Nursing is one of the most common jobs in the US. Even with over 3 million registered nurses, the demand for skilled nurses is only increasing. However, you’ll still find stiff competition when applying for good-paying, secure, and fulfilling jobs in the field. Fortunately, you can take steps now to set yourself up for success. Let’s discuss improving your nursing resume for better job offers or future promotions!
Gain Experience
Improve your nursing skills by finding a job in the field. Try to learn as much as you can. The more responsibilities you can take on, the more you have to boast about on your resume.
Essentially, the less you say “no” to new responsibilities, the better. However, we aren’t suggesting you overwhelm yourself.
Still, talk to your supervisor about taking on more responsibilities. The more you can learn on the job, the less money you’ll have to spend
This will also help with future promotions at your current job. Taking the initiative and showing your employers that you’re serious about professional growth is a great way to build references, gain status, and potentially earn free training. Your employer will be much more likely to pay for continuing education later on if you demonstrate a willingness to learn.
Also, if you’re currently in school for nursing, consider gaining relevant experience while training. A CNA or EMT license won’t require too much commitment. From there, you will have plenty of medical experience to show when applying for jobs.
Overall, the more diverse your work experience is, the more you’ll stand out from competitors when applying for jobs or promotions later on.
Continue Your Education
Nurses technically only need an associate’s degree to enter the field. While the industry is notoriously short-staffed, this doesn’t mean you should go for the bare minimum for many reasons.
First, having an associate’s or even a bachelor’s degree can limit your mobility. If you want to climb the ranks toward the management level or remain competitive when applying for the best job openings, more education will help.
Yes, getting a master’s degree is no walk in the park. However, the difference between an associate’s and a bachelor’s degree is already enormous. Nurses with associate’s degrees earn an average of $22 an hour or about $45,000, whereas nurses with bachelor’s degrees average over $75,000.
Again, that is a two-year commitment. Still, it’s well worth it in the context of a 30-year career.
Alternative Education Options
You don’t necessarily have to earn an entire degree. Even a graduate certificate or other continuing education program can help you stand out from competitors and earn a higher salary.
Every nurse must take a certain number of continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain their license. Therefore, there is already an established baseline to exceed. Going above and beyond what’s required can help you advance your career later.
When it comes down to a promotion or job opportunity, later on, having more continuing education could be what drives the recruiter’s decision.
Consider Specializing
Just like any profession in the industry, specialists tend to earn more money and have an easier time finding work. Nurses with specializations will have more opportunities for work, even if they are applying as general nurses.
For example, we mentioned that the average nurse with a bachelor’s degree earns around $75,000 a year. Conversely, a telemetry nurse earns an average of over $120,000.
The best part is that this doesn’t necessarily require an additional degree. You can take courses at your own pace to help you earn your specialty. From there, all you have to do is continue your education, just like every nurse.
Even if you already have a master’s degree, specialization will help secure your future positions and job prospects. You can even take the necessary courses entirely online. Check out our online telemetry nursing course to learn more!
Write a Quality Resume
Finally, you’ll need to draft a decent resume with your new skills. The vast majority of applicants fail at the application/resume stage. Thousands of people could apply for the same job, but only a few will ever receive interviews.
First, you need to ensure everything is grammatically correct, uniform, and legible. Your page should be easy to read, and employers should have no trouble finding the information they want. Make sure you include sections on:
- Name and contact information
- Education (college and relevant coursework)
- Experience (volunteer and work)
- Skills
You can add other sections that apply (awards, licenses, etc.) but ensure that you have these sections clearly labeled. From there, give details when applicable, but keep them as concise as possible.
This is especially important for work experience. Give a concise and detailed job description with any important tasks or assignments you’ve had.
From there, add any education and highlight any concentrations, minors, or specializations. Highlight any important CEUs or coursework to help you stand out from your competitors.
For skills, ensure that you include anything applicable to the field of hospitality or healthcare. This can include technical skills, customer service, languages spoken, or anything else that could benefit you in your role as a nurse.
Once complete, make sure you proofread your resume, and feel free to have someone look at it before sending it out. If you see jobs you want to apply for, you know what to do!
Improve Your Nursing Resume Today
Now that you know how to improve your nursing resume, put these tips to use right away. The sooner you begin, the more time you’ll have to boost your skills and your resume. Every bit counts, and the sky is the limit in the healthcare field!
Stay up to date with our latest tips for nurses, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or for help launching your new career!