Please critique my résumé and cover letter

[maydaysvp]

Hi, nurses! Would anyone be willing to give me some feedback about my résumé and cover letter? I'm graduating in less an a month and am looking for a position that will strengthen my time management and assessment skills. I don't have any previous healthcare work experience; so I didn't list any work experience (but I do have ten years of experience.) Per suggestions in other threads, I have removed all identifying information.

Thank you for looking at my résumé, any comments or suggests would be welcome! (Seriously, don't spare my feelings. I want to be better, not feel better.)

FirstName LastName

My address | city famous for meth manufacturing

cellie # | [email protected]

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

- Independent, highly-motivated nurse seeking dynamic workplace

- Critical thinker, dedicated to providing evidence-based, culturally competent care

- Patient advocate, passionate about quality customer service

EDUCATION

University of My State, City, State

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, expected May 2014

Capital City Community College, City, State

Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, expected August 13, 2013

Small liberal arts college, City, State

Bachelor of Arts in something useless cum laude, May 2009

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

Step Down Unit, a VA Medical Center, Summer 2013

Progressive Care Unit, Level II trauma hospital, Summer 2013

Psychiatric, State Behavioral Health Institute, Spring 2013

General Pediatrics, Level I trauma Hospital, Spring 2013

Labor and Delivery, Level I trauma Hospital, Spring 2013

Medical/Surgical, Level II trauma hospital, Fall 2012

Medical/Surgical, Level II trauma hospital, Summer 2012

CLINICAL TRAINING

Assessment

- Assessed patients ranging from neonates to pediatrics to adults and geriatrics.

- Performed neurologic, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and musculoskeletal assessments, as well as assessing PICC, IV sites, NG-tubes, G-tubes, chest tubes, sundry wounds, ostomies and stomas.

Planning

- Collaborated with RNs, and doctors.

- Coordinated care for multiple patients with diverse needs.

Implementation

- Administered medications IM, IV, subcutaneously and orally.

- Followed aseptic technique to start IVs, monitor intake and output, provide oral suction, give tube feedings, monitor blood glucose levels, and discontinue IVs.

- Provided patient and family education on wound care, diabetes and medication.

Evaluation

- Charted assessment and medication administration on Cerner in a timely fashion.

And my cover letter:

FirstName LastName

Address

Address

Phone Number

E-mail address

Date

Hospital address

Dear Nurse Manager,

I am writing to respond to the recent job posting on your website about the inpatient registered nurse position on some Gen Med Ward. My name is FirstName LastName and I will graduate in August with an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing from Capital City Community College's accelerated program. As an accelerated nursing student, I have quickly learned to prioritize activities, manage stress and provide safe, effective care; these qualities will allow me to transition easily to a clinical setting. Enclosed is my résumé, I hope it will give you a strong impression of my nursing experience.

What I can offer your hospital is a hard-working, motivated caregiver with varied clinical experience. Through my clinicals, I have gained a broad knowledge base and a well-rounded set of skills. My experiences exposed me to a variety of medical practices, cultural issues, and healthcare concerns that have prepared me to be a competent nurse. I believe that my drive will positively contribute to your unit. I know that having a BSN is important to the hospital as it progresses towards magnet status and would like to note that I have been accepted by the University of My State's RN-to-BSN program. I anticipate completing my BSN in 2014.

I am very excited at the prospect of beginning my nursing career at Level I Trauma Hospital. I know that I am capable of fulfilling all of your hospital's needs. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or clarifications more about my experiences and skills at any time.

Thank you for your consideration. I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

FirstName LastName

Aww! You read all of that. Thank you very much. I hope you have a wonderful day.

[mclennan, BSN, RN]

Great résumé, thank you for leaving out the dreaded "objective." Shorten up that cover letter. No need for "my name is......" Otherwise great!!!

[maydaysvp]

Great résumé, thank you for leaving out the dreaded "objective." Shorten up that cover letter. No need for "my name is......" Otherwise great!!!

Thank you very much for the feedback! I will shorten my cover letter and take out the introduction.

[lhflanurseNP, APRN]

Only thing I might recommend is why you want to work at that facility.

[DalekRN]

I would completely redo the description of.your clinical experiences. Took a 3 patient assignment, research project on _____, etc. What did you do above and beyond the normal standard nursing student experience? Also have you never had any job? Any job can be shown in a light to give you experience which can be help qualify you to a nurse manager.