Should New RN list nonRN experience on job apps?

[chris_at_lucas_RN]

Looking for suggestions here.....

As I polish up my resume, I have 16+ nonnursing years in professional mental health and nada in nursing (no time yet, I'm brand spanking new!).

How much detail should I include of the nonnursing stuff? A single brief paragraph outlining the general areas of experience and the licensure and leave it at that? Or does it help to have bachelor's and master's degrees, a license and lots of varied nonnursing experience?

I have run my own company, had 24 employees, managed a private practice and a law office, but if all that does is clutter and confuse things, maybe I should just leave it off?

I'd prefer to work critical care (loved externing!) or acute care (loved clinicals!), although I might enjoy the occasional PRN shift on a MH unit.

Ideas, anyone? (BTW, anybody know of any openings for new grads in the Plano, Texas area? The ads all seem to want 1-2 years of experience and internships don't start until January 2005.....)

Any and all ideas and suggestions are welcome.

Thanks!

[obeyacts2]

I would list everything!! I would think the psych background would be a HUGE asset, especially if you go into fields like rehab, psych nursing. And the management experience? Sounds like a charge nurse in the making!!!!! I would love to work with you, a rookie or not.

laura

[chris_at_lucas_RN, RN]

Well, I got online the other day and put in some "apps." Yesterday I spoke with a human who is, I guess, an agent. (I have no contract with him, so I don't know what that's about, but hey, I'll take whatever comes my way!)

I used the phrases highlighted and the comments associated with them to spruce up my resume (I put it at the top with the caption, "of interest").

We'll see what sprouts.

Everybody have a great weekend! And thanks!!!