Resume advice

[mlok]

New grad RN here trying to revise my resume.

Do you think it is ok to use abbreviations in a resume or should the words be spelled out completely?

I have all of the following abbreviations in my resume.. BLS, ACLS, CNA, EMT, IV, PICC line, NG tube..

When I was in school, my instructor told me spell the words out completely but I am trying to keep my resume to 1 page.

What do you think?

[llg, PhD, RN]

Use abbreviations if they are common and well-known, particularly if they are being used in a way that indicates a "lesser status" than your most important content. Things like IV, NG, etc. are fine if they are being used in a "minor way" in the resume, such as "IV site checks, etc."

I would write out "Certified Nursing Assistant" when listing it as a previous job or if you are listing it as a credential showing that you are certified by the state. You want to give that a higher level status as a previous job and an official state certification.

As for the BLS, ACLS ... I would probably abbreviate them as everybody has at least BLS and they are so routine. Since I have a long resume with years of experience, I don't even list those things on my resume. But as a new grad, I can understand why you want to list it. Unless you feel you want to highlight them for a special reason, I would abbreviate them. But since they are official certifications, I think they could go either way.

[mlok]

llg, thank you for your response.

I also have another question.

Should I list my education as...

"Associate of Science Degree in Nursing and Biology, ______ College, 5/2009"

or list the 2 degrees separately?

I think it looks better separate but I don't have any more room on my resume to keep it to one page. Do you think listing it together is okay?

[llg, PhD, RN]

I would list the 2 degrees separately. They are "major items" and should not be shortened. Find other ways to shorten if you need to.