I worked as a caregiver before taking up nursing. Advice on resume please?

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I am currently trying to complete my resume and on the part where we put our past experiences, the closest I have related to nursing is was when I worked as a caregiver for the elderly :specs: for about 5 to 7 years before starting nursing school (graduated this past May 2011. Recently passed the Nclex-RN in August). Never had any other work experience other that that. I worked either through filling in for friends, through local caregiver agencies, and other times directly hired by the family.

Volunteer work was required in the program so that's how I gained volunteer experience. I loved it! but outside of the requirement I never got the chance to do so again.

My question is, how would I make my resume look "hire-able"? Would I just list all the agencies, places, and names of the families that have hired me in the past? And most of the agencies I don't even know if they are still in business.

Any advice please? :confused:

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My question is, how would I make my resume look "hire-able"? Would I just list all the agencies, places, and names of the families that have hired me in the past? And most of the agencies I don't even know if they are still in business.

I would list the agencies and professional orgs that hired you. I wouldn't worry about if they are still in existence. However, if it is 25 different places, I would just do a general heading...caregiver for various families. What exactly was your role as a caregiver?

Other than that, I would highlight your experience as a caregiver in your cover letter in order to market yourself well. Just my :twocents: :)

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What exactly was your role as a caregiver?

It varied from helping with ADLs, driving them to doc's appointments, checking blood sugar, and I got to experience pretty complicated stuff (at least in my view way before nursing came into the picture) like keeping a wound clean my changing it according to what I was taught, tube feedings, trach care and suctioning, and cases also varied like people who had Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and also the alert and oriented who just needed assistance and companionship during the day when a family member is at work.

thanks for your input! :)

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

I would list all your previous experience as it is pertinent. If an agency went out of business that's not your fault, list them.

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Even non-nursing/healthcare jobs have validity in showing longevity, and that you were worth keeping around :) My first job app had working at a Hallmark store (nightmare- every dopey holiday...like "Dentist's Lawnmower Appreciation Day"- ok, not really, but close... had to reorganize the whole ******* aisle, for like a week, until the next idiotic thing came along), doll house shop (fun), etc.... they were still employers who could vouch for my attendance, rehire eligibility, salary (3.35/hr), etc. :) It all counts ! No new nurse is going to have a heavily "medical" padded resume' - just add what you've done, and good luck :D

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