What do you recommend to include in a resume for an upcoming BSN grad who is applying for Level 1 Trauma hospitals?

Include everything that shows you are a team player, resilient and an eager learner. When I hire new grads, it’s 100% on attitude. I can teach tasks and skills. I can’t teach you to care about the team.

If you have been working part-time in the specialty area you're looking for, you would definitely want to include that, as well as references for them available upon request. List any certifications you might have, ie: CPR, ACLS, etc up to date. Hint: it shows you know certain certifications are needed for the position and you've taken the initiative to obtain these in advance, saving the hospital the time and expense of sending you for those before you can be accepted for the job. If you're looking for a critical care position, definitely get at least those two in place first. If you placed high in your class, and have 'proof', you could also include that or make reference to it being available upon request. You don't want a lengthy resume, but you do want it to pique their interest, and stand out from others applying for the position you seek, especially from someone just graduating. They won't be expecting a lot of experiences from you as a new nurse, but if you have other work experiences related to the position you're seeking, it would be good to highlight those, such as previous positions as an aide, LVN, etc, or even different positions and departments of a hospital. This could show a broader base of knowledge of how different departments interact within the hospital system. Depending on the area of the country you're looking at, and the specialty area, you may or may not be in 'competition' with other new grads, as well as experienced nurses who are relocating, re-entering the job market, or just changing hospitals or specialties.

Sure thing! For a more casual approach to your resume as an upcoming BSN grad applying to Level 1 Trauma hospitals, consider the following:

1. About Me:
• Start with a short blurb expressing your passion for nursing and excitement about contributing to trauma care.
2. Education:
• Highlight your BSN degree and share a bit about your nursing school experience, like any cool projects or challenges you tackled.
3. Hands-On Experience:
• Talk about your time in the trenches—any intense moments or challenging cases during clinical rotations, especially in trauma settings.
4. Certifications & Skills:
• Drop in the certs you’ve got (BLS, ACLS), and casually list out skills—mention your knack for quick thinking and being a team player.
5. Show, Don’t Just Tell:
• Share a story or two about specific situations where you made a difference or learned something crucial during your clinicals.
6. Projects & Research:
• If you did any interesting projects or research related to trauma nursing, throw that in—show them you’re not just about the grades but also about making a real impact.
7. Life Outside the Classroom:
• Mention any nursing-related clubs or volunteer gigs you rocked. Hospitals like to know you’re not just a bookworm but also someone who’s engaged in the community.
8. Chill References:
• Wrap it up by saying you’ve got some cool people who can vouch for you, and you’ll gladly share their info if they want to chat.

Remember, it’s not just about what you’ve learned but how you’ve grown and how you’ll bring that growth to their trauma team. Good luck!