Essential Certifications
  • BLS (Basic Life Support):
  • ACLS (Adanced Cardiovascular Life Support)
  • PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)

Available from the American Heart Association (AHA): AHA Certifications Link
Skills Based Training
  • NIHSS: NIH Stroke Scale Training. Available via American Heart Association (AHA). 📲 Link to Course

  • Fetal Heart Monitoring Certification. Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN). 📲 Link to Course

  • Standard Precautions and Personal Protective Equipment. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Train. 📲 Link to Course

  • CPI: Crisis Prevention Institute. Verbal and physical de-escalation skills. 📲 Link to Course
Specialty Certifications
Free Continuing Education (CEUs)
  • Nurse.com: One of the largest providers with a dedicated free CE section with 30+ courses. 🔗 LINK

  • NursingCE.com by ATI: Free CE courses where you can take the course and assessment. 🔗 LINK

  • Incredible Health: Provides free CEU platform for nurses in all 50 states. 🔗 LINK

  • CDC Train: Filter ANCC in the credit type to find free modules. 🔗 LINK

  • State Boards of Nursing: Check specific state board's website for free modules.

  • Lippincott NursingCenter: "CEConnection" area with rotating articles and tests. 🔗 LINK

  • AACN (American Association of Critical-Care Nurses): Variety of free online activities focused on acute and progressive care. 🔗 LINK

  • Medscape Nurses: Look for activities with the CME/CE badge. 🔗 LINK
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Steps to Make a Nursing Portfolio

A nursing portfolio is a visual aid used to highlight skills, clinical experience, and recommendations in an interview.

🔗 Interview Report Covers

🔗 Free Nursing Portfolio Download

Steps to Make a Nursing Portfolio
2

Cover Letter

  • One-page
  • Align experience, skills, and values to position and organization listed.
Cover Letter
3

Resume

  • YES: Name and license at top
  • YES: Professional email and font
  • NO: Personal picture or swirls
  • NO: 2+ pages
Resume
4

List of References

Include a maximum of 3-5 references.

List of References
5

Certifications

1. Core Life Support: BLS, ACLS, PALS

2. Specialty or Skills Based Examples

  • CCRN: Critical Care
  • CEN: Emergency
  • NIHSS: NIH Stroke Scale
Certifications
6

College Diplomas

  • DO: Include photocopy of diploma.
  • DO NOT: Include high school diploma.
College Diplomas
7

College Transcript

  • General Rule: Include if GPA is 3.6 or higher.
  • Add Ons: Dean's List Letters, Honor Society Memberships, or Scholarships.
College Transcript
8

Letters of Recommendation

Aim for 2-3 high-quality letters from:

  • Clinical instructor/preceptor
  • Former supervisor or manager
  • Peer or co-worker
Letters of Recommendation
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Download FREE Nursing Portfolio! 🔥

Before Interview

  • Research values of organization
  • Gather Nursing Portfolio
  • Wear professional suit, not scrubs
  • Arrive 5 minutes early

During Interview

  • Patient safety is the PRIORITY!
  • Use STAR method for behavioral questions: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
  • "Do you have any questions for us?" Answer yes and have 3 prepared.

After Interview

  • Write a thank you letter or email to hiring manager. Example below.

Thank You - Post Interview Email

Aim to send this within 24 hours of your interview to help you stand out from the crowd.