Resume Question

[ItsThatJenGirl, CNA]

I haven't worked in 11 years. I start nursing school in January and I'm applying for a Unit Clerk position in the ER where I volunteer. I don't have a resume - because it would largely be blank. Should I just fill it up with my volunteer work and school stuff (like, graduated with honors, etc)? Or should I just provide a cover letter introducing myself and explaining my current situation?

Thanks in advance!

[caliotter3]

Yes. Start out with your volunteer work and perhaps some entries from school. As time passes, prune and replace with experience that is more nursing-related. I had a ton of prior employment. When I started as a CNA, I started to list that at first with one global entry for past experience. Once I got the first licensed nurse entry, I rearranged matters, eventually dropping the CNA and prior entries, filling those spaces with nursing jobs.

[ItsThatJenGirl, CNA]

Yes. Start out with your volunteer work and perhaps some entries from school. As time passes, prune and replace with experience that is more nursing-related. I had a ton of prior employment. When I started as a CNA, I started to list that at first with one global entry for past experience. Once I got the first licensed nurse entry, I rearranged matters, eventually dropping the CNA and prior entries, filling those spaces with nursing jobs.

Thank you!!

[ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP]

Yup. Put any experience you have on there, whether it is paid or volunteer work. Nothing is worse than a huge gap in a resume.

Also, if you were a stay-at-home mother or caregiver, you could explain that in your cover letter.

[ItsThatJenGirl, CNA]

Yup. Put any experience you have on there, whether it is paid or volunteer work. Nothing is worse than a huge gap in a resume.

Also, if you were a stay-at-home mother or caregiver, you could explain that in your cover letter.

That's exactly what I did. Thanks for the input!

Fingers crossed!