Becoming a Nurse: Job Hunting, Resumes, and Interviews

QUALIFICATIONS

• State RN licensure or permit
• Psychiatric experience preferred
• CPR certification

SCHEDULE

• Full-time evenings with one weekend per month
• 8 and 12 hour shifts available

The Nursing Resume

With the nursing shortage, chances are good that you will get a job. But your goal is to get the job you want. Your resume acts as your calling card, so you want nurse recruiters to know that you are well qualified, even if you have not graduated from nursing school yet. Be sure to include your clinical rotations, certifications, any work experience (nursing-related or not), and any activity that highlights your experience and/or shows you are a hard worker.

Sample Nursing Student Resume

GOAL:

Obtain position as a registered nurse in an emergency department.

EDUCATION:

Baccalaureate degree in nursing with a minor in health administration from Center
University, New York, New York
Expected date of graduation: May 2010
GPA: 3.75
Clinical experiences:
Emergency Nursing: Center University Medical Center, New York, New York
Critical Care: Center University Medical Center, New York, New York
Leadership: Center University Medical Center, New York, New York
Adult Health: Center University Medical Center, New York, New York
Women's Health: Community Hospital, White Plains, New York
Pediatric Nursing: Community Hospital, White Plains, New York
Psychiatric Nursing: Mountain Lodge Center, Scarsdale, New York
Community Health Nursing: County Health Department, Westchester, New York
High School Diploma from Center High School, Yonkers, New York
Graduated May 2006 with honors
GPA: 3.88

CERTIFICATIONS:

CPR: American Red Cross 2009
IV Therapy: 2009
Certified Nurses Aide (CNA): 2008

WORK EXPERIENCE:

2008–2009: Nurse's Aide: Community Hospital, New York, New York

2006–2008: Unit Clerk: Community Hospital, New York, New York

2004–2006: Cashier: Dollar Days Minimart

RELEVANT EXPERIENCES:

2008–2009: Assisted with data collection on Dr. Smith's Emergency Room Nurses Study

2006–2009: Student Nurses Association; President, 2008–2009

2006–2009: Volunteer at The Corner Soup Kitchen

2006–2009: Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity

The Job Interview

First impressions count. Treat each interview as if it were the last job on earth. Plan ahead: Learn about the institution; make a list of questions to ask the recruiter and one of possible questions a recruiter may ask you. Practice interviewing. If no one is home to help, use a mirror.

Questions Nurse Recruiters May Ask

• Tell me a little about yourself.
• Why are you interested in this position?
• Why do you feel you are qualified for this position?
• What do you feel you can offer to this position?
• What do you see as your main strengths?
• What do you see as areas you need to improve?
• How do you manage difficult clinical situations?
• Where do you see yourself five years from now?

When the interview day arrives, relax. Use your stress management skills: Take deep breaths and do relaxation exercises, get plenty of sleep the previous night, and eat a good breakfast. Dress in your interview suit and wear sensible shoes and accessories. Arrive early for the interview, allowing plenty of time for traffic congestion and parking problems. Be courteous; shake hands and thank the recruiter for taking time to interview you. Project confidence; sit up straight and don't fidget. Don't chew gum or bite your nails.

After the interview, send a thank-you note, again thanking the recruiter for their time. It's polite, and it refreshes your name in their mind. Make a follow-up call to inquire about the state of your application.