Resume advice please?

[Sue Damones]

:typing I haven't had to create a resume since I graduated school, and now 3 years later, I'm trying to write a new one. I am a strong writer, but I'm having some difficulty knowing what to include and what not to include. I have seen some examples online of some RN resumes that are all extremely different (that's probably what confused me)!

I am wondering what type of headings you guys use for your resume. Right now I have my name/address/contact info on the top, then 4 headings: Proficiencies, experience, education, and references. I was thinking about adding a licensure/certification section where I can list RN license State of IL, CPR, and ACLS (and hopefully CCRN when I get that!).

Under proficiencies, I am thinking about listing the types of patients I have experience taking care of. Should I list this in paragraph form, or just bullet point 5-6 diagnoses (or more)?

(This is copied and pasted of what I have so far ... I don't know if I like it just being one big run-on sentence):

Competent in providing nursing care for patients diagnosed with critical illnesses such as cardiac arrest, septic shock, respiratory failure, acute myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accidents, ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, pulmonary embolism, intracranial hemorrhage, diabetic ketoacidosis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, drug overdose, spinal cord injury, acute renal failure, gastrointestinal bleed.

Should I include medications I have experience with such as vasopressors, sedation, paralytics, etc? (still under proficiencies section I'm thinking)

How do I sneak in the technical stuff such as swans, arterial lines, vents, IABP, ICP monitoring, chest tubes, etc?

I don't have an objective section; I usually feel like that's not necessary... or is it a good idea?

I think I'm having more of an organizational issue here; any help is greatly appreciated!!

Thank you!

[caliotter3]

I think I read recently that the objective is not necessary. My only other impression is that you seem to be going into too much detail. I would definitely leave out the meds. Although it is long, I like your competencies sentence. Maybe you could limit the number of dx.

[Sue Damones]

Thanks cali. I also think it's too long, but it's hard trying to decide what to keep and what to boot, lol

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

see our info wondering why you can't get hired or promoted: resume + interview hints!

umn resume writer:http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/careerdev/resources/resume/index.html

see their section:

profile or summary of qualifications

i'd go with a summary + bulleted profile list as that would catch my eye more as icu/ccu manager. include critical care keywords that i can pullout of online resume submission.

monster offers good resume advice for nurses: http://career-advice.monster.com/sample-resumes/nursing/sample-resume-for-a-nurse/home.aspx

sample nurse (intensive care unit) resume

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Patient Centered Critical Care RN with 3 years experience in Adult MICU

Expert with titration of vasopressors, sedation, and paralytics medication agents.

Proficient in swans, arterial lines, ventilators, IABP, ICP monitoring, and chest tubes management.

ACLS certified + list other certifcations

Served as Preceptor to new MICU nurses.

Developed and presented education grand rounds....

[Sue Damones]

NRSKaren,

Thank you SO very much for your replies. I have been spending a lot of time reading up on these topics.

I appreciate the time and effort you always take in replying to the posters here. Plus, you were really nice in person too! (I met you at NTI but I don't expect you to remember me... I'm sure there were tons of people you met that day! hehe)

:)

[CathyLew]

Not that it is any good...but here is mine

http://www.geocities.com/cathylewrn/

I keep a copy online, since I can access it anytime. (Like if I get ticked off at work, and want to start looking for another job!)

I also heard that some employers will google a prospective employee, to see what type of sites come up with their names on them. One of the reason's they say not to post those all too exposing new-years eve photos on your Facebook site! unless that is what you want your new boss to see!

[truern]

Cathy, that's a GREAT resume!! I'm impressed!

I facebook...and I agree about the pics some post!! I just don't know WHAT they're thinking...or maybe they're NOT thinking!?!

[CathyLew]

Yea, I think they arn't thinking! I was surprised when I read that Facebook was one thing that came up a lot when employers googled someone.

so now from time to time, I google myself! (and some of the people I work with) surprising what comes up!