Dear Donna Delivers Plain FAQs
by Donna Cardillo, RN, BS It’s been more than six months now since my “Dear Donna” column was launched on Nursing Spectrum’s website. Since then, I’ve received more than 700 questions from nurses all over the world. Your questions and comments have challenged me, intrigued me, touched me, and at the very least kept me quite busy. If you’re not online yet, or can’t read the column regularly, or just can’t get enough, here are some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs), along with my answers. What Resume Format Should I Use? Dear Donna, I’ve never been very good at creating resumes. Can you recommend a format to use? Resume Challenged Dear Challenged, If it makes you feel any better, most people find resume writing a chore and don’t consider themselves good at it. The most universally accepted resume format is chronological, where you focus on work experience and include separate categories for education, professional associations, and so on. That’s what most prospective employers are looking for. You should also use a bulleted format, where each “sound bite” of information on your resume is listed next to a large dot. This format has replaced the once-popular paragraph style because it’s easier for the reader to scan and pick up the needed information. You should write in short, even incomplete sentences, starting each bulleted item with an action verb like initiated or developed. You can find samples of this format, as well as lists of action verbs to use on your resume, in any of a host of resume-writing books available in your public library and local bookstores. Good luck!
Donna How Can I Get Back into Nursing after an Absence? Dear Donna, I’ve been out of nursing for approximately eight years, raising my three children. My license is current, but I don’t know where to go from here. I want to get back into the field, but maybe not hospital nursing. My last position was maternity; however, I’ve done med/surg, pediatric, and oncology. What’s my next step? Ready to Jump Back In Dear Ready, For starters, a good thing to do when you’ve been out of the loop for a while is to seek a volunteer position in healthcare. This helps you get your feet wet, builds your confidence, gives you some recent work experience to put on your resume, and helps you make contacts in the field. Also, many volunteer positions lead to gainful employment. Look in the yellow pages under social service agencies and call a few that interest you. Tell them you’re a nurse and looking for either a paid or volunteer position. See what’s available. With your maternity background, you might consider a local Planned Parenthood or another OB/GYN clinic or service. Call your local health department and ask to speak with an RN. Call a local school and ask to speak with the nurse. Ask some questions about what they do and about opportunities in the area. Tell them you’re exploring your options. Also, check out the “Careers in Nursing” section on www.nursingspectrum.com and explore some other options. Be sure to attend any Career Fitness® Expos in your area or my own “Career Alternatives for Nurses” seminar. Check out the Continuing Education section of the website for upcoming events in your area. You should also get out to local professional association meetings, including your state nurses association, even if you’re not a member. Find your state association at www.ana.org or by calling (800) 274-4262. Start reconnecting yourself to your profession by talking to other nurses to see what’s available and then making contacts. Good luck!
Donna How Do I Write a Postinterview Thank-You Letter? Dear Donna, I’m looking for some input on writing a postinterview thank-you letter to a prospective employer. At a Loss for Words Dear At a Loss, A thank-you letter is customarily sent within 24 hours of the interview. First, the letter should be word processed on good-quality stationery. Although some people prefer a handwritten note, others may consider that too informal. Likewise, an e-mail thank-you is too informal for a job interview. It’ll do in a pinch, but you always want to do everything top notch where an interview is concerned. The letter should be short and to the point. Thank the interviewer for his or her time and mention how much you enjoyed the meeting. Briefly recap the attributes that you would bring to this position and express your continued interest in the job. End with something upbeat, such as “I look forward to hearing from you.” It’s customary to send a thank-you note to everyone who interviewed you for the first time. If you go on second and third interviews, you don’t need to keep sending notes unless you’re interviewed by someone new for the first time in the process. Good luck!
Donna How Do I Write a Resignation Letter? Dear Donna, I’m leaving my job for another. How do you write a proper letter of resignation? I want to leave on good terms. One Foot out the Door Dear One Foot, You are wise to want to leave on good terms. Never burn your bridges. You can’t predict when you might want or need something from a past employer or if that person will someday be working for a prospective employer! Check your employee handbook and find out how much notice you’re required to give. Tell your boss verbally that you’re leaving and then follow up with a letter. Word process the letter on good stationery and start by stating something like “As we discussed, I am resigning my position as staff nurse effective (fill in the date of your last day of work).” Then offer an explanation of why you’re leaving or what you’re going to do. Example: “I have accepted a position in a specialty that I wish to pursue.” Address the letter to your immediate supervisor (or follow your department policy) and copy the human resource department. Then say something like “I have enjoyed working here. Thank you for the opportunities afforded me. I wish you all the best.” Be gracious and professional. This letter is likely to become part of your personnel file. Good luck with your new job!
Donna Keep those great questions coming. If I don’t answer your inquiry the first time, try posting it again later. I’m looking forward to hearing from you! Copyright Nursing Spectrum Career Fitness(sm) Online (www.nursingspectrum.com), All rights reserved. Used with permission. Back to Articles | 
