Resume critique, applied to over 100 jobs without a single call back

Published

Just as title reads, I've applied to well over 100 jobs without even 1 single call back. Since this is the meat of what they read, can anyone offer any constructive criticism? The formatting may be a little off due to copy/pasting, and I've edited some info for privacy :) Thanks a bunch

Objectives

To obtain a position as a registered nurse within a clinical or hospital setting, where I may strengthen my nursing skills while contributing to health promotion of the patient and community. My values include treating each patient equally with respect, empathy, and holistic Nursing care. My mission not only includes providing accurate and safe health care to patients, but also to improve and grow in my Nursing skills.

SKILLS

  • CA Registered Nurse License #********
  • AHA CPR and BLS for HealthCare Providers
  • AHA Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
  • National Institute of Health Stroke Scale Certification (NIHSS)
  • Exceptional ability to prepare and follow individualized nursing care plans and protocols to achieve positive client outcomes
  • Personable with a positive attitude; interface well with diverse patients, families, and hospital staff
  • Maintain critical thinking skills essential to providing competent and dignified patient care

Education

****** College

July 2013 Associates Degree in Nursing

s 3.0 G.P.A

.

Experience

**** Hospital

City, State

Clinical Associate Dates worked

As a clinical associate in the house float pool, was responsible for nursing assistant duties throughout the pediatric medical-surgical units and the pediatric oncology unit, which included: Maintaining accurate and timely acknowledgement and documentation of patient's intake and output; responsible for performing urinalysis testing and occult blood testing of stools as specified by HCP; provided meal, hygiene, and toileting assistance as needed; performing and documentation of accurate vital signs; assisting with lumbar punctures; and documentation of all duties carried out and monitored. Other duties included acting as a sitter for at risk patients by assuring patient safety on the pediatric medical-surgical units, pediatric oncology units, pediatric neurology unit, and pediatric ICU; and performing clerical duties of the unit secretary in the step down pediatric ICU that included answering the telephone, transferring calls, responding to patient call lights, faxing necessary documents, tubing specimens to the lab, and timely documentation of new unit admissions and discharges

Up Vote Up Vote ×

bump.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

What type of jobs are you applying too? With an associate degree you are more likely to passed up for hire at hospitals. Have you looked at clinics, rehab facilities, schools, jails, dialysis centers, and other nontraditional roles? I would encourage you to get a BSN to make you more marketable for a hospital role

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have applied at clinics, rehabs, ltacs, and snfs. The jails and dialysis centers in my area wanted solid RN experience. I don't really know where else to look. I am in the process of enrolling for rn-bsn, just sent my transcripts this week.

I'm applying for jobs within 50 miles of home, but in southern ca anything within 50 miles is still completely over-saturated. I may start looking into jobs ~75 miles each way, but I will do it if I have to.

I do send cover letters and 2 solid letters of recommendations with online applications, but since the resume is the meat of what they are looking at I thought maybe it might need some improvement.

I feel positive and hopeful that the right door will open up soon, I just have to keep knocking on them.

Thank you for your response

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology, Ortho/trauma,.

how long have you been looking for a job- a lot of places you will be job hunting 6 months-10 months to find somewhere to work. Also are you just looking at full time positions? In this job market you may have to start out PRN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I've only been actively applying for a solid month. I know it takes a while, and I know that it will take lots of patience. I would have thought that after applying to well over 100 open jobs that I am qualified for, I would have heard something.

I do not have another job so I do spend a very good chunk of my day applying, searching postings, calling around, following up with postings I've applied to, I even go driving around looking for facilities not posted online. I have went into several snfs/convalescent hospitals dressed up to apply in person. I can see just how much hard work it will take to finally land a spot

I've applied to f/t, p/t per diem, temporary, 2 day flu shot clinic lol.

My time will come, I just want to make sure that I am doing everything within my own control to put myself out there for employers.

Thanks for response

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in surgical.

I am in a same boat. No calls yet and plus I am a BSN. Lets keep our hopes and patience high.:blink:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

I would keep tweaking your résumé.

For your work experience, bullet style and keep your experience straightforward; if you worked on a particular floor, state: clinical associate experience on Peds, Med-Surg, etc.

Summarize your role:

data collection of vital signs, EKG, point of care testing of blood glucose; ADL care; shift care ratio of 1:10 patients, etc.

Keep your résumé concise and consistent; if you bullet your skills, bullet your experience.

Have someone look over your résumé of possible; also there are formats and software available. A nursing résumé has a specific format; once I change my format for my résumé, I got more calls, just FYI.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in geriatrics.

Agreed. Your resume needs to be more concise. Shorten your objective to one sentence, if you decide to use an objective at all. If you are using an objective statement, it should be tailored to the unit you're applying for.

Also, using 3-4 bullet points to describe the highlights of your work experience is easier to read.

I hope that helps. A month is not an extensive period of time to job search. After tweaking your resume a bit, you should start to receive some calls.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
I've only been actively applying for a solid month. I know it takes a while, and I know that it will take lots of patience. I would have thought that after applying to well over 100 open jobs that I am qualified for, I would have heard something.

I do not have another job so I do spend a very good chunk of my day applying, searching postings, calling around, following up with postings I've applied to, I even go driving around looking for facilities not posted online. I have went into several snfs/convalescent hospitals dressed up to apply in person. I can see just how much hard work it will take to finally land a spot

I've applied to f/t, p/t per diem, temporary, 2 day flu shot clinic lol.

My time will come, I just want to make sure that I am doing everything within my own control to put myself out there for employers.

Thanks for response

((HUGS)) You are not alone California has a 47% unemployment f nurses especially new grads. Many facilities are requiring a BSN with the surplus of nurses out there. The average employment search in CA is estimated 14-18 months.
Up Vote Up Vote ×
I would keep tweaking your résumé.

For your work experience, bullet style and keep your experience straightforward; if you worked on a particular floor, state: clinical associate experience on Peds, Med-Surg, etc.

Summarize your role:

data collection of vital signs, EKG, point of care testing of blood glucose; ADL care; shift care ratio of 1:10 patients, etc.

Keep your résumé concise and consistent; if you bullet your skills, bullet your experience.

Have someone look over your résumé of possible; also there are formats and software available. A nursing résumé has a specific format; once I change my format for my résumé, I got more calls, just FYI.

Thank you, I really appreciate the advice! I will get on it

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Agreed. Your resume needs to be more concise. Shorten your objective to one sentence, if you decide to use an objective at all. If you are using an objective statement, it should be tailored to the unit you're applying for.

Also, using 3-4 bullet points to describe the highlights of your work experience is easier to read.

I hope that helps. A month is not an extensive period of time to job search. After tweaking your resume a bit, you should start to receive some calls.

Thank you very much! I really appreciate the tips

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion