what to include in resume?

[SHURN]

I am thinking of applying for a new position within my hospital. I have been in ICU for 5 years, coming in as a new grad. Since I don't have any other RN experience, should I include my nurse externship experience on my resume? I worked in this hospital for that position. Should I include any jobs from my work history while I was in college? They were not medical in anyway. I know they do'tn really effect my RN skills, but is it better to have more on my resume? Thanks everyone! It has been a while since I had to make a resume!

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

I am a new grad...and on my resume (including the cover letter), I included:

* objective

* education information (including GPA)

* activities/honors

* clinical rotations

* skills (including my RN license no., BLS-certified, experienced nurse technician, blah blah blah...)

* related experience

The last two positions I held included a nurse tech position (kind of like an intern/externship) for 1.5 years and a nursing assistant position for only 4 months (but that is because I was offered the NT position). Including your externship experience is definitely something I would do - I find that employers like that.

as for your other positions you held in college, what did you do? The healthcare industry is a customer service-oriented industry in a way. For example, say you worked at Starbucks as a barista or something. You would have to show great customer service at that job - same goes for nursing. This is entirely up to you.

I have held other positions in the past, but the only two positions I held in college were the NT & NA positions. The NA position was in 2009 and the NT position was from 2009-2011. I personally wouldn't go back in your work history by more than a few years.

[Chin up]

Update your original resume to include your 5 years ICU experience and any relevant coursework, computer and certifications obtained. Any promotions, special projects and recognitions you may have received. This is also the time to start tracking any management experience, no matter how small. You have done a lot in five years, go through everything and give yourself the proper credit. You are making a picture of yourself and career, make it clear. Good luck! Peace!