Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting your first assignment, here's a list of top travel nurse resume mistakes and exactly how to avoid them.

 

1. Skipping Key Credentials and Licenses

 

The Mistake: Forgetting to list your active RN license(s), BLS/ACLS certifications, and any state-specific credentials like compact licenses.

 

Why It Hurts: Healthcare staffing is compliance-driven. If your licenses aren’t clearly stated with expiration dates and states covered, your application could be delayed or skipped altogether.

 

How to Fix It: Create a "Licenses & Certifications" section near the top of your resume. Include:

• RN License – State(s), License Number, Expiration Date

• Compact Licensure (if applicable)

• BLS, ACLS, PALS – Certifying body and expiry date

• Any specialty certs (TNCC, CCRN, etc.)
   

2. Using a Generic, One-Size-Fits-All Resume

 

The Mistake: Sending the same resume for ICU, ER, Med-Surg, and Travel LPN assignments.

 

Why It Hurts: Each travel assignment is different. Recruiters want to quickly assess if you have relevant experience for the unit, patient population, and facility type.

 

How to Fix It: Customize your resume per assignment. Tailor your "Clinical Experience" section to highlight relevant skills, unit types, and specific procedures for each job type.

 

Pro Tip: Use keywords from the job description, such as “telemetry monitoring,” “ventilator management,” or “epic charting,” to align your resume with the role.

 

 

3. Not Listing Travel Assignments Clearly

 

The Mistake: Lumping multiple assignments under one agency or leaving out contract durations.

 

Why It Hurts: Travel recruiters and compliance teams need to verify employment timelines and clinical experience.

 

How to Fix It: List each travel assignment separately with:

• Facility Name, City & State

• Unit/Department (e.g., ICU, L&D, ED)

• Agency Name (e.g., SGS Consulting)

• Dates (Month/Year – Month/Year)

• Key responsibilities and achievements (quantify when possible)
   

4. Ignoring Metrics and Outcomes

 

The Mistake: Listing tasks (“Provided patient care,” “Monitored vitals”) without context.

 

Why It Hurts: Recruiters are scanning for impact. Generic duties don’t help you stand out.

 

How to Fix It: Use action-oriented, quantifiable achievements, like:

• Managed 4:1 patient ratio in a Level 1 Trauma ICU

• Reduced patient falls by 30% through proactive safety rounding

• Trained 3 n

 

5. Forgetting EMR Systems and Equipment Used

 

The Mistake: Leaving out charting systems and technologies you’ve used.

 

Why It Hurts: Facilities often prefer travelers who are already proficient in their EMR.

 

How to Fix It: Add a “Technology & Equipment” or “Systems Proficiency” section:

• Epic, Cerner, Meditech, Allscripts

• IV Pumps, Ventilators, Telemetry

• Pyxis, Alaris, Smart Pumps
   

6. Typos and Formatting Errors

 

The Mistake: Misspelled words, inconsistent formatting, or outdated contact info.

 

Why It Hurts: Even in healthcare, attention to detail matters. A poorly formatted resume can cost you credibility.

 

How to Fix It:

• Use a clean, professional layout

• Triple-check for grammar and spelling errors

• Include updated contact info and a professional email

BONUS: Convert your resume to PDF to preserve formatting before submitting.

 

7. Leaving Out a Professional Summary

 

The Mistake: Jumping straight into work experience without a compelling summary.

 

Why It Hurts: You miss the chance to grab the recruiter’s attention in the first 5 seconds.

 

How to Fix It: Write a short, punchy Professional Summary (3-4 lines) that highlights:

• Your total years of RN experience

• Travel nursing specialties

• Key certifications

• Any standout achievements
   

Example: “Registered Nurse with 6+ years of experience in Telemetry and ICU. Compact license holder. Proven track record in high-acuity settings and rapid deployment. Epic-trained and ACLS/BLS certified.”

 

Final Takeaway: In the fast-paced world of travel nursing, your resume needs to work as hard as you do. Avoiding these common mistakes can make the difference between getting overlooked and getting placed.

Looking for a new healthcare project? Apply at: resumes@sgsconsulting.com