Clinical rotations on Resume?

Nurses Career Support

Published

I have looked at a lot of sample resumes online, and many have listed their clinical rotations they experienced in nursing school. Does this help or hinder in any way? I feel like all nursing students must complete similar rotations, so it is to be expected and should it really be put on a resume?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think if you have no clinical experience it is good to have clinical rotations, it may help in the job process. For example the nurse manager may have fond memories of a clinical placement.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Don't clutter up your resume by listing everything you did in nursing school. That defeats the purpose of the resume -- which should be about showcasing what makes you "special" or a "better" applicant than the others.

Only list those things that relate directly to the job for which you are applying and/or those things that show that you are "special" in some way. For example, you may have done an extended preceptorship on a particular unit -- or did some other big project on a topic of relevance to the job.

As for your routine clinical rotations that ALL students do, the recruiters and the hiring managers know that you did them. Listing them simply causes your "special stuff" to get buried. I suggest listing them on a separate page. On your main resume, say that you are a graduate of XYZ school, give the date, etc. Mention any special honors or awards you received as a student there ... any participation in extra-curricular activities, clubs, student government, etc. ... any speical projects or preceptorships that apply to the job ... etc. Then say something like, "For a complete list of student clinical experiences, see the attached list." Then you can attach that list to your resume.

Such an approach includes the information for anyone who wants to see it -- but it doesn't clutter up your resume or hide your unique qualities. It also keeps it VERY clear that these were student clinicals and not previous employment. Sometimes new grads don't clearly distinguish between the two and that looks like the applicant is being misleading, which looks VERY bad.

Good luck to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

for the original poster, would you mind linking to some of these sample resumes? i am trying to figure out what to include on my resume as well. thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment