Applying to ABSN programs with little recent work experience

[rloh961]

I have been taking prereqs for accelerated BSN programs in the Boston area and am now seriously looking into applying. My grades are good, and I have a solid BS in a psychology-related field, but my big worry is a lack of recent work experience. I've been a stay at home mom since 2006, following the birth of my daughter. My previous work was in psychology research, but the work is all old now, and I'm concerned about the big hole in my resume from the past 5 years.

Is anyone else applying to ABSN programs with little recent work experience? Any advice on how to spin things in my favor? I've got a good academic record and am really committed to going back to school, and I think I will make an excellent nurse. I don't want my work history to make me look lazy; staying home was a decision I made for my family and I think it was the right one for us at the time... Plus, taking care of little ones and maintaining the household may not be a job, but it IS a lot of work!

[Nursehopefull]

Greetings! I have just recently gotten accepted into MGH's ABSN program for the upcoming summer semester and from the friends that I have known who applied and gotten accepted, not many had a "ton" of experience.

If your lifestyle allows, I would suggest trying to obtain a CNA or PCA job to get hands-on patient experience or any volunteering experience you could manage. This not only helps you to be comfortable around patients but it also shows the school that you have looked into this profession seriously.

[rloh961]

Nursehopefull, congrats on your acceptance!

I do have some patient experience from my previous (i.e., pre-kids) life. I worked on treatment studies for patients with OCD and OCD-spectrum disorders at MGH, so I did get face time with patients, but more for collecting data than providing treatment myself. I was also pursuing a PhD in clinical psychology before I wound up starting a family (long story, which I would have to explain to any admissions committee if they give me the chance), and in that capacity I had begun treating patients with anxiety disorders, but I only saw a few before leaving the program.

Do you think I need more recent patient experience to be a competitive applicant? Also, does it not really 'count' that the only patients I've seen were psych patients?

[pexx84]

In all likelihood, nearly every member of your admissions committee will be a mom with kids. They know what it's like.

Don't worry!

I don't want my work history to make me look lazy; staying home was a decision I made for my family and I think it was the right one for us at the time... Plus, taking care of little ones and maintaining the household may not be a job, but it IS a lot of work!

[Rookie12]

I would agree with above posters...thats whats so great about the ABSN programs is that it allows people to change careers with little/no recent or relevant work experience. I graduated from the MGH ABSN program over the summer and many of my classmates had been out of the workforce for a while in order to have/raise families. Don't discount that as experience either, especially when you get to L&D:p If this is your dream, absolutely go for it!!! Best of luck!!