Veterinary technician to RN, resume help!

[edotphil]

I am a licensed veterinary technician graduating from school next week. I am looking for advice on what veterinary skills to put on my resume. I worked in emergency and critical care for 14 years but am looking to make my resume stand out since I am an ADN RN new grad. Any advice?

[CheesePotato, BSN, RN]

First of all, congratulations on graduating from nursing school!

Secondly, regarding your resume, the most important thing I can emphasize is the use of active voice and focusing on skills which are prevalent in both fields. After all, patients are patients, regardless of whether or not they have whiskers and tails.

Just a couple of examples:

~~ Triaged patients per protocol, severity and immediate need of care.

~~ Provided education on follow up medical care instructions and verified clear understanding of instructions with clients

~~ Assisted in establishing and maintaining proper aseptic/sterile technique for emergency and elective procedures

~~ Organized and maintained equipment and supplies

~~ Oriented and trained new technicians

Remember to print your resume on resume paper, being careful the watermark is facing and oriented the same way as your print. Be sure to include a cover letter with your resume. Don't be afraid to call and check on the status of your application BUT be sure to phrase your call along the lines of "I am calling to verify that you have received my application and inquire if there is any additional information you may require of me at this time."

Pointers for the interview:

Bring additional copies of your resume.

Be familiar with the facilities accomplishments and mission statement.

Have considered the answers to the following questions: What would you say is your weakest personality trait? What would you say is your greatest flaw? How do you deal with difficult situations/people/personalities? Why do you want to work here/on the floor of your application? What makes you the ideal candidate for this position?

Give complete and direct answers. Do not dodge the question or dance around it. If you don't know, say so! But have something more to go along with it, for pity's sake. Example: I haven't considered such a scenario and therefore don't know what I would do; however, I would, of course, be familiar with facility policies and consult available resources as necessary.

Eye contact, eye contact, eye contact! O! And a smile or two never hurt anyone. Just be sure the smile is genuine. Someone going through an interview with a half crazed, plastered Cheshire cat grin is just...well....creepy.

Good luck to you. I'm sure you'll knock 'em dead. And if that's the case--

Annie! Annie! Are you okay?!

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

I was a vet tech too (grad in May '12) and I am a little leery to discuss too much. I have found some people get offended that you would even think to compare veterinary medicine with humans. I have done SO much more than a nurse is allowed to b/c of the vet world, but I don't talk about it much. It does give you confidence.

Previous post is spot on :)

Good Luck!!!

I just applied for my first job.