Where do I list pre reqs on a resume?

netglow, ASN, RN · Jun 9, 2013

On a resume itself, you would not list classes taken. Keep it just like your past resumes (I am assuming that you are second degree/career). You list your edu and your work experience. What I would add for your purpose is a very condensed bulleted section under each job listing "scope" and "skill". With this, healthcare people (who DO NOT KNOW THE OUTSIDE PROFESSIONAL WORLD EXISTS!!!!!) can porifice what the heck you did at your last jobs (otherwise they will have no idea).

NOT KIDDING.

So. For a cover letter, I'd rec that you just go for the job you are applying for and extremely briefly and concisely state jobs and their associated skill/scope directly pertain to this one you are now applying for in healthcare.

Having said that, you need to not elaborate too much - especially if you highly achieved in your last profession - you will intimidate and write yourself right out of a chance at a job. Also, you might, try for jobs such as floor secretary, etc. But, it might behoove you to take a course in medical terminology to assist you in your transition. Also, you can try craigslist for jobs for "Front Desk" or even "Receptionist" for MD/Dental offices/clinics (work is the same) as you're past experiences might be given more weight. Now, don't look down your nose at these jobs as they can be quite complex and exhausting. Often times "Receptionist or Front Desk" means you are the OM for the practice for all intent and purpose. You are the money man/woman, you are the one who files/resolves all insurance issues/patient issues, you are the one who does prelim triage and scheduling as well as handling/resolving all incoming to the office from hospital/other MDs/radiology, whatever may come.

In some ways a CNA job has much less responsibility as you would have set tasks: vitals, feeding, pottying, bathing, answering call lights, etc. - which, is very physically exhausting in nature, but you do not assume the flow of an entire practice.

lolads85 · Jun 10, 2013

Hi Netglow!

I really appreciate your detailed response. I am definitely willing to learn about the odds and ends in hospital/clinic adminstration and will certainly look around craigslist. I am the type of person who is much more confident in person rather than in writing. Would you advise walking into medical offices (and there alot here! I am in the East Bay of SF) and present myself with my resume? Or is writing a cover letter in this type of setting always the way to go?

Also, if I aim to start a ABSN in the winter (pending of course I get accepted! ah!), will offices and hospitals be willing to hire me? Should I just tell them that I have goals to go back to school but not be too specific?

Thanks again!

netglow, ASN, RN · Jun 11, 2013

It all depends on your area. Take a look on craigslist. In my area, many offices will look for staff on craigslist, or local community paper online want ads (some of which autopost to monster.com after a day or so). It's kind of tradition to do it on craigs for some reason. Careerbuilder not at all. You might waste time door to door somewhat, IDK. Hospitals will be extremely tough to break into unless you have an "in". I would not really put a lot of time hanging on to those websites as your resume will never be seen even if there is an ad for a vacancy. You might try to leave a message with a hospital recruiter in HR (but they are notorious for never responding, even to MDs who have tried to rec me in the past!!!) MDs are dirt now since they are just employees too! = no clout.

You will need to see what gives as far as your ABSN hours and work hours - often there will be a conflict. If you can get your job first, then choose classes if you can to fit around work - drive time in rush hour from work to class or visaversa etc. I did it when I started my prereqs. It's tough but again, you will be so busy/brain dead that you won't be stressed :) too tired to be!

Remember to give this job some credit because as you well know, you may not ever find a nursing job. You may want to keep this job!!!!! till you can figure out a nursing situation or to get out if it all falls flat on ya.

About telling them you are going to school, it helps at some places and is a total turn off with others. You just have to see who feels which way. What ever you do, don't hi-lite your successes, as chances are you've been around the block many times more than most the staff - a lot of the MDs will respect your edu/experience, but the rest of the staff will feel intimidated. This is less these days since the economy tanked and a lot of unemployed MBAs are now working MD/DDS office and clinic admin.

One more thing, you will see repeat ads - those mean the office is a trainwreck, and you need to bypass those who post every few weeks the same post!!!

lolads85 · Jun 11, 2013

Love your honesty Netglow! You rock. Thank you very much for all the advice. Hope all is well with you on the other side of the interwebs. I am very new to the healthcare world so this is all totally new to me!