A CV is a curriculum vitae. It is beyond a resume, which may cover a portion of your working and school life. The CV covers all the amazing things that you got to do, not only in your working life, but in your schooling life.

Writing your CV is important. It shows the ways you’ve changed in your working or schooling life and it also shows ALL the things that you’ve done in those lives. These can be awards, committees that you are on, or organizations and certifications that you have.

If you are still at school ask the writing center for help crafting your CV. Do not raw dog it like I did.

Just like you have a current and up-to-date resume ready to go at all times just in case, you should also be looking at your CV and adding things that you’ve done.

I recommend doing this yearly. Or when someone asks for it. I have several saved on the cloud, each named with my name and the year. But, Kate, why keep the old ones? Sometimes you want to reminisce who you were before all the work.

Personally, I update both the resume and the CV every year after I submit and receive confirmation of the clinical ladder. Seven years I’ve been a level 5 at my hospital. That is an accomplishment that makes me proud.

I was polishing my CV for a project not related to school or work when I realized there is a big chunk missing. I was a subject matter expert when the hospital system I work for was building out their EPIC. This means that I gathered with a bunch of other OR people and we hashed out the bare bones of what the EPIC should look like. I went back to the training computers when the build was complete and EPIC ready to release the system’s version to us so I could train other nurses and be the superuser for the surgeons.

The surgeons have never forgotten that I am the point person in the department with EPIC issues. It’s been 13 years and I still field questions regularly.

This was no where on my CV. Of course I had to add it. I also added the part about the subject matter expert and I also updated the non Dispatches from the Evening Shift writing that I do.

The moral of today’s story is when you get invited to do amazing things don’t forget to put it on your CV. Doing so shows that you are willing to take risks and also be involved in the hospital’s affairs.

Today’s homework is to bring up your resume and read it for completeness. Also get started on your CV. Be aware that this may take several passes. But it is so worth it.

Even if the only person you amaze is yourself.