Do new grad nurses need resumes?

klone, MSN, RN · May 24, 2012

Yes, you absolutely need a resume. It should include job history (even if you don't have nursing job history, you should include other work history - other jobs will demonstrate problem solving, multi-tasking, the ability to get along with others, etc), educational history, career goals, etc.

VioletKaliLPN, LPN · May 24, 2012

Yes, yes, YES!! I sent a resume' and filled out an application via their online server, which was their process. They went "green", less paper waste. Make sure you write a separate cover letter to each employer as well, tailor it to the specific job and reader. Call to find out who the director of Nursing is, or the manager, so you can write the letter to that person. LTC is more straightforward than many of the hospital online applications, IMHO, because the actual DON often recieves the resume's first.

Send a thank you email or card. I sent a thank you email. I thanked her for spending so much time answering my questions, etc..etc.. A little schmoozing goes a long way.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · May 24, 2012

If you want to get a job, yes, you need a resume.

Every application that you fill out will include a section where you can attach your resume. A resume is a document where you can showcase your skills and experience, awards, etc. It sets you apart from other candidates. If you don't have a resume then you will not be taken seriously as a candidate. It will appear that you are unprepared and haven't made the effort to fully fill out your application.

Having a resume will not "give you a leg up" because everyone has a resume. NOT having a resume will certainly be a detriment to you.

danarooo, BSN, RN · May 24, 2012

absolutely, and a polished professional resume at that. with any professional job you have to have a resume. even if you have no previous applicable medical experience outside of nursing school or haven't even held a job prior to nursing school. your resume needs to highlight your education, your nursing "skill set" and any certifications you have i.e. acls etc...

as a new grad you will also need to sell sell sell yourself to get noticed. many hospitals have their application process online, meaning you aren't dealing with a live person when applying for jobs so you need to scour websites of each organization you are applying for and read their nursing philosophy. try to incorporate specific words/phrases from their nursing philosophy or the job description into your resume so their computer is more likely to pick up on those "buzz" words. also, if you can get nurse recruiter names and e-mails from the places you are applying then you can try to make contact with that person and maybe that will help. the market seems to be saturated with grads everywhere, i'm one of them. be prepared for the "long haul" in your job search so you aren't shocked and depressed like i was/still am!

good luck in your search!!!!!

Topaz7 · May 31, 2012

Yes, definitely. I sent a coverletter as well. Also how you dress for the interview is a HUGE part of getting the job. I walked in and had the job on the spot for my first interview simply because of how I presented myself and the fact that I had given a cover letter and resume. The hiring nurse manager was shocked at how nice I was dressed for the interview, the fact that I was early (but not too early). She bragged to all the staff about how nice it was for someone to show up and look professional for an interview. I thought that these were things everyone knew to do for an interview but obviously not. Do those things and I am sure you will have success :)

mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN · May 31, 2012

yes, many places allow you to upload a resume and it is nice to have a polished one. AND a cover letter.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · May 31, 2012

Yes you need a resume. I'd doubt that any prospective employer would even glance at an application that didn't have a resume and cover letter attached. And I agree with Ashley- no, it won't give you an advantage to just have a resume because all applicants have resumes.

MN-Nurse, ASN, RN · May 31, 2012

I hear the market may be saturated with nurses down there so would having a resume give me a leg up?

No, it won't give you a leg up - any more than wearing clothes to your interview will.

(I strongly suggest participating in both activities - resumes and clothes.)

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · May 31, 2012

Having a resume will not give you a leg up, but it will help your application not be rejected immediately without a glance. You need a resume. You should also work on a good cover letter that promotes your strengths that you can tailor to specific employers.

Topaz7 · May 31, 2012

I disagree. I dressed very professional for my interview and my boss even stated that was a huge reason why I got the job. She hadn't interviewed anyone who dressed professional or bothered sending a coverletter attached with the resume. If you come in with wrinkled clothes, jeans, casual clothes you aren't showing your prospective employer that you are serious about the job or that you are professional. Nursing is a professional career, you aren't working at Burger King anymore.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Jun 1, 2012

I disagree. I dressed very professional for my interview and my boss even stated that was a huge reason why I got the job. She hadn't interviewed anyone who dressed professional or bothered sending a coverletter attached with the resume. If you come in with wrinkled clothes, jeans, casual clothes you aren't showing your prospective employer that you are serious about the job or that you are professional. Nursing is a professional career, you aren't working at Burger King anymore.

Who are you disagreeing with? Everyone's said to be professional and have a resume.