for a travel nurse role without years of bedside experience. The truth is, recruiters don’t only look for experience—they look for adaptability, strong fundamentals, and proof you can learn quickly in new environments.

That’s why we’ve built these free copy-paste resume examples. Each one is tailored to a different situation new grads face—whether you have no experience, only clinical rotations, volunteer work, or you’re a recent pass-out looking for your first assignment.

Use these samples to:

  • See exactly how to structure your resume.
  • Learn what to highlight when you lack experience.
  • Copy the format, summary, and bullet points that actually work in travel nursing resumes.

Travel Nurse Resume template with No Experience

Why this resume is good:

  • Highlights education and clinical rotations since there’s no work history.
  • Shows certifications upfront to prove job-readiness.
  • Keeps skills section focused on entry-level strengths relevant to travel nursing.
  • Uses strong action verbs (assisted, documented, practiced) without over-claiming experience.

Travel Nurse with No Experience Resume Example | Text Sample

Ashley Thompson, RN, BSN

1025 Pine Street • Houston, TX 77002 • (832) 555-9032 • ashley.thompson@email.com • linkedin.com/in/ashleythompson


Professional Summary

Enthusiastic and dedicated Registered Nurse (BSN) eager to begin a career as a Travel Nurse. Skilled in patient care through hands-on clinical rotations in medical-surgical, pediatrics, and critical care units. Licensed RN with current BLS and ACLS certifications. Recognized for compassion, adaptability, and strong teamwork — ready to contribute to diverse healthcare settings with a commitment to learning and delivering safe, patient-focused care.


Licenses & Certifications

  • Registered Nurse, Texas State Board of Nursing (Compact State License Eligible)
  • Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), AHA
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), AHA (in progress)

Core Skills

  • Patient Care & Safety
  • Vital Signs Monitoring
  • Medication Administration (under supervision)
  • Infection Control & Hygiene Practices
  • EMR Documentation (Epic, Cerner exposure during clinicals)
  • Team Collaboration & Adaptability
  • Patient & Family Communication
  • Time Management & Organization

Clinical Experience (Rotations)

Medical-Surgical Rotation
Houston Methodist Hospital | Houston, TX | Jan 2025 – Mar 2025

  • Delivered bedside care to post-op patients under RN supervision.
  • Practiced IV insertion, wound care, and patient monitoring.
  • Documented patient status in EMR system accurately.

Pediatrics Rotation
Texas Children’s Hospital | Houston, TX | Oct 2024 – Dec 2024

  • Assisted in care of children with chronic illnesses and acute conditions.
  • Supported family-centered education and comfort measures.
  • Observed pediatric medication administration and safety protocols.

Critical Care Rotation (ICU)
Memorial Hermann Hospital | Houston, TX | Jul 2024 – Sep 2024

  • Monitored high-acuity patients and assisted with ventilator care.
  • Observed emergency interventions and rapid response procedures.
  • Gained experience in interdisciplinary teamwork.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
University of Texas Health Science Center | Houston, TX | May 2025


Professional Affiliations

  • American Nurses Association (ANA), Student Member
  • National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA), Member

Why the above Example is good:

  • No Experience Friendly: Leans on clinical rotations as “experience.”
  • Certifications First: BLS & ACLS are must-haves for travel nurses.
  • Skills Section: Focuses on transferable traits like adaptability and teamwork.
  • Professional Summary: Shows enthusiasm, compassion, and readiness to travel.

Entry-Level Travel Nurse Resume with Volunteer/Externship Experience

Why this resume is good:

  • Externship and volunteer roles fill the “experience gap” for a fresher.
  • Shows adaptability by highlighting both hospital and community settings.
  • EHR software mention (Epic, Cerner) makes the resume ATS-friendly.
  • Blends rotations + externship + volunteer work to show initiative and readiness for travel roles.

Entry-Level Travel Nurse Resume Example | Text Sample

Lauren Bennett, RN, BSN

3412 Elmwood Avenue • Denver, CO 80203 • (720) 555-6482 • lauren.bennett@email.com • linkedin.com/in/laurenbennett


Professional Summary

Compassionate and motivated Entry-Level Travel Nurse (RN, BSN) with strong clinical knowledge and hands-on experience through externships and volunteer work. Skilled in patient assessment, EMR documentation, and patient-centered care across diverse units. Licensed RN with BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications. Dedicated to adapting quickly to new hospital environments and delivering safe, empathetic care while building rapport with patients and teams.


Licenses & Certifications

  • Registered Nurse, Colorado Board of Nursing (Compact License Eligible)
  • Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), AHA
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), AHA

Core Skills

  • Patient Care & Vital Signs Monitoring
  • Medication Administration & IV Therapy (under supervision)
  • EMR Documentation (Epic & Cerner exposure)
  • Pediatric & Adult Care Support
  • Infection Prevention & Control
  • Family & Patient Education
  • Adaptability & Team Collaboration
  • Cultural Sensitivity & Compassionate Care

Externship Experience

Nurse Extern – Medical-Surgical Unit
UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital | Aurora, CO | Jan 2025 – Apr 2025

  • Assisted RNs with patient monitoring, wound care, and medication preparation.
  • Documented patient progress in EMR system and updated RN supervisors.
  • Shadowed rapid response teams, gaining exposure to emergency protocols.

Volunteer Experience

Volunteer Nurse Assistant – Community Health Clinic
Denver Health Community Clinics | Denver, CO | Aug 2024 – Dec 2024

  • Supported free immunization drives for underserved populations.
  • Educated patients on preventive care and healthy lifestyle practices.
  • Assisted with intake forms and triaging for minor illnesses.

Volunteer – COVID-19 Testing & Vaccination Support
American Red Cross | Denver, CO | 2021 – 2022

  • Coordinated patient flow during testing/vaccine drives.
  • Guided patients through post-vaccination monitoring procedures.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
University of Colorado, College of Nursing | Denver, CO | May 2025


Professional Affiliations

  • American Nurses Association (ANA), Member
  • National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA), Former Member

Why the above Example is good:

  • Externship + Volunteer Work: Showcases real-world exposure to patient care.
  • Certifications Listed Early: BLS, ACLS, PALS catch recruiter’s eye fast.
  • Core Skills + Adaptability: Aligns with what travel nurse agencies prioritize.
  • Professional Summary: Bridges lack of paid experience by stressing compassion, adaptability, and teamwork.

Why This Resume Example Works:

  • Externship + Volunteer Experience: Turns hands-on clinical practice into credible work history.
  • Certifications Front & Center: BLS, ACLS, and PALS make the candidate job-ready for travel roles.
  • Skill Mix: Balances clinical skills (IV therapy, EMR) with soft skills (adaptability, cultural sensitivity).
  • Professional Presentation: Structured, ATS-friendly, and tailored for entry-level travel nursing.

New Grad Travel Nurse with Clinical Rotations Resume Template

Why this resume is good:

  • Builds credibility by structuring rotations like job entries.
  • Balances multiple specialties (ICU, Pediatrics, ER, Med-Surg) to show versatility.
  • Keeps bullet points clinical and measurable (hours, patient loads).
  • Proves readiness for travel nursing through adaptability across departments.

New Grad Travel Nurse Resume Example | Text Sample

Rachel Martinez, RN, BSN

2147 Brookside Lane • Austin, TX 78701 • (737) 555-4921 • rachel.martinez@email.com • linkedin.com/in/rachelmartinez


Professional Summary

Motivated and compassionate New Graduate Travel Nurse (BSN, RN) with extensive clinical rotation experience in medical-surgical, pediatrics, and ICU units. Skilled in patient care, EMR documentation, and infection prevention practices. Holds BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications with a strong ability to adapt to new hospital environments. Dedicated to providing safe, empathetic, and evidence-based care while contributing effectively to diverse healthcare teams.


Licenses & Certifications

  • Registered Nurse, Texas Board of Nursing (Compact State License Eligible)
  • Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), AHA
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), AHA

Core Skills

  • Patient Assessment & Care Planning
  • Vital Signs Monitoring & Documentation
  • IV Therapy & Medication Administration (under RN supervision)
  • EMR Systems: Epic, Cerner (clinical exposure)
  • Infection Control & Safety Compliance
  • Family & Patient Education
  • Adaptability & Teamwork
  • Time Management & Communication

Clinical Rotations

Medical-Surgical Rotation
St. David’s Medical Center – Austin, TX | Jan 2025 – Mar 2025

  • Provided bedside care to post-op patients under RN supervision.
  • Assisted with wound care, IV therapy, and patient monitoring.
  • Practiced EMR charting and care documentation.

Pediatrics Rotation
Dell Children’s Medical Center – Austin, TX | Oct 2024 – Dec 2024

  • Assisted in caring for children with acute and chronic illnesses.
  • Supported patient/family education on recovery and nutrition.
  • Observed and assisted in pediatric medication safety procedures.

Critical Care (ICU) Rotation
Ascension Seton Medical Center – Austin, TX | Jul 2024 – Sep 2024

  • Monitored critically ill patients under preceptor guidance.
  • Gained exposure to ventilator care and rapid response protocols.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary ICU teams.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
University of Texas at Austin, School of Nursing | May 2025


Professional Affiliations

  • American Nurses Association (ANA), Member
  • National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA), Former Member

Why the above Example is good:

  • Clinical Rotations as Experience: Uses rotations to showcase hands-on skills and exposure to diverse units.
  • Certifications Up Front: BLS, ACLS, and PALS signal job-readiness for travel nursing.
  • Balanced Skill Set: Blends clinical knowledge with adaptability and teamwork.
  • ATS-Friendly Format: Clean, structured, and tailored for entry-level travel nurse applications.

Resume for Recently Graduated Travel Nurses

Why this resume is good:

  • Emphasizes readiness to travel by including Compact License eligibility.
  • Recent graduate angle highlights both academic excellence and clinical training.
  • Strong summary makes up for lack of formal work experience.
  • ATS-friendly keywords (travel, adaptability, patient care, EHR) help it pass screenings.

Recently Graduated Travel Nurses Resume Example | Text Sample

Olivia Harper, RN, BSN

1290 Lakeview Drive • Orlando, FL 32801 • (407) 555-6712 • olivia.harper@email.com • linkedin.com/in/oliviaharper


Professional Summary

Enthusiastic and adaptable Recently Graduated Travel Nurse (RN, BSN) with strong clinical training through rotations in medical-surgical, pediatrics, and critical care units. Licensed RN with current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications. Recognized for compassion, teamwork, and adaptability in fast-paced healthcare environments. Eager to begin travel assignments and contribute to patient-centered care while quickly learning new hospital systems and protocols.


Licenses & Certifications

  • Registered Nurse, Florida Board of Nursing (Compact License Eligible)
  • Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), AHA
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), AHA

Core Skills

  • Patient Assessment & Monitoring
  • IV Therapy & Medication Administration (under RN supervision)
  • EMR Documentation (Epic & Cerner exposure)
  • Pediatric & Adult Care Support
  • Infection Control & Patient Safety
  • Communication & Patient Education
  • Adaptability in New Environments
  • Team Collaboration & Time Management

Clinical Experience (Rotations)

Medical-Surgical Nursing
AdventHealth Orlando | Jan 2025 – Mar 2025

  • Delivered bedside care for post-op patients under RN supervision.
  • Assisted with wound care, IV insertion, and vital sign monitoring.

Pediatrics Nursing
Nemours Children’s Hospital – Orlando, FL | Oct 2024 – Dec 2024

  • Assisted pediatric patients and families with recovery education.
  • Gained exposure to medication administration and child comfort strategies.

Critical Care (ICU) Rotation
Orlando Health Regional Medical Center | Jul 2024 – Sep 2024

  • Monitored critically ill patients and assisted with ventilator care.
  • Observed rapid response interventions alongside ICU team.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
University of Central Florida, College of Nursing | May 2025


Professional Affiliations

  • American Nurses Association (ANA), Member
  • National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA), Former Member

Why the above Example is good:

  • Focuses on Readiness: Shows eagerness to start travel assignments right after graduation.
  • Certifications Front & Center: Highlights must-have travel nurse credentials (BLS, ACLS, PALS).
  • Clinical Rotations = Experience: Presents academic training as hands-on exposure in multiple hospital settings.
  • ATS-Friendly: Clean, structured format that travel nurse recruiters can scan quickly.

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How to Write a Travel Nurse Resume as a New Grad

Resume Summary Tips for New Grad Travel Nurse

Your resume summary is the very first thing recruiters read, so it’s your chance to make a strong impression—even without direct work experience. As a new grad travel nurse, your summary should:

  • Highlight your nursing degree and certifications (RN, BLS, ACLS).
  • Emphasize adaptability and willingness to travel.
  • Mention clinical rotations, volunteer work, or skills that show readiness for fast-paced environments.
  • Keep it 2–3 sentences only—clear and confident.

Examples of Resume Summaries for New Grad Travel Nurses

Example 1 – Travel Nurse with No Experience


“Compassionate and adaptable BSN graduate seeking entry into travel nursing. Skilled in patient care, vital signs monitoring, and team collaboration through extensive clinical rotations. Certified in BLS and ACLS, eager to bring flexibility and strong work ethic to diverse healthcare settings.”

Example 2 – Entry level Travel Nurse With Volunteer/Externship Experience


“Motivated new graduate nurse with hands-on externship experience in med-surg and pediatrics. Adept at building rapport with patients, supporting fast-paced teams, and learning new workflows quickly. Excited to begin a travel nursing career while applying strong clinical foundations and adaptability.”

Example 3 – Recent Graduate Travel Nurse Highlighting Skills


“Recent nursing graduate with strong foundation in evidence-based patient care and electronic health record documentation. Known for adaptability, effective communication, and a passion for learning in new environments. Ready to contribute as a travel nurse while gaining diverse healthcare experience.”

Also Read :- Summary For Resume For Freshers

Education Section For New Grad Travel Nurses

Example 1 – BSN Graduate

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – University of Texas, Austin, TX
Graduated: May 2025 | GPA: 3.7/4.0

  • Clinical Rotations:
    • Medical-Surgical Unit – 180 hours
    • Pediatric Ward – 120 hours
    • Intensive Care Unit – 100 hours

Example 2 – ADN Graduate

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – Houston Community College, Houston, TX
Graduated: May 2025

  • Clinical Rotations:
    • Emergency Department – 150 hours
    • Labor & Delivery – 100 hours
    • Long-Term Care Facility – 80 hours

Example 3 – Recent Graduate, No GPA

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Graduated: May 2025

  • Clinical Rotations in ICU, Pediatrics, and Med-Surg

Example 4 – Still Completing Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Expected Graduation: December 2025

  • Clinical Rotations: Ongoing in Emergency and Medical-Surgical Units

Tips for Writing the Education Section

  • Place education section before experience as you’re a fresher.
  • Always include degree, school, and graduation year (or expected year).
  • Add GPA only if 3.5+ and recent.
  • Highlight 2–4 clinical rotations with hours for credibility.
  • If you lack rotations, mention relevant coursework (Pharmacology, Anatomy, Critical Care Nursing).

Skills Section For Travel Nurse With No Experience

For new grad travel nurses, skills matter more than long work histories. The best approach is to show a balanced mix of hard skills, soft skills, personal skills, and unique skills. Recruiters want to see that you can provide safe patient care, adapt to new environments, and communicate effectively with diverse teams.

Hard Skills (Clinical & Technical)

  • Patient assessment & vital signs monitoring
  • IV insertion and wound dressing
  • Medication administration (oral, IV)
  • Electronic Health Records (EHR) documentation
  • Infection control & patient safety protocols
  • Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

Soft Skills (Interpersonal & Workplace)

  • Clear communication with patients, families, and staff
  • Team collaboration across multiple departments
  • Time management in fast-paced environments
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Adaptability to changing assignments

Personal Skills (Traits & Characteristics)

  • Compassionate, patient-centered approach
  • Willingness to learn and take feedback
  • Strong work ethic and reliability
  • Emotional resilience under pressure
  • Professionalism in diverse settings

Unique Skills for Travel Nurses

  • Flexibility to relocate and adapt to new hospital settings
  • Multistate/Compact Nursing License eligibility
  • Cultural sensitivity in caring for diverse populations
  • Ability to integrate quickly with new teams
  • Readiness to work in different healthcare systems

Tips for Writing the Skills Section

  • Include 8–12 skills total by mixing from these categories.
  • Place this section above experience/rotations if you’re a fresher.
  • Pull keywords directly from the job description to pass ATS.
  • Always include at least one unique travel nurse skill (like adaptability or willingness to travel).

How To List Certifications & Licenses

Certifications prove you are qualified and job-ready as a new grad travel nurse. Even if you lack full-time work experience, listing the right credentials shows recruiters you meet essential requirements for safe patient care and can start immediately.

Common Certifications & Licenses for New Grad Travel Nurses

Core Nursing Licenses

  • Registered Nurse (RN) – State License
  • Compact Nursing License (if eligible for multi-state practice)

Basic Certifications

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) – American Heart Association
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) – AHA or Red Cross

Optional but Valuable Certifications

  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
  • Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
  • Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)

In-Progress Certifications

  • If you’re preparing for a license exam or additional certification, list it as “Expected [Month, Year]” to show commitment.

Example Formatting – Certifications Section

Certifications & Licenses

  • Registered Nurse (RN) – Texas, License #123456
  • Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association – Expires 2026
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), AHA – Expires 2027
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) – Expected September 2025

Tips for Listing Certifications

  • Put this section right after skills so recruiters notice quickly.
  • Always include license type + issuing body + expiration date.
  • Add state license number only if requested in the job posting.
  • If you’re still completing a certification, mention it as “Expected [date]”.
  • For travel nurses, Compact License eligibility is a big advantage—highlight it if applicable.

Work Experience/Clinical Rotation Section For Recent Grad Travel Nurse

For new grad travel nurses, clinical rotations are your “work experience.” They show recruiters that you’ve already applied your nursing knowledge in real healthcare settings. By writing them like job entries, you make your resume look stronger and more professional.

How to Present Rotations as Experience

  • List the unit name, hospital, and duration/hours.
  • Use bullet points that start with action verbs.
  • Highlight patient care responsibilities, teamwork, and adaptability.
  • Focus on skills relevant to travel nursing (flexibility, quick learning, handling pressure).

Example – ICU Rotation

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) – City Hospital, Austin, TX | 120 Hours

  • Monitored critically ill patients, documenting changes in condition for 10+ daily cases.
  • Assisted in administering medications and IV fluids under RN supervision.
  • Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to deliver patient-centered care.

Example – Pediatrics Rotation

Pediatric Ward – Children’s Medical Center, Houston, TX | 100 Hours

  • Supported nurses in providing care for infants, toddlers, and adolescents.
  • Educated parents on child health practices and discharge instructions.
  • Assisted in routine procedures including vaccinations and growth monitoring.

Example – Medical-Surgical Rotation

Medical-Surgical Unit – General Hospital, Dallas, TX | 180 Hours

  • Performed patient assessments and recorded vital signs for 15+ patients per shift.
  • Assisted in wound care, IV insertion, and mobility support.
  • Developed time-management skills while balancing multiple patient assignments.

Tips for Writing Clinical Rotations

  • Treat rotations like work experience entries (unit, hospital, hours, bullet points).
  • Focus on hands-on patient care and teamwork.
  • Use numbers when possible (e.g., “15+ patients per shift”).
  • Pick rotations that are most relevant to travel nursing (ICU, ER, med-surg, pediatrics).
  • Keep 3–4 bullet points per rotation for clarity.

Fresher Travel Nurse Resume Keywords

ATS look for specific resume keywords that prove you’re a fit for the role. For new grads, these keywords should highlight your clinical training, adaptability, and travel readiness.

Below are common keywords you should weave into your summary, skills, education, and rotations sections.

Core Clinical Keywords

  • Patient care
  • Vital signs monitoring
  • Medication administration
  • Infection control
  • Wound dressing & IV insertion
  • Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Training & Education Keywords

  • Clinical rotations
  • Evidence-based practice
  • Nursing fundamentals
  • Simulation labs
  • Externship / Preceptorship

Certifications & Licenses Keywords

  • Registered Nurse (RN) License
  • Basic Life Support (BLS)
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
  • Multistate / Compact License

Soft & Transferable Skills Keywords

  • Adaptability
  • Team collaboration
  • Time management
  • Communication with patients/families
  • Critical thinking
  • Professionalism

Travel Nurse–Specific Keywords

  • Travel nurse assignments
  • Flexibility to relocate
  • Diverse patient populations
  • Temporary healthcare settings
  • Rapid adaptability
  • Patient-centered care

Tips for Using Resume Keywords

  • Use 10–15 keywords naturally across your resume.
  • Mirror the language from the job description (e.g., if they say “care coordination,” use that exact term).
  • Don’t list keywords randomly—attach them to real rotations, education, or skills.
  • Always include at least one travel-specific keyword (like “flexibility to relocate” or “Compact License”).

Top Action Verbs for a Travel Nursing Resume

Using the right action verbs for resume helps new grads present their rotations, externships, and clinical training as real, impactful experience. Choose verbs that reflect patient care, teamwork, adaptability, and safety—the qualities hiring managers expect from entry-level travel nurses.

Patient Care Verbs

  • Assessed
  • Monitored
  • Administered
  • Assisted
  • Provided

Teamwork & Collaboration Verbs

  • Collaborated
  • Supported
  • Communicated
  • Educated
  • Coordinated

Adaptability & Learning Verbs

  • Adapted
  • Learned
  • Observed
  • Implemented
  • Applied

Critical Thinking & Safety Verbs

  • Evaluated
  • Responded
  • Documented
  • Escalated
  • Ensured

Tips for Using Action Verbs

  • Begin every bullet point with a strong action verb.
  • Select verbs that match your clinical training and travel nurse adaptability.
  • Avoid overused or generic verbs like “helped” or “worked on.”
  • Use a variety of verbs to make your resume more dynamic.

Resume Formatting Tips for New Grad Travel Nurses

A well-formatted resume shows professionalism and makes it easier for recruiters and ATS to scan. For new grads, clean and simple formatting works best.

Formatting Guidelines

  • Length: Keep it 1 page.
  • Margins: Use standard 1-inch margins on all sides.
  • Font: Stick to professional fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman (10–12 pt for body, 14–16 pt for headings).
  • Bullet Points: Use 3–5 concise bullet points per section.
  • Colors: Stick to black text with optional subtle accents (navy, gray, or teal) for headings only.
  • Sections Order: Summary → Education → Skills → Certifications → Clinical Rotations → Additional info.
  • File Format: Save as PDF unless the employer specifies otherwise.
  • Spacing: Use consistent line spacing (1.0–1.15) for easy readability.

Extra Tips to Make Your Resume Stand Out

As a new grad travel nurse, you may not have years of work history, but you can still make your resume stand out with the right strategies. Small details can help you look more professional and prepared than other fresh applicants.

Practical Tips

  • Tailor your resume to each job posting—adjust keywords, skills, and summary to match the role.
  • Highlight adaptability by mentioning your openness to relocation and new assignments.
  • Showcase technology use like Electronic Health Records (EHR) to appeal to modern healthcare employers.
  • Add a LinkedIn profile or online portfolio if it’s polished and professional.
  • Include volunteer work, externships, or healthcare projects to fill gaps in formal experience.
  • Use strong action verbs (assessed, monitored, collaborated) instead of generic ones.
  • Keep everything concise—one page, easy to skim, and free of unnecessary detail.
  • Proofread carefully—typos in a healthcare resume raise red flags with recruiters.

Conclusion

Becoming a travel nurse as a new grad may feel intimidating, but it’s absolutely possible with the right approach. Hiring managers aren’t just looking for years of experience—they want nurses who are adaptable, eager to learn, and ready to contribute from day one.

By using the free copy-paste resume examples, templates, formatting tips, keywords, and action verbs we’ve shared, you can create a resume that highlights your education, clinical rotations, certifications, and skills with confidence.

With a strong resume in hand, you’ll be better prepared to land your first assignment and start building an exciting career in travel nursing for new graduates.

FAQ

1. Can you be a travel nurse as a new grad?

Yes. While some agencies prefer 1–2 years of experience, many do hire new grads if you highlight clinical rotations, certifications, and adaptability on your resume.

2. Do travel nursing companies hire new graduates?

Some agencies do. They often look for strong fundamentals, willingness to travel, and proof of readiness through licenses like BLS, ACLS, and Compact State eligibility.

3. How do you write a resume for a new grad travel nurse with no experience?

Focus on education, clinical rotations, certifications, and transferable skills. Use action verbs and include keywords like patient care, adaptability, and teamwork.

4. What skills should a new grad nurse put on a resume?

A mix of clinical skills (vital signs monitoring, medication administration), soft skills (communication, teamwork), and travel-specific skills (adaptability, flexibility to relocate).

5. Is travel nursing good for new graduates?

Yes. Travel nursing gives new grads exposure to different hospitals, patient populations, and specialties, helping you grow faster than in a single staff role.

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  • Sergio Barnett is a seasoned resume writer and career strategist with over 10 years of experience helping job seekers craft compelling resumes and cover letters. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), Sergio specializes in tailoring career documents for blue-collar and healthcare professionals, ensuring ATS compliance and recruiter appeal.

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