Would love someone to critique my resume!

Nurses Job Hunt

Published

Hi everyone! I am a new RN grad and I have been working on my resume since I finished school. I am extremely detail-oriented and I definitely want to convey that in my resume, so as you would guess I have been going over and over it a ton of times and can't seem to get it just right. If anyone has a minute to take a look at my resume, here it is - would LOVE any and all feedback!

I do have a few questions particular to my resume that I haven't seen answered on the other threads.

1) I have a Bachelor of Arts in Family & Child Studies (not related to nursing) and I am a Certified Child Life Specialist - since I am seeking a career in Pediatric nursing, would I add these credentials to the top of my resume along with RN? (e.g. Name, BA, RN, CCLS?)

2) I feel like my resume is long but I do have a lot of varied experiences which I feel will show I am versatile.. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I could remove?

3) I have had more jobs before 2010 - namely as a restaurant server during college. I didn't add them to my resume because I felt my resume was already too long and didn't think it was necessary, but should I add them?

4) I will be adding a cover letter to each resume I submit - is an Objective still necessary in a resume?

5) What font size is appropriate? Is 9 too small? I want to fit as much as possible.

Thank you all SO MUCH in advance for your help and suggestions! Hopefully I can pay it forward to oncoming new graduates in the future :)

Sidenote - my resume is formatted on Microsoft word and does not look exactly like it does in this post.

Name, RN

Address

Telephone

Email

Objective

To obtain a position as a registered nurse at __________ Hospital, utilizing education and practical application, allowing me to provide basic patient care, comfort, and safety in compliance with evidence-based practice.

Education

Nursing School, USA 1/2013-12/2014

  • Associate in Applied Science in Nursing

University, USA 9/2005-8/2010

  • Bachelor of Arts cum laude in Family & Child Studies, concentration in Child Life

Licensures & Certifications

Registered Nurse (RN), State Board of Nursing

Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS), Child Life Council

Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association

Clinical Experience

Hospital A, USA 9/2014-12/2014

  • Telemetry (90 hours); Neurology (90 hours)
    • Functioned as Team Leader/Charge Nurse for six patients at a time
    • Functioned as Medication Nurse for six patients at a time

Hospital B, USA 1/2014-5/2014

  • Pediatrics (60 hours); Maternity (60 hours)

Hospital C, USA 9/2013-12/2013

  • Medical-Surgical (72 hours); Psychiatrics (48 hours)

Hospital D, USA 1/2013-5/2013

  • Medical-Surgical (60 hours)

Professional Experience

_____ Family, USA 8/2010-Present

Private Childcare Provider

  • Managing, supervising, and caring for three children ranging in age from one month to eight years at employer's residence
  • Planning and preparing meals for and administering daily medication to child diagnosed with severe allergic inflammatory condition; ensuring safety and well-being of all children

Hospital F, USA 6/2014-8/2014

Student Nurse Extern, Maternal-Child Health

  • Provided basic patient hygiene; measured intake and outputs; collected specimens; recorded patient weights; assisted with admissions, discharges, and transfers; reported changes in patient status to nurse preceptor
  • Observed diagnostic and surgical procedures such as Cesarean sections, pelvic exams, and newborn assessments
  • Utilized communication skills in collaboration with interdisciplinary healthcare team

Children's Hospital, USA 5/2010-8/2010

Child Life Intern

  • Completed 600+ hours of service to meet requirements for Child Life Certification set by the Child Life Council
  • Provided psychosocial services and therapeutic activities to hospitalized children and their families
  • Responsible for supervising child life volunteers

Volunteer Experience

Hospice A, USA – Companion Volunteer 1/2012-9/2012

  • Provided companionship to hospice patients, assisted with feeding, ambulation, and activities

Hospital G, USA – Child Life Volunteer 1/2010-5/2010

  • Provided developmentally appropriate activities to patients, facilitated group activities, maintained organization of playroom and child life department supplies

America Reads, USA – Literacy Buddy 1/2008-4/2008

  • Read books to children in grades K-4 and helped teach communication skills to English Language Learners

Honors, Awards and Memberships

U.S. Army Spirit of Nursing Award, Nursing School College 2014

  • Presented to a student who demonstrates professional involvement, leadership, and academic achievement demonstrating commitment and passion in the role of student nurse

Nurse Education Service Award, Nursing School College 2014

  • Presented to a student who demonstrates both quality and quantity of contributions to the program, college, community, and peers

Nursing Students Organization, Nursing School College 2014

  • Treasurer, Secretary; Fall 2014

Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society of Human Sciences, University 2009

Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society of Education, University 2008

Sigma Delta Phi Sorority, University 2005-2009

  • Treasurer, 2008-2009; Sergeant at Arms, 2007-2008; Fundraising Chair, 2006-2007

References

Available Upon Request

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Quickly minimum is font size 11-12

Objectives are obsolete. So is "references upon request". Employers know that you will provide resumes. Perhaps cut out your college sorority and volunteer experience reduce clinical experience unless a specialty area unique to you.

Will look more later. Skip the ccls & ba from name but include in resume

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you! I did end up removing some of the irrelevant volunteer experience, my sorority stuff and my objective - I figured with a cover letter, an objective is not really necessary. Thanks again for all the tips !

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Ped/Adult Home Health, Public Health.

Yes! Objectives are an antiquated resume element! Everyone knows what your objective is-- GET A JOB!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

HA! You're absolutely right, I agree with you. As I was finishing up nursing school we were required to create an "Employment Portfolio" including a resume and were told to put an Objective - I always thought it was pretty pointless, like I said especially when you have a cover letter! Thanks for your input ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment