New RN...need help with resume and cover please

PlanZ · Mar 7, 2012

Hi Little2one. I think your resume is good for a new grad. Your cover letter is what you need to use to grab the potential employer's attention. Maybe you should start your letter by stating what you have to offer(experience) and what you can bring to that facility/company/unit. Highlight the skills you practiced and gained in clinicals and how you taught those skills to others. Tell how your administrative experience has helped you to be detail oriented, organized, and anything else you can think of. I could be wrong, but I don't think it's a good idea to start the letter saying that you're a new grad("I graduated in December 2011 "). Only promote your skills, abilities, and why they should hire you. In your second to last paragraph, you used the word "wonderful" twice. Substitute one of them with a similar word. I'm not even sure if all employers look at cover letters, but if they do it should be captivating enough to make them look at your resume. I hope this helps. God bless on your Job Search!

BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · Mar 8, 2012

One thing that jumped out at me right away is your degree. You have an ASSOCIATE degree, not an ASSOCIATE'S degree. I'm the first to say that seems like a small "thing", but attention to detail is HUGE....

And PLEASE don't think I'm picking on your degree, b/c I have the exact same one =)

I graduated in December 2011 and passed my boards last month. I have applied for well over 150 GN positions and only received 1 interview. Not sure if it's because I lack experience in the medical field other than my clinicals or if it's because my resume doesn't stand out. Can someone please help and let me know if there is anything I can do to make it better. I'm also including the typical cover letter I send out as well. Thanks for any help!!
Education:
XXX College - Dallas, TX
Associate's Degree, Nursing
Graduation: December 2011
Nursing GPA: 4.0/4.0
Overall GPA: 3.8/4.0
Clinical Rotations:
Worked under the supervision of an RN providing bedside care, treatment and clinical documentation for patients at the following hospitals:
XX Hospital - Medical/Surgical including Telemetry and GI
XX Hospital - L&D, Nursery, and Cardiac Unit
XX Hospital - Pediatrics
XX Hospital - Medical/Surgical
Nursing Skills and Experience:
Charting and documentation
Medication administration (oral and parenteral)
Inserting and maintaining IV fluids
Injections
Enteral and Parental Nutrition
Catheterization and catheter care
Ostomy and wound care
Artificial airway care
CPR Certified, American Red Cross, Expires 07/2012
Work Experience:
XXXXX, Dallas, 2010
HPRS Tutor
Tutored students in the Health Professions class. This is a class that teaches catheterization, sterile dressing changes, and vital signs and must be taken by any student wishing to apply to a health professions degree program..
XXXX , Arlington, 2007-2009
Administrative Assistant, Community Health
Supported Community Health Directors in day to day activities and oversaw the Family Violence Prevention and Community Hand Hygiene Programs.
XXXX, Arlington, TX 1998-2005
Regional Account Manager (2001-2005)
Managed sales and circulation for a television and entertainment magazine for multiple cable markets in the central US.Responsible for designing and implementing training programs and incentives for customer service representatives in all markets in order to maintain and grow magazine circulation.
Sales and Marketing Assistant (1998-2001)
Provided executive level administrative support to the EVP Sales and Marketing with a demonstrated ability to improvise, improve procedures, and meet demanding deadlines.
Professional Organizations:
American Nurses Association
Texas Nurses Association
Volunteer Work:
XXXX Family Medical Clinic - Dallas, TX
Here is my standard cover letter:
To Whom It May Concern,
In December 2011 I graduated from XXX College with an Associate's Degree in Nursing and received my RN license in February 2012.
As my enclosed resume indicates, I pursued excellence in nursing studies as demonstrated by my academic honors. I also have outstanding references available from my clinical instructors upon request. I feel my clinical experience and volunteer work with XXXX Family Medical Clinic, a clinic for uninsured and underinsured in Dallas, have effectively prepared me to begin employment as a nurse.
I approach this opportunity with great excitement as I know XXX Hospital, because of its wonderful reputation in the community and its teaching environment, would be a wonderful place to begin my career and help me to advance and build a successful nursing career.
Thank you for giving my resume careful consideration. I am eager to meet with you to discuss possible employment with XX Hospital. I may be reached by phone at XXX, or by way of email at XXXXX. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,

little2one · Mar 8, 2012

Thank you all for your comments so far, please keep them coming. I have revamped my cover letter. Here is the latest version, let me know what you think. Thanks!

To Whom It May Concern:

Please accept my application for the position of XXX at XXX Hospital. I graduated in December 2011 and received my license in February 2012. I believe my educational background and work experiences can be of benefit to your organization.

During my clinical rotations, I learned various nursing skills while also developing the ability to think on my feet and problem-solve. I have several years of experience in sales and marketing that have helped me to develop excellent communication skills and attention to detail. I continuously received feedback from patients, nurses and clinical instructors regarding my ability to give personalized and professional care to all patients.

As my enclosed resume indicates, I pursued excellence in nursing studies as demonstrated by my academic honors. I also have outstanding references available from my clinical instructors upon request. I feel my clinical experience and volunteer work with XXX XXX Clinic, a clinic for uninsured and underinsured in Dallas, have effectively prepared me to begin employment as a nurse.

My application can only tell you a little regarding my inspiration and qualifications for a position as a new graduate RN. I would be grateful for the chance to meet you so that I can further discuss my background, qualifications, and interest in this position with you. I can be reached at XXX or at XXXX. Thank you for your consideration in this exciting opportunity.

Sincerely

sommeil, ASN, RN · Jul 9, 2012

I think your resume looks great. I'm going to graduate soon and I have no idea where to start. Also before nursing school I was an Engineer.