In need of genuine and factual resume help!

[willow298]

Hi everyone,

for the last week I have been quite a mess about the whole resume/cover letter process. I will be graduating in May. My mom is an LPN and works upstairs from this wonderful "assisted living" type establishment that I would ADORE to work for. It is a beautiful establishment with a holistic, home-like feel. They told me to apply now and not wait until May.

I am very worried about this resume/application process because it seems as though there are no definite guidelines to follow. I hear a 50/50 mix of "objectives are unnecessary; not having an objective is unprofessional. Cover letters are the new thing and can really help you to get an interview; cover letters are not a requirement." It seems to go back and forth.

Also, should I really be including my clinical experiences in my resume. Don't they assume that I have administered medications and taken vital signs, assessed dressings, etc?

If an objective is needed, what really should it include? Where should I be putting my strengths? and how would I gear an objective towards obtaining a job working with the geriatric community?

I am really obsessing over this because I feel that I really get one shot and I do not want to blow it by making silly mistakes with the resume/cover letter.

PS-this place that I want to work does not have a nurse recruiter, so if I need a cover letter, who would I address it to?