Should my resume include law school?

[cwallnycaprrcom]

I have a law degree. My expertise is in special education law and I worked as a high school administrator for 10 years before I retired.

I've just received my license as a PN and while my special education experience has relevance to the medical field, the law degree itself does not. I have toyed with the idea of leaving law school off of my resume because I fear it will not be viewed favorably. (People tend to have negative preconceived notions about attorneys.)

Comments?

Thanks

[NightBloomCereus]

I have an bachelor's in art and a master's in religious studies, and they were impressed with this at my interview. There are skills that I learned through my previous careers that set me apart as an applicant, and it also showed that I am well rounded. I would suggest you leave your previous education on your resume and think of how it sets you apart in a positive way from the other applicants, and touch on this in your cover letter and interview.

The skills and experience you have from working with the special needs population, and also as a leader and educator, are invaluable in nursing. Also, the legal aspect of nursing is becoming more important in today's world especially in terms of risk management and patient advocacy. You may even go on to earn a certificate as a legal nurse consultant. There are a lot of assumptions out there about attorneys just as there are for religious people (which was my worry with putting my education on my resume) but I found that those who are in management tend to have a more mature outlook than many others.

[cwallnycaprrcom]

Thank you

[Clovery]

You should include it. You will have to list your previous work experience for the application anyway. If I were a recruiter, someone who graduated from law school would pique my interest. It makes you stand out. I don't think it would be looked upon unfavorably.

[cwallnycaprrcom]

Thank you

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

I still list my legal education, but I have completely eliminated details about being on law review and such, because that truly isn't relevant for being a nurse. My related work experience spans 10 years and has been reduced to about 2 lines on my resume. I don't want to hide my credential or experience in my first career but at the same time I want my nursing experience to take center stage. So my resume reflects that.

Sent from my iPad using allnurses

[cwallnycaprrcom]

You make excellent points. Thank you

[onmiwei]

I have an art degree as well as accounting. I put them on there and I blend info from each on my resume if I can explain how it helps me be a better nurse. Art is a little harder to blend that accounting and banking though. Documentation, trustworthiness, privacy, following policies and federal guidelines...ethics...So if you can blend it why not?

[kp1987]

Include it.

[cwallnycaprrcom]

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to post. I am leaving law school in. I have also switched my resume format to functional and I've found it works nicely.