UW-Madison School of Nursing
Undergraduate Graduation Checklist

It is important that students, in their final semester in the School of Nursing, participate in evaluation of the nursing program and prepare materials in preparation for employment.

Reference Letters | Reference Authorization Form |
Transcript Information | Resume Writing
Extracurricular Activities Form

Reference Letters

References from faculty members familiar with your academic performance are generally requested when you apply for your first position as a nurse. They are also often requested if you apply for a nursing-related summer or part-time job (i.e. nursing assistant) or for some outside scholarships.

In order for these letters to be placed in your school file, you must request the letters from faculty. You are also responsible for completing and signing a General Authorization to Release reference form. This form can be downloaded from this site or obtained in K6/146.

General Background

With the large number of students graduating each year from the undergraduate program, the passage of the Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, and the inevitable changes in faculty each year, the following policies are in effect:

1. You have the option of asking for letters of recommendation from faculty members familiar with you achievements in nursing.
2. If you choose to have faculty references, you are responsible for signing an Authorization to Release References form so that the faculty letters of recomendation may be sent upon request of employers or graduate schools.
3. A transmittal letter, confirming graduation or expected graduation, is sent to prospective employers with machine copied letters of reference. This is the ONLY recommendation made by the School of Nursing.
4. Both the letters and the authorization form become part of your academic record.
5. It is School of Nursing policy that you receive a copy of such letters of recommendation for your own file.

Procedures for Students

1. Select at least two faculty members who are familiar with your achievements.
2. Make an appointment with the faculty members.
3. Discuss your future hopes and ambitions with these faculty members.
4. Sign an Authorization to Release References form.
5. Return the signed Authorization to room K6/146.
6. It is reommended that you have at least two letters on file before applying for a position and before you graduate.
7. Reference requests should be addressed to School of Nursing, Room K6/146 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792-2455.

Extracurricular Activities Form

Congratulations on your graduation from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing. In an effort to obtain information about extracurricular activities of students and as part of our preparation for future accreditations, we would like to know about your significant accomplishments during your undergraduate experience at the University. As you leave we would appreciate it if you would fill out an Extracurricular Activities Form to let us know about any recognition you received, special contributions you made, honors, and volunteer activities. These activities may include preparation of educational materials, presentations, and posters. Please include sites and dates. Thank you.

Transcripts

The UW-Madison Office of the Registrar offers a web-based system to order and pay for official transcripts.  Students can place transcript orders at ordertranscript.wisc.edu, or by access through MyUW (go to the Student Center, and click on “Order Official Transcripts”). The typical time for processing a complete order request will be 1-3 days. 

The UW-Madison Office of the Registrar will continue to offer in-person ordering (at the computer annex) and pickup at our office, located at 21 N. Park Street, Suite 7223.  Full payment will be required at the time of service.

Payment for transcripts will be accepted online using a credit card (Visa and MC), by mail using a check, or in person with cash or check (payable through the Bursar’s Office). 

Please visit ordertranscript.wisc.edu for details about the online ordering system.

QUESTIONS?  Please call (608)262-3811, or email ordertranscript@em.wisc.edu

Resume Writing

The information that follows on resume and cover letter preparation and a sample resume was provided by the Career Advising and Planning Services Office.

Resume and Cover Letter Preparation

A resume and accompanying cover letter combine to form one of the most commonly used tools in the job search process. They are the prospective employer's first (and, in some cases, the last) impression of you. Since the aim of a resume and cover letter is to convince the prospective employer to grant you an interview, an attractive, concise and easy-to-read information package is a MUST! In addition, the self-evaluation process required to write a resume will better prepare you to interview effectively.

Resume

The resume is a synopsis of your educational background, work experiences and accomplishments. It is devoted to highlighting those qualities that might be valuable to a prospective employer. It should reflect career interest and expertise in a clear, clean and logically organized format. A resume communicates the maximum amount of relevant information about you in a minimum number of words. It should be a one page - two at most - collection of short, concise, factual statements. The narrative style ("I...") is NEVER used, nor are abbreviations (exceptions to this rule include graduate level degrees such as Ph.D. or M.S.)

Resumes normally cover five basic areas:

1. IDENTIFICATION - including name, address with zip code and telephone number with area code is always the first item of any resume. A permanent address and telephone number should also be listed if the current contact information is temporary. If the resume is more than one page, the applicant's name and the page number should appear at the top of the following page to avoid misplacement.
2. CAREER OBJECTIVE - should follow identification. A specific objective should be contained in one or two concise phrases-- again, the narrative ("I...") is NOT used.
3. EDUCATION - should be listed in reverse chronological order (most recent degree listed first). The type and level of degree(s)--Bachelor of Science, M.A., Ph.D.; name and location of granting institution (attendance at college(s) or university(ies) if no degree is earned is not usually listed unless associated with a unique or relevant learning experience); and academic major should be provided. Academic honors, honorary societies and graduation with distinction should be noted, as should a grade point average of 3.0/4.0 or higher for a Bachelor's degree (in major area and/or overall).

   Relevant Coursework - is an optional subdivision of Education. An applicant may wish to elaborate upon a given academic major (such as listing specific computer science courses and languages studied), or to identify an area of emphasis (such as advertising or news-editorial sequences within journalism). This section may also be used to identify skill areas traditionally not reflected by a given major.

   Research and/or Publications -should be used and/or summarized for applicants with a Master's and/or Ph.D. degree.

4. EXPERIENCE - should be listed in reverse chronological order (most recent job listed first). The position title, name and address of firm (completely spelled out), dates of employment and areas of responsibility/duties performed must be succinctly presented. prospective employers will read this section closely with one thought in mind--how does this person relate to my firm's employment needs? Therefore, an applicant should try to record past work experiences in terms of adaptable skills (duties are not necessarily transferable from one employer to another). A recommended form to follow is to begin each descriptive phrase with an "action verb." Examples of verbs describing skill areas include: administered, established, initiated, created, supervised, directed, analyzed, developed, improved, designed, researched, trained, sold, rote, organized, coordinated, implemented, managed, produced, achieved, enlarged, reduced costs, negotiated, raised profits, accomplished.

   Related Experience - is an optional/additional category to identify pertinent, unpaid experience. Included in this category would be volunteer activities, internships, and practicum and/or research work. These unpaid experiences should be described in the same manner as paid experience.

5. INTERESTS AND ACTIVITIES - reflect not only how you spend spare and leisure time, but provide insight into involvement and participation with individuals and groups. Hobbies, activities and membership in organizations should be mentioned; leadership roles assumed or offices held should be mentioned.

Personal Data - should be listed ONLY if it has a direct bearing on the specific position/area of employment being sought (such as physical attributes for people in performing arts). In accordance with the provisions of Title VI, Title VII and title IX of the Federal Civil Rights Act, prospective employers are prohibited from requesting personal information (even inquiries as to marital status), unless it is a legitimate qualifier on work duties to be performed. While an applicant may choose to include personal data on the resume, it should be done with the knowledge that in today's Equal Employment Opportunity hiring environment, such personal information may actually lessen your interview/employment chances.

Photographs - should be listed ONLY if it has a direct bearing on the specific position/area of employment being sought (such as physical attributes for people in performing arts). In accordance with the provisions of Title VI, Title VII and title IX of the Federal Civil Rights Act, prospective employers are prohibited from requesting personal information (even inquiries as to marital status), unless it is a legitimate qualifier on work duties to be performed. While an applicant may choose to include personal data on the resume, it should be done with the knowledge that in today's Equal Employment Opportunity hiring environment, such personal information may actually lessen your interview/employment chances.

High School Activities - are usually out-of-date for most college graduates and should not be included unless they were outstanding and relevant.

Military Experience - should be presented like other work experience with highest rank attained, responsibilities described and any continuing obligations mentioned.

Individuals with Disabilities - the employment rights of individuals with disabilities are covered under Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. Persons with disabilities should consult their placement counselor(s) as to the handling of this information to prospective employers.

College Expenses Earned - is an important piece of information and may explain few outside activities on a lower grade point average.

Professional Affiliations - should include those in which an office was held; then, other associations in which the applicant actively participated while in college.

OTHER CONCERNS: Finishing Touch DO make a difference.

The MOST IMPORTANT aspect of your finished resume master is that it be grammatically perfect! It should also be consistent (make sure all verbs are in the same tense). The resume master should be carefully proof read by more than one person, if possible.

Typing vs. Typesetting - is a matter of personal preference and monetary consideration. The major concern should be the end result-- a clean, legible master which will give clean reproductions.

Graphic Considerations - should be viewed through the prospective employer's eyes. Utilizing "white space" is important in developing a resume with visual appeal. Keep the format simple and use margins (indentions), underlining, free-standing headings and capital letters to emphasize sections and guide the reader. For a 2-page resume, equally divide the information on both pages, if possible. If the resume is being typeset, don't get carried away with fancy print styles and borders that will detract the reader from the all-important content-- A resume should look like a resume, not a poster (unless you're a poster designer).

Reproductions - is the final step in preparing a resume. Any method of reproduction may be used; however, avoid using a method, which gives your resume a "mass produced" appearance (such as carbon copies or "xerox" copies.) One of the most widely used and accepted methods of reproduction is by offset duplication; a reasonably inexpensive method of graphic reproduction available at most commercial or "instant" printers. Select a good quality rag bond or 25% to 50% cotton content paper stock 8 1/2" by 11" in a "business" color (white, ivory, tan or grey) with matching blank sheets and envelopes for your accompanying cover letter. Some printers also offer the option of using colored inks -- navy blue and brown being the most acceptable alternatives to black.

THE SUCCESSFUL RESUME - will limit the number of questions that a recruiter can ask that might cause embarrassment-- gaps in time, lack of campus activities (unless complemented by part-time work), a too general statement of career objective or lack of description of job experience. A successful resume provides a prospective employer with an informative and attractive package of the product you are trying to market-- you!

This is a sample Resume

NAME
Permanent Address:	Phone #
Temporary Address:	Phone #
PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVE:	Wish to begin nursing career in a stimulating hospital environment for personal growth and professional advancement in the field of Nursing. Particular interest in general surgery, plastic surgery, renal transplant and burn settings.
EDUCATION	School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, May 1998 G.P.A.: 3.6/4.0 scale (8/95-5/98). Clinical Experience Relevant Coursework Obstetrics/postpartum Cardiopulmonary Critical Care Nursing Community Health Perinatal Nursing Medical/surgical Emergency Medical Care Plastic surgery Computer Science General Surgery Accounting Pediatrics Economics Operating room Calculus Academic Honors: Dean's List: Fall, 1997 Phi Kappa Phi, Order of Omega, and Crucible Honor Societies
EXPERIENCE:	Nursing Assistant-III, Float Staff University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, Wisconsin WOrked on all hospital units including specialty areas; surgery, oncology, neurology, rehabilitarion, plastic surgery, cardiac, pediatric intensive care, trauma center, emergency room, renal transplant. Developed competency in varied nursing skills such as: patient assessment, urethral catherterization, nasogastice feeding, aseptic tecnique, suctioning.<6/95-present) Medical Assistant/receptionist Obstetrics and Gynecology, S.C., Wauwatosa, Wisconsin Duties included: Patient preparatioin for examination, examining room set-up, performing pregnancy and urine tests, receptionist duties (5/94-8/95) Student Intern St.Joseph's Hospital, Milwuakee, Wisconsin. Independent study and experience in Occupational Therapy Department. (1/94-2/94)
ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT:	Waitress, Gino's Italian Restaurant, Madison, Wisconsin (1/90-2/91) Waitress, Bluemound Golf and Country Club, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin (Summers 1990, 1992, 1993)
ACTIVITIES:	Only undergraduate member of University Search and Screen Committee to select new Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs (7/97-10/97). Presiden, Delta Gamma Sorority, Madison Collegiate Chapter. Member 3 years Hospital Volunteer, patient escort service (fall 1995). Mass coordinator, Eucharistic minister, choir member, St. Paul's Catholic Center. (1/90-12/93)
References and additional information available upon request.

THE COVER LETTER

The resume is NEVER, NEVER, mailed to a prospective employer without an accompanying cover letter. The cover letter serves as your personal representative in your absence. It should complement, not duplicate, resume information and focus the prospective employer's attention to pertinent areas of expertise. The cover letter is ALWAYS an individually typed, 1-page letter composed for a specific firm and sent directly to the person (name and title) who will make employment decisions. If a "contact person" is not given in the job listing (or if you are sending an "unsolicited" letter of application), there are numerous directories and professional publications (Dun & Bradstreet; Moody's Manuals; Industrial Research Laboratories of the U.S.; Standard and Poor's Register of Corporations, Directors and Executives; etc.) to consult in various campus libraries. The Career Advising and Planning Office has a bibliography listing resource materials that include both the private section and governmental agencies.

COVER LETTER CONTENTS:

Paragraph I - The Opening

Use the opening paragraph to get the prospective employer's interest. State your employment objective (the particular position and/or area), your academic degree level (and major, if relevant), and how you learned of the position or organization (a personal referral, vacancy announcement, etc.).

Paragraph II - The Body

Use this paragraph to justify the prospective employer's interest. Relate your qualifications to the specific job requirements and type of business using examples of your expertise to make your point(s). Briefly describe your educational and work experience background and how they would make a "good match" with the on-going and/or future needs of that specific company. (You may need to do some basic research on the firm--kinds of services/products, growth areas, training programs--via such sources as annual reports or recent news articles.)

Paragraph III - The Closing

Use the closing paragraph to request an interview at the prospective employer's convenience. If the prospective employer is not located in the applicant's immediate geographical area, it is to the applicant's advantage to mention if he/she will be in that general area at a particular time. The prospective employer may be more willing to interview an applicant if little or no expense is involved.

Employer Response & Applicant Follow-up

Employer response time usually is between two to four weeks. Applicants who have not heard from an employer after four weeks will want to do a follow-up either by mail or telephone. It should be directed to the original contact person and should take a "low key" approach--state the date the original letter was sent; ask if it was received (the Post Office is not infallible); restate your interest in that specific company; and, ask if any further information is needed. It is most important that the follow-up letter or call does not come across to the prospective employer as: "Why haven't I heard from you?" If an applicant deadline was listed, the prospective employer should be given four weeks time from that deadline date, not necessarily when you sent your materials.

TIPS FOR INTERVIEWING

1. Be on time.
2. Make a presentable appearance. Be clean and neat and dress as well as you can afford in appropriate clothing.
3. Try to find out something about the facility/institution in advance.
4. Be an active listener. Look alert and interested. Don't talk too much.
5. Answer questions accurately and honestly. Don't give too much personal information.
6. Don't "bad mouth" or make excuses.
7. Understand your strengths and emphasize the positive.
8. Don't think you have to know everything. Ask questions but not just because you think it's expected.
9. Ask questions that will give you a realistic sense of the position.
10. Be able to articulate the aspects of nursing that interest you most and what is important to you in nursing.

Provide whatever was requested as soon as possible. This may include a transcript or reference(s). Transcripts must be provided by you through the Transcripts Office in the A.W. Peterson Office Building.

You may want to write a brief letter of appreciation for the interviewing opportunity.

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