Final answer:
A nursing student should keep their résumé and portfolio updated, making sure they are tailored to job applications and that they highlight experiences and skills effectively, using professional language and reflecting on personal achievements.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nursing student in a licensed practical/vocational nursing program should always ensure that their résumé and portfolio are up-to-date. A well-crafted résumé, often replete with technical language, highlights one's skills and experiences, while a portfolio further showcases these attributes with an array of professional and academic documents. When updating these documents, be sure to integrate new experiences, such as extracurricular activities, volunteer experiences, field placements, co-ops, internships, and academic learnings. For effective job hunting, one should also tailor the résumé and portfolio to the targeted job and employer, expand on experiences mentioned in the résumé in the cover letter, and ensure that all documentation overcomes screening technology, like applicant tracking systems.
Creating a compelling résumé and cover letter is critical; for instance, instead of stating "worked as a camp counselor," it's more impactful to say "developed systems of cooperative leadership among youth in an environmental awareness program." Similarly, reflecting on personal experiences and writing processes within your portfolio can provide a rich context for your professional journey and exhibit career resilience. Furthermore, developing a targeted professional objective, such as "To use programming skills to create innovative content for a growing company," can guide the strategic direction of your career search and documentation.