Show your hands-on experience
Keep in mind, recruiters are likely to favor LPN applicants who can prove real-world experience. Be sure to detail your clinical rotations, duties performed, and the types of healthcare settings you've worked in.
Surgical Nurse
Skills
Surgical Nurse Resume Keywords and Skills (Hard Skills)
Here are the keywords and skills that appear most frequently on recent Surgical Nurse job postings. In other words, these are the most sought after skills by recruiters and hiring managers. Go to Sample Templates ↓ below to see how to include them on your resume.
Remember that every job is different. Instead of including all keywords on your resume, identify those that are most relevant to the job you're applying to. Use the free Targeted Resume tool to help with this.
Choose a category
- Nursing
- Operating Room
- Healthcare
- Surgery
- Hospitals
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Patient Safety
- Find out what your resume's missing
- General Surgery
- Surgical Nursing
- Instrumentation
- Urology
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Vascular Surgery
- Healthcare Management
- Robotic Surgery
- Clinical Research
Show full list
Resume Skills: Clinical
- Laparoscopic Surgery
- Patient Education
- Acute Care
- Wound Care
- Critical Care Support
- Case Management
- Patient Assessment
- Surgical Procedures Management
- Post-Operative Care
- Clinic Administration
- Match your resume to these skills
Resume Skills: Technical
- Electronic Health Record (EHR)
- Advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Microsoft Office Suite
- EMR (Electronic Medical Records)
- Medical Software (Meditech, Epic Systems)
- Automated External Defibrillators (AED)
- CPR
- Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Software
- Medical Database Software
- Medical Imaging Software
- Match your resume to these skills
Resume Skills: Languages
- English
- Spanish (Fluent)
- Spanish
- Match your resume to these skills
Resume Skills: Certifications
- Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (CCNS)
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC)
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Certified
- Match your resume to these skills
Resume Skills: Specialized
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
- Match your resume to these skills
Resume Skills: Medical
- Patient Assessment
- IV Insertion
- Direct Patient Care
- Geriatric Nursing
- Wound Dressing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Match your resume to these skills
Resume Skills: Operating Room
- Aseptic Technique
- Surgical Instrumentation
- Surgical Assistance
- Patient Positioning
- Infection Control
- Recovery Room Management
- Match your resume to these skills
Resume Skills: Administrative
- Patient Records Management
- Interdisciplinary Coordination
- Preoperative and Postoperative Care
- Healthcare Reporting
- Compliance
- Treatment Planning
- Match your resume to these skills
Does your resume contain all the right skills? Paste in your resume in the AI Resume Scan ↓ section below and get an instant score.
Compare Your Resume To These Surgical Nurse Skills (ATS Scan)
Paste your resume below and our AI will identify which keywords are missing from your resume from the list above (and what you need to include). Including the right keywords will help you get past Applicant Tracking Systems (i.e. resume screeners) which may scan your resume for keywords to see if you're a match for the job.
Sample Surgical Nurse Resume Examples: How To Include These Skills
Add keywords directly into your resume's work experiences, education or Skills section, like we've shown in the examples below. Use the examples below as inspiration.
Your Name
Surgical Nurse
EXPERIENCE
Mayo Clinic March 2018 - Present
Senior Surgical Nurse
Initiated and implemented new laparoscopic surgery protocols which enhanced patient safety by 33% and operating room efficiency by 25%
Managed a diverse team, using healthcare management principles, developing best standards of surgical nursing and helping achieve a patient satisfaction rating of 95%
Led a team to conduct research on Robotic Surgery and its impact on recovery time: post-surgery complications reduced by 16%
Conducted rigorous quality checks of instrumentation, leading to a decrease in equipment failures by 40%
Coached.com February 2015 - February 2018
Surgical Nurse Specialist - Vascular Surgery
Directed vascular surgery procedures and ensured a sterile environment, reducing infection rate by 30%
Organized and led a clinical research team that developed new practices in patient safety, particularly during gynecologic surgeries
Improved Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) training protocols; effectively reducing time to first chest compressions by 1 minute
Resume Worded January 2012 - January 2015
Registered Surgical Nurse
Implemented charting accuracy checks on Electronic Medical Record system, improving data integrity by 67%
Orchestrated training programs in Urology surgery preparation and care, improving overall team performance by 25%
Applied Basic Life Support (BLS) to stabilize patients before surgery, reducing pre-operative complications by 22%
EDUCATION
Resume Worded Academic Center February 2015
Certification - Advanced Perioperative Care
Part-time certification course coinciding with position at Coached.com
Resume Worded University May 2011
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Specialization in Surgical Care
Graduated with Honors
SKILLS
Clinical: Patient Assessment, Surgical Procedures Management, Post-Operative Care, Clinic Administration
Technical Skills: EMR (Electronic Medical Records), Medical Software (Meditech, Epic Systems), Automated External Defibrillators (AED), CPR
Languages: English (Native), Spanish (Conversational)
Specialized Skills: Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
OTHER
Certifications: Certified Registered Nurse (CRN), Certified Operating Room Nurse (CNOR)
Professional Development: Active Member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses
Volunteering: Regular Volunteer at Mayo Clinic's Annual Health Fair
Awards: Recipient of the 2018 Nurse of the Year award at Mayo Clinic
Your Name
Clinical Nurse Specialist
EXPERIENCE
Johns Hopkins Hospital January 2019 - Present
Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist
Implemented a structured program for ongoing clinical research, driving a 20% improvement in evidence-based practice
Strengthened inter-departmental coordination using healthcare management principles, resulting in a 35% decrease in patient wait-time for surgery
Pioneered the use of new surgical nursing techniques in orthopedic surgery, decreasing patient recovery rate by an impressive 30%
Resume Worded July 2014 - December 2018
Clinical Nurse Specialist - Laparoscopic Surgery
Directed educational programs on Laparoscopic Surgery for medical staff, resulting in a 40% growth in the hospital's service range
Revamped pre-surgery patient safety checklist, attributing to a 28% reduction in preoperative mishaps
Introduced innovative patient data management practices in Electronic Medical Record (EMR) which improved the quality of clinical data by 55%
Coached.com February 2011 - June 2014
Registered Clinical Nurse
Streamlined processes for patient admission, reducing paperwork time by 50%
Implemented improvements to surgery scheduling system, resulting in a 15% increase in daily patient throughput
Provided Basic Life Support (BLS) during cardiopulmonary crises, minimizing the response time by 2 minutes
EDUCATION
Resume Worded Academic Center January 2019
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Specialization: Acute and Critical Care Nursing
Resume Worded Institute February 2011
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Graduated with Honors
Concentration: Surgical Nursing
SKILLS
Clinical Skills: Laparoscopic Surgery, Patient Education, Acute Care, Wound Care, Critical Care Support, Case Management
Technical Skills: Electronic Health Record (EHR), Advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS), Basic Life Support (BLS), Microsoft Office Suite
Languages: English (Native), Spanish (Fluent)
Certifications: Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (CCNS), Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC), American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Certified
OTHER
Achievements: Clinical Excellence Award – Johns Hopkins Hospital (2020), Distinguished Nurse Specialist - Resume Worded (2017)
Leadership Roles: President - Nurses Association at Resume Worded (2016 - 2018), Vice President - Student Nursing Association (2010 -2011)
Professional Development: American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) - Active Member, National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) - Active Member
Volunteering: Volunteer - Local health camp providing medical assistance and health education (2019), Volunteer Nurse - Non-profit organization aiming to provide healthcare to homeless (2015)
Your Name
Operating Room Nurse
EXPERIENCE
Coached.com February 2020 - Present
Senior Operating Room Nurse
Oversaw smooth functioning of operating room activities, reducing turnover time between surgeries by 20% and enhancing patient experience
Enhanced Cooperative team environment which resulted in a 50% reduction in communication errors in the operating room
Implemented Lean principles to surgical supply ordering, reducing costs by $250,000 annually
Massachusetts General Hospital March 2015 - January 2020
Operating Room Nurse
Executed protocol development in preoperative and postoperative care, improving patient safety ratings by 32% and reducing post-surgical infections by 22%
Managed patient data through Electronic Medical Record system (EMR), resulting in 60% reduction in data retrieval time
Developed and led training sessions for Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), improving survival rate in cardiac emergencies by 18%
Resume Worded January 2012 - February 2015
Registered Nurse - Operating Room
Deployed new aseptic techniques reducing infection rate in the operating room by 24%
Aided surgeons during high-risk procedures in general surgery, keeping complication rate under 2%
Conducted cardiac assessments of surgery candidates, improving patient screening process and reducing surgical risk by 30%
EDUCATION
Resume Worded University June 2014
Master of Science in Nursing - Multidisciplinary Nursing
Specialization in Perioperative Nursing
Resume Worded Academic Center May 2010
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Minor in Health Care Management
Dean's List 2008-2010 (Top 10%)
SKILLS
Medical Skills: Patient Assessment, IV Insertion, Direct Patient Care, Geriatric Nursing, Wound Dressing, Pediatric Nursing
Operating Room Skills: Aseptic Technique, Surgical Instrumentation, Surgical Assistance, Patient Positioning, Infection Control, Recovery Room Management
Administrative Skills: Patient Records Management, Interdisciplinary Coordination, Preoperative and Postoperative Care, Healthcare Reporting, Compliance, Treatment Planning
Technical Skills: Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Software (Expert), Medical Database Software (Advanced), Microsoft Office Suite (Expert), Medical Imaging Software (Intermediate)
OTHER
Certifications: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA, 2019), Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN, 2016)
Awards: Nursing Excellence Award (Massachusetts General Hospital, 2018), Distinguished Nurse Award (Coached.com, 2021)
Volunteering: American Red Cross (Disaster Health Services Responder, 2017- Present)
Professional Development: Continuous Education: Attended Nursing Symposium, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020
How do I add skills to a Surgical Nurse resume?
Word Cloud for Surgical Nurse Skills & Keywords
The following word cloud highlights the most popular keywords that appear on Surgical Nurse job descriptions. The bigger the word, the more frequently it shows up on employer's job postings. If you have experience with these keywords, include them on your resume.
Resume Skills and Keywords from Related Jobs
We also found variations and further specializations to your job title. Browse through the related job titles to find additional keywords that you can include into your resume.
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Surgical Nurse Resume Templates
Here are examples of proven resumes in related jobs and industries, approved by experienced hiring managers. Use them as inspiration when you're writing your own resume. You can even download and edit the resume template in Google Docs.
Resume Example
LPN Nurse (Licensed Practical Nurse)
Resume Example: LPN Nurse (Licensed Practical Nurse)
Download this resume template
Overview
As you pursue a role in the world of nursing as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), you must be prepared to showcase your unique blend of clinical skills and empathy. In recent times, healthcare settings are increasingly relying on LPNs not just for basic nursing care but for their ability to connect with patients. They appreciate LPNs who can balance human touch with technical proficiency. So, when drafting your resume, remember to present a compelling mix of your technical knowledge, patient care skills, and ability to work under pressure. The industry is moving towards more specialized care, which means your resume needs to emphasize any specific nursing skills or areas of expertise you've developed. Similarly, companies value LPNs who are continuous learners and are adapting to the evolving healthcare landscape. It's critical to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing education and upskilling on your resume.
Tips on why this template works
Emphasize your specialized skills
If you have expertise in a specialized area like geriatrics, palliative care, or rehabilitation, make it prominent on your resume. Don't bury unique skills, these can set you apart from other LPN applicants.
Resume Example
LPN Nurse (Licensed Practical Nurse)
Resume Example: LPN Nurse (Licensed Practical Nurse)
Download this resume template
Overview
Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is all about showing you've got the chops to provide high-level care under the guidance of registered nurses and physicians. When crafting your resume, remember that it's not just about showing your clinical skills, but also demonstrating your ability to support patients emotionally. This field is rapidly changing with technologies like telemedicine and electronic health records becoming more prominent, which means you need to show you can keep up. Given that many LPNs work in elder care, where we're seeing a surge in demand, emphasize any relevant experience or skills in this area.
Tips on why this template works
Include relevant certifications and training
As an LPN, you've likely completed a bunch of certifications, such as IV therapy or gerontology. Make sure these are clearly outlined in your resume, particularly if they're ones that the job description specifically mentions.
Also see: How to List Certifications on a Resume
Detail your patient care experience
Hiring managers want to see that you can handle patient care responsibilities, so include details of the type of care you've provided. For instance, if you worked in a long-term care facility, describe how you managed patient hygiene, medication administration, and vital signs monitoring.
Resume Example
LVN Nurse (Licensed Vocational Nurse)
Resume Example: LVN Nurse (Licensed Vocational Nurse)
Download this resume template
Overview
As a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), you play a vital role in the healthcare industry, often serving as the backbone of patient care. Your resume should reflect your robust skills set — your ability to assist with diagnostic tests, take vital signs, and provide emotional support to patients. Recently, the industry's focus has increasingly shifted to holistic care, and as an LVN, you're more likely to work in interdisciplinary teams. When crafting your resume, it's essential to convey the breadth of your nursing skills and your ability to work well with a diverse set of professionals. In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, trends tend to focus on emerging technologies and automation of administrative duties. This doesn't reduce the value of an LVN, but rather increases the demand for interpersonal and technical skills. Your resume should show your adaptability to new technologies, and your knack for juggling both patient interaction and administrative tasks. Remember, your resume doesn’t just outline your past jobs—it tells your professional story, offering a glimpse into who you are as an LVN.
Tips on why this template works
Highlight your technical and interpersonal skills
Since the LVN role involves working with a variety of tech tools and diverse teams, your resume should reflect your ability to navigate both. Mention any software you're proficient in, and provide examples of your teamwork skills within your past roles.
Resume Example
LVN Nurse (Licensed Vocational Nurse)
Resume Example: LVN Nurse (Licensed Vocational Nurse)
Download this resume template
Overview
As an LVN (Licensed Vocicational Nurse), you have a key role in healthcare that is rewarding and challenging. The demand for LVNs is quite high due to an aging population and an increasing need for healthcare services. However, the competition for positions in prestigious facilities is as fierce as ever. Your resume, therefore, needs to clearly communicate your technical skills, hands-on nursing experience, and compassion for patients. And although patient care is paramount, do not underestimate the importance of displaying soft skills such as communication and teamwork. Keeping up-to-date with current trends, such as the shift towards home health care, can also give your resume an edge.
Tips on why this template works
Include relevant certifications and trainings
As an LVN, you've probably undergone additional training or earned complementary certifications, like IV certification or wound care. Include these to demonstrate your commitment to continuing education and to stand out from the competition.
Also see: How to List Certifications on a Resume
Emphasize your patient care experience
You should explicitly list the types of care you have provided to patients. Whether it's administering medication, assisting with personal hygiene, or working with specific patient populations (like geriatrics or pediatrics), your experiences can make you particularly attractive to certain employers.
Resume Example
Medical Surgical Nurse
Resume Example: Medical Surgical Nurse
Download this resume template
Overview
Medical Surgical Nurses, or Med Surg Nurses, are a vital part of the healthcare team. They work in a highly dynamic environment, providing care to patients post-surgery, and are often the ones providing round-the-clock monitoring. The medical field is evolving rapidly, with technological developments influencing care delivery methods. Therefore, in writing your resume, you need to showcase your ability to adapt and learn quickly. It's also important to note that the healthcare sector is increasingly seeking a holistic approach to patient care. This means demonstrating not only your technical skills but also your capability to provide patient-centered care.
Tips on why this template works
Evidence of continuous learning
In this rapidly changing field, it's critical to show that you're up to date. Include any additional training or certifications you've obtained, especially those relating to new technologies or procedures in surgical care.
Demonstrate a blend of skills
Beyond your clinical skills, recruiters are looking for nurses who can provide compassionate patient care. Be sure to include experiences that emphasize your communication skills, empathy, and ability to work in a team.
Resume Example
Professional
Resume Example: Professional
Download this resume template
Overview
This resume template is suitable for experienced hires or mid-level hires. The education contains two examples of an education experiences, but only include one (your most recent one) if you're a senior level employee.
Tips on why this template works
Makes great use of space
It strikes the right balance between white space and content, and doesn't waste space on unnecessary images and icons. Remember, recruiters aren't looking at how creative you are when it comes to your template. Your content is core and should be the focus.
Strong resume bullet points
This job seeker uses resume bullet points that uses strong action verbs, and most importantly, contain numbers that demonstrate the significance of their accomplishments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What skills do hiring managers want to see on a Surgical Nurse resume?
Some effective Surgical Nurse skills you can add to your resume include:
- Nursing
- Operating Room
- Healthcare
- Surgery
- Hospitals
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Patient Safety
- General Surgery
Target your Resume to a Job Description
While the keywords above are a good indication of what skills you need on your resume, you should try to find additional keywords that are specific to the job. To do this, use the free Targeted Resume tool. It analyzes the job you are applying to and finds the most important keywords you need on your resume.
It is personalized to your resume, and is the best way to ensure your resume will pass the automated resume filters.
