Questions about updating a resume

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Hi All,

I just have a few questions regarding my resume and references.

I am currently in the process of updating my resume and looking for a new job. I have been working on a med/surg floor since July 2012 and would like to relocate in the new year due to the outrageous cost of living where I am currently located. There are other reasons; however, this is my main reason.

As for updating my resume which was a typical new grad resume, I know I need to remove some information, but would like to leave my clinical rotations on my resume since I will only have about 6 months experience by the time I would be ready to start a new job. I'm just wondering if it would be appropriate to include my clinical rotations.

My next question is about my work experience. I previously worked in a hospital Laboratory as a Phlebotomist and nutrition services as a dietary aide. Both positions were for about 1.5 yrs. I was thinking of taking off the Dietary position and just putting my current position and the laboratory position. Although the dietary position is not exactly relevant experience, it was still in a hospital so I am not sure if I should just leave it on.

Lastly, I am a bit concerned about putting down references from my current job which I do not plan on leaving until I have another offer. I have listed my professors, clinical instructors, and supervisors from previous jobs, but I do not want references from my current job contacted unless a potential employer is serious about hiring me. Would it be ok to put "current references available upon request" and still list the other references? I fully plan on giving more than 2 weeks notice if I'm offered another position, but I just don't want my current employer to know that I am actively looking for a new job.

If anyone has some advice, it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

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Specializes in geriatrics.

I've updated my resume recently. Given that I've been at the same job for 2 years, I decided to leave my senior practicums on there, under "Clinical Experiences". I've had job offers because of those placements. In addition, I have one place of employment listed under "related employment", since I'm a second career nurse. I wouldn't provide references until you're asked, and there is no need to say "references available on request." That is a given, and uses space on your page.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Just wondering, is there any possible way you could stay at this position for a year? If you leave before the year mark, employers still consider you a new grad. Unless the situation is unbearable, I would consider staying longer. July 2012 seems very soon to start looking for a new position.

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Hi Joanna,

Thanks for your advice. I was planning on staying for at least a year, but I didn't realize how bad the cost of living is and how grossly understaffed the unit is and its only getting worse. I'm paying $1600/mo rent and well lets just say the pay around here does not reflect the high cost of living. It's just not affordable. I usually work about 50+ hours per week and in my opinion this is just too much. I agree with you that its important to stay at least one year, but its starting to get unbearable with the cost of living, OT, unsafe pt ratios, short-staffed, and I could go on! I'm actually more interested in non-hospital nursing positions at this point. That said, I am grateful that I am getting this experience.

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Specializes in FNP/FPMHNP-BC.

Try staying for one year and learn as much as possible .

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