What can I add to my resume?

[aachavez]

I know this has been asked before, I havn't really found an answer, so hopefully someone in the general forum can help.

I am an RN student (ASN, so far a 3.8 and some instructors have already offered to be a reference for me), graduating in September in Tampa. I have no medical background, I did get my EMT B license several years ago, but couldnt find a job with that either. So I've spent the last 8 years doing call center/customer service etc type stuff.

I volunteer at a hospital (i'd like to work there, its a nice place and right down the street), I've joined my SNA (running for office as well). I've been trying to find some CNA, PCT etc type work part time, but can't get anyone to even consider me. I know the market for new grads is really competitive. What else can I do to make myself stand out more? Other organizations? Classes or certifications?

I'm willing to do pretty much anything I can to get ahead, and advice or suggestions is much appreciated. Thanks!

[Proudmolly]

Join American nurses assn that looks good write a nice intro on your résumé that focuses on the job your interested in and what you have to offer them ( yr exp working there, you should have enough minor stuff about the institution and how great things they do in the community, thier mission and goals etc) use those things to your advantage and yr resume should be fine, stay positive. If yr interest is like in ER go to the state meetings (usually quarterly) join ENA, also community stuff and volunteering always look great! Good luck!

[mmm8652]

ALWAYS send or fax your resume with a cover letter and really sell yourself! If you apply for ER or even an urgent care center, stress you EMT experience and your calm and clear thinking in the VERY fast paced environment of either of those positions. If you started IV's or gave medications then stress that you have experience with that. If you get an interview always send a thank you note. You said you volunteer, do you mean at the hospital? If so, sometimes it's who you know. If you did your clinicals at a hospital maybe ask the nurses that you worked with to right a letter or put in a good word for you with HR. Ask them to state what a good student you were and how on the ball you were. Also, as far as volunteering maybe volunteer at and nursing home? Getting experience with feeding pureed food, helping with ADL's and taking vitals might look good on a resume and be sure to chat it up on a cover sheet. Hope this helps. Good Luck.

[dah doh, BSN, RN]

While volunteering, maybe in a few months, find a way to meet the manager of the units you are interested in working in as an RN and introduce yourself and the fact that you currently volunteer at their hospital and that you are in nursing school and will be graduating in September, but would love to interview for a New grad RN position in the future. Make sure they are not busy when you do this. If they seem interested, ask if it would be ok to keep in touch with them and get a business card or at least their name and phone #. Close to graduation, stop by again as a reminder of your previous conversation and provide a short résumé. Do NOT become a pest! By the way, last year we've hired 3 volunteers as RN's this way. It doesn't always get you the job, it will hopefully get you an interview at the minimum. Good Luck!

[Shane505]

Get your ACLS. Take a medical terminology course if you haven't already. You can put that under education on your resume.

[Music in My Heart]

Look for classes to take like: Venous Access Wound care Burn care Ostomy care ACLS/PALS/NRP It really depends how much money you have available to invest in yourself. Try to get an article published.

[mariebailey, MSN, RN]

Your volunteer experience, your clinical rotations, and your EMT background give you a great deal from which to build a resume. I do think affiliation with a professional organization may enhance it though. If you aren't graduating until September, that may be why you haven't had responses. Good luck.