Resume vs. CV for APPs: Which One Do Hospital Directors Actually Want?

You've found the perfect ICU position, and you're ready to apply. But then you hit a common dilemma: do they want a resume or a CV? And what's the difference anyway?

The Quick Answer

For most clinical APP positions in the United States, hospital directors prefer a CV (Curriculum Vitae). However, there are exceptions, and understanding when to use each document will give you a competitive edge.

Resume vs. CV: The Core Differences

Resume

• Length: 1-2 pages maximum
• Focus: Relevant work experience, targeted skills
• Best For: Industry positions, non-clinical roles, career changers
• Style: Concise, accomplishment-focused bullets

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Length: As long as needed (typically 2-5 pages for APPs)
• Focus: Complete professional history, education, certifications, publications
• Best For: Clinical positions, academic roles, research positions
• Style: Comprehensive, chronological listing

What ICU Hiring Managers Actually Look For

We surveyed dozens of ICU medical directors and APP leads. Here's what matters most:

1. Certifications Front and Center

List your certifications prominently—ACNP-BC, AGACNP-BC, PA-C, plus any specialty certs like CCRN, CSC, or CMC.

2. ICU-Specific Experience

Don't bury your critical care experience in a generic "Work History" section. Create a dedicated section that highlights:

• Types of ICUs (MICU, SICU, CVICU, etc.)
• Bed counts and acuity levels
• Patient populations (adult, pediatric, trauma)
• Procedures you're competent in

3. Procedural Skills

Create a separate "Procedures" section listing:

• Central line insertion (IJ, subclavian, femoral)
• Arterial line placement
• Intubation/airway management
• Lumbar puncture
• Chest tube insertion
• Bronchoscopy assistance

Include estimated numbers if impressive (e.g., "Central lines: 200+")

4. EMR Proficiency

List the electronic medical records systems you've used: Epic, Cerner, Meditech, etc.

The Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds

Many successful APP applicants use a "clinical CV" format that combines:

• Resume brevity in the summary and skills sections
• CV comprehensiveness in education, certifications, and clinical experience

CV Sections Every ICU APP Needs

1. Contact Information & Credentials (name, credentials after name)
2. Professional Summary (3-4 sentences tailored to ICU)
3. Licensure & Certifications
4. Education
5. Clinical Experience (most detailed section)
6. Procedural Competencies
7. Professional Memberships (AACN, SCCM, AAPA, etc.)
8. Publications/Presentations (if applicable)
9. References (available upon request)

Formatting Tips That Make a Difference

• Use reverse chronological order for all sections
• Be consistent with formatting (dates, bullets, spacing)
• Include months and years for employment dates
• Quantify when possible (patient census, procedures performed)
• Tailor for each application (yes, it takes time, but it works)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Generic objective statements ("Seeking a challenging position...")
2. Listing every job since college (focus on relevant experience)
3. Typos in medical terminology (instant credibility killer)
4. Missing NPI number (many employers want this upfront)
5. Outdated contact information

The Bottom Line

When in doubt, default to a CV for clinical APP positions. Keep it comprehensive but well-organized, lead with your most relevant qualifications, and always tailor it to the specific role.

Your CV is often your first impression—make it count.