How to write a nursing CV that gets you hired in Kenya

A nursing CV has one job: to convince a busy nurse manager or HR officer, in under a minute, that you are licensed, safe and right for their ward. Most nursing CVs fail because they list duties every nurse performs instead of showing what you specifically bring. Here is how to write one that stands out.

What should go at the top of a nursing CV?

Your name, phone number, a professional email address and your town. Directly below, put your professional title and your registration, for example "Registered Nurse (KRCHN), NCK licence current to 2027". Hospitals check this first, so do not make them hunt for it.

How do you write a nursing profile?

Write three or four lines that say who you are and what you are best at. Be specific about your clinical areas and experience: "Registered nurse with five years in critical care at a level 5 hospital. Experienced in ventilator management, sepsis care and training new ICU staff. BLS and ACLS certified." Avoid lines that could describe anyone, such as "hardworking and passionate about patient care".

How should you describe your nursing experience?

List your roles from most recent, with the facility, ward or department, and dates. Under each, write three to five points that show results or responsibility rather than routine duties.

• Weak: "Administered medication to patients."
• Stronger: "Cut medication errors on a 30 bed medical ward by introducing a double-check at evening rounds."
• Stronger: "Led a team of six nurses on night duty on a 24 bed surgical ward."

Include locum and volunteer work, especially if it covers a different setting or specialty.

Which certificates should you list?

Your nursing qualification and where you trained, your NCK registration and licence, and any post-basic or short courses: BLS, ACLS, PALS, IMCI, HIV testing and counselling, infection prevention or critical care courses. Put the most relevant ones first for the job you want.

How long should a nursing CV be?

Two pages is right for most nurses; one page is fine if you are newly qualified. Use one clear layout with standard headings, and send it as a PDF unless the advert asks for Word.

What mistakes get nurses overlooked?

• Leaving out your registration or licence status.
• A long list of duties with no results or responsibilities.
• Including your ID number, date of birth, marital status or a photo when the advert does not ask for them.
• Referees who have not agreed to be contacted, or who never supervised you.
• Typos in drug names, units or facility names. Read it twice.

The fastest way to a good nursing CV

Use the free Monica CV builder, which lays out your licence, clinical areas and certifications in a clean format hospitals read easily, then check it against a real job advert with the CV checker. Short on time? A CV expert can write it for you for KES 200.