new grad, past work experience, need resume advice

[anon456, BSN, RN]

I'm in my final semester and due to graduate in March!!!

For our project this semester we have to build an on-line website that includes our resumes and a teaching project. The instructor was giving advice about it and stated that any work experience more than 10 years ago was considered too old for a resume. However I have a previous 4 year degree not related to nursing. I had a sports scholarship that paid for that degree. After graduation I was working in a field related to that degree doing work that took advanced technical skills and people skills. That was almost exactly 10 years ago. Then I became a stay at home mom until recently when I started nursing school as a full time student. One of my children was very ill for many years (she's better now), and through the experience of caring for her I became interested in becoming a nurse. I feel that both my previous work experience and the caring of my ill child are things I feel would strengthen my resume. I'm not just a 22 year old with no significant work experience, even though I've been out of work for some time. And how do you put "cared for very sick child" on a resume??

Also, the company I worked for went under. My former managers and co-workers are probably scattered all over. I pretty much have no references at this point. My athletic scholarship is what grabbed the attention of my former manager because he felt it showed strong character and discipline (he told me this later).

I do have a 4.0 GPA and was wondering if it's okay or not mention grades on a resume.

So pretty much I had a great resume 10 years go, not so much now.

Advice?

[followurdreams]

I was in the same boat as you about 2 months ago. I too have a degree in another field with scholarships that helped with that degree and am far from 22 years old. This is what I did. Of course I listed my previous degree and graduation date following my nursing degree with anticipated graduation date at the beginning of my resume. I listed my GPA - 3.50 (Great job on the 4.0) on my resume as well. I then listed my work experience (total 9 years) and a short description of my duties. I also included my clinical skills, places I have been during clinicals rotations, my awards and achievements (including honor societies, work awards, scholarships (during my previous degree), etc.), I also added my community service participation.

I got an interview about 1 week after applying to a hospital, had the interview and was hired about 4 days after my interview. Only one interview and I was employed 2 months before I graduated (Dec. 11, yes Sat.)

I think that your resume should not look just like that of a 22 year old because of your experiences (including life experience). I did not have to take time off to care for a sick child (I do have twins that were born 7 weeks premature and spent 5 weeks in the NICU, and they are part of the reason I went to nursing school, but I did not have to take years to care for them). Maybe you could use the heading "Life Experience" to explain the care of your sick child and the time period away from working outside the home. Or you could not include it and explain if asked at your interviews.

Good Luck to you.

New BSN graduate

[anon456, BSN, RN]

Congrats on your quick job placement!!! You have given me some great advice and I really appreciate it. I like the idea of the Life Experiences category.

BTW caring for preemie twins is no cakewalk as you know. Give yourself a pat on the back. Most preemie twins do have some issues to work out for years afterwards until they are able to catch up-- feeding, developmental things, immune system challenges. Kudos to you for being so strong, and being inspired by them to become a nurse! :-)

[MoLee228]

I think your work experience should absolutely be listed on your resume, 10 years old or not. I think the prof was probably trying to avoid everyone listing *every* job they have had, back to washing dishes and waiting tables, etc. If it is relevant experience, it should be listed, no matter how old it is (and 10 years isn't that long ago)!

P.S. Make it impossible for them to miss your GPA. I also graduated with a 4.0 and was hired from my 1st interview; the NM mentioned my GPA several times during the interview and I believe it had a big part in me getting the job. I don't think GPA HAS to be on a resume (particularly if it is not stellar) but you are trying to sell yourself here, and 4.0 is a big selling point!