When to list preceptorship on resume

[ukhepburn]

Hi everyone,

I am in my final semester of nursing school and have started the job application process. I have a quick question about when to list Capstone/Preceptorship on your resume. Our school's capstone does not start until the end of February (although we already know the hospital and units we will be placed on). Many of the jobs I am applying to, however, are already taking applications now or are opening up this week.

I know Capstone is an important piece of the resume and can be crucial to getting a job in the area one wants to work. Should I list where I will be doing capstone on my resume before I start in order to have it on my resume, or do I need to wait until I've actually started it to list it?

Thanks for your help!

[chare]

Personally, I would not list it until after it had been completed; although you are likely to see differing opinions on this.

If you decide to list it, you should take care to word it so that there is no misunderstanding that this hasn't been started yet.

Best wishes as you finish school and embark on your new career.

[ukhepburn]

Chare - thank you for your response! I appreciate your feedback. I was leaning towards leaving it off, so that's what I'll do until I finish my capstone :)

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Hi everyone,

I am in my final semester of nursing school and have started the job application process. I have a quick question about when to list Capstone/Preceptorship on your resume. Our school's capstone does not start until the end of February (although we already know the hospital and units we will be placed on). Many of the jobs I am applying to, however, are already taking applications now or are opening up this week.

I know Capstone is an important piece of the resume and can be crucial to getting a job in the area one wants to work. Should I list where I will be doing capstone on my resume before I start in order to have it on my resume, or do I need to wait until I've actually started it to list it?

Thanks for your help!

Your Capstone is important to landing an interview especially if you are applying to a specialty area. Think of it this way.

You apply to jobs before you graduate with an anticipated date of graduation.

Likewise, include your planned Capstone in the same manner. It helps you to stand out. Best wishes!

[llg, PhD, RN]

I would definitely include it on your resume -- just be clear about the timeline and to identify it as a student experience (not a previous job). I'd list it as part of your school experience and state the dates of the practicum. That way, no one will misunderstand what it is and when it occurred.

[MinneNurse, BSN, RN]

I would include it because as a new grad it is invaluable experience and also might be required for certain units. I know at the hospital I work at in order for new grads to get a position in critical care they had to have completed their capstone in critical care as well. Just make it clear on your resume you haven't started yet and maybe briefly list the requirements during your capstone or anything you may already have arranged so they have an idea of what you will have accomplished. For example, if you have to complete a certain amount of hours in direct patient care list how many, or if you are already set up to shadow individuals in leadership positions like a NP.

Best of luck to you!

[Alex_RN, BSN]

I would list it with appropriate dates or "pending" with a very short explanation. Where I live, a good preceptorship location is really helpful, plus, if you do not have much to list on your resume that is healthcare related, then every bit helps.

[neogirl]

Include it but put the dates that it will start and end. Most likely recruiters might not even look at your resume right away so it might still be sitting on their pile of papers at any point in time, even weeks or months down the line. So you want to be clear but still include it because it would be a shame not too. Also include "anticipated graduation" date.