Labor And Delivery Nurse Resume Example
Starting a career as a labor and delivery nurse gives you the chance to gain experience in monitoring fetal heartbeats and assisting during childbirth. For a successful labor and delivery nurse application, you'll want to submit a professional resume that showcases your relevant skills. In this article, we'll showcase resume tips and examples that can help you create a professional labor and delivery nurse resume that catches the eye of hiring managers.
After reading this article, you'll feel confident creating a labor and delivery nurse resume that effectively showcases your relevant skills and experience. You'll learn how to show employers you've got the relevant qualities, skills and experience for the job, all presented in a format that employers prefer to see. The article also includes tips for formatting your resume according to your experience and strengths. Read on to access expert insights from Jobseeker that will help you create a winning labor and delivery nurse resume.
Key sections for a labor and delivery nurse resume
Although the content of a labor and delivery nurse resume may differ according to your experience and seniority, the main sections will remain the same.
For junior and entry-level labor and delivery nurse positions, you may be short on work experience to include in your resume. Select a resume layout that emphasizes your skills and qualifications, such as a functional format. Draw attention to your soft and transferable skills, as employers will value these highly for entry-level roles. You could also mention any internships, training or volunteer work that helps you showcase skills relevant to the position.
If you have some experience as a labor and delivery nurse, use a traditional, reverse-chronological resume format and focus on showing how you've used the skills required for the job in your career to date. In your resume work experience section, outline your relevant achievements and showcase the impact you've made in your career to date. Make sure everything you include is relevant to the job description.
As a highly experienced candidate, you'll want your labor and delivery nurse resume to showcase your depth of relevant work experience, as well as other achievements. Use a reverse-chronological format and add additional sections to prove you're a strong candidate. Some elements to include in a senior resume for maximum impact might include awards, publications, conference presentations or professional memberships. By adding these sections, it's likely that your resume will be longer than a junior resume.
The order you present these sections can vary according to your career stage, but it's still essential to include each of the following:
Resume Header and Personal Information
A labor and delivery nurse resume header contains your name and contact information. Add your first and last name, your phone number and your email address. Include your address or location, but avoid adding any other personal information. If you have a LinkedIn profile, you can add the URL to your header so the hiring manager can get a better understanding of your work history and experience. Keep your header clear and concise, with only the most necessary information included. Opt for a stylish, professional design that creates a strong first impression.
Use an email address that's professional and appropriate for professional communication. Typically this would be an email address based on your first and last name, or your initials. If necessary, you could include your profession or another unique identifier. Avoid using old email addresses that could be considered unprofessional or inappropriate. Additionally, always check your contact details before sending your resume to ensure they're up-to-date.
Camila Ortiz
camila.ortiz@example.com
(111) 222 33 444 55
124 Conch Street, Bikini Bottom, CA
linkedin․com/in/camila–ortiz123
Resume Objective
Following your resume header, write a resume summary to introduce yourself and showcase some of your key skills and achievements. Alternative names for this section are 'resume objective' and 'personal profile'. While a resume summary focuses on your career experience, a resume objective covers your ambitions and career plans. Additionally, make sure your resume summary reflects the job description and focuses on qualities that are relevant to working as a labor and delivery nurse.
Alternatively, you could use this section to reference your objectives and ambitions, and how this role would fit into your career journey.
A great resume summary should highlight why you're an ideal candidate for labor and delivery nurse roles by showing key skills and qualities that reflect the job description and provide evidence to support them. It should also introduce your personality and unique qualities to the reader, to help them start to form an opinion about you as a candidate. You can see some positive examples of a resume summary for labor and delivery nurse jobs below.
Good example:
Dedicated and experienced Labor and Delivery Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), specializing in maternal and neonatal care. Proven expertise in managing complex deliveries, providing comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care, and supporting families through the childbirth process. Adept at collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes, maintaining high standards of clinical practice, and delivering compassionate patient-centered care. Strong background in patient education, emergency response, and evidence-based practice
Bad example:
Nurse with some experience in healthcare and working with mothers and babies. Involved in various aspects of childbirth and family support. Worked with different teams to help patients and maintain care standards. Have some background in teaching patients, handling emergencies, and following healthcare practices
Alternatively, a poor resume summary would include bland, generic information that does little to prove your suitability for the role, while failing to provide any useful insights on you as a person or as a candidate. The graphic above shows some of the pitfalls to avoid when creating your resume summary.
Work History
In your work experience section, list any previous relevant roles you've worked in, as well as your key achievements as a labor and delivery nurse. List each relevant role in reverse-chronological order starting with your current or most recent role. Add your job title, the organization name, its location and the dates you worked there.
In addition, include a few bullet points under each job, highlighting your key achievements so the hiring manager can see how they led to successful outcomes. Back up each point with evidence to show how you meet the job description.
The best resume work experience sections focus only on the most relevant previous jobs, and link each bullet point back to a skill or experience listed in the job description. It's also critical to provide evidence that shows the value you added to each role in a quantifiable way, such as project outcomes, key performance indicators or feedback from customers, colleagues or managers. There are some examples of strong resume work experience sections below.
Good example:
Registered Nurse - Labor and Delivery Specialist, January 2022 - Present
Harmony Birth Care, Charlotte
- Successfully managed over 200 labor and delivery cases annually with a 98% positive outcome rate
- Implemented a new patient monitoring protocol, reducing complications during labor by 30%
- Trained and mentored 15 junior nurses, enhancing team efficiency and patient care quality
Bad example:
Registered Nurse - Labor and Delivery Specialist, January 2022 - Present
Harmony Birth Care, Charlotte
- Managed patient care responsibilities in a busy hospital setting
- Contributed to team efforts in improving patient outcomes
- Assisted in various tasks related to labor and delivery
Above, you can see a weaker example of a resume work experience section to best avoid. A bad resume work experience section might fail to address skills and achievements that relate directly to the job description. Falling back on clichés, vague descriptions and basic responsibilities, rather than showing the impact you made, is likely to disengage the reader.
Education
Under education, add details of any degrees or professional qualifications relevant to labor and delivery nurse roles.
To work as a labor and delivery nurse, employers tend to require candidates to have a specialist degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). If you have this degree, focus on it in your education section, while also mentioning any educational achievements that show your epidural administration assistance or electronic health records.
Enter the name and level of the qualification, the institution you studied at, its location and your dates of study or graduation. You can enhance this section by adding bullet points that show any outstanding grades, awards or achievements and any specialist subjects you studied. These details can make you stand out from other candidates.
Additionally, mentioning any leadership roles or any societies and clubs you participated in while studying shows proactivity and initiative.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), 2017 - 2020
University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming
Skills
Listing your key skills can help to prove your suitability for labor and delivery nurse jobs. These could be epidural administration assistance, patient-centered care or various other relevant skills. Again, refer to the job description and make sure you include skills that the employer has listed as essential or desirable for employment as a labor and delivery nurse.
Showcasing hard skills on your labor and delivery nurse resume
For your hard skills list, include any technical abilities or specific industry knowledge that's essential to working as a labor and delivery nurse. These could be skills gained through work experience or qualifications. Furthermore, your list of hard skills provides a strong indication to the reader of your expertise in labor and delivery nurse roles, and how well you'll fit into the position. Add up to five key hard skills that show you're an ideal candidate for the role. It can also be beneficial to add context to each skill, showing how you've used it to positive effect in your career to date.
For an effective resume hard skills section, focus on the technical skills that are most essential in the job description, and that match your specific expertise. Some examples of the best hard skills for a labor and delivery nurse resume are listed below.
- Fetal monitoring proficiency
- Neonatal resuscitation certification
- IV insertion skills
How to list soft skills on your labor and delivery nurse resume
In your soft skills list, include any personal characteristics that make you a good fit for a labor and delivery nurse job. Soft skills tend to be more universal than hard skills, but they're no less important. Indeed, as the nature of work changes, soft skills are growing in importance, so make sure you include them in your resume. In this section, add four of five transferable skills that match the job description.
A strong soft skills section should play to your strengths, listing skills that reflect your personal qualities while also reflecting the skills listed in the job description. For some examples of good soft skills for a labor and delivery nurse resume, see below.
- Communication and empathy
- Critical thinking skills
- Team collaboration abilities
Licenses and Certifications
Under this section, list any relevant certifications or licenses that are relevant to labor and delivery nurse jobs. Add any official certifications or accreditations that increase your level of qualification and suitability for working as a labor and delivery nurse. Therefore, list any official licenses and certifications, along with their dates, so employers can assess whether you've got the necessary qualifications to work as a labor and delivery nurse.
Below you can find several examples of certifications for a labor and delivery nurse resume:
- RNC-OB Certification, 2022
- NRP Certification, 2022
- ACLS Certification, 2022
Hear from experts:
Optional Sections
There are several additional sections you could add to a labor and delivery nurse resume, to improve your chances of success. Choose any optional sections that showcase essential or desirable skills or experience for labor and delivery nurse jobs.
Hobbies and Interests
Including your hobbies and interests can be a valuable way of showing your key skills and qualities. Consider listing hobbies and interests to help your resume stand out, or to provide the employer with some insight into your personality and wider interests. They're perfect for candidates who might lack genuine work experience as a labor and delivery nurse. Only include hobbies and interests that showcase your personality and personal qualities, and add something different to your application.
Volunteer Work
If you're lacking relevant labor and delivery nurse work experience, volunteer work can help to show you still have the relevant skills. Write your volunteer section in a similar format to your work experience, including your role, the organization name, relevant dates and the details of your contribution.
References
Standard labor and delivery nurse resumes don't tend to include references, but you might find them requested occasionally. Check the job advert to see if you'll need to add references to your resume. Be sure to prepare your referees in advance, so they've agreed to provide a reference and are ready to be contacted.
References will be available upon request.
Best words to use in a labor and delivery nurse resume
Using strong action words to make your resume resonate with the employer. Add strong verbs from the list below to create a greater impact with your work experience section.
- Assist
- Monitor
- Educate
- Administer
- Support
- Assess
- Document
- Prepare
- Advocate
- Collaborate
If you need help creating a resume that impresses HR managers, take a look at Jobseeker's professional resume templates. You can also access beautiful cover letter templates that help your application stand out.
Example resume for labor and delivery nurse applications
The labor and delivery nurse resume example below includes all the sections above, so you can see how a completed resume looks:
124 Conch Street, Bikini Bottom, CA
•
camila.ortiz@example.com
•
(111) 222 33 444 55
•
linkedin․com/in/camila–ortiz123
Dedicated and compassionate Labor and Delivery Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and extensive experience in providing exceptional care to mothers and newborns. Proficient in managing labor processes, performing neonatal assessments, and ensuring patient safety and comfort. Strong team player with excellent communication skills and a commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care
Labor and Delivery Nurse
2020
-2022
Stork Haven Maternity Services (Anaheim)
- Successfully managed over 500 labor and delivery cases, ensuring safe births and positive maternal outcomes
- Implemented a new patient education program, increasing prenatal class attendance by 30%
- Recognized with the "Excellence in Nursing" award for outstanding patient care and teamwork in high-pressure environments
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
2017
-2020
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI)
Fetal monitoring proficiency
Neonatal resuscitation certification
IV insertion skills
Communication and empathy
Critical thinking skills
Team collaboration abilities
RNC-OB Certification
NRP Certification
English - Fluent
Spanish - B2
Quick tips for a labor and delivery nurse resume
Tips to write the best resume
- Adapt your resume depending on the job you're applying for. Take a look at the job description and make sure you reference all the required key skills and experience.
- List your qualifications in your education section, including any necessary degrees or certifications, along with high grades.
- Use strong verbs to help show the actions you've taken in different labor and delivery nurse roles (e.g. advocate, collaborate, assist).
- Keep your labor and delivery nurse resume as brief as possible. Aim for one page for an entry-level role, and two pages for more senior jobs.
- Quantify your successes by providing figures and other evidence that shows how your skills have made a difference to your employer.
Keep away from these common resume mistakes
- Don't lie or exaggerate on your labor and delivery nurse resume, as this can create false expectations in employers and harm you in the future.
- Don't use an email address that contains unprofessional content, and if necessary create a new, more professional email address.
- Don't clutter your document by trying to add too many details. Focus on core labor and delivery nurse skills and achievements that are relevant to the role.
- Don't use passive language - steer away from phrases like 'I was asked to' and use action words instead.
- Don't use overly decorative formatting and layouts that can detract from the content and make your labor and delivery nurse resume harder for scanning by applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Guide to making your resume ATS-friendly
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is just one of the tools employers and recruiters can use to streamline their hiring practices. This typically includes screening candidates by scanning and ranking their resumes based on their likely suitability for any vacancy. When you're writing your labor and delivery nurse resume, there are several things you can do to make sure your resume stands the best chance of passing the ATS stage.
Here are a few quick tips for creating an ATS-friendly resume:
- Opt for an established, traditional resume format such as a reverse-chronological or functional structure. These will ensure your resume includes all the necessary details ATS systems scan for.
- Add keywords throughout your resume that help ATS software match your application to the job description. A higher match means your application is more likely to proceed to be reviewed by human eyes.
- Add each section with clear headings that match the established resume conventions, so ATS software can easily identify each part of your resume.
- Utilize a clean, clear resume design that helps make your content more readable. Use simple fonts and subtle color accents and design elements that don't detract from the written content.
- Keep your resume as concise as possible, to make it easier to read, and for ATS software to scan.
For tips and ideas to help you draft a professional resume to get noticed by employers, read our expert career articles and check out our detailed resume examples.
Frequently Asked Questions about a labor and delivery nurse resume
Alongside your labor and delivery nurse resume, it's important to produce a professional cover letter that creates a similar positive impact on the reader.
In some situations, a full, professional cover letter may not be necessary. Check the job advert and decide whether to write a formal cover letter, or if a brief email is more suitable.
If you choose to write a full cover letter, follow traditional letter-writing conventions surrounding greetings, sign-offs and use of professional language. The body of the cover letter tends to be three paragraphs. The first introduces yourself and the role you're applying for, giving reasons for your application. The second briefly covers your key skills and achievements that are most relevant to labor and delivery nurse roles. Finally, the third paragraph re-emphasizes your interest in the role and leaves a call to action, encouraging the employer to reach out to you.
If you want to impress employers with a professional cover letter, use Jobseeker's simple and beautiful cover letter templates.
Even if you have no work experience, following a few simple tips for your labor and delivery nurse resume can ensure you make a strong impression on employers. Use a skills-based resume format to highlight your relevant skills and education. This is more suitable for junior or entry-level roles where you might not have much work experience to showcase. Optional sections at the end of your resume can play a stronger role if you're lacking relevant work experience. Use certifications and training, hobbies and interests, volunteer roles and internships to show you've got the necessary skills for the job.
A resume headline can catch the attention of the reader and give them a strong first impression about your suitability for labor and delivery nurse jobs. Resume headlines can also help you pass the ATS stage of the selection process, by highlighting the job title and one or two key details. Take the time to draft a concise, eye-catching headline which includes the job title, one or two key skills and reference to either your experience level or track record.
You can use this example resume headline as a template for creating your own:
- Junior Labor and Delivery Nurse
- Experienced Labor and Delivery Nurse
- Experienced Senior Labor and Delivery Nurse
The best resume format for you depends on two things. Firstly, it depends on your experience level. Secondly, it depends on the type and level of position you're applying for. If you don't have much experience, for example if you're applying for a graduate role or changing careers, you might consider a functional resume format. This focuses on your skills and education above your work experience. If, however, you have relevant work experience in the industry, it's typically best to use a reverse chronological resume format. This highlights your achievements in work, which is probably the most important factor for hiring managers to consider.
Takeaways for a winning labor and delivery nurse resume
The best resumes focus on your skills and the value you've added to previous roles, rather than focusing on your duties and responsibilities. Pick a resume format that matches your experience levels, and tailor the content of your resume to reflect the details of the job description.
Use Jobseeker's resume templates, other tools and resources to create an application that impresses employers. Sign up today to access a wealth of valuable resume and cover letter resources. Whether you're a junior or senior candidate, a professional cover letter can help to grab the attention of the employer. Jobseeker's cover letter examples were created by careers experts to provide useful tips and ideas for your cover letter.
Sources:
(1) Tips for Writing a Federal Resume, U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/tips-for-writing-a-federal-resume
(2) Resume Tips, Duke University: https://careerhub.students.duke.edu/resources/resume-tips/
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