unrelated job history- yes or no on resume?!

[g.elizabeth]

I will be graduating nursing school in December so I am working on fixing up my resume to start applying for jobs.

For the past 3 years I have worked part-time at a private long-term care pharmacy dealing directly with the medications, no patient interaction. Other than that I have ZERO previous work history that is healthcare related. It's all odd jobs I worked right out of high school while completing my gen. ed. courses (fast food, seasonal retail and childcare).

My question is- since none of that relates to the current position/type of employment I'm seeking, do I include it on my resume or not?

Going by the 10 year rule, I would include it but I almost feel silly listing subway as prior employment when I am trying to get a job as a nurse. Also, almost all of my previous managers/supervisors are no longer working there so I'm not even sure who I would list as a contact.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[caliotter3]

I would list the pharmacy employment until I started to get nursing entries for the resume. Don't bother with Subway, etc. After two or three nursing employers, I would drop the pharmacy listing. I always list the names of my supervisors/references (as well as company addresses) as they existed at the time of my employment. No one can be expected to keep up with personnel changes after they leave an employer, and new supervisors would not be able to comment on your work anyway.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

When I review new grad resumes I desperately search for something that makes one stand out over the other. Pharmacy experience is good, and if Subway, or whatever, was for a considerable length of time, & indicates an industrious, hard working individual, then it may be useful to list as long as it does take up a whole bunch of space. I'd rather hire someone who knows what work is

And, as noted above, once you get more experience you will drop the other stuff off your resume.

[LaraRN86]

When I review new grad resumes I desperately search for something that makes one stand out over the other. Pharmacy experience is good, and if Subway, or whatever, was for a considerable length of time, & indicates an industrious, hard working individual, then it may be useful to list as long as it does take up a whole bunch of space. I'd rather hire someone who knows what work is

And, as noted above, once you get more experience you will drop the other stuff off your resume.

This post is very valid. Follow this advice.

[Cat365]

I'm not a hiring manager, but I would list it. Make sure you emphasize the customer interaction. It gives you a longer work history, shows that you know how to work and offsets the lack of customer service in the pharmacy job. With that job point out the attention to detail, the familiarity with various drugs, and other qualities that would transfer well.