Applying For an ER Position- Resume Question

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

I'm applying for an RN position in an ER. I'm considering including a certification section on the resume I submit. Currently I have BLS, ACLS, and OCN (oncology certified nurse). Is this worth including? Should I include the date I got my ACLS, and BLS, the date they expire, or neither and just that I have it? Should I include the OCN at all, since it doesn't relate to emergency care at all (though I suppose you could get the ocasional cancer patient)? I do feel proud of having it, as I worked hard at getting it. I feel it shows my dedication to further learning. However, I also don't want any reviewers to assume having it means I'm dedicated to oncology and not really interested in ER.

Thoughts?

[jhanes]

I hire nurses all the time at Interim Healthcare, and keeping your resume focused and brief is important, especially as somany apps are taken on-line only these days. Just put the certification and the date you got it, if within the last five years, like this--

ACLS 2010

PALS 2009

ONC 2008

Don't bother with anything older than five years, or which is irrelevent, unless it is an advanced degree or a prominent award, etc. Consider adding verbage directly from the website for the ER you are interested in, since some places use software tyo sort apps and you don't want yours to go into the Recycle Bin. I would consider taking the EMT class, if you can. It's easy for nurses, and gives you instant EMS "cred."

[Overland1, RN]

Skip the dates from the BLS-CPR, ACLS, OCN, etc. but definitely include the OCN; any ER that refuses an applicant because they did Oncology is not one that deserves a qualified nurse.

Two great examples of how an Oncology background is helpful occurred where I work:

1.) We have an oncology nurse covering some shifts in our ER, and she is amazing; she also never misses a stick. :)

2.) The former Director of our ER has a background in oncology. One afternoon, a newly diagnosed cancer patient came in via EMS. She spent some serious time with the patient, explaining what was going on and what to expect, etc. This made a huge positive difference in the patient's outlook.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

OP, I know that Cancer patients come emergently into the ER a lot (my mom did) I would love to have an OCN in there to handle that patient pop. You would be the one the ER docs consult as I am sure you know what's wrong with just a little hx and a glance. I vote OCN stays.

[Daisy Doodle]

Definitely add your OCN! That knowledge and experience will serve you, your patients, and peers working with you. We see CA patients all of the time in the Emergency Department. We have an ocology nurse that just started with us and it has been so nice having her on shift because she makes the patients feel more comfortable because she knows the meds, diagnosis, and common problems. Every nurse that has come to us from different departments brings knowledge and experience to the table. I did NICU and people appreciate the experience!

Daisy