Right now my resume is 2 pages. I know the ideal is just one but I've only been a practicing RN for just under 6 mos.
My previous job I was at for 9 years. Prior to that though, from 1993 to 1998 I was at 3 different places, one of which I went back to after leaving once. This is common in the industry I came from. Places would go out of business, contracts lost etc. But I don't think I should necessarily include all of them because it has nothing to do with nursing.
However the one in the middle from 1994 to 1997 I think I should leave on because it shows I have management experience. I'm not sure how gaps in employment look though. Prior to the 1993 switch I was at that previous place for 10 years. With just a couple year gap from high school grad to more serious employment.
If I try to cut this down and start from the place that I had management exp I would have a 15 year gap between that and high school. Will they wonder what I was doing or does that only apply to younger RN's starting out (not to show gaps)?
Perhaps I should leave the 1st place b/c it shows stability and just cut out the place I went back to twice? Not sure that would shorten the resume, plus I'd show a gap when there really was none and nothing to hide!
And an important note: the place where I had management is in the middle of the one place I went back and forth to. That was a 5 year total between the 2 but again, it would show a gap between management place and where I left to go to nursing school.
Ack. How much do they care/want to read?
What has anyone else done that is a 2nd career nurse? Thx
Oh, one other thing. You don't want to reveal your age! Do not list your HS graduation date or any job experience longer than 10 years ago! In this economy, ageism is rampant! Don't put a bullseye on your back for discrimination. It does happen, even in nursing! Never give them any age-revealing information whatsoever until after the interview. Legally, they cannot even ask you questions that would reveal your age until you are hired! This includes HS graduation dates.
Wow, I never would have thought about ageism. I always thought they appreciate maturity and life experience.
Funny you mention it though, b/c most people inc those I work with are shocked at my age Most think I'm still in my thirties. I've even had them tell me they thought I was in my late twenties which I find hilarious. But really I seriously wonder why does it matter? Age is a number, ah well society I guess. Glad it doesn't impact most of my life. Thanks for the tip, I guess I can keep that illusion if that's what it takes in this economy. Honestly I don't think I've run across it yet though.
Kitty Hawk, ADN, RN
541 Posts
Wow, I never would have thought about ageism. I always thought they appreciate maturity and life experience.
Funny you mention it though, b/c most people inc those I work with are shocked at my age
Most think I'm still in my thirties. I've even had them tell me they thought I was in my late twenties which I find hilarious. But really I seriously wonder why does it matter? Age is a number, ah well society I guess. Glad it doesn't impact most of my life. Thanks for the tip, I guess I can keep that illusion if that's what it takes in this economy. Honestly I don't think I've run across it yet though.