Don't Let Nursing Job Resumes Intimidate You

Brenda F. Johnson, MSN

Your resume is like a snapshot; the person reading it will form an opinion from what they see. It is your first opportunity to impress a potential boss, so it should be taken seriously. It is my hope that this article will give you constructive pointers to help make the best resume.

As I mentioned in the article, "Capture Your Hearts Desire: Finding the Job You Want," my family and I moved from Florida to Tennessee in May of this year. The first thing I did was initiate a resume before I began looking into facilities. Many people are frightened of creating their resume, not knowing where to begin or what to write. There are several formats free on the web or in Word, so select one that is simple and fits you, or use the one I give you.

Keeping things easy to read and condensed is the key to a successful resume. Grammar and spelling are important to show you took the time and effort to make first rate resume. The following list goes through the usual headings found on resumes followed by tips I hope you find helpful in creating your resume. Remember to put your name on all pages of the resume, and contact information in the bottom corner of the first page.

Objective (optional)

This is asking what type of job you are looking for. A single sentence/statement will do.

ex: Looking for a job in Medical/Surgical Nursing.

Qualifications

This is where you tell about your previous experience, not time-lines, but skills and job duties you have performed.

ex: Have worked in Endoscopy assisting doctors during Esophagogastroduodenoscopies, Colonoscopies, Bronchoscopies, and ERCPs. Proficient in conscious sedation, ECGs, and IVs. (Fill in as much as it takes to describe your abilities but not too wordy)

Work History

Under this heading, list your relevant work history starting with the most recent. Be prepared to explain gaps in work history, it will be noticed.

Education

Under this heading, list education with dates and colleges including high school.

References

List names, titles and contact information of your references here. These should be present or very recent managers, doctors you work with, etc.

Interests/Hobbies (optional)

In a few sentences, tell a little bit about what you like to do in your free time. This is a section that can be omitted if desired, but it can be fun to share something about yourself.

Volunteer Experience (optional)

This is another area that can be omitted. However, if you do volunteer, tell about it and share your well rounded, selfless side.

Computer Skills

Our life is centered around computers as are hospitals and doctors offices. List the computer programs you have worked with.

Licenses and Certifications

Make a list of any work-related certifications. Ex. CPR, ACLS, CGRN

That is it! Keep your resume under two pages, as managers do not have a lot of time for pleasure reading. Keep it easy to read, concise, and neat.

Please feel free to add any hints you have in making a resume painless. Good luck in your Job Search!