How to Build Up Your Resume as a Nursing Student

Having a resume that catches the eye of potential employers is the key to getting any job. As a student nurse, you may be wondering how to make your resume stand out when applying for jobs after graduation. Here are some tips from me and my former nursing instructor to help nursing students build up their resume.

Volunteer work

Most hospitals have volunteer programs and are more than happy to accommodate your schedule to so you can work at their institution. Ask about possibly volunteering at a nurse's station to gain some real world experience (just don't do work you are not licensed to do.) If your school is sponsoring a health fair, give a few hours of your time. For other ideas on volunteer work for nursing students, read my article here on Associated Content.

Scholarships and honor societies

Scholarships are basically monetary rewards for above average academic achievement. Nursing students who put scholarships they have won on their resumes will stand out to potential employers as hard working, intelligent, and dedicated, especially if the scholarship required you to excel at something. If your grades qualify you to join an honor society (for example: PTK), sign up and be an active member. That shows you know how to take initiative and are willing to work as a 'team member'.

Become a nurse's aid or LPN

Depending on what state you live in and what school you go to, after a certain amount of nursing credits earned, you may be qualified to sit for a certified nursing assistant or LPN license exam. This will allow you get work experience that will only benefit you when you finally graduate and get your RN license. It can also be a foot in the door for future employment as a registered nurse. Talk to your school's Nursing Department head about what you may qualify for after how many credits. Then contact your state's Department of Health to see what paperwork you need to fill out and provide to take a license exam

List your skills

Nursing is a practical profession. You are taught academic as well as technical skills to perform your job. Send with your resume a list of all the skills you have learned, practiced, and tested off on. Employers will want to know if you can successfully do things like dress a wound, give medication, or insert a Foley catheter. This way you won't require as much training and thus appear the more desirable applicant.

Sources: Email conversation with Vickie Ann Grosso, RN, PhD, CNE Professor, Department of Nursing Essex County College, Newark, NJ Personal experience Thank you Jennifer Budd