11 Months in Home Care trying to get out

Gooselady, BSN, RN · Jan 3, 2015

Are there any 'RN residency' positions in your area? I went from 17 years of psychiatry nursing to medical oncology this way. It was a program for new grads and old battle axes with limited medical skill experiences.

You have a longer preceptorship and a few classes, and the Nurse Educator is more involved on on hand for the five or six weeks of the residency.

It is really tough for new grads but it's not 'too' tough. But your resume' as it stands (I'm no professional resume' reader) would land you a good 'RN residency'. Usually the residencies are med/surg in nature. Our hospital had residencies in Neuro, Tele, ICU, medical oncology, med/surg and Ortho. While I worked there I was surrounded by pink cheeked new grads, and I think the residencies made it so much easier on them. Good luck, hope I said something you haven't thought of :)

Flatlander · Jan 3, 2015

When I read your resume, my first reaction was that it was too technical and not focused enough. Look at the job announcement and description of duties for the job you are hoping to land. Then tailor your resume to match the top skills required for THAT job. Highlight your experience related to those areas at the top of your resume. Avoid the use of too many technical abbreviations; spell things out.

You could start by moving the last three of your qualifications under Skills and Qualifications to the top of that section because they are more generally required in hospital nursing. You want the top third of your resume to cinch the deal.

Remember that recruiters are going to scan your resume quickly and you have about 30 seconds to grab their attention and make them read on. Make sure that every word counts and carries the message that you fit the job they are looking to fill. Stress the skills that you will use in the job you are applying for, pulling these from the job's description. State your experience in those areas.

Your current resume showcases the skills you used in home care at the top third of your resume, but you are not applying for home care. You must stress your abilities and skills for the job you are applying for! Look at several job announcements from different employers for the job you want. Examine the similar requirements. These are the ones to stress. For example, explain how you learned to excel in time management, team work, accuracy, documentation in your present job. Show your desire to learn new skills and keep up with evidence based practice, etc. Stress what makes you unique and better at what the employer is looking for. All this will make your resume more dynamic.

Next show your credentials and education, again tailored to the job's requirements and qualifications. Even previous employment experience can be used to sell your transferable skills, i.e., in customer service and satisfaction, leadership, time management, skill development, etc.

Don't forget to update your resumes regularly on websites. After an interview, send a thank you note. If you haven't heard anything after a week, contact the interviewer. Ask for feedback if you were not selected. If you really want the job, keep applying, updating your cover letter, seeking contacts, and networking.

Good luck. Don't give up. Very few of us get the job we want after sending out a few resumes and going on a couple interviews. This is still a tough time for job seekers. You may have to work hard and persevere. Let us know how it goes.