Credentials on your RPN/RN Resume (Canada)

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I am going to be starting a RPN program in September (eventually RN), and was wondering what extra credentials will increase my repertoire as a nursing student? The only thing i can think of is volunteering and CNA.

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I am starting an RPN program this fall and I joined my local St. John Ambulance as a volunteer member to go out in the community and offer first aid at local events. It dosen't sound like much maybe, but every Tuesday evening there is a meeting where the instructer goes over everything from basic first aid to anatmoy and physiology. Tonight for instance, we learned about head and spinal injuries and how to use stiff necks and k.e.d.'s. I learned about decorticate/decerebrate posturing, Cushings Reflex and the Glasgow Coma Scale. I feel like I will have a heads up once school starts in September. You should check it out. I have an interview with the Canadian Red Cross...I am hoping to work as a personal support worker with them while I am going to school...hoping to build experience and my resume while working in the health care field. They provide all the training and I will get paid while I'm in school for that.

Anyway, good luck to you!!

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Med-Surg..

It wouldn't hurt to spend some time learning medical terminology and learning what normal and critical lab values are. Also I would go to the RPNAO and RNAO websites. You will find that there are lots of politics in nursing that you need to be aware of.

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It wouldn't hurt to spend some time learning medical terminology and learning what normal and critical lab values are. Also I would go to the RPNAO and RNAO websites. You will find that there are lots of politics in nursing that you need to be aware of.

Thanks for the info, that is exactly what i am doing, i am going over Chabner's Medical Terminology and the Nursing QuickStudy Charts i bought. Along with some other books.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Sounds like you're on the right track, Just one piece of Advice...I would NOT work for the RED Cross as a PSW. They are horrible, they treat the PSW's like crap. You would learn more from working with an agency like St. Elizabeth or Comcare. Just my advice

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Med-Surg..

I took a course with the Red Cross a long time ago and I was not impressed at all. That was the last time I ever used them for anything.

The poster above is right, I have heard that St. Elizabeth and Comcare are very good.

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