3 answers
LaRissa
Student
Hopewell, Virginia
13
Questions
Asked
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If I'm interested in becoming a Registered Nurse what types of jobs, Experiences or skills are employers looking for on a resume ?
I am a junior in high school wanting to go into the Healthcare field but also looking to go into the Air Force. I am on track to becoming a graduating CNA within a year or two.
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3 answers
Joe L.
Program Manager
88
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Joe’s Answer
If you're aiming to become a Registered Nurse (RN), building relevant experience, skills, and qualifications will be essential for your resume. Here are some of the top things employers look for in nursing candidates:
1. Healthcare Experience
Clinical Rotations: During nursing school, clinical rotations are crucial, as they provide hands-on experience in different healthcare settings (e.g., medical-surgical units, pediatrics, emergency, etc.). Highlight any specific skills or achievements from these rotations.
Internships or Externships: Some hospitals offer internships or externships for nursing students, which can make your resume stand out by giving you direct experience in patient care.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Patient Care Technician (PCT): If possible, working as a CNA or PCT while in school gives you valuable experience in patient care, often working alongside RNs.
2. Volunteer and Community Service Experience
Volunteering in Hospitals, Clinics, or Nursing Homes: This shows commitment to healthcare and empathy toward patients, both of which are valued traits in nursing.
Community Health Programs: Volunteering in health screenings, vaccination drives, or educational events demonstrates public health experience and your dedication to serving the community.
3. Certifications and Licenses
Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS): Many employers require or prefer candidates with certifications in BLS and, for critical care areas, ACLS.
Other Relevant Certifications: Some units may value certifications like Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), especially if you’re interested in specialized areas like pediatrics or neonatal care.
4. Technical Skills
Electronic Health Record (EHR) Systems: Experience with EHR software like Epic or Cerner is a plus since most hospitals use these systems.
Technical Nursing Skills: List specific skills relevant to patient care, such as inserting IVs, wound care, taking vital signs, administering medication, and patient assessments.
5. Soft Skills
Communication Skills: Nurses need to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams, so highlight any experience or achievements that demonstrate these abilities.
Empathy and Compassion: Volunteering, especially in caregiving roles, can showcase your empathy—an essential quality for nurses.
Adaptability and Problem-Solving: In healthcare, unexpected situations arise, so being adaptable and having problem-solving experience (like managing crises or working in high-stress environments) are valuable traits.
6. Teamwork and Leadership
Team Collaboration: Experience working in teams is key for nurses, so emphasize any jobs, volunteer work, or projects where you collaborated with others.
Leadership Roles: If you’ve led a team, even in school or community activities, this shows you can take initiative, which can help in fast-paced medical settings.
7. Specialty Interests
If you’re drawn to a particular area (like pediatrics, oncology, or critical care), any experience or coursework in those fields is worth mentioning. Employers appreciate applicants with a clear interest in specific areas of nursing.
Starting with CNA work or volunteering in healthcare settings while in high school or college can give you an edge in these areas and help prepare you for a successful nursing career.
1. Healthcare Experience
Clinical Rotations: During nursing school, clinical rotations are crucial, as they provide hands-on experience in different healthcare settings (e.g., medical-surgical units, pediatrics, emergency, etc.). Highlight any specific skills or achievements from these rotations.
Internships or Externships: Some hospitals offer internships or externships for nursing students, which can make your resume stand out by giving you direct experience in patient care.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Patient Care Technician (PCT): If possible, working as a CNA or PCT while in school gives you valuable experience in patient care, often working alongside RNs.
2. Volunteer and Community Service Experience
Volunteering in Hospitals, Clinics, or Nursing Homes: This shows commitment to healthcare and empathy toward patients, both of which are valued traits in nursing.
Community Health Programs: Volunteering in health screenings, vaccination drives, or educational events demonstrates public health experience and your dedication to serving the community.
3. Certifications and Licenses
Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS): Many employers require or prefer candidates with certifications in BLS and, for critical care areas, ACLS.
Other Relevant Certifications: Some units may value certifications like Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), especially if you’re interested in specialized areas like pediatrics or neonatal care.
4. Technical Skills
Electronic Health Record (EHR) Systems: Experience with EHR software like Epic or Cerner is a plus since most hospitals use these systems.
Technical Nursing Skills: List specific skills relevant to patient care, such as inserting IVs, wound care, taking vital signs, administering medication, and patient assessments.
5. Soft Skills
Communication Skills: Nurses need to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams, so highlight any experience or achievements that demonstrate these abilities.
Empathy and Compassion: Volunteering, especially in caregiving roles, can showcase your empathy—an essential quality for nurses.
Adaptability and Problem-Solving: In healthcare, unexpected situations arise, so being adaptable and having problem-solving experience (like managing crises or working in high-stress environments) are valuable traits.
6. Teamwork and Leadership
Team Collaboration: Experience working in teams is key for nurses, so emphasize any jobs, volunteer work, or projects where you collaborated with others.
Leadership Roles: If you’ve led a team, even in school or community activities, this shows you can take initiative, which can help in fast-paced medical settings.
7. Specialty Interests
If you’re drawn to a particular area (like pediatrics, oncology, or critical care), any experience or coursework in those fields is worth mentioning. Employers appreciate applicants with a clear interest in specific areas of nursing.
Starting with CNA work or volunteering in healthcare settings while in high school or college can give you an edge in these areas and help prepare you for a successful nursing career.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6333
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello LaRissa!
Types of Jobs, Experiences, and Skills Employers Look for on a Resume for Registered Nurses
1. Relevant Job Experience
When applying for a position as a Registered Nurse (RN), employers typically look for candidates who have relevant job experience in healthcare settings. Here are some key areas of experience that can enhance your resume:
Clinical Experience: This includes any hands-on patient care experience you may have gained through internships, clinical rotations during nursing school, or work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Clinical experience is crucial as it demonstrates your ability to interact with patients and apply nursing skills in real-world situations.
Volunteer Work: Volunteering in hospitals, clinics, or community health organizations can provide valuable exposure to the healthcare environment. It shows your commitment to helping others and can also help you develop important soft skills such as communication and empathy.
Healthcare Support Roles: Positions such as medical assistant, patient care technician, or home health aide can provide foundational knowledge and skills that are directly applicable to nursing.
2. Educational Background
Your educational qualifications play a significant role in your employability as an RN. Employers typically expect:
Nursing Degree: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is increasingly preferred by employers over an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). A BSN program often includes more comprehensive training in leadership, research, and public health.
Certification: Completing the NCLEX-RN exam is essential to becoming licensed as an RN. Additionally, certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) can make you a more attractive candidate.
3. Essential Skills
Employers seek specific skills that are critical for success in nursing roles. These include:
Clinical Skills: Proficiency in basic nursing procedures such as administering medications, wound care, IV therapy, and patient assessment is vital.
Communication Skills: Effective communication with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals is essential. This includes both verbal and written communication skills.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: RNs must be able to assess situations quickly and make informed decisions regarding patient care.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Nurses often work within interdisciplinary teams; therefore, the ability to collaborate effectively with others is crucial.
Time Management: The ability to prioritize tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment is necessary for managing multiple patients’ needs effectively.
4. Additional Considerations
As you prepare your resume for RN positions:
Highlight any leadership roles or extracurricular activities related to healthcare.
Tailor your resume to each job application by emphasizing experiences and skills that align with the specific job description.
Consider obtaining letters of recommendation from instructors or supervisors who can speak to your abilities and character.
In summary, focusing on gaining relevant job experience through clinical placements or volunteer opportunities while developing essential nursing skills will significantly enhance your resume when applying for Registered Nurse positions.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. American Nurses Association (ANA)
The ANA provides comprehensive resources on nursing practice standards, education requirements, and professional development opportunities for nurses at all levels.
2. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
The NCSBN oversees the licensing process for nurses across the United States and offers detailed information about the NCLEX-RN exam requirements and preparation resources.
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS provides up-to-date statistics on employment trends in various occupations including registered nurses, detailing job outlooks, salary expectations, educational requirements, and necessary skills for success in the field.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless!
JC.
Types of Jobs, Experiences, and Skills Employers Look for on a Resume for Registered Nurses
1. Relevant Job Experience
When applying for a position as a Registered Nurse (RN), employers typically look for candidates who have relevant job experience in healthcare settings. Here are some key areas of experience that can enhance your resume:
Clinical Experience: This includes any hands-on patient care experience you may have gained through internships, clinical rotations during nursing school, or work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Clinical experience is crucial as it demonstrates your ability to interact with patients and apply nursing skills in real-world situations.
Volunteer Work: Volunteering in hospitals, clinics, or community health organizations can provide valuable exposure to the healthcare environment. It shows your commitment to helping others and can also help you develop important soft skills such as communication and empathy.
Healthcare Support Roles: Positions such as medical assistant, patient care technician, or home health aide can provide foundational knowledge and skills that are directly applicable to nursing.
2. Educational Background
Your educational qualifications play a significant role in your employability as an RN. Employers typically expect:
Nursing Degree: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is increasingly preferred by employers over an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). A BSN program often includes more comprehensive training in leadership, research, and public health.
Certification: Completing the NCLEX-RN exam is essential to becoming licensed as an RN. Additionally, certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) can make you a more attractive candidate.
3. Essential Skills
Employers seek specific skills that are critical for success in nursing roles. These include:
Clinical Skills: Proficiency in basic nursing procedures such as administering medications, wound care, IV therapy, and patient assessment is vital.
Communication Skills: Effective communication with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals is essential. This includes both verbal and written communication skills.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: RNs must be able to assess situations quickly and make informed decisions regarding patient care.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Nurses often work within interdisciplinary teams; therefore, the ability to collaborate effectively with others is crucial.
Time Management: The ability to prioritize tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment is necessary for managing multiple patients’ needs effectively.
4. Additional Considerations
As you prepare your resume for RN positions:
Highlight any leadership roles or extracurricular activities related to healthcare.
Tailor your resume to each job application by emphasizing experiences and skills that align with the specific job description.
Consider obtaining letters of recommendation from instructors or supervisors who can speak to your abilities and character.
In summary, focusing on gaining relevant job experience through clinical placements or volunteer opportunities while developing essential nursing skills will significantly enhance your resume when applying for Registered Nurse positions.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. American Nurses Association (ANA)
The ANA provides comprehensive resources on nursing practice standards, education requirements, and professional development opportunities for nurses at all levels.
2. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
The NCSBN oversees the licensing process for nurses across the United States and offers detailed information about the NCLEX-RN exam requirements and preparation resources.
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS provides up-to-date statistics on employment trends in various occupations including registered nurses, detailing job outlooks, salary expectations, educational requirements, and necessary skills for success in the field.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless!
JC.
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
362
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi LaRissa:
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a nursing career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a nurse, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.
Here are the Top 10 Best Nursing Schools of 2024 per www.nurse.org:
https://nurse.org/education/top-10-best-nursing-schools/
- Duke University
- Georgetown University
- Johns Hopkins University
- New York University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Michigan
- University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Washington
- Emory University
- University of Maryland
Since you mentioned that you have interests in pursuing a career in the Air Force, the Air Force Academy may be an option for you. The service academy requires at least a minimum of 4 years of active service in the Air Force. While serving, you can further your nursing career that is covered by the government.
U.S. News & World Report has additional college listings for the best schools for a Master Degree in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice:
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools
A Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing will concentrate more on math and science courses. This will be earned at a college or university for a duration of four years. Clinical experience is gained while in nursing school at a college or university. Physiology, psychology and anatomy are some additional college courses that are required for one to take to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and acceptance to the applied college of choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
According to Johnson and Johnson, here is a link for Nursing Specialties:
https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty
Here is a list of some of the High Demand Nurse Specialties:
- Cardiac Care Nurse
- Certified Nurse Midwife
- Emergency Nurse
- Perioperative Nurse
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Labor and Delivery Nurse (L&D)
- Home Health Nurse
- Hospice Nurse
- Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
- Obstetrics Nurse
- Oncology Nurse
Best wishes for your education and career path in Nursing!
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a nursing career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a nurse, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.
Here are the Top 10 Best Nursing Schools of 2024 per www.nurse.org:
https://nurse.org/education/top-10-best-nursing-schools/
- Duke University
- Georgetown University
- Johns Hopkins University
- New York University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Michigan
- University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Washington
- Emory University
- University of Maryland
Since you mentioned that you have interests in pursuing a career in the Air Force, the Air Force Academy may be an option for you. The service academy requires at least a minimum of 4 years of active service in the Air Force. While serving, you can further your nursing career that is covered by the government.
U.S. News & World Report has additional college listings for the best schools for a Master Degree in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice:
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools
A Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing will concentrate more on math and science courses. This will be earned at a college or university for a duration of four years. Clinical experience is gained while in nursing school at a college or university. Physiology, psychology and anatomy are some additional college courses that are required for one to take to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and acceptance to the applied college of choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
According to Johnson and Johnson, here is a link for Nursing Specialties:
https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty
Here is a list of some of the High Demand Nurse Specialties:
- Cardiac Care Nurse
- Certified Nurse Midwife
- Emergency Nurse
- Perioperative Nurse
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Labor and Delivery Nurse (L&D)
- Home Health Nurse
- Hospice Nurse
- Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
- Obstetrics Nurse
- Oncology Nurse
Best wishes for your education and career path in Nursing!