I need help with my resume, please.

rskopek · May 9, 2012

Having just graduated from nursing school myself, I've spent a considerable amount of time researching the lost art of resume writing here on allnurses.com and elsewhere. I have a few thoughts from lessons I've learned while putting my resume together just this last week. You'll find my own post looking for a resume critique here on this forum.

GPA - I've read somewhere, not sure if it was here on the forum or not, that unless it's a 4.0, not to list it. I think this can be a personal preference however as your GPA is sufficiently high. Something to think about, at least look into.

Clinical Experience - You'll find numerous threads on this post regarding the inclusion of clinical experience in the new grad resume. I'm a follower of the camp that believes it is unnecessary as all new grads have similar clinical experience for the most part. Yes, some employers want to see it and the best advice I received was to have it on a separate page, complete with specific details such as hospital size, unit, hours completed, etc. Now if something you did in clinical was unique in any way or sets you apart, by all means include it. Simply listing your clinical experience does little to set you apart from other new grads however.

Skills - You skills section looks great.

Work Experience - Your recent work experience has little related to the healthcare field (understandable for a new grad) and is taking up valuable resume real estate higher up on the page. I would consider swapping positions with your organization and volunteer experience.

Organization and Volunteer Experience - Again, I would move this higher up as this can possibly be the highlight of your resume and set you apart from other applicants. Consider expanding on your roles in these positions and include what you accomplished, learned, or skills utilized, etc.

Goals - Not exactly sure about this section, as I haven't encountered it in my resume research. In my personal opinion it is unnecessary, as it's much more important to show what you have accomplished rather than a list of things you hope or expect to accomplish. Just my thoughts, do some research on this area and make your own determination as to whether it is really necessary.

You're off to a great start! Other things to consider would be to open with a professional profile, which kind of takes the place of your current skills section, but highlights these strong points at the top of your resume along with a statement. You'll find some great examples here on allnurses.com. I believe it is a big improvement over the more traditional and outdated "objective statement". Continue to hone and revise your resume, and utilize allnurses.com as there certainly is a wealth of information here. Best of luck with your resume and new career!

RNin, ASN, RN · May 9, 2012

Thank you for all your input. I've been stressing over this resume as I have changed it many times already. I'ved added and deleted sections. I've had a separate page for clinical experience but deleted it after it made my resume 3 pages long. I will definitely consider adding it since I've condensed my resume considerably. I hope I can get more input on my resume.

RNin, ASN, RN · May 10, 2012

What do you think about this revision? Is there anything else I should do? Do you think it's too much to include a professional profile, clinical highlights and Skills section is overkill?

Name

Address

City, State, Zip

555-555-5555

[email protected]

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE:

Highly motivated Graduate Nurse able to work in a fast-paced environment. Reliable, organized healthcare provider with ability to remain calm and focused during crises. Provides compassionate, quality care through evidence-based interventions and therapeutic communication. Proven ability to adapt to new situations and work as part of an interdisciplinary team.

EDUCATION:

Associate in Applied Science - Nursing, expected May 2012

College, City, NJ

Cumulative GPA: 3.5/4.0

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE / HIGHLIGHTS: (see attachment for clinical details)

- Advocated for patient to receive additional test related to symptoms

- Performed health and history for new admission to labor and delivery

- Assisted circulating and scrub nurse during multiple procedures

- Provided companionship to elderly who had no family

SKILLS:

- Exceptional organizational and time management skills

- Great customer service skills – able to politely deal with individuals

- Strong leadership – able to delegate and collaborate interdepartmentally

- Perform head-to-toe assessment and plan of care

- Proficient in MS Office applications

- Speaks fluent Chinese

CERTIFICATIONS:

- BLS for Healthcare Providers, American Heart Association

- First Aid/CPR/AED, American Red Cross

ORGANIZATION AND VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE:

- American Red Cross – City, NJ

- Nursing Club, College, City, NJ

- Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, City, NJ

- National Student Nurse Association

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Resort – Some City, NJ

Job, 2012 – Present

Resort – Some City, NJ

Job, 2008 – 2012

Retail – Some City, PA

Assistant, 2005 – 2008

Finance – New York, NY

Proprietary Trader, 2003-2004

Finance – New York, NY

Managing Director / Equity Trader, 2000-2003

GOALS:

- Obtain BSN – enrolled in a BSN program, Fall ‘12

- Obtain CCRN certification

- Obtain ACLS certification

- Obtain ECG certification

QueenMangin, BSN, RN · May 12, 2012

Maybe summarize your work experience as it isn't relevant in itself... something like "10 years of customer experience, conflict resolution" or something like that? I haven't seen goals on a resume... you maybe could list those in the cover letter?

wish_me_luck, BSN, RN · May 13, 2012

You don't put goals on a resume. They will ask you about them usually if you get an interview and actually clinical experience shouldn't be included because if you graduated from a nursing program, it is understood what clinical experience you have had. Resumes are meant to set you apart from the rest of the people.

RNin, ASN, RN · Jun 11, 2012

Could someone offer me help?