Describe the purpose of a working resume Write an objective for sending a resume Create a current resume
WORK MacNeal Hospital CCU/ICU (Sept. 2005) JCAHO compliance committee 2006, 2008, 2009 Selected to present unit training on new computer charting system July 2007 Helped out in NICU during crunch summer 2008 Asked to represent unit in nursing committee meetings March 2008 Preceptor Sept. 2008- Non-English speaking pnt on unit; worked w/interpreter when available; found online resources Sept 2008 Fill-in charge nurse duties Sept. 2008 Helped implement self-scheduling system Dec. 2008 Promoted to charge nurse June 2009 EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION ADN 2005 PICC certified 2006 BSN 2007 Joined AACCN 2007 BCLS 2007 ACLS instructor certification 2008
A private document Career planning Used to create a customized resume Helps you remember dates Interview preparation
The average employer spends only 10 seconds looking at a resume. Yet it is the only contact you have with the potential employer. Most employers are actually looking for a reason NOT to interview you. There is no room for anything but a flawless, compelling document that reflects who you are and what you've accomplished in the most beneficial light. --NRCPlacement.com
Name and credentials Contact information Introductory statement Objective Qualifications Professional Summary
Concise sentence stating the reason for sending the resume Avoid: To obtain a challenging position in healthcare. Targeted: To obtain a supervisory position in an acute care setting where I can use my clinical and leadership experience to enhance the care of patients.
Qualifications List of measurable relevant skills Professional Summary Several sentences consolidating experiences from a long-term career
Chronological Lists your experiences in reverse chronological order Shows the path of your career Best for those who have followed a traditional career path Functional Arranges your work history by skill Best for those with 10+ years of experience Best for those with varied experiences
Sandy Smith, BSN, RN 446 Lark Dr., Bolling, IL 60440 (630) 732-1189 ssmith@yahoo.com EXPERIENCE Teaching: Taught first and second year nursing students in community college and university level. Earned certification as diabetes educator. Project Management: Designed, developed and implemented an evidence-based model of quality care for outpatient setting. Selected Internet patient education tool and initiated 10-person staff to using with patients. Clinical: More than 20 years of experience in a variety of settings, including acute care, outpatient, emergency department, OR and physician office. POSITIONS HELD June 2008-present McNeal Health System, Chicago, IL Charge Nurse, CCU/ICU Sept. 2005-June 2008 Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL Staff Nurse, med/surg
Education Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, BSN, May 2009 Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, BSN, 2007 Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, BSN, anticipated graduation May 2010 Certification/License Related Experience Clinical Experience (up to first year) Relevant Coursework (up to first year) Other Experiences (up to first year)
Work History Education Certification/License
Related Experience Continuing Education Additional Skills Languages Software Don t include Hobbies Personal information
Don t tell readers what they already know List your most impressive/relevant accomplishments first Start with action words, and vary them Write in present tense Write in phrases Use acronyms & abbreviations only if used industry wide
Use a consistent style Spell out or abbreviate months Use numbers only, or words and numbers Include month and year in work history July 2006-present 7/2005-9/2007
Use headings and spacing to guide the reader Use bold for important details Use ALL CAPS sparingly; avoid italics Use a simple typeface; font size not smaller than 10 point Leave side margins for notes
WORK EXPERIENCE June 2008-present MacNeal Health System, Chicago, IL Charge Nursse, CCU/ICU Supervise 6 full-time RNs and support staff; preceptor since 2000; assist in implantation of self-scheduling for CCU/ICU all shifts; provide training to unit staff; enforce JCAHO compliance as part of committee. January 2007-June 2008 Health Agency, Chicago, IL Staff RN Demonstrate adaptability and use wide range of skill sets in assignments ranging from per diem to 3 months. March-June 2008, Loyola University Hospital, CCU Dec. 2007-March 2008, St. Anthony s Hospital, float May-November 2007, Carle Foundation, trauma/icu Jan. 2007-May 2007, Memorial General Hospital, ER / ICU
As long as it takes 1-2 pages is best Use the top half of first page for your best selling points
Typos & misspellings are the No. 1 pet peeve of hiring managers Ask someone else to proof your resume Ask someone outside your field to proof to spot jargon or confusing acronyms, abbreviations Other pet peeves Resumes not customized to a particular position Resumes that include too many insignificant details about each position held Resumes longer than two pages
Mailing: Use resume paper, beige or white; no fancy patterns Faxing: Allow ample margins E-mailing: Send as a Word attachment; if sending in the text box, replace tabs with spaces; take out italics, bolds Using online tools: Cut and paste from a proofed document
Out of state address Confusing or incongruent objective Gaps in employment Several short-stay positions
Sue Smith, BSN, RN 3100 Horizon Dr., King of Prussia, PA 19803 (555) 555-5555; Ssmith@aol.com OBJECTIVE To obtain a position as a new nurse on a med/surg unit where I can use my education and clinical experience to care for patients and further my skills and knowledge. EDUCATION
EDUCATION Temple University, BSN program, May 2009 GPA: 3.8 Dean s list junior and senior year School of Nursing senior class treasurer CLINICAL EXPERIENCE Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, pediatrics March-April 2009 Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ, med/surg January-February 2009 Memorial Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, critical care November-December 2008
RELATED EXPERIENCE May 2009-July 2009 Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA Externship, med/surg Improve clinical skills by providing care on 20-bed unit Complete documentation using electronic health records June 2005-March 2006 Pottstown Memorial Hospital, Pottstown, PA Nursing Assistant Gain knowledge of the nursing field by assisting RNs; provide direct patient care Learn about compassion and patient education
OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE January 2008-present Barnes & Noble, Devon, PA Bookseller Provide customer assistance using active listening Accurately shelve merchandise and update inventory database Summers 2005-2008 Busch s Seafood Restaurant, Sea Isle City, NJ Waitress Achieve customer satisfaction by providing good service Accurately manage cash receipts Learn to stay focused and pleasant in fast pace atmosphere
ADDITIONAL SKILLS, CERTIFICATIONS Medical Spanish course July 2009 American Sign Language fluent CPR, active 2009 BLS, active 2009
Sandy Jones, MSN, RN 446 Lark Dr., Bolling, IL 60440 (630) 732-1189 ssmith@yahoo.com PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY Clinical expert with 25 years of nursing experience in all settings, including ED. Successfully managed staffs of up to 20 FTEs. Implemented self-scheduling and new hand-off procedures in wellestablished units. Recognized as effective educator, public speaker and published author.
WORK EXPERIENCE Jan. 2000-Present MacNeal Hospital, Chicago, IL Sept. 2005-present Nurse Supervisor, CCU/ICU Supervise 20 full-time RNs and support staff; implement unit-wide self-scheduling; consistently achieve high-satisfaction Press Ganey scores Sept. 2000-Sept. 2005 Charge Nurse, med/surg Manage10 nursing FTEs; encourage evidence-based practice; achieved fewer errors with introduction of new hand-off procedure July 1999-Oct. 2000 Oshner Medical, Chicago, IL Nurse Manager, ED Reduce average wait time from 3.5 to 2 hours in 12- month period in; supervise 20 FTEs in department that sees 70,000 patients/year; on-site for triage of 10-car freeway accident; diversion site for 3 area community hospitals
Oct. 1995-Oct. 1999 Memorial Medical Center, Tinley Park, IL Charge nurse, ICU Manage staff in 7-bed unit; accepted new grads and began ICU precepetor program for first time in ICU Feb. 1991-June 1993 Children s Hospial of Chicago, Chicago, IL Staff RN, ICU & critical care 1984-1991 Staff nurse in various facilities in Chicago area ACCOMPLISHMENTS Published clinical article in ADVANCE for Nurses, May 12, 2008 2007 Presented poster at ENA national meeting, Served on CE committee for Illinois Nursing Association state meeting 2000-2003
EDUCATION Loyola University, Chicago, IL MSN, 2008 Loyola University, Chicago, IL BSN, 1984 MEMBERSHIPS & CERTIFICATIONS Trauma Nurse Specialist Certification, current ACLS instructor certification since1991
Your resume is your first introduction to an employer; make a good impression Your resume should not reveal everything about you but pique the interest of the employer Your resume should be an honest reflection of your experiences Your resume should be targeted to the position you want