How Can I Bulk Up My Resume?

[Lorelions]

So, I'm sure there are plenty of questions like this, but I'm looking for some advice on what experiences will look good for me when I start looking for my first nursing job. I have been a personal care attendant for people with special needs for 10 years, so I'm hoping that will work in my favor. Recently, I've been thinking of volunteering at the children's hospital I hope to work at when I'm an RN ... What do you think? Any friendly advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!!

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[NeuroRehabRN]

When I was in school, a portion of one of our classes was putting together a resume, cover letter, how to interview, etc. I can't remember which class now (maybe leadership??), but it was during our last semester. Hopefully you will get that opportunity as well.

As for "bulking up" your resume, definitely include your personal care experience. Do you have other job experience as well? What about volunteer activities, professional/educational societies, certifications, etc? You will likely also include your clinicals on your resume. Try to do your senior practicum in the area you are interested in, as that will get you a foot in the door :).

[Lorelions]

Thank you very much! I still have a while to go, but I'm always thinking ahead. Plus I'm a worrier. Haha. I hope they offer a class like that because it would certainly be helpful.

[llg, PhD, RN]

If you hope to work in a children's hospital -- get experience with children. Volunteer at the hospital ... work at a camp ... volunteer to staff the nursery at your place of workship ... babysit ... etc. Working with other people's children is not like taking care of kids in your family: so getting experience doing that would be a good thing.

If you have the opportunity to do a senior year preceptorship there, that's usually the best thing you can do. Those are usually designed to set you up well for getting a job at the place you do the preceptorship. Also, if there are any opportunities to tailor a class project or paper towards children, that would be good and can sometimes be included in your resume/portfolio/cover letter. Sometimes, there are also opportunities to be a research assistant on a project related to your long-term interests.

Finally, getting good grades and exhibiting leadership behavior in student organizations also looks good.

No one can do all these things ... pick the ones that best suite your particular preferences and talents.

[Tumbler]

If you can find one, a paid summer externship is great experience and will beef up your resume. Otherwise, keep looking at jobs in healthcare.