Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software tools that scan resumes for keywords and structure. They check for role-specific words, certifications, dates, and clear section titles. If your resume hides those items in odd formats, the ATS may reject it.

For a Triage Registered Nurse, ATS scans look for clinical skills and tools. Use words like "telephone triage," "phone assessment," "acuity level," "EMR (Epic/Cerner/Meditech)," "telehealth," "BLS," "ACLS," "PALS," "telephone triage certification," "patient education," and "care coordination." Mention triage protocols, triage scoring, and phone documentation.

Best practices:

• Use standard section titles: "Work Experience," "Education," "Skills," "Certifications."
• Put keywords naturally inside bullets and job titles.
• Avoid tables, columns, text boxes, headers, footers, images, and graphs.
• Use simple fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Save as .docx or PDF unless the job asks otherwise.
• List dates and employer names clearly.

Common mistakes to avoid:

Don't replace exact keywords with creative synonyms like "care phone specialist" instead of "telephone triage."

Don't rely on headers or footers for contact or certification details. ATS may ignore them. Never hide certifications inside images or PDFs that aren't text.

Choose a clean, professional template that uses a single column and clear headings. For a Triage Registered Nurse, pick reverse-chronological layout so your recent clinical decisions and triage outcomes show first.

Keep length to one page if you have under 10 years of experience. You can use two pages only if you have long, directly relevant clinical leadership or emergency triage history.

Use ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Set body text to 10–12pt and headers to 14–16pt so readers scan easily.

Keep margins and spacing consistent. Use 0.4–0.6 line spacing and clear section gaps so hiring managers find info fast.

Avoid heavy design, graphics, and complex columns. Those elements often break ATS parsing and hide key clinical metrics like wait-time reductions or triage accuracy.

Use standard headings: Contact, Summary, Licenses/Certs, Clinical Experience, Skills, Education. Put nursing licenses and ACLS/BLS near your name so reviewers spot them quickly.

Common mistakes include dense text blocks, unexplained acronyms, and vague job duties. Replace duties with short bullets that show impact, like numbers for patient volume or triage times.

Writing a tailored cover letter helps you explain why you fit the Triage Registered Nurse role. You use it to show interest and to link your clinical skills to the job. Keep it short and direct.

Key sections:

• Header: Include your contact details and the employer's when you know it. Add the date.
• Opening paragraph: State the Triage Registered Nurse role you want. Show real enthusiasm for the clinic or hospital. Mention your top qualification or where you found the job.
• Body paragraphs: Connect your experience to the job needs. Highlight triage calls handled, EHR experience like Epic, triage protocols, and certifications such as BLS or ACLS. Note specific soft skills like clear phone communication, quick decision making, and teamwork. Use numbers where possible. Mirror keywords from the job listing.
• Closing paragraph: Reaffirm your interest in the Triage Registered Nurse role and the facility. State confidence you can help the team. Ask for an interview and thank the reader.

Keep the tone professional, friendly, and confident. Write like you are talking to a colleague. Use short sentences and everyday words. Customize each letter to the employer and role. Avoid generic phrasing and copy-paste templates.

Before you send, proofread for clarity and correct contact details. Match one or two skills to the job description. End with a clear call to action asking to discuss the role further.

When you apply for a Triage Registered Nurse role, small errors can cost you interviews. Employers need clear proof you can assess risk, prioritize care, and document concisely. Pay attention to wording, metrics, and format so your skills show up fast.

Below are common resume pitfalls for triage RNs. Fixes include short examples you can copy into your resume.

If you work as a Triage Registered Nurse, your resume must show quick clinical judgment, clear phone assessment skills, and experience with remote care tools. These FAQs and tips will help you highlight triage assessment, protocols, and patient safety in a concise, readable way.