Resume critique, applied to over 100 jobs without a single call back

[Jmira.BSN.RN]

Just as title reads, I've applied to well over 100 jobs without even 1 single call back. Since this is the meat of what they read, can anyone offer any constructive criticism? The formatting may be a little off due to copy/pasting, and I've edited some info for privacy :) Thanks a bunch

Objectives

To obtain a position as a registered nurse within a clinical or hospital setting, where I may strengthen my nursing skills while contributing to health promotion of the patient and community. My values include treating each patient equally with respect, empathy, and holistic Nursing care. My mission not only includes providing accurate and safe health care to patients, but also to improve and grow in my Nursing skills.

SKILLS

• CA Registered Nurse License #********
  
• AHA CPR and BLS for HealthCare Providers
  
• AHA Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
  
• National Institute of Health Stroke Scale Certification (NIHSS)
  
• Exceptional ability to prepare and follow individualized nursing care plans and protocols to achieve positive client outcomes
  
• Personable with a positive attitude; interface well with diverse patients, families, and hospital staff
  
• Maintain critical thinking skills essential to providing competent and dignified patient care
  

Education

****** College

July 2013 Associates Degree in Nursing

s 3.0 G.P.A

.

Experience

**** Hospital

City, State

Clinical Associate Dates worked

As a clinical associate in the house float pool, was responsible for nursing assistant duties throughout the pediatric medical-surgical units and the pediatric oncology unit, which included: Maintaining accurate and timely acknowledgement and documentation of patient's intake and output; responsible for performing urinalysis testing and occult blood testing of stools as specified by HCP; provided meal, hygiene, and toileting assistance as needed; performing and documentation of accurate vital signs; assisting with lumbar punctures; and documentation of all duties carried out and monitored. Other duties included acting as a sitter for at risk patients by assuring patient safety on the pediatric medical-surgical units, pediatric oncology units, pediatric neurology unit, and pediatric ICU; and performing clerical duties of the unit secretary in the step down pediatric ICU that included answering the telephone, transferring calls, responding to patient call lights, faxing necessary documents, tubing specimens to the lab, and timely documentation of new unit admissions and discharges

[Jmira.BSN.RN]

((HUGS)) You are not alone California has a 47% unemployment f nurses especially new grads. Many facilities are requiring a BSN with the surplus of nurses out there. The average employment search in CA is estimated 14-18 months.

Thanks. I'm hoping that starting bsn, tweaking my resume, and adding another cert. or 2 will be beneficial on this road, no matter how long it may be. On the plus side, at least I'll have some free time around the holidays for once :)

[born_this_way]

JmiraRN

Hi, I happen to find you on here because I saw that you went to Everest college. Do you only take the hesi entrance exam or also the compass test too? I will be applying for June 2014 program. I wanted to know the ins and outs on the Hesi entrance exam due to my test anxiety, I would appreciate if you can help give me an idea of what to expect. I've been seeking a study partner, but no luck

Tips for your resume to "Stand Out" LEADERSHIP SKILLS

Have you done things in your previous job that you helped improve patient satisfaction, improve patient safety, volunteered to develop projects at your company's performance improvement team, or increased/saved money for the company??

I work at a rehab hospital as a CNA and recently volunteered to be apart of the performance improvement team and provided strategies to help reduce AMA D/C for the hospital. It will help my resume SHINE and stand out from the rest. It will show my leadership skills and passion in nursing, but also show that I can bring something to the table for the new company. I believe as a NEW GRAD, you have to be unique and innovative (ie Spanish speaking, sign language, computer skills etc) Hope this helped :)

[mskeaton90]

i would apply to some of the traveling nurse companies there always hiring and also google best nursing resumes sometimes they have examples of the best resumes sent to employers

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

i would apply to some of the traveling nurse companies there always hiring

As a general rule, travel nurse companies require 2-5 years experience in a specialty to market someone well. While some may accept applications for new grads, finding a facility that will take them at traveler rates is nearly impossible.

The traveler nurse is generally given little to no orientation, often given the worst assignments or are first float. This not a reasonable expectation of a new grad or under experienced RN.

While there are occasional facilities that will accept a traveler nurse with less experience, they are generally not postings that are advisable to take.

[Natasha A., CNA, LVN]

JMIRARN-

Thanks. I received your PM message but when I tried to reply, it said your inbox is full and must be cleared before receiving new messages. So i just wanted to let you know. :) Also, when you say to score high on the everest rn /hesi test, which subjects matter to score high on? Ive read A&P section and ive read the math, english, and vocab part. I would really appreciate your input and look forward to hearing back from you. Also, i did check out barnes and nobles website and they have a "rent" hesi a2 for 90 days, so ill check that out. Thanks! :)

[FerRN]

I am going to be honest and say that I kind of glazed over and stopped reading your resume. I second the opinion that it needs to be quick and easy to read, consider how many resumes HR people look at and most of them probably just get a quick scan. For my resume, I followed the format on monster.com's resume writing services page, where you pay them to write it. They had a sample nurse resume and I followed that.

[sunshyne17]

I would remove the objective, break up the experience into chunks, and have a separate cover letter for soft/communication skills and what you are looking for. Being personable is not a skill, it's an attribute. A skill is knowing how to read tele strips, operate kangaroo pumps, inserting peripheral IVs into a tough stick, etc.

HTH

[mclennan, BSN, RN]

Your résumé is WAY too long, way too verbose, and way too crowded for a new grad. Don't try to inflate yourself into something you're not!

Ditch the objective(s) entirely. I can almost guarantee you that most of the HR people reading the hundreds of resumes they get for one position don't even make it past that part.....that, and listing a "positive attitude" as a "skill" would land you in my rejection pile immediately. Why? It's unprofessional. It just doesn't reflect a mature and educated person who has experience in the working world or has done their research on what belongs and doesn't belong on a résumé.

The SoCal market is clogged beyond belief. BSNs with experience, certifications and perfect résumés aren't getting interviews or calls back. Travel nursing requires 2-4 years experience. Your résumé is just one part of your problem. The other part is your ADN. The final part is your location. Fix your résumé, head for rural areas, get that BSN as soon as you can and lower your standards. Yes, even farther than you already have.

[Jmira.BSN.RN]

Your résumé is WAY too long, way too verbose, and way too crowded for a new grad. Don't try to inflate yourself into something you're not!

Ditch the objective(s) entirely. I can almost guarantee you that most of the HR people reading the hundreds of resumes they get for one position don't even make it past that part.....that, and listing a "positive attitude" as a "skill" would land you in my rejection pile immediately. Why? It's unprofessional. It just doesn't reflect a mature and educated person who has experience in the working world or has done their research on what belongs and doesn't belong on a résumé.

The SoCal market is clogged beyond belief. BSNs with experience, certifications and perfect résumés aren't getting interviews or calls back. Travel nursing requires 2-4 years experience. Your résumé is just one part of your problem. The other part is your ADN. The final part is your location. Fix your résumé, head for rural areas, get that BSN as soon as you can and lower your standards. Yes, even farther than you already have.

Thank you,

I did yank out the objectives entirely and bulleted the job duties. And I will fix some of the other things as well. I am enrolled for bsn and start classes this month. I would love to move a few hours away to find a job but it isn't possible.

Again, I appreciate the constructive criticism. Trying to stay positive

[MissM.RN, BSN, RN]

Hi jmira,

You have all of the "right stuff" IMHO :) CNA experience, ACLS, etc. Good for you that you're working on the BSN. In your area, it will practically be required.

Anyway, agree with previous posters that your resume might be a bit too wordy. On mine, I have bolded sections for Education, Licenses/Certifications, and Experience. Under each of those headings, I have a bullet with two to three lines MAX detailing what it is, or why it's important. At the bottom, I have three references with phone/email contacts. From what I can tell, my resume seemed successful! I got a job, haha. Sadly though, you may have to relocate. I did. Best of luck to you!

[katrn09]

Are you still looking? I can give you a heads up on an opening at my hospital if you are in So cal.