New Grad Resume Critique, Mark Away!

smurfynursey · May 7, 2012

Hi,

When I was in my senior seminar class, we had some HR people come and talk to us about resumes. They said that as a new grad your education is your biggest asset (that doesnt quite apply since you were an EMT, but still, its what they told us, take it or leave it :) )

In my resume I had the education section, looking mostly like yours but also had a section under my education and above my work experiance that had all my clinical rotations, the semesters, and the specialty if it applied.

Ie,

Clinical experiance

Medical Surgical, Random US hospital, Spring 2006

Pediatrics, Random US children's hospital, Fall 2007

ect, ect, ect.

hope that helps.

rskopek · May 7, 2012

Thanks for the response smurfynurse. I have been debating whether to add in my clinical experience information. Reading the various posts here on allnurses.com, I figured I'd start by leaving it out as my goal was to keep it under one page. Many posters here said that as a new grad, we of course have similar clinical experience overall, and HR directors know that. Also, I am working on being licensed in multiple states to expand potential job opportunities, so listing specific hospitals may mean little to HR from outside areas. Now, if anything I did in clinical is directly applicable to the job I apply for or stands out, I will certainly include it. For example, I completed my senior practicum in the ER, and so if I was applying for an ER position, I would be sure to add that in there highlighting accomplishments such as proficiency and independence at starting IV's, foley catheters, and NG tubes. I figure i'll start with my generic resume and go from there, having my basic as well as specific and targeted resumes to apply to various positions. As a new grad, I unfortunately can't expect to land my dream job in the ER, and will be applying in all areas of acute care.

llg, PhD, RN · May 7, 2012

I think it's pretty good as is. About the student clinicals. Don't incorporate them into your resume: it will only be a distraction. Instead, list them on a separate piece of paper (or page) and make a note in your education section that says something like, "Nursing student clinical experiences listed on separate page."

That way, the list is there for anyone who wants to look at it ... but it doesn't get in the way of the rest of your resume.

Good luck.

sprwmn · May 8, 2012

Ok so if you have a. Asters degree is it preferable to omit as a new grad? I was told to omit it because it makes you look over-qualified for the position.