BSN Student, pre career advise.

[EdEarle]

I am currently in my first clinical semester of nursing school working towards my BSN. My goal with nursing is to work within acute care as soon as possible after graduating. With that in mind I am trying to accumulate as much acute care experience as possible before gradation.

A brief history:

I am a slightly older student with a previous degree. While earning that degree I had spent 4 years as an E.M.T., however that license has long since expired. However in the last year I have completed my CNA, EKG, and Phlebotomy certifications through the Red Cross, and while it may be pre-mature, I acquired ACLS certification as well. I have had other nurses tell me, that while I can't perform much of the ACLS procedures, that the fact that I demonstrated understanding and was able to achieve the certification would help me in gaining employment and acute care experience.

My current goal is to achieve employment as a Critical Care Tech, preferably in the ER, in the hopes of gaining valuable acute care experience and establishing connections that may help me achieve my goal quicker upon graduation.

Since most hospitals use online submission, I am wondering if I should be listing all my qualifications after my name, or if I should rely on them reading for enough through my resume? I know many think it is tacky to write a ton of abbreviations after their name on a badge, especially for things like ACLS, but I am curious if any have found it helpful in the application process? While I still have my certificate, my EMT license expired years ago, so I assume I can probably not list that. However, I do have current CNA licensure, phlebotomy certification PBT(ASCP)CM, and currently ACLS certified. Since many resumes don't get a full reading, in the process of job hunting, should I list those things after my name on my resume and in my cover letter, i.e. Ed Earle, C.N.A., PBT(ASCP)CM, ACLS?

[annie.rn]

Maybe I shouldn't be the first to answer since I have never been responsible for hiring people, but.... I have never seen people list certifications such as these behind their name. I think it would be awkward. I would list the certifications elsewhere on your resume. If you want to make sure they are not missed, perhaps your cover letter would be a good place to bring attention to them. You could write something like: "with XYZ certifications and previous experience as a licensed E.M.T., I am well qualified to work as a (fill in the blank) in your Emergency Department. I am a go getter who is proactive in obtaining the skills needed to function successfully and competently in the Critical Care setting". I would assume anyone hiring would read the cover letter first. Just my 2 cents. I'll be interested to read what others have to say.

Good luck! With the impression of you I get from your post, I'm sure you will do well.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I applaud your ambition and the efforts you are making toward your nursing career.

However, you need to know that there are some very specific rules about listing professional "credentials" after your name. Listing all sorts of initials after your name will not impress anyone. In fact, it will be an indication that you don't know what you are doing - and trying desperately to impress people. I am sure that this is not the message you want to convey.

I agree with PP - be sure to provide accurate information on all of your earned certifications whenever you are applying for a job. FWIW, hospitals generally only accept AHA courses for BLS because this is the foundation for advanced resuscitation courses such as ACLS, ATLS, NRP, etc.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

I've never seen anyone list ACLS (which is not a certification, it is a class that you passed) as part of their signature.

(A certification, in nursing, is a rigorous examination that nurses with years of experience in a specialty area sit for. Successful passing of the exam and the submission of proof of experience grant one a certification. For example, I am certified as a pediatric critical-care nurse by the AACN, and board certified in pediatric nursing by the ANCC.)

[EdEarle]

I thought the AHA ACLS was considered a certification. After passing the exam we were issued a certification card that is valid for 2 years.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

The card certifies that you passed the class. Entirely different than having a nursing certification.