At a loss to list achievements for resume

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,
I am agonizing over a section of an application for a new position. With each prior job there is a box titled "achievements" instead of duties or responsibilities. I am at a loss, I haven't really received any recognition or awards except one for checking my meds at the beside. Any suggestions?
Thank you for your time,
This Nurse

Dear Agonizing,

There probably is more than you realize that can fit in this box. They are giving you a chance to show your value. Above all, do not leave this field blank. Let's find something.

Here's a few things to consider. Did you have perfect or near-perfect attendance? Have you oriented a new employee, or served as a preceptor?

How about your unit, what performance improvement initiatives has your unit worked on? For example, have your HCAHPS scores improved in any way, such as "quiet at night", or in how "nurses explained things in a way you could understand?"

Has your hospital achieved any disease-specific certifications, such as a stroke designated center, or a chest pain center? If so, and if it pertains to your unit, you were part of it. "Participated in stroke designation recognition". If your hospital was so designated, all appropriate staff received extra education and skills.

Did your hospital provide any extra training, such as AIDET or LEAN, or Six Sigma Yellow Belt? How about shared governance? Are you a member of your unit council?

Are you certified in your specialty? Have you earned any extra certifications, such as the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) from the American Heart Association (AHA)?

Have you attended a nursing conference? If so, you invested in your professional development and obtained extra education. Have you volunteered for anything, such as a homeless clothing drive, or taking blood pressures at the local fair?

Without knowing your specialty, I hope it's prompted you to reflect on things you have achieved. As nurses we often don't give ourselves enough credit.

Best wishes to you,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!

[ImissScrubs]

Dear Nurse Beth,

Thank you so much! I appreciate all of the pointers. It makes more sense when you take a different perspective on achievements besides certificates and awards.

Sincerely,

Agonizing