What looks great on your resume when you are applying for a job

caliotter3 · Mar 2, 2018

Employers generally do not care about your GPA. They care about your clear license to practice and your nursing work experience. This is where students who have some type of medical work experience, such as CNA, will have the slightest of edges when applying for that first job. The employer usually will pay for a needed ACLS or PALS certification, so as a minimum insure your BLS is up to date. To help your situation, I would get the BSN enrollment in place, assuming you will be doing an online program. This will be the best action short of graduating from a BSN program to begin with.

Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP · Mar 2, 2018

Only list your GPA if it is stellar and above 3.7, otherwise it's probably superfluous. Having a valid and current BLS and/or ACLS is desirable, as is having a BSN although obviously if you don't have that yet you can't list it, but it's something to work towards. Also, once you graduate, having a certification in your specialty looks really good too. I always make sure to list my various skills. For example I have experience with specialist equipment like plasmapheresis, CRRT, IABP and Swan Ganz catheters so it makes sense to list those skills. If you really want to impress keep a list of any inservices you've had (keep it brief) as it shows you've been trained in certain things.

Sour Lemon · Mar 2, 2018

GPA actually matters a lot in some markets. Some new grad programs have a GPA cutoff that you've got to meet before they'll even consider you.

If an employer doesn't specifically ask for GPA, I wouldn't include it.

allnurses Guide · Mar 2, 2018

In most markets a new grad is a new grad is a new grad. Your best bet to get a foot up on the others is to make a hugely good impression during clinicals, express desire to work with people again, know somebody on the inside. Some places care about GPA but the vast majority don't. Landing an interview is more about how early in the process of hiring they get your resume and then what kind of impression you make on any interviews you land. Likeability, eagerness to learn, appropriate dress and demeanor, ability to show up on time...those are the primary things being looked at in an interview situation. All new grads are going to need considerable resources to get them up to speed.

You will find, with a two year degree, that jobs are still plentiful in acute care in areas that are less well-served by nursing schools - ie: rural settings. Be willing to apply outside of your immediate area, maybe even willing to move.

mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 3, 2018

Work in the medical field. I worked as a HH aide for 3 years while going to school. I was told longevity at a position is valued (they don't want job hoppers).

Pcypress · Mar 7, 2018

Thank you for all your advice. I am taking it all into consideration.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2018

BSN is only preferred in certain markets, not all of them.

When I applied for a new grad critical care residency program, GPA most certainly WAS relevant. It might or might not be a factor for the first job. After that, your work performance will be the most important factor in being hired.

Buckeye.nurse · Mar 8, 2018

While experience in the medical field (such as work as a CNA) will definitely stand out on a resume, don't underestimate the value that other work experience will give you when you become an RN. Experience as a waiter/waitress will help your time management. Experience as a life guard, or nanny, or daycare worker is worth mentioning for a pediatric job. One of my co-workers used to work as a flight attendant. She's our go to person when we have difficult to please patients. Think about what you have learned from past jobs, and then choose a few sentences to describe that on your resume.

Speaking of resumes, try to find a mentor or coach to help your get yours in order. A great resume will open doors.

Finally, if you are one of the rare students who has free time, volunteer work looks GREAT on a resume. Many cities have free health clinics for the homeless or low income residents. They *love* the help of students, and you can learn a lot there. Best of luck!

ruby_jane, BSN, RN · Mar 8, 2018

While experience in the medical field (such as work as a CNA) will definitely stand out on a resume, don't underestimate the value that other work experience will give you when you become an RN. Experience as a waiter/waitress will help your time management. Experience as a life guard, or nanny, or daycare worker is worth mentioning for a pediatric job. One of my co-workers used to work as a flight attendant. She's our go to person when we have difficult to please patients. Think about what you have learned from past jobs, and then choose a few sentences to describe that on your resume.
Speaking of resumes, try to find a mentor or coach to help your get yours in order. A great resume will open doors.
Finally, if you are one of the rare students who has free time, volunteer work looks GREAT on a resume. Many cities have free health clinics for the homeless or low income residents. They *love* the help of students, and you can learn a lot there. Best of luck!

^All of that!^

I would also look at the job market and see what would make you most marketable. One classmate of mine took an EMT course (not sure how she did it) but walked straight into an ER because of it. Klone has a post about what's going on in the rural areas - they are hiring new nurses. In North Texas, we're pretty saturated with nursing schools and new nurses. So....if you're able to....find out where there's a shortage area, and your GPA may not matter.

RuralNurseRN · Mar 9, 2018

I would also say that you need to think about which specialty you want to pursue. Med surg - work at a nursing home or on a Med surg floor now. L&D - work as an OB tech. Peds - day care, nanny, church group work. ER - er tech or EMT.

Pcypress · Mar 9, 2018

I would like to work in Peds. I have experience working with children.