what to call self on resumes?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi everyone! I am in an ADN-RN program, on track to graduate in about a month.

I am working on my resume, and want to apply to a couple of places relatively soon- before I graduate and before i've taken the nclex.

I know this might sound silly, but what do I write on a resume regarding my title? Do I state "future RN" or "anticipated RN (May 2015)" or "aspiring RN" or what?

I am applying for both RN and graduate nurse jobs...how do I distinguish this?

any help would be greatly appreciated!

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Prior to graduation from a nursing program, your official title is 'student nurse' (SN). On the resume, your name would appear as follows:

John/Jane Doe, SN

Specializes in public health.

I don't think most places would look at your resume if you don't have RN yet. You don't need a title on your resume. If you have previous degrees, sure, put BSN or whatever. If not, you don't have to put student nurse. Of course you can. I would just wait until your pass your NCLEX and get RN.

Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

Hospitals near me will tentatively hire nursing school students, with the official job being given on passing of NCLEX. They do accept applications from last semester students.

Just use your name in your application. You don't need a title. Your application and cover letter will explain what's going on.

Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

You do not have credentials, therefore you do not use them. Under the education portion of your resume, you put your school and "Graduate, June 2015" or whatever month you will be graduating.

Whether or not you apply prior to graduation depends on the market you live in. Some will do all their hiring for new grads prior to graduation even taking place. Others will not even consider you until you pass NCLEX. Find out the norm for your region. Most acute care positions will not hire new grads except through new grad internships these days.

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I don't think most places would look at your resume if you don't have RN yet.

Hiring practices differ based on regional preferences. Here, in the major cities of TX (Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, et al), people are expected to apply several months prior to graduation for hospital employment.

As a new grad RN I interviewed for a new grad position at a local major hospital (UT Southwestern) in 2010. The recruiter rolled her eyes when she saw I had passed NCLEX the previous month. She said, "We prefer candidates to apply two to three months prior to graduation."

I didn't get the job. However, things worked out. :)

thanks everyone!

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