Essentials of Nursing Leadership and Management, 5th Edition

chapter 14 | Your Nursing Careerr 223

Do not repeat information just to make the

résumé longer. A good résumé is concise and

focuses on your strengths and accomplishments.

No matter which format you use, it is essential to
include the following (Parker, 1989):

■A clearly stated job objective.
■Highlighted qualifications.
■Directly relevant skills experience.
■Chronological work history.
■Relevant education and training.

How to Begin

Start by writing down every applicable point you can

think of in the preceding five categories. Work history

is usually the easiest place to begin. Arrange your

work history in reverse chronological order, listing

your current job first. Account for all your employable

years. Short lapses in employment are acceptable, but

give a brief explanation for longer periods (e.g.,

“maternity leave”). Include employer, dates worked

(years only, e.g., 2001–2002), city, and state for each

employer you list. Briefly describe the duties and

Delores Wheatley

5734 Foster Road

Middleton, Indiana 46204

(907) 123-4567

Objective: Position as staff registered nurse on medical-surgical unit

HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma, 2004

Coral Ridge High School

Dolphin Beach, Florida

Associate of Science Degree in Nursing, 2009

Howard Community College (HCC)

Middleton, Indiana

Currently enrolled in the following courses at HCC:

30-hour IV certification course

8-hour phlebotomy course

16-hour 12-lead EKG course

EXPERIENCE

Volunteer, Association for the Blind, 2001-2004

Nursing Assistant, Howard Community Hospital, 2004-2007

(summer employment)

Special Olympics Committee, 2007-2008

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience with blind and disabled children

Pediatric inpatient experience

Ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team

Experience with families in crisis

Figure 14.1Sample functional résumé.