Yale School of Nursing Resume Guide | page 4
SKILLS AND ACTIVITIES
• Technical Skills: list relevant computer applications, languages, and technical clinical skills from most unique to
least unique.
• Foundational Skills: employers expect to see foundational skill sets mentioned within an applicant's resume.
(A nurse with an Advanced Degree may have the following foundational skills: assess patient conditions,
manage lower level nurses and department, develop treatment plans and discuss and explain conditions to
patient, oversee patient records, research and write publications relevant to specialization, educate patients
or teach other nurses in a college or university)
• Languages: acceptable proficiency terms: native/bilingual; full professional proficiency/fluent; minimum
professional proficiency/conversational, limited working proficiency, elementary/basic.
• Affiliations: list professional organizations and other community affiliations that support your career goals,
including student organizations.
• Volunteer: List most recent and/or relevant activities first. In general, employers like to see some type of
volunteer activity on the resume even if it’s not directly related to the job you’re applying for.
• Certifications: List most recent and/or relevant certifications first.
Writing Bullet Points as Accomplishment Statements
Bullet points under each position should tell a mini-story and are more effective when written as
Accomplishment Statements. You should ensure that a reader understands in detail what you did, why you did it, and what
happened because of your actions. Providing specific quantifiers and qualifiers will make your work and its results even
more clear.
QUANTIFY RESULTS
As often as possible, use statistics, percentages, or numbers in your bullet points to demonstrate the scope of your
accomplishments.
Examples: Delivered direct patient care to 12 patients while also managing the needs and questions of the patients’ families.
Collaborated with the Hospital Innovation Team to strategize an effective marketing plan to promote Rent the Runway to
Hospital staff, resulting in a 55% increase in sales for the Annual Benefit Ball with over 60 dress rentals in January 2013.
QUALIFY RESULTS
Sometimes results aren’t quantifiable, but can be illustrated with a qualitative outcome.
Examples: Worked with multidisciplinary clinical team to develop education and practical tool to improve correct screening
for intimate partner violence on Labor and Delivery Unit. Tool recognized by top Hospital Administrators during monthly
meeting.
Conducted qualitative interviews with key stakeholders at Rex Medical Center involved in clinical aspects of patient
engagement. Developed SBAR and Bib list to summarize best practice communication techniques that empower providers to
communicate more effectively with patients and families