New Grad Resume HELP!!!

[norcalRNstudent]

Please, let me know what you think...

Should previous employment information be given on a resume, even if it is not healthcare related? I.E., I worked as a waitress for 6 years at the same job, and was "server of the year"- Not pertinent info, but shows longevity at a job, and the fact that I have worked....

What are your thoughts?

Thanks in advance......

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I would show it, but just not go into a lot of detail. You are right, it does show commitment and maturity.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Definitely include those types of things. As you said, your waitress experience shows the fact that you were a loyal employee, worked with the public, did good quality work, etc. That is relevant to a nursing job.

Good hiring managers hire PEOPLE in the hopes that they will be good nurses and good employees. Yes, you are a beginner-level nurse -- there is no hiding that. Don't be afraid to show them that you are a good person and a good employee.

Good luck

[peds4now, RN]

Here is a link with a few new grad nurse resume samples.

http://www.udel.edu/CSC/NurseResumes.pdf

I used the first one, and have had 3 interviews. It is very plain, but resumes have to be that way nowadays to fit into every employers online system.

I would just list the dates (mm/yyyy) job title, Name and city, state of past non-healthcare jobs. My husband says it is standard to only go back 10 years on the resume. I put things in this order: objective (which I change for every job), education, clinical rotations, Work History, and Extracurricular activities. This leaves out lots of various skills, but I can highlight those in my cover letter (all those transferrable communication/computer skills from my past life). I know lots of people say don't list clinicals, but I set them clearly apart as clinical rotations and don't try to pretend they are work.

Good luck. Keep it simple.