Resume Example
ICU Nurse Resume Example
Emphasize critical care vigilance, ventilator management, and rapid response skills. This sample focuses on high-acuity outcomes.
Classic Professional
Traditional single-column ATS-optimized layout. Best for conservative industries.
Keywords
Sample bullets
- Managed 1:2 ICU assignments for ventilated patients with 100% compliance on CLABSI and CAUTI bundles.
- Titrated vasoactive drips and sedation per protocol, reducing hypotensive episodes by 18%.
- Participated in 20+ code responses with complete documentation and post-event handoffs.
Soft skills
- Calm under pressure
- Prioritization
- Team coordination
Certifications
- RN license
- BLS
- ACLS
- CCRN
Why this works
- Shows high-acuity patient management with safety outcomes.
- Highlights complex device and medication management.
- Demonstrates team coordination in critical events.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Write a ICU Nurse Resume
Lead with ICU specialty and acuity
ICU nurses handle highest acuity. Lead with unit type (MICU, SICU, CVICU, Neuro ICU), bed count, and patient population. 'ICU Registered Nurse in 20-bed Level I trauma SICU caring for complex post-surgical and trauma patients.'
Show critical care competencies
Include experience with ventilators, vasoactive drips, hemodynamic monitoring, and specialized procedures. Critical care skills distinguish ICU nurses.
Highlight certifications and advanced skills
Include CCRN certification, specialty certifications, and advanced skills (CRRT, ECMO, IABP). Certifications validate critical care expertise.
Include patient outcomes and quality
Describe contributions to quality improvement, patient outcomes, and safety initiatives. 'Zero central line infections over 2 years' demonstrates quality focus.
Demonstrate leadership and education
Include preceptor experience, charge nurse responsibilities, and any committee or project leadership. ICU nurses often lead codes and critical situations.
Summary Examples
Good vs. Bad Resume Summaries
“CCRN with 8 years in 24-bed Level I trauma SICU. Expert in mechanical ventilation, CRRT, and complex post-operative care. Charge nurse leading unit with zero CAUTI/CLABSI for 18 months. Precept all new graduate nurses.”
CCRN, high-acuity unit, specialized skills, quality outcomes, and leadership.
“ICU nurse with critical care experience. Strong assessment skills and ability to work under pressure.”
No unit type, no certifications, no specific competencies or outcomes.
“Cardiovascular ICU Nurse specializing in post-cardiac surgery and heart failure. IABP and ECMO trained. Member of rapid response team with 95% survival to discharge. Pursuing CCRN certification.”
Specialty ICU, advanced skills, quality metric, and professional development.
“RN seeking ICU position. Med-surg experience with interest in critical care.”
No ICU experience. Med-surg is different skill set.
Action Verbs
Power Words for ICU Nurse Resumes
Common Mistakes
What to Avoid
- ✗Not specifying ICU type and acuity level
- ✗Missing CCRN or specialty certifications
- ✗Omitting specialized equipment and procedure experience
- ✗Being vague about patient population and unit size
- ✗Not showing quality outcomes and safety metrics
- ✗Missing preceptor and charge nurse experience
Salary ranges
| Level | US | EU | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | USD 72,800-84,000 | EUR 50,200-57,900 | CAD 84,400-97,400 |
| Mid | USD 89,600-106,400 | EUR 61,800-73,400 | CAD 103,900-123,400 |
| Senior | USD 106,400-134,400 | EUR 73,400-92,700 | CAD 123,400-155,900 |
Market themes
- ICU roles pay a premium for critical care expertise
US hot markets
- California
- Hawaii
- Oregon
- Washington
- Alaska
EU hot markets
- London
- Dublin
- Amsterdam
Canada hot markets
- Toronto
- Vancouver
- Calgary
FAQ
Common questions about this role
What should ICU nurses emphasize?
Critical care skills, device management, and safety outcomes.
Which certifications should be listed?
RN license, BLS, ACLS, and CCRN for critical care settings.
Related Roles
More Healthcare Examples
Beyond Templates
Templates are so 2015
Static templates give everyone the same look. Our Resume Studio uses AI to dynamically generate a completely unique resume for every job—personalized to your style, your experience, and the role you're targeting. No two resumes are ever the same.