Never had a job

If a nurse has not had any nursing employment, they should list their non-nursing employment on their resumes, after they have had experience in a nursing job, they can leave the non-nursing employment off the resume.

I was worried about this too! As a server for many years I decided to take a pay cut and worked at a retirement home for my last year of nursing school so that I had some applicable experience to show on my resume. I also "revamped" my previous work experience so that it shed light on qualities that i felt would assist me in my nursing job search. Things like time management, customer service and the ability to multi task and think on my feet.

Something to consider if looking for work during nursing school -- tutor nursing subjects or work in the library. I did both of these things during my BScN and it was not a drain on my study/class time. If anything, it helped! Tutoring RN/RPN students was a good review of material -- and if I didn't have any students scheduled to come in or if someone didn't show up, it was essentially paid study time (student services hired tutors so I was employed by the school, students booked online, it was guaranteed 4 hrs a week). Same with working in the library -- it was only 8 hrs on Sunday at the circulation desk but that day was very slow so most of the day was spent studying at the desk while helping the occasional student. Paid study time is the best! Finding a job that allows you time to study, even a bit, is extremely helpful. Extra money, experience, and no drain on your study time. Plus it's an opportunity to develop time management skills -- which are absolutely crucial as a new nurse.

As for listing non-nursing experience on resume, the general "rule" is to list all your nursing experience first then non-nursing stuff after that. Some nurses do both at the same time -- maybe teaching or pharm sales or something -- list both in chronological order. If your experience absolutely unrelated, there are ALWAYS ways to spin the job description/qualities towards nursing (emphasis on customer service, listening, anticipating needs, time management, etc). Having absolutely nothing to put on your resume under work experience is unusual -- ideally you would find work that doesn't take up a huge amount of time during the school year (maybe 4 hrs/week?) or volunteer. Pad up your academic section with highlights on which courses you performed strongly in. Have a section listing all the extra stuff you've done -- attended conferences/seminars, computer classes, volunteer stuff, play an instrument?, certifications (CPR, FA, ACLS, etc). Instead of focusing on what you don't have, enhance the hell out of what you do have. You'll have to market yourself as a rockstar so dig deep and find out how best to do that. Absolutely do no embellish your resume, they can find out if you are lying!

All jobs have transferable skills, which employers look for if you don't have nursing experience.

Also briefly outline your year four clinical placements on your resume. Avoid making a list of everything you learned. Instead, highlight some of the key skills you learned.