1 Yr RN experience, resume question

Nurses Career Support

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So I'm working on my resume for a new job and need some advice re: whether or not to list my bartending experience. I worked at a super busy neighborhood bar for 6 years while getting my Bachelor's in Dance and going through RN school. I've been working as an RN for a year now and am looking to move more downstate NY and work at a bigger hospital. As far as my RN experience goes: I worked in the OR for 6 months as a circulator and have been on a tele-step down unit for the past 6 months. My question is: since I have only 1 year experience as an RN, should I put the bartending job down as experience?

There are a lot of similar skills in the service industry and nursing: time-management, multi-tasking, customer service, working in a fast-paced environment, delegating tasks, etc. I mean, at the bar, you're dealing with people in various emotional states and many of them have had a crappy day, are depressed or lonely and really just wanting someone to listen to them. We see these patients every day!

Side note: when I interviewed for my position on the tele floor, my manager was thrilled to hear I had so much restaurant experience and said that some of the best nurses she's ever known had worked in the service industry. She owns a restaurant with her husband so she has first hand experience. So I know it can be helpful ... BUT! I just don't know if I should include it or not. The fact that I held the same job for 6 years has to earn me some credit, right? I mean, how many years experience should we be showcasing? Any advice would be really helpful, thanks!

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Specializes in ER/Tele, Med-Surg, Faculty, Urgent Care.

I would say yes include it. It shows 6 years of working for the same employer. I agree that their is a lot of skills that transfer over. My daughter just started bartending and yes you have to multi task, move fast, juggle orders so yes lots of similarities to nursing. Many jobs ask you to list any gaps in employment so another reason to list this and any jobs you had in high school college etc. Now some will say to only list the Nursing Jobs you've had but until enough time/jobs occur to fill one page, I would list any jobs. I have been told a resume should only be one, or two pages & again to list only nursing jobs but I became an LPN at age 19, one year after high school, so my 3 page resume list this but not my job a a burger place! Good luck on your new job.

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I agree, list it, it can't hurt.

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Specializes in Hematology/Oncology.

I think showing social skills such as that is a big thing. much of the hospitals today are very catered toward hospitality and patient satisfaction.

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Wonderful, thanks for your feedback!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Normally, hiring managers only expect to see resume details for the prior 10 years.... Previous work is just distilled into a single phrase such as "May, 1990 - September 1991: Staff Nurse, BigDeal Hospital" Since your nursing work experience is

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