writing a good resume

Nurses Job Hunt

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I have a question from nurse managers, hiring managers, HR: I graduated in 2008. I have worked as a nurse but no acute care. I've had interviews, but no "yes, you've got the job". I have written and rewritten my resumes, gotten advice, and I think I have a hard time with interviews.

What are you all looking for? I really want a Labor & Delivery job, but know I should start with MEDSURGE. I really need and desire a job in a hospital. Please, any advice would be so greatly appreciated. What are you all looking for from me, and those of us in this frustrating position?

Is it my age? I am 45, and slightly overweight, but I work hard and learn fast. I also had to take the last year and a half off due to a serious illness, but I am ready to go again. I want to live out my dream. Any advice...please!

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I would have a professional job coach look over both your resume and suggest ways to make it better, as well as coach you in interview skills.

Some of the interview questions are a little out there, but with a general theme of knowing the facility mission statement, for example and using key words and phrases such as "evidence based practice" can go a long way in securing a position.

Also don't be afraid to draw from non-nursing work experiences. Anything from multi-tasking to customer service can also help.

Best wishes!

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

Agree. Get a professional resume written. It's worth every penny. I used careerperfect.com in the past

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

If you're landing interviews, I would say that your resume is probably ok. It's sussing out what's not happening in interviews.

I had a similar problem, and I created a long post about it on here. I let people pick my brain about it a bit, and we actually DID tease out what was stopping me from getting the offers. Sure enough, the next two jobs I interviewed for offered me the jobs.

Be aware that the SF Bay Area has one of the most competitive markets in the US. You're competing with nurses with relevant experience. What's your experience? Are you applying for postpartum positions? Most L&D roles either go to experienced L&D nurses or PP nurses that transfer over, at least in the North Bay.

Do you have any lactation experience? OB clinic experience? Doula experience? NRP, ACLS, etc?

Are you speaking to being trainable, that you like to learn? That was one thing that held me back, but I figured it out, and it helped.

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