How can I make myself look more attractive?

Baloney Amputation, BSN, LPN, RN · Feb 11, 2009

I see people recommending taking courses like ACLS or BLS instructor or whatever will help you out. Even if you don't think you'll need them ever in a job, they certainly can't hurt.

Otherwise, I'm a CPNE flunkie, but I believe that the voluntary certifications can make a difference. :)

changeofpaceRN · Feb 11, 2009

I see people recommending taking courses like ACLS or BLS instructor or whatever will help you out. Even if you don't think you'll need them ever in a job, they certainly can't hurt.
. :)

I agree with extra certifications ect.. take additional CEU's that would appeal to your focus. Look into local job fairs.. usually they do interviews on the spot and they have them every few months around me. Since you have your LPN, have you considered a unit manager type position in a LTC or ALF? There are always surgical centers, plastic surgeons, clinics, ect that use RN's.

BetterMeRN · Feb 12, 2009

Get your foot in the door first, it doesn't matter what hospital . Being a staff nurse on lets say a med/surg floor will get you in a hospital of your choice later. Unfortunately nursing home experience doesn't count for much when looking for a hospital job (at least not here in NY). Being an EC grad you have to sell yourself as a self-starter, quick learner and very motivated.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Feb 12, 2009

In many places, the new people are the ones that do have to work nights, so you might have to do that for a while. I've been at the same ER for 4+ years now, so I was able to get a day position, but only because I've already been there a while. I work 7a-7p on one weekend, then 11a-11p on the other weekend -- I love it!

Like the others have said, certifications are good ... I would start with BLS, then do ACLS.

geocachingRN · Feb 13, 2009

ACLS, check, BLS, check. Anything else?

Editorial Team / Moderator · Feb 13, 2009

You can throw PALS in there if you'd potentially be taking care of a pediatric population, too.

Melinurse · Feb 13, 2009

Think about the wording on your resume. Even though you are employeed at a facility the resume might be a good thing. I worded mine around being an EC grad. I used wording to show how creative and self-starting, self-directing, and resourceful we must be for distance learning. Those same qualities are what we bring to the facilities we work for. You can elaborate on your creativity for studying , for CPNE prep. You can mention you do well under pressure ( CPNE pressure ). Just some thoughts.

ivanh3 · Feb 14, 2009

well my graduation date is february 20th with excelsior. still waiting on my att from ncbon. i am kinda bummed because the hospital that i wanted to apply to has already filled their new grad postions. the hr person say that they recieve 9800 applications for nursing alone within the last year so things are competative. so i am looking at the smaller hospitals in my area that don't have the greatest repetation but in my mind, you have to start somewhere. my main questions is how did you guys that got new grad positions sell yourself on paper and during the interview. right now all i am seeing is night jobs but i am willing to compromise just to get in the door and move up. i would love any advice.

well, you are really not a new-new grad. what have you been doing that you could "emphasize" on a resume? i mean it never hurts to get all of the certs you can, but i am assuming you have not been idle so sell that. you could have skills and experience that some new grads might not have.

also, it is still some time, maybe even months before you get your license. nursing time is like dog years. its like 4 to 1, so anything could happen at the hospital you want to go to. maybe you could request an appointment to just get acquainted.

remember: be humble yet confident, dress professionally, make sure you have a pen, firm hand shake, and look 'em in the eye.

ivan

exnavygirl-RN · Feb 16, 2009

My graduation date is also Feb. 20th. We need to have a party! I'm waiting for my ATT letter!!!

Thanks for the post. It is something I am having concerns with, too. I'm trying to figure out how I want to "sell myself on paper" as you put it. I'm focusing a lot on my hospital experience as a LPN. So far I have a couple of bites. I have experience in Ortho and it seems to be attractive to some employers.

Well my graduation date is February 20th with Excelsior. Still waiting on my ATT from NCBON. I am kinda bummed because the hospital that I wanted to apply to has already filled their new grad postions. The HR person say that they recieve 9800 applications for nursing alone within the last year so things are competative. So I am looking at the smaller hospitals in my area that don't have the greatest repetation but in my mind, you have to start somewhere. My main questions is how did you guys that got new grad positions sell yourself on paper and during the interview. Right now all I am seeing is night jobs but I am willing to compromise just to get in the door and move up. I would love any advice.

NC Girl BSN · Feb 17, 2009

Well, I sent out 5 applications to 3 hospitals. 3 new grad postions. 1 surgical/medicine floor and 1 med/surg floor. Its kinda frustrating when you don't have an ATT to test and the NCBON hires one person to review NCLEX applications and to make matter worse he's playing catch up because he was out of the office last week. I am still studying and pressing on. The new grad postions can wait for the NCLEX because they don't start till May. Anyways I am still working in LTC. I am thankful to I have that job! I thank GOD for everything because there are so many that are unemployed. The perfect job will come in perfect timing. I will wait patiently until then.

exnavygirl-RN · Feb 17, 2009

Right now I have the perfect job as a LPN. It's going to be hard for me to let go :-( I hope I can get a RN position in the same facility I am at now. So far they do not have any openings. Up until recently we were having a RN hiring freeze. Like you I am waiting patiently. We're going to get there!