Resume Question

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Hello,

I will have 5 years of nursing experience this coming June. Four of those years were on an adult med-surg unit. I just started on the NICU and it will be one year in August. I'm interested in transferring to another hospital to be closer to my family. Should I still include my med-surg experience in my resume? I have no intention of ever returning to med-surg and I'm paranoid that recruiters will see my med-surg experience and try to put me onto those floors. This fear is definitely compounded by the fact that med-surg has such a high turnover rate and they always need nurses. I only want to work in the NICU. Any advice on how I should go about my resume?

Thank you!

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It’s still nursing work experience so definitely add it, especially since it’s the majority of your work history. How else would you explain a 4-year gap on your resume if you’re telling them you have 5 years experience?  If you’re changing facilities you just might have to start on med-surg until a NICU spot opens up. Good luck!!

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Yes, absolutely include your med/surg experience!  You learned and did so much in that position....time management, collaboration, communication, clinical judgement and prioritization, for example.  Do not discount this experience because no matter what area of nursing you want to pursue, you will need this solid foundation in nursing practice. 

Do not hesitate to apply for the position you want.  In addition to emphasizing your experience in NICU on your resume and in the online application, write a great cover letter expressing your desire to work specifically in the NICU, what your experience is and what you can bring to the hospital you are applying to.

Good luck to you.  You got this if it's what you want.  Just go get it!

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14 hours ago, T-Bird78 said:

It’s still nursing work experience so definitely add it, especially since it’s the majority of your work history. How else would you explain a 4-year gap on your resume if you’re telling them you have 5 years experience?  If you’re changing facilities you just might have to start on med-surg until a NICU spot opens up. Good luck!!

That's a good point! Thank you so much! I don't think I will apply to any med-surg units. I would probably have to work on the unit for at least 6 months-1 year in order to be considered for an internal transfer. I've done my time and would just rather not go back haha.  But I'll definitely keep my med surg experience on my resume!

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11 hours ago, CABGpatch_RN said:

Yes, absolutely include your med/surg experience!  You learned and did so much in that position....time management, collaboration, communication, clinical judgement and prioritization, for example.  Do not discount this experience because no matter what area of nursing you want to pursue, you will need this solid foundation in nursing practice. 

Do not hesitate to apply for the position you want.  In addition to emphasizing your experience in NICU on your resume and in the online application, write a great cover letter expressing your desire to work specifically in the NICU, what your experience is and what you can bring to the hospital you are applying to.

Good luck to you.  You got this if it's what you want.  Just go get it!

Oh wow! That's a good way to think of it! Thank. you so much! Will definitely include my med-surg experience, but also elaborate on my passion and desire to work in the NICU

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Specializes in NICU/Mother-Baby/Peds/Mgmt.

I've worked a lot of places/units because I was military then civil service and at my last job the unit managers seemed impressed at the breadth of my experience.  I put every job down AND additional duties, as well as all former/current certifications.  It never hurts to show you're well-rounded.

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