Clinical Nurse Specialist Resume Writing Tips and Example

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Written by Ayana Dunn, BSN, RN Content Writer, IntelyCare
A nurse uses her clinical nurse specialist skills at work.

You’ve decided to search for a new clinical nurse specialist (CNS) job. Now what? Writing a resume and a strong CNS cover letter is the first step in the process. Below, we share advice on how to create a strong clinical nurse specialist resume, and a sample for inspiration.

Stay Organized

Creating an organized resume helps the reader absorb what you’ve written. This minimizes the time your prospective employer will spend searching for information that catches their eye. Here are some tips to better organize your resume:

  • Differentiate between sections with bold, italicized, and varying font sizes — but don’t go overboard.
  • Use bullet points to describe the duties you performed for an employer.
  • Group information in sections such as education, work experience, certifications, etc.
  • Start with your most recent work experience and go backwards from there.

Pay Attention to Detail

It’s helpful to make a positive first impression, especially when you’re seeking a new job. Overlooking important details can tamper with the impression you want to make. Keep in mind:

  • Grammar, spelling, and punctuation
  • Spacing and alignment
  • Consistency in active voice

Quantify Your Experience

Using numerical data helps the hiring manager gain a more concrete understanding of your work history. Plus, numbers will stick out in the sea of words they’ll be scanning. Quantify the following information in your resume:

  • Years of experience
  • Patient load
  • Awards
  • Number of relevant procedures performed

Clinical Nurse Specialist Resume Example

Resume samples provide you with a sense of direction for your own. Check out our example below, and if you want more inspiration, we have nursing resume samples you can choose from for a variety of specialties.

Aisha Aziz, RN, MSN, CCNS

Colombia Street, CA | firstlast@email.com | 444-444-4444

Efficient and community-oriented clinical nurse specialist with 25 years of clinical experience, who focuses on diabetes education. Committed to ensuring healthcare staff can effectively treat diabetic patients. Dedicated to helping patients attain the quality of life they desire.

Key Qualifications

  • 20 years of clinical experience in medical-surgical units and urgent care
  • 5 years of experience as a diabetes clinical nurse specialist
  • Certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES)
  • Certified clinical nurse specialist (CCNS)

Education

Chile University, Los Angeles, CA 20XX

Masters of Science in Nursing

Peru University, Anaheim, CA, 20XX

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Professional Experience

Venezuela Hospital, Diabetic Care Consultant, 20XX–present

  • Support healthcare team with the management of diabetic patients.
  • Answer questions related to diabetes from staff and patients.
  • Inform staff of new advancements in diabetes treatment and technology.
  • Educate newly diagnosed diabetic patients on disease processes and treatment.

Bolivia Community Care, Diabetes Nurse Educator, 20XX–20XX

  • Educated approximately 15 clients daily on diabetic care and prognosis.
  • Evaluated patients’ diets and access to healthy food sources.
  • Assisted patients with obtaining finances for insulin and diabetic healthcare services.
  • Helped patients coordinate doctor’s appointments.

Ecuador Health, Medical-Surgical Nurse, 19XX–20XX

  • Performed and documented patient assessments.
  • Communicated pertinent information to the healthcare team.
  • Administered medications and monitored for side effects.
  • Assisted coworkers with medical emergencies.

Skills

  • Clinical assessment and documentation
  • Conversational Spanish and Arabic
  • Proficient in Powerchart, Epic, and Cerner EMR systems

Certifications and Licenses

  • Certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES)
  • Certified clinical nurse specialist (CCNS)
  • Registered nurse (RN)
  • Basic life support (BLS)

Clinical Nurse Specialist Salary

The median wage for advanced practice nurses, which includes clinical nurse specialists, is $129,480 per year. Your salary may vary based on your facility, years of experience, and location.

Get Your Clinical Nurse Specialist Resume Ready for Success

Use our tips to make your resume the best it can be, and find the right fit for you. Need some help? Check out the latest nursing jobs in your specialty today on IntelyCare.