Improving a resume via memberships? Committee participation?

[SeattleKid09]

Throughout school I heard that professional organizations are important. Now, on the floor at my first job, I hear nothing about them. Should I be a member of one or two? Are they important memberships to have on your resume? Which ones are well thought of?

What about participating on the committees in force on my med-surg floor?

I like my job. I enjoy my coworkers. On the other hand, I do know adult med-surg is not where I will stay long term. Ideally I'll end up in PICU or NICU. What are things I can do to make my resume stand out among other new-to-the-specialty applicants when I am ready to move away from med-surg?

[NJNursing, ASN, RN]

It shows that you're comitted to the facility and your job. I belong to the ANA, NJSNA just for the heck of it - and the publications. I also do several in hospital committees. It keeps me up to date on policy/procedure changes in the hospital and I can take the suggestions of my co-workers to administration to possibly make some changes for new things or things that just aren't working.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Don't let the fact that many of your co-workers are not "professionally-minded" deter you from supporting professional organizations and participating in the committees etc. that interest you. All those things provide you with information and/or opportunities for growth that will support your achievement of your career goals. They also indicate your willingess to take responsibility for your own learning and nursing practice. That's why they are looked upon positively by people who hold leadership posisions in nursing. Your participation says positive things about you.

Good luck to you.

[caliotter3]

I have never found memberships to be useful in getting work, nor have any employers been interested in my education, with one exception. They wanted to know if my license was clear and they interviewed me about my work experience. I could see getting involved with this sort of thing if you are aiming for academic positions or higher level management jobs that clearly specified so in their requirements for the job.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I got my current job because I knew the CNO from being in the same professional organization. Although we knew each other only casually then, at least I was familiar and that helped, I believe.

Professional organizations keep you abreast of current events affecting nurses, legislation, education and opportunities and networking. Being on your resume may not help land a job, but being active in professional nursing organizations can only help, not hurt.