New Nurse Peer Resume Review

[ChaRNbsn]

Hello! I am a new graduate nurse (may 2013) I have been having the time of my life applying for nursing positions. I have recently revised my resume, I would like some constructive criticism and advice from other nurses on if something should be added or any other suggestions. Aside from clinical experiences I no medical field experience. The assistance is greatly appreciated. In my old resume I put a list of some of the tasks performed during various clinical rotations, I'm not sure if I should keep that or if it sounds redundant. Is it safe to assume that "they know what we do in clinical anyway" or should I add it never the less?

Random Name RN, BSN

XXXX W 5th st

Somewhere, MI 60888

[email protected]

(XXX) XXX-XXXX

SUMMARY

• Calm, attentive and compassionate in high stress environments.
  
  
• Fast learner with a familiarity with Cerner and Epic systems.
  
  
• Excellent professional and academic references
  

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

Nursing University, Somewhere, MI

Bachelor of Science, Nursing, May 2013

Volunteerism: Student Veterans Association (2009-2011); Mercy for Animals (2012); Student Nurse Association (2011-2013)

Registered Professional Nurse (2013)

BLS for Healthcare Providers (2012-2014)

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

Senior Leadership - Friendly Hospital Medical Center, Rehab/Observation Unit, Somewhere, MI (04/2013)

• Substantial involvement working alongside the interdisciplinary team
  
• Refined assessment skills, charting procedures, medication administration, patient/family education and communication, and care planning.
  
• Forged trusting relationships with patients, building rapport and advocating for patient needs.
  
• Optimized leadership skills by effectively delegating tasks to assistive personnel in a clear and concise manner then following up to ensure that tasks were performed correctly in the time allotted.
  

Clinical Rotations: Friendly Community Hospital (medical/surgical, ER, ICU, OR), Somewhere Hospital (adult medical/surgical, pediatrics), Nursing Medical Center (psychiatric, LD, NICU, senior leadership), City Hospital (community pain clinic), A Hospital (advanced med/surg transitional care unit, ICU)

WORK EXPERIENCE

Server 09/10-09/11

Random Restaurant, Address , Somewhere, MI

Preparing tables, laying out napkins and utensils, making sure condiments are refilled. Staying updated on current menu choices and specialties. Handling table bookings, directing customers to their tables, presenting menus, suggesting dishes and assisting in drink selection. Obtaining revenues, issuing receipts, accepting payments and returning change. Assisting with special events. Performing basic cleaning tasks as needed. Greeting all guests warmly with an appropriate greeting. Serving food and beverages in a timely fashion and anticipating guests' needs. Using the Micros system to enter food orders.

Accomplishments: Worked efficiently with coworkers during parties and events of 200 guests, staying focused and accurate in the fast-paced environment.

Secretary-Student Worker 08/09-09/11

Same Random Restaurant, Address , Somewhere , MI

Mail newsletters, promotional material, and other information. Make copies of correspondence, spreadsheets, and other printed material using Microsoft programs. Set up and maintain paper and electronic filing systems for records and other material. Compose, type, and distribute notes and reports. Collect and file employee time cards.

Sales Associate 06/08-08/11Summer/Seasonal Employee for 4 years

Random Retail Store, Address, Somewhere, MI

Greeted customers and determined their needs. Recommended merchandise based on individual requirements. Explained use and advantage of merchandise to customers. Assisted in the display of merchandise. Quoted prices and discounts as well as warranties and delivery dates. Discussed type, quality and number of merchandise required for purchase. Responded to customer inquiries and problems by providing information. Processing back-orders for out of stock items.

Accomplishments: Seasonal summer employee for four consecutive years starting in 2008

[DidiRN]

Moved to Nursing Resume Help forum for best response. :)

[SleeepyRN]

Hi there. While you don't have previous medical experience, do not discount all that customer service. The medical field is becoming more and more about customer service. I would take out your exact job responsibilities ("making sure condiments are refilled" for ex) and instead focus on how you expertly handled customers in a fast paced environment and under stressful conditions. Take your sales associate job for example. Focus on how helpful you were to the customers and assisted them with their needs. You touched on that a little bit by saying "determined their needs." Go further with that. Emphasize that you provided excellent customer service. Both my parents have been in charge of resumes and interviews for years. One thing my dad told me once (he's a cop) was that it drove him crazy when he would get resumes that listed their exact duties at a restaurant for example. He wanted to know "what experience did you get from being a server that will help make you be a better cop." So, what experience did you get from being a server that will make you an excellent nurse? I can name a few: maintained composure in stressful situations, problem solving abilities, assisted customers in having a great experience. Those are just a few I can think of, and in your own words of course. One more thing: I realize I did the same thing as you above, but under Clinical Experience, make sure you stick with the same tense of your verbs. I noticed you used both the past tense and present participle (ing). Good luck. Remember to drive home that customer service experience. Also, your employment history looks pretty stable, so also emphasize your dependability. Great job with saying you have excellent references. It shows that others view you as trustworthy, reliable and a hard worker.

[ChaRNbsn]

Thank you so much! I am going to take all of the advice you gave me a work on it today. I didn't even notice the tense changes, probably because I didn't read it aloud. One of the reasons why it's nice to have a new set of eyes go over something for you. I really appreciate the help :) fingers crossed for the rest of the job hunt.

[SleeepyRN]

Keep us posted :-)

[sunshyne17]

OP- no I wouldn't "assume" they know what you did in clinical because each site, floor, unit will give you a different experience. Where I did my med/surge rotation, we did work that a CNA would do. Where as though other units at the same hospital was intent on showing us how to change PICC line dressings, CHF teach backs, etc.

[ChaRNbsn]

Update: I got a job! I had an interview on my birthday and was notified that I got the job about a week later! Thanks for the advice, the institution really liked my resume.

[SleeepyRN]

Congratulations! Get ready for a challenging, rewarding career :-)

[holinurse]

Awesome!!! What speciality? Please DO tell. I just passed my boards this week, and I am eagerly dreading the whole resume/applying process

Gershon