RESUME & COVER LETTER TIPS
A RESUME is a document that gives a broad-based overview of your career, a document you
hope to use over and over again.
Resumes are a snapshot of you and should be used to highlight your skills and education.
Resumes may also be the first and only impression that the employer gets of you before an
interview. Therefore, a resume should be accurate, well organized, concise, and professional;
and “show-off” your uniqueness as an applicant for a specific position.
There are many styles of resumes but the areas you should make sure to include are:
• Education (list BSN at the top of all other education)
• Clinical rotations (with # of hours) with a focus on senior clinical placement
• Work experience
• Things that make you unique (travel, language skills, honors, leadership, volunteerism, skills,
hobbies)
A one-page resume continues to be the expected length for new grads. However, if a 2-page
resume is requested or necessary to share relevant experience, make sure your name is at the
top of each page in case the pages get separated. All of the most significant information
should be on the top half of the first page.
A COVER LETTER is a unique letter to a specific person for a specific reason with a unique
message tailored for each situation. It should be written in business format and be concise and
to the point.
Cover letters are career marketing letters to market the job seeker, highlight notable
qualifications and career successes, and generate an invitation for a personal interview.
Objectives of your Cover Letter should be to:
• Introduce yourself and clearly define who you are
• Highlight your most notable qualifications, experiences, credentials, skills, and achievements
• Identify the value you bring to an organization
• Capture your reader’s interest and motivate them to call and offer you an interview
Many career websites offer resume and cover letter samples. Here are a few that can be
helpful for nursing graduates:
• careers.ana.org
• www.aftercollege.com/career-networks/linfield-college/school-of-nursing/
• www.healthecareers.com
• www.careerbeam.com
Name
Phone Number, Email, LinkedIn
SUMMARY
New graduate BSN interested in serving the health care needs of vulnerable pediatric populations in the local
community. Motivated to work on collaborative practice teams. Bilingual.
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Linfield College, Portland, OR Class of 2016
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certificate American Heart Association, Portland, OR Current
NIH Stroke Scale Certification National Institute of Health, USA Current
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Practicum Nursingale for the Medically Fragile Medically Fragile Children 174 hours
Nursing Leadership Nursingale for the Medically Fragile Medically Fragile Children 50 hours
Pediatric Acute Care Randall Children’s Hospital Medical/Surgical 102 hours
Perinatal Providence St. Vincent L&D, NICU, Postpartum 68 hours
Chronic Illness Mirabella Portland Long-Term/Memory Care 80 hours
Mental Health Oregon State Hospital Bridges Ward 80 hours
Nursing Foundations Milwaukie Convalescent Center Nursing & Rehab 60 hours
WORK EXPERIENCE
Waitress, Helvetia Tavern 2014-Current
Provided excellent customer service in a busy, often hectic environment. Excelled in team and client
communication, multitasking, prioritization and organization.
Administrative Assistant, Intel Corporation 2012-2014
Managed office operations, including scheduling and event planning for three supervisors and their teams. Acted
as resource for all in need of administrative support in order to help the team best function as a whole.
Swim Instructor/ Lifeguard, Sunset Swim Center 2009-2012
Educated ages ranging from infancy to adulthood in becoming proficient in swimming. Provided safe instruction,
planned and effectively organized class times, with a goal to stimulate creativity and self-esteem.
LEADERSHIP & RECOGNITION
Member of the Dean’s List, for outstanding academic performance with a GPA of 3.67.
Nursing Students Without Borders, Linfield College 2014-2015
Active participant in student club to promote awareness of global health issues specific to underserved and
vulnerable populations. Personally focused on and advocated for the homeless teenage population in Portland.
Special Education Volunteer, Scappoose High School 2009-2015
Collaborated with education team to provide tutoring in reading, writing and basic math skills. Worked closely with
students in life-skill development classes with a focus on helping students to develop positive coping skills.
Rose Haven, Clothing Shop, Portland 2013
Supported women and children (victims of violence or trauma) in accessing and selecting appropriate clothing to
wear to interviews or court dates, leading to sustainable life improvements such as increased self-esteem.
Humanitarian Award, Washington County Sheriff’s Office 2011
Attempted to revive a young man following motor cycle crash. Awarded for compassion and direct efforts to
preserve a life.
Name
Address, Phone Number, Email, LinkedIn
Summary Statement: New BSN graduate, committed to efficient, clear communication. Prioritizes patient
education. Able to appropriately prioritize amidst competing demands. International travel with demonstrated
cultural competencies.
Education:
Linfield College, Portland, Oregon, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 2015
Oregon State University, Bachelor of Science in Public Health 2013
Health Promotion and Health Behavior, and Pre-Nursing; Magna Cum Laude
Clinical Experience
Senior Capstone: Labor and Delivery | Providence St. Vincent, Portland, Oregon 224 hours
Leadership and Management theory and practice
Maternal Child Health | Providence Portland, Portland Oregon 84 hours
Acute/Medical Surgical | Providence St. Vincent, Portland, Oregon 126 hours
Chronic Illness/Skilled Care Nursing | Mirabella, Portland, Oregon 126 hours
Mental Health | Telecare Recovery Center, Woodburn, Oregon 126 hours
Long Term Care | Marquis-Centennial, Gresham, Oregon 48 hours
Work Experience
Linfield College, Portland, OR / Peer Tutor 2015
• Selected by faculty to provide peer tutoring to nursing students in pathophysiology and pharmacology.
• Gained teaching skills applicable to patient education.
Bridge Seafood Restaurant, Portland, OR / Server 2014 - 2015
• Honed multi-tasking, professional communication and prioritization skills.
Starbucks, Portland, OR / Barista 2013
• Provided quality customer service and resolved conflicts in a busy, often chaotic, environment.
Samaritan Cancer Center, Corvallis, OR / Intern 2013
• Executed first National Cancer Survivor day celebration with over 80 survivors and 200+ attendees.
Volunteer Experience
Parent Enhancement Program, Corvallis, OR / Volunteer 2012-2013
• Provided positive parenting education, fellowship and family activities for young at risk families.
SCREEN, Samaritan Health Services, Corvallis, OR / Lead Volunteer 2012-2013
• Presented breast and cervical health information to community groups, coordinated breast and cervical
cancer screenings for women.
• Planned HPV Free-Easy as 1-2-3 for SCREEN at Oregon State University, a cervical cancer awareness
event for college age students.
Proyecto Fe Mission Trip, San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala / Volunteer 2006
• Brought medical supplies to those in need, assisted with building homes for elderly, created carnival day
camp for local children, gained cultural competency while working with local Guatemalan people.
Activities and Achievements
Dean’s List | Linfield College 2015
Peterson and Grimes Scholarship Recipient | Linfield College 2014-2015
Provost Scholarship Recipient | Oregon State University 2009-2013
Xi Mu Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau National Nursing Honors Society 2015-present
Linfield Student Nurses Association Member 2014-2015
Name
Phone Number, Email, LinkedIn
SUMMARY: Patient-focused, well-organized recent BSN graduate. Committed to accurate, compassionate
patient care in fast paced situations. Maintains a positive attitude in stressful situations.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Linfield-Good Samaritan School of Nursing, Linfield College, Portland Campus
Completion or Estimated Completion 2019
___________________________________________________________________________________________
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
St. Vincent’s Hospital – 7East (med/surg). Cared for patients with renal concerns, diabetic issues, respiratory
illness, wound matters and various other acute care issues. 126 hours.
Coffee Creek Correctional Facility – Processed incoming inmates, completed physical and historical
assessments. Performed sick call with prison doctor. Assessed and cared for maternity patients in infirmary.
Passed meds on all units. 126 hours.
Salem Hospital – Current practicum at Family Birth Center in labor and deliver. 192 hours at completion date.
Legacy Emanuel Hospital - Postpartum mother/baby care, labor and delivery assistance. 84 hours.
Healthy Start, Clackamas County – Aided CSWs in mother/baby care, in-home instruction for at risk mothers. 88
hours.
Oregon State Hospital – Assisted mental health and psychiatric nurses in interviewing and evaluating patients.
126 hours.
Salem Birth Center - Performed research for <name>, preceptor, to aid in revising and writing new policy. 70
hours.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
WORK EXPERIENCE
Travel Agency Name – Owner and manager 2000 - 2018
Arranged and guided tour groups to many countries and specialty interest fields, including women’s literature in
England, genealogy research in Scotland, archeology in Mexico.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
United Way – Chair member, Eugene Oregon Board. Enlisted and organized team captains and their 20 member
teams in a city-wide fundraiser.
Polk County Precinct Leader – Ran local precinct voting station.
Relief Society President – Led local church women’s service organization. Supported 100+ women and their
families with their physical, social and spiritual needs.
Volunteer - Fundraising efforts for various public school organizations.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
HONORS / ACHIEVEMENTS
Member – Sigma Tata Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
Member SNA
Name Address, Phone Number, Email, LinkedIn
Summary
Dedicated and hardworking recent new BSN graduate. Interested in working on a multi-disciplinary team to provide high
quality and comprehensive clinical care and patient/family services. International travel with demonstrated cultural
competencies.
Education
Linfield College, Good Samaritan School or Nursing – Portland, OR Expected Graduation: Date
Bachelors of Science in Nursing, Magna Cum Laude, GPA 3.9
Linfield College – McMinnville, OR Date
Pre-Nursing
Nursing School Clinical Experience
Senior Practicum (in progress) Legacy Emanuel Hospital Family Birth Center 184hours
Leading and Managing Willamette View Medical Center ICU 40 hours
Chronic Care Willamette View Medical Center Health Center 126 hours
Acute Care Legacy Emanuel Surgical Specialties 126 hours
Maternal-Child Health Salem Hospital Family Birth Center 84 hours
Mental Health Arbor Place Residential Facility 126 hours
Clinical Nursing Skills Robison Jewish Health Center Long Term Care 48 hours
Employment
Portland Parks and Recreation Southwest Community Center Date
• Served a diverse community, providing excellent service with high level of customer satisfaction.
• Expanded teamwork and teambuilding skills as camp coordinator, camp director, camp counselor, recreational
service representative, and childcare attendant.
Volunteer Experience
Portland Marathon First Aid Station Date
• Provided first aid care to marathon participants.
Multnomah Education District Outdoor School Student Leader Date
• Cabin leader and role model for sixth grade students. Provided education, inspiration and education related to
science and nature.
Loaves and Fishes Kitchen Volunteer Date
• Efficiently prepared and packaged meals for Meals-On-Wheels program.
Saturday Academy Speaker Date
• Shared nursing school experience to inspire high school students to consider a career in nursing.
Activities and Achievements
International Study Abroad Health Promotion in Cameroon Date
• Worked with local NGO in Cameroon to promote health and provide healthcare education to children orphaned by
HIV/AIDS and their classmates.
Dean’s List Linfield Good Samaritan School of Nursing Date
• Outstanding academic achievement.
Name
Address
Phone number
Email
Date
Nursing Recruitment
OHSU Employment Division – HR
Address
Portland, OR 97201-3098
Dear Nursing Recruitment,
I am a senior nursing student who will be graduating with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing this <month>. I am interested in
the <internship/residency> program at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). I have enclosed my resume for your
consideration.
This semester I have enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about OHSU from within the organization. I am currently at
OHSU for a clinical rotation focused on nurse leadership and management. <Name>, my preceptor and magnet project
coordinator, has already taught me a great deal about OHSU’s plan to strive for magnet status. The organization’s dedication
to magnet status ensures nurses are able to practice autonomously within their scope of work with other competent nurses, and
be supported in continuing education efforts. I would be honored to participate in furthering of OHSU’s reputation of
leadership in nursing.
In my clinical rotations, the opportunity to take on nursing responsibility was emphasized. During my senior practicum in the
ICU, I was able to take my own patients, with supervision of a preceptor, and organize their care during my 12-hour shift. I
was also responsible for communicating with the patient, the interdisciplinary team and the patient’s family regarding the
patient’s critical dynamic health status. This opportunity to practice more independently was a challenging and rewarding
experience, preparing me well to step into this residency.
I appreciate your time in reviewing my application and resume. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to the
opportunity to interview.
Thank you,
<Name>
Name
Address
Phone number
Email
Date
Dear Nurse Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in joining the <name of organization> team through an RN position in
Oncology/Infusion. I will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Linfield Good Samaritan School of
Nursing this <month>. I anticipate taking my NCLEX-RN in late <month>.
There are a number of experiences that have prepared me for this step in my career. Prior to beginning nursing
school, I worked as a medical assistant in a small non-profit clinic for underserved populations. This experience
has helped me understand the difference health education can make to patients and the power it can have to
change behaviors and habits to benefit the patient’s health outcomes. While at Linfield, I had the opportunity to
travel to the nation of Cameroon for a health promotion service project. This experience reinforced my values of
equality, social justice, empathy and respect for all.
More specifically to this role, I have had two rotations in Oncology and Infusion as a student nurse. These roles
have given me hands-on experience in Oncology nursing. They have also made me aware of how important it is
to promote quality of life for patients with cancer. I experienced first hand the art of patient focused care for this
particular population, as well as the teamwork, commitment and high standards that are the foundation for nurses
in this field. I would be proud to be a part of this work at <organization name>.
I hope to have the opportunity to talk with you in person about my interest in <organization name). Thank you for
your time.
Sincerely,
Name
