Certificates

Published

As a foreign nurse, who has now the RN license (Florida) it seems to be helpful to add some certificates or courses to an resume for getting an employment.

What do you suggest to have done (CPR?, BCLS??) or which courses are helpful and can be added to an internet profile. Unfortunately, I just have a diploma in nursing, it seems like at least BSN degrees are required everywhere.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pedi.

CPR/BLS won't enhance your resume as it is a requirement for employment as an RN in all states. Not having it will hinder your job opportunities though. If you don't have it, definitely get it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Ok thanks, is there any other certificate for home health care which could enhance my employment chance?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Ok thanks, is there any other certificate for home health care which could enhance my employment chance?

No. What is needed in home care is 1-2 years paid clinical experience working as a licensed nurse. In CA, nurses are legally required to have at least a year of verifiable paid clinical nursing experience to work in home care.

Very few healthcare employers review online profiles such as LinkedIn when recruiting for staff employees. Direct application via the employers preferred method (online, faxed resume, in person application) is often the only way to be considered aside from employee referral.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you!! Due to my background that I just worked as an RN Volunteer pt and as a pharmaceutical representative ft from 1998 - 2012/2013 ft, in Sept. 2013 we moved to the US and in January I got my license here, I am always rejected after application. Sometimes I don't know what to do, even my education was finished with an diploma in 1988, the basics of nursing and the ability to asses clients needs never changes. All other electronic, pharmaceutical and documentation stuff can be learned. I got no chance so far, though. Any helpful hint is welcome!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Thank you!! Due to my background that I just worked as an RN Volunteer pt and as a pharmaceutical representative ft from 1998 - 2012/2013 ft, in Sept. 2013 we moved to the US and in January I got my license here, I am always rejected after application. Sometimes I don't know what to do, even my education was finished with an diploma in 1988, the basics of nursing and the ability to asses clients needs never changes. All other electronic, pharmaceutical and documentation stuff can be learned. I got no chance so far, though. Any helpful hint is welcome!

If you have been out of clinical nursing that long you are going to have difficulties with the high number of new grad and experienced US educated nurses seeking employment. Consider taking a refresher class (they are not cheap) however you will demonstrate that you have refreshed your clinical skills and since this involves hands on lab & clinical learning you may be able to network some nursing connections that will enable you to secure employment plus you will have verification that you demonstrate clinical competency.

In traditional skilled home care, with only volunteer experience and working as a pharmaceutical rep you are not really qualified for a job that requires current clinical experience to do skilled home visits. Assessment skills do evolve over the years. Most skilled home care companies require at least a year of recent paid clinical experience whether in acute medical surgical nursing, subacute, rehab or long term care. If working in specialized skilled home care (like KelRN), you need credentials and verifiable in the specialty area such as pediatric oncology, infusion, chemotherapy, central line (PICC, Broviac) management, phlebotomy, etc. This cannot be learned in a classroom.

Most certifications such as med-surg, wound care, certified oncology nurse, etc require 2 or more years paid full time clinical experience as these certifications indicate not only experience but competency.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks, that really means that I have nothing than my license. This is disappointing, especially when I hear that a lot of nurses take two or three times for passing the NCLEX, what I did at once. And as long as I can not work, I can not pay for further education, which is a circle hard to break out. But good to know that I have no chance, otherwise I will be disappointed again and again, nobody really talks honest than just I am not qualified and I was wondering why because I just did home health as a volunteer the last years.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Try looking to see if there is a contract clinical research organization in the area. Your pharm rep experience may be helpful to apply for a clinical nurse (works with study participants in house often " healthy normals"). Covance is one company, let me think if I can remember some more names.

PPD(ppdi) is another.

You can try private duty nursing but most want a year of clinical experience. Not sure if your volunteer experience would meet their requirements.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you so far, I will try my best to find an appropriate job. It is good to know why I am rejected that often, thank you for your tips! I wish you Happy Easter!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

OK, another question: I am doing my CPR right now, will finish tomorrow. But I also need and BCLS Certification? And what about an ACLS? Also needed? By the way, the CPR is not really a complicate knowledge to learn, but do I need more (just in case I get an employer)?? Thank you!

(I am doing my CPR with proCPR.org)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
OK, another question: I am doing my CPR right now, will finish tomorrow. But I also need and BCLS Certification? And what about an ACLS? Also needed? By the way, the CPR is not really a complicate knowledge to learn, but do I need more (just in case I get an employer)?? Thank you!

(I am doing my CPR with proCPR.org)

BCLS = CPR for healthcare workers/professionals. It includes adult, child, infant, AED & BVM.

Other CPR is adult or infant/child and does not include BVM and may or may not include AED.

Make sure you are issued an AHA (American Heart Association) course completion card as that is the standard for healthcare workers. Some facilities will also accept an American Red Cross card but most only accept AHA. Some of the online "companies" do not issue a valid AHA CPR/BCLS card especially if there is no in person skills testing/demonstration.

ACLS is not always needed unless working prehospital (nurse on an ambulance), ICU, CCU, emergency , pacu. If you wish to work home care, clinic or private duty it will not be of much use nor will the skills/knowledge be fully applicable. Many facilities include the class as a part of new employee orientation/education if applicable to the job (i.e. hired for a critical care nursing position)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

OK, AED I have already finished and I am now learning about the BVM. They wrote on their web site, it is accepted of about 98% of health care employers. It also included CPR, chocking etc of infants, babies, children, adults. Seems like I took the right course, but will see on the certification. Is there any preferred course giver?

There is also a guy in ambulance uniform how shows on videos every step of the performed topic.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment