Advice for resume writing needed

[tara07733]

Hello Ladies & Gents!

I posted this question on the All Nurses CNA Board but wanted to also see if anyone else had advice for me. I figure that new nurses might have the same questions so I wanted to get other perspectives. I apologize if I'm out of order in posting here.

Right now I'm half way through the CNA course that is required as part of pre-nursing. We are starting to get into the swing of clinicals and I have done extremely well with the quizzes that we've had. I have just began thinking about the possibility of working as a CNA (I'm currently a stay-at-home mom).

I'm having difficulty with even starting on a resume since my work experience has been only non-healthcare customer service and clerical in nature. What would I include in the resume if I haven't yet begun working as a CNA. There are some facilities nearby that will hire before a candidate becomes certified so that's what I'm thinking of doing. So, basically, what info should I put? I know that I should include the community college where my course is held, what I'm learning in the class. Do I include past jobs that have nothing to do with healthcare? Do I include the fact that I will be seeking certification upon completion of the course? What would be a suitable objective? Like I said, I've written resumes plenty of times in the past but this is a totally new career direction I'm taking so I have no idea what I'm doing and am very nervous.

Thanks for any and all advice!

Tara

[79Tango]

List your school like it is a job and make bullet points, stating the skills you have learned.

It is ok to list your previous employers, just dont go overboard on job duties/description as they have nothing to do with what you are applying for.

Your objective should include the fact you are seeking certification... "To find CNA job, upon completion of certification"

[tara07733]

List your school like it is a job and make bullet points, stating the skills you have learned.

It is ok to list your previous employers, just dont go overboard on job duties/description as they have nothing to do with what you are applying for.

Your objective should include the fact you are seeking certification... "To find CNA job, upon completion of certification"

Thank you so much for your advice. I know writing a resume is pretty easy but because I have zero past experience I'm stressing myself out about why info I should and shouldn't include.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

if you are in a program now they realize you do not have experience in this field, so that should not be an issue.

When remarking about your previous positions be sure to mention generic items such as getting along with others, self-motivated, trained new-hires, etc

[Angiepangie71]

Here is an objective I use and pretty much land the job,lol

"To work in a field of interest that will utilize my knowledge and expand (or enhance) my skills within healthcare."

of course you can add on as much as you like but pretty general and straight to the point ;-) hope it helps

[FrogKissingNurse]

they look for key works like self started, team work, responsible, motivated. try to find ways that your past jobs can relate to being a cna, for example communication skills, multitasking, prioritizing, organization those are good things that will transition well to being a cna.

google "new career resume or cna resume" there are lots of new rules about writing resumes. objectives aren't really essential anymore.

[86toronado, BSN, RN]

I disagree with you about your prior experience. All work experience is relevant, and should be included. Your experience in customer service shows that you have people skills, and care about providing people with a great experience. Healthcare facilities are becoming more and more customer service oriented in this age of Press Ganey scores. Your clerical experience shows that you are organized, and (I assume) computer literate. All of these things could set you apart from someone who did the exact same CNA course as you, but has never held down a job. Don't underestimate yourself!