Padding Your Resume

[Guest915876]

Hello all,

I'm looking for ways to make my resume more attractive for when it comes time to apply for jobs. I have 2 more semesters left before graduation. I was going to get certified as a CNA but was told it would be rare for a place to hire and train me as a CNA knowing I'll be an RN in a little over a year. Thinking of volunteering or something. Any ideas?

Mandy

[KMRN81]

After your first semester of nursing school, many states will allow you to become licensed as a CNA. For every one of my classmates who worked as a CNA in nursing school, we all transitioned into the RN role after we graduated. For those without CNA experience, it took up to a year to find work. Experience is always a good thing. Even if it doesn't turn into an RN job offer, it still provides you with hands-on patient experience that you will use everywhere you go. For likely very little extra effort on your part, you could be licensed as a CNA. In my eyes, it was the best decision I made in nursing school.

[springchick1, ADN, RN]

ACLS is required once you land a job as an RN right? I imagine that would be something the employer would pay for as part of your training? Is it worth it for me to spend the money on it prior to applying?

ACLS is only required in certain areas. I am not required to have it at my job so if I want to become certified, I have to pay for it. If I worked in an area where it is required, the hospital will pay for it.

[SassyTachyRN]

ACLS is required once you land a job as an RN right? I imagine that would be something the employer would pay for as part of your training? Is it worth it for me to spend the money on it prior to applying?

For me, ACLS was only offered for ICU nurses, which were also code team nurses. Once a code was called and the code team arrived, the floor nurse stepped off to the side and became a scribe. We were a trauma center. Maybe smaller facilities do it differently.

[_zoubisoubisou_]

ACLS is required once you land a job as an RN right? I imagine that would be something the employer would pay for as part of your training? Is it worth it for me to spend the money on it prior to applying?

No, ACLS is not required for all RN positions. Nor is PALS. Although every job I applied for did require it within 6 months of hire. Assuming you applied for a position that they were desired, having them prior to getting the job could show initiative & would be one less thing the employer would have to pay to get you. Yes, true, you would be paying out of pocket, but already having it on your resume shows that you are a go-getter. I did mine the month before I graduated and a few interviewers were impressed that I had taken it upon myself to get it. Or you can wait until you are hired to have them put you through it. Up to you. I don't think getting it before is a make or break for an interview, but you asked for padding suggestions.