How important is your resume as a travel nurse?
Well, let’s just say it’s one of the first pieces you need to land the travel nurse job you really want. Whether it’s your first time applying as a traveling nurse or you’re looking for a new opportunity, you want to include all of the great things you’ve accomplished during your travels (don’t worry about length). And to make sure your highlights get read, the format and organization of your resume can make or break getting an interview.
So, here are some of the top things you need to understand to create an A-1 resume.
Contact Information
Always include your basic information at the top of the page. However, don’t include it in the header of a Word doc. That’s because if your resume is sent through an Applicant Tracking System it won’t be able to process your content info in the header.
Be sure to put your name first followed by your highest credential, whether it’s a degree, licensure or certification. Also include your current location, phone number, email address and relevant link to online profiles that highlight your nursing expertise such as a LinkedIn page (not Facebook and Instagram!).
Career Summary
Travel nurses can go anywhere, and because of this, employers can be curious about why you’re interested in their city and hospital. Add a career summary to address why you’ve become a traveling nurse, why you want to work in a given location and what makes you perfect for the position.
Focus on highlighting achievements in your past that have prepared you to become a traveling nurse, including flexibility, adaptability, patience and strong communication skills. Showing this level of specificity proves your interest in the position and knowledge of the industry and can set you apart from other candidates.
Credentials
List the full name of your credentials in addition to the acronym and location of where it was earned. For example, “bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), University of Texas.” And if applicable, list your license or certification number, the certifying body, and expiration date or date that the certification was earned.
By listing the facilities where you worked, your titles, and highlighting key duties and achievements in each role, you’ll be able to show future employers proof of your work and qualities that make you a strong candidate as a traveling nurse. Specifics to include are facility name and type, level, total beds, unit, caseload and a summary of tasks, highlighting key achievements.
Computer Skills
As a traveling nurse, the technology you use will be as diverse as your patients. Use this section to list your experience with EMR or other systems you’ve used, how much time you spent with them, and the key duties you performed.
Partner with an Established Recruiter
Another reliable place to go to for advice is reaching out to an established healthcare recruiter. Professionals who know your skills and understand your career goals can help create a killer resume for travel nurse positions. A recruiter can not only help with your resume but also provide suggestions for what employers are looking for – even what certain employers are looking for – which will give you an advantage over the competition.
At Focus Staff, we understand the ins and outs of traveling healthcare professionals during these challenging times and have access to a wide variety of excellent professional opportunities. To learn more, contact us today.
