I am in resume hell, lol

[msmerrie, RN]

Good afternoon Nurses,

I am hoping for some feedback on my latest resume. I have recently relocated back to the west coast from Florida. I will begin my job search as soon as I can get this resume done. LOL. I would appreciate any feedback, especially if someone has some suggestions on how to describe my military experience (reserves) in a few short bullets. Thank you

QUALIFICATIONS

 Over 14 years of nursing experience with a focus on women's healthcare.

 Comprehensive knowledge of modern nursing practices.

 Remarkable ability to work independently, as well as part of a care team.

 Caring, reliable, and dedicated to providing excellent patient care.

 Electronic Health Records: Proficient in the use of NextGen®, Epic®, and Beacon® computer software systems.

EDUCATION

Associates of Arts in Nursing (RN), 5/2012

Hillsborough Community College * Tampa, FL

Practical Nurse Diploma (LPN), 8/2000

Clover Park Technical College * Lakewood, WA

Certifications: American Heart Association - Basic Life Support - Exp. 05/2016

California Board of Registered Nursing

NURSING EXPERIENCE

Recovery Room, Registered Nurse

Family Planning Services * Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida

Sarasota, FL * 2/2009-9/2014

 Expert ability to prepare patients for procedures, and monitor them while under moderate sedation.

 Excellent IV placements skills with a 95% first attempt success rate.

 Solid understanding of the principles of aseptic technique and their implementation.

 Assessed and evaluated patient condition pre and post-procedure.

 Functioned as preceptor for all new nurses joining the affiliate

 Insightful ability to work with diverse patient populations.

 Traveled between four and five clinics weekly within affiliate, on procedure days.

U.S. Navy Reserves - Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (E6)

Naval Hospital Jacksonville - Operational Support Unit- Detachment I

Tampa FL 4/2002-9/2014

 Directly supervised seventeen junior Hospital Corpsman in clinical operations for Naval Operational Support Center, Tampa, a 900 member organization of naval reservists.

 Recently transferred to the IRR (Individual Ready Reserve) for the remainder of my enlistment.

High Risk OB-Fetal Diagnostics and Maternal Health

University of So. Alabama - Mobile, AL 5/2008-12/2008 

Researched and obtained educational materials for patients, specific to their diagnosis and reason for referral.

Maxim Healthcare Services

Pensacola, FL 3/ 2007 - 10/ 2007

 * Providing direct patient care in a variety of healthcare settings, including long term care, correctional facilities and mental health institutions.

Tacoma Family Medicine - OB Access Clinic

MultiCare Health Systems - Tacoma, WA 11/2003-12/2006

 University of Washington residency and fellowship clinic serving the at risk/low income community in Tacoma Washington.

Tacoma General Hospital - Women and Newborn Services

MultiCare Health Systems - Tacoma, WA 11/2001-11/2003

 Direct patient care and education for mothers and newborns during their postpartum stay.

Kent MultiCare Clinic - OB/GYN

MultiCare Health Systems - Kent, WA 1/2001-11/2003

 Rooming patients for visits, updating, charts, pre-natal teaching, non-stress test fetal monitoring, procedure set up and assist.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I would shorten it. Get it to 1 page if possible, 2 maximum.

Reduce the amount of "fluff" saying that you are excellent, remarkable, expert, etc. Everybody says that about themselves -- making that stuff unnecessary. Also eliminate stuff that should be true of every competent nurse -- such as that you understand asceptic technique, are caring, etc. That unnecessary stuff just makes it harder for the hiring manager to find the information he/she is looking for, such as your educational credentials, job history, and things that help you to stand out in a crowd.

I hear the job market is very difficult in California. I wish you the best of luck.

[caliotter3]

I would remove the names of the employers, schools, etc. for this public forum and replace them with generic substitutes such as "XYZ College".

[msmerrie, RN]

Thank you for your suggestions. I have revised to 1 and 1/2 pages with no fluff, just action verbs. I think it's good to go. Now onto my search. "I am a fabulous nurse and I will be working soon... ". That's my morning mantra. lol