Resume/Cover Letter Critique

[sMoLsNurse]

* I feel like my resume has a strange feel to it. I had help from someone who is chief of human resources, but she was not in healthcare. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. I also just recently became an RN as of a few days ago so translating my LPN experience to help me get an RN job would be helpful as well.*

Mary Sue

Lala lane Las Veinus, Xa 02678 * [phone] * [email protected]

Summary of Qualifications

Exceptional at multi-tasking

Effective communicator and relationship builder

Strong initiative and eagerness to accomplish new tasks

Excellent time management skills

Ability to adapt to new concepts and techniques

Education: Practical Nursing, Overpriced School, Some City, Xa (May 2011)

Registered Nursing, Overpriced School, Some CityB, Xa (January 2014)

BSN, Im Crazy for School, Some CityC, Xb (April 2015)

Employment History:

Some Crazy Nonprofit LPN July 2012 to March 2014 RN March 2014 to Present

- Medication administration

- Wound care

- G-tube and G/J-tube experience

- Tracheostomy experience

- Intravenous Therapy

- Catheter care and insertion

- Colostomy care

Awful SNF LPN September 2011 to October 2012

- Medication administration

- Wound care

- G-tube and G/J-tube experience

- Tracheostomy experience

- Intravenous Therapy

- Catheter care and insertion

- Colostomy care

Some closed down flu clinic LPN August 2011 to December 2011

- Administer vaccines to patients

- Filing paperwork at end of shift, including revenue forms, vaccine inventory forms, personal wellness forms

- Educate patients on vaccines and maintaining health during flu season

Licensure: Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, BLS Certification

*Keep in mind it's currently formatted on MS word and doesn't look this awful*

To Some Teaching Hospital,

I am a recent graduate from Overpriced College's Registered Nursing Program in January 2014. Previously, I was a Licensed Practical Nurse for 2.5 years. My current position is in a group home for people with traumatic brain injuries, developmental disabilities, seizure disorders, and various other diagnoses. I have also worked in a skilled nursing facility and a flu shot clinic. I have a strong passion and desire to work in a hospital setting. I would love the opportunity to become part of your team where I can gain this experience, utilize my knowledge and skills to provide quality patient care, and grow as a professional nurse within your hospital.

I am a highly motivated and energetic individual who takes initiative in getting the job done. I enjoy working in a busy environment where I am able to use my organizational skills. I am a self-starter and look forward to challenges. I am very compassionate about my chosen profession; patient care and safety are of number one importance to me

Through my previous experience as an LPN, clinical practice, and academic background I have learned to think quickly and critically, maintain excellent time-management skills, manage patients and recognize the importance of team work.

I am confident that I will be an asset to your organization. I look forward to speaking with you to discuss the opportunities available within facility.

Sincerely,

Mary Sue

[sMoLsNurse]

A lot of views on this thread :)

[RunBabyRN]

Bear with me, as I am a soon-to-be new grad, but I was a hiring manager in my past life.

I would take out stuff that RNs do with pretty much any job (med administration, wound care, etc). Maybe list anything you were able to do that a typical floor nurse wouldn't see a lot of. The G-tubes and G/J tubes are good examples. Get rid of the summary of qualifications, and leave that to your cover letter. That's the place for the fluffy stuff. A resume needs to get down to the nitty gritty, but also show how you stand out from others. Your cover letter mentions that you have patients with TBIs, seizure disorders and the like; I would make mention of this in your resume, especially since not every job posting asks for a cover letter. Discuss the populations you care for, as not everyone has experience with these populations. Discuss the care you provide for them that might vary from a typical med/surg patient.

I appreciate your brevity. It speaks well to your documentation (that you won't be wordy and talk about how the patient misses their dog and their daughter came by today so they could talk about what will happen when they get home, blah blah) and that you respect the time of the person reviewing your resume. Long, wordy resumes make people tune out.

I would also include specific goals (which can be tailored for each job to which you apply) in your cover letter. Otherwise, I think that looks good.

Good luck!

[sMoLsNurse]

Thanks RunBabyRun, I really appreciate you taking the time to look over my resume. Great suggestions!