Pre Op/Post Op Nurse Resume Examples & Templates for 2025

These pre op/post op nurse resume examples show how to highlight your skills in patient care and surgical prep. Learn tips for showcasing your experience and making your qualifications stand out.

By Toni Frana, CPRW, Career Expert Last Updated: September 11, 2025

More Pre Op/Post Op Nurse Resume Examples

These pre op/post op nurse resume examples show how you can showcase your patient care, surgical preparation, and recovery support skills. Use these samples to build a strong resume that highlights your nursing expertise and experience.

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Pre Op/Post Op Nurse Resume Template (Text Version)

Michael Wang

Minneapolis, MN 55413
(555)555-5555
Michael.Wang@example.com

Professional Summary

Experienced nurse specializing in pre and post-op care, adept at enhancing patient experiences and improving recovery outcomes. Proven track record in healthcare innovation and efficiency, with advanced skills in patient education and team collaboration.

Work History

Pre Post-Op Nurse
Harmony Health Center – Minneapolis, MN
May 2022 – September 2025

  • Managed 150+ patient files efficiently
  • Reduced prep time by 30% with new protocols
  • Enhanced care satisfaction by 25%

Surgical Care Nurse
Riverside Medical Group – Cedar Valley, MN
April 2016 – April 2022

  • Assisted in 50+ surgeries monthly
  • Improved recovery rates by 15%
  • Achieved 95% patient satisfaction

Recovery Unit Nurse
Greenfield Hospital – Cedar Valley, MN
September 2013 – March 2016

  • Monitored 30+ patients daily post-op
  • Implemented safety protocols cutting incidents by 20%
  • Conducted staff training, improving team skills

Languages

  • Spanish – Beginner (A1)
  • French – Intermediate (B1)
  • Portuguese – Beginner (A1)

Skills

  • Patient care
  • Surgical preparation
  • Post-op monitoring
  • Medical documentation
  • Patient education
  • Emergency response
  • Time management
  • Team collaboration

Certifications

  • Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) – Competency & Credentialing Institute
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) – American Heart Association

Education

Master of Science Nursing
University of Massachusetts Boston, Massachusetts
June 2013

Bachelor of Science Nursing
Boston College Boston, Massachusetts
June 2011

Advice for Writing Your Pre Op/Post Op Nurse Resume

Learn how to write a resume that highlights your unique skills and experiences in the operating room. Discover tips specific to your profession and learn how to present your dedication to patient care and surgical support with confidence.

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Write a strong professional summary

A professional summary on a resume serves as an introduction to hiring managers, helping them quickly understand your background and decide if they want to learn more about you. When crafting your resume, you can choose between writing a summary or an objective.

Typically spanning three to four sentences, a professional summary highlights your experience, skills, and achievements. It’s ideal for someone who has been working for some time, like an experienced pre op/post op nurse. The goal is to convey your professional identity and the value you bring to an organization.

In contrast, a resume objective focuses on career goals and is perfect for entry-level individuals, those changing careers, or people with employment gaps. Consider it as “what I aim to contribute” compared to the summary’s “what I’ve accomplished.”

Now let’s explore examples of both summaries and objectives tailored for different levels of experience.

Pre op/post op nurse resume summary examples

Entry-level
Recent nursing graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited program. Experienced in pre-op and post-operative care through clinical rotations, with skills in patient assessment and monitoring vital signs. Certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and eager to contribute compassionate care to surgical patients.

Mid-career
Pre-op and post-op nurse with over six years of experience in fast-paced hospital environments. Proficient in preparing patients for surgery, providing post-operative care, and educating patients on recovery processes. Known for excellent teamwork and communication skills, ensuring seamless coordination between surgical teams and patient families.

Experienced
Highly experienced pre-post op nurse specializing in cardiac surgery recovery, with over 15 years of practice. Expertise in managing complex cases, improving patient outcomes through advanced pain management techniques, and leading nursing teams to deliver exceptional care. Recognized for leadership abilities and dedication to improving patient safety protocols.

Pre op/post op nurse resume objective examples

Recent graduate
Compassionate and detail-oriented recent Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate seeking an entry-level pre op/post op nurse position. Eager to apply foundational nursing skills and clinical rotations experience to provide exceptional patient care during preoperative and postoperative phases.

Career changer
Diligent former medical assistant transitioning into a nursing career, with a strong background in patient interaction and healthcare support. Seeking a pre op/post op nurse role to contribute effective communication skills and dedication to improving patient recovery experiences.

Specialized training
Certified Registered Nurse with specialized training in perioperative care aiming to join a reputable surgical team as a pre op/post op nurse. Committed to using expertise in patient assessments and recovery protocols to deliver compassionate and efficient care throughout the surgical process.

Include relevant certifications and training

Listing certifications and training on your resume is important, especially for a pre op/post op nurse. It shows you have the right skills and knowledge to care for patients before and after surgery.

These credentials prove you have met certain standards in your field, which helps employers trust your abilities. A separate certifications section makes it easy for hiring managers to spot these qualifications quickly. Relevant certifications for this role include:

  • Basic Life Support (BLS)
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
  • Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
  • Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)

Having the right certifications can make a big difference in getting hired as a pre op/post op nurse. They show you’re ready to handle the responsibilities of caring for surgical patients. Including them prominently on your resume gives you an edge over others who might not have these qualifications.

Example of a certifications section

Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
Issued by: Competency & Credentialing Institute

Basic Life Support (BLS)
Issued by: American Heart Association

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
Issued by: American Heart Association

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Issued by: American Heart Association

Showcase your work experience

Showcasing relevant work experience as a pre op/post op nurse helps employers understand your hands-on expertise and contributions. Arrange your experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with your most recent position. Include your job title, the employer’s name, location, and employment dates to present a clear career timeline.

Use active language when describing responsibilities and accomplishments to make your resume more engaging. For example, instead of saying “responsible for patient care,” try “provided personalized care to patients during pre- and post-operative phases.” When listing responsibilities, focus on tasks specific to the role like:

  • Preparing patients for surgery
  • Monitoring vital signs after procedures
  • Effectively managing pain levels
  • Educating families on recovery plans

Highlight measurable results when possible. You could mention reducing average patient recovery time through improved care protocols or improving patient satisfaction scores by delivering thorough education on post-op expectations.

Employers value examples that show leadership, teamwork, and attention to detail in high-pressure environments. Tailor each description to align with the skills they are seeking while keeping sentences concise. This approach not only paints a picture of your abilities but also makes it easier for hiring managers to see how you will positively impact their team.

5 pre op/post op nurse work history bullet point examples

  • Coordinated pre-operative assessments for over 150 patients monthly, ensuring accurate medical histories and reducing last-minute surgery cancellations by 10%.
  • Developed a patient education program that improved post-operative recovery times by 15%, leading to higher patient satisfaction scores.
  • Streamlined the discharge process in collaboration with the surgical team, decreasing patient wait time by 20% and improving overall department efficiency.
  • Mentored new nurses in pre-op and post-op procedures, contributing to a 25% improvement in departmental training outcomes.
  • Implemented a new electronic health record system, cutting down documentation errors by 30% and improving data retrieval speed.

Match your resume with the job description

Tailoring you resume to job descriptions is essential because it helps you stand out and pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS). These systems scan for specific keywords and phrases from job postings, ensuring that only the most relevant applications reach employers.

An ATS-friendly resume aligns closely with the language used in a job description. By incorporating relevant keywords and phrases that match one’s skills, applicants can increase their chances of getting noticed by hiring managers.

To identify these keywords, look for skills, qualifications, and duties frequently mentioned in job postings. For a pre op/post op nurse position, examples might include “pre-operative and post-operative care,” “pain management,” or “surgical team collaboration.” Use these exact phrases to improve your resume’s compatibility with ATS.

Incorporate these terms naturally by rewriting parts of your resume. For example, instead of saying “provide high-quality pre- and post-operative care,” you can say “delivered high-quality pre- and post-operative care to improve overall health outcomes and manage pain levels effectively.” It’s important to customize your resume to reflect these specific requirements effectively.

Targeted resumes are more likely to be ATS-compatible, helping you move closer to landing an interview for the role you’re aiming for.

FAQ

Do I need to include a cover letter with my pre op/post op nurse resume?

Yes, including a well-written nursing cover letter with your resume can help you stand out from other applicants and secure more interviews.

A cover letter allows you to personalize your application by sharing your specific interest in the position and facility, elaborating on relevant experience, and showcasing your patient care skills.

For example, if the hospital has a unique program, specialty, or unit, you can elaborate on your interest or experience in that area.

You can use our Cover Letter Generator to generate a cover letter based on your resume or create a brand-new one with step-by-step guidance and expert content suggestions.

We also recommend referencing our library of cover letter examples for additional samples tailored to various industries and career levels.

How long should a pre op/post op nurse’s resume be?

For a pre op/post op nurse, a one-page resume is typically sufficient if you’re early in your career or have limited experience. Focus on highlighting your clinical skills, certifications like BLS and ACLS, and relevant nursing experience to make the most impact.

However, if you have extensive experience or specialized training, consider a two-page resume. Ensure every detail included is directly related to pre-operative and post-operative care to maintain relevance.

If you’re unsure about how long a resume should be for your specific situation, explore resources that provide examples and tips tailored for different career stages.

How do you write a pre op/post op nurse resume with no experience?

When creating a resume with no experience for a pre op/post op nurse role, emphasize your education, certifications, and relevant clinical training that align with the field.

  • Emphasize your educational background: Start with your nursing degree details including the institution, graduation date, and any honors received. Mention specific courses or projects related to perioperative care.
  • Include clinical rotations: Describe clinical rotations in surgical settings where you’ve assisted with patient assessments, monitored recovery, or collaborated with surgical teams. This hands-on experience is valuable for a pre op/post op nurse role.
  • Showcase relevant certifications: List certifications critical for this role like Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Basic Life Support (BLS), and Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR), which demonstrate preparedness for handling patients before and after surgery.

Refer to resources on crafting a resume with no experience for more detailed examples and expert advice tailored to new nurses entering the workforce.

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