Can I use my father with Alzheimer's as work experience on a resume?

llg, PhD, RN · Sep 23, 2009

1. It depends on what type of job you would be applying for.

2. You would need to be very clear that it was "personal family experience" and not "professional experience" on your resume. Taking care of a family member at home and meeting the expectations of an employer can be very different. An employer would think you were trying to be sneaky if they thought you were trying to pass one off as the other.

If you decide to do it, I would not list it under an employment section or clinical experience section, etc. I would make a special section in my resume to list it -- separate from any work or school experiences -- to be sure that it did not appear that I was trying to fool anybody.

PAERRN20 · Sep 23, 2009

I would not add this to the resume. Usually work experience is only considered if it is paid experience. Although you could mention in in the interview, leave it off the initial resume or application.

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Sep 23, 2009

It seems kind of hokey, at any rate.

rn/writer, RN · Sep 23, 2009

Many people include organized volunteer work or other unpaid opportunities on a job application, especially if they do not have a lot of history in paid positions. As long as the voluntary nature of the experience is disclosed, there is nothing shady about doing this. In fact, an applicant's dedication to a position where they did not receive a paycheck can be quite impressive.

Some applications have a place to put "Other relevant experience," and this is where you should tell them about what you have been doing for your father. You can list it as you did for us:

I have been caring for my father, who has Alzheimer's, for the last 5 years, in my home. He has had a few strokes, has seizures, has chronic kidney failure, bowel and bladder incontinent, and is bed bound due to loss of muscle tone. I bathe, dress, shave, give meds, change briefs, transfer from bed to chair and back, take to dr. appts., do incontent laundry, etc.

You aren't trying to put one over on anybody, and this life experience shows you have patience, perseverance, and a realistic idea of what it is like to care for someone who is highly dependent and cognitively compromised. If I were an employer, I would be happy to have this information.

Including this could also help you account for your time if you were unemployed or underemployed due to the extent of your father's needs.

Best wishes in your job quest.

Addendum: I find myself agreeing with other posters who suggested that you limit your description to "a family member," rather than specifically stating that you have cared for your father who lives in your home. As they have said, you don't want to plant the idea that you might have personal care-taking burdens that could interfere with your availability on the job.

I do stand by the idea that this kind of real world experience is both relevant and worthy of being listed at some point on your resume or in a cover letter or both. In this competitive economy, new grads appear to be a dime a dozen. No offense intended, but the posts here at AN seem to bear that out at the moment. Anything you can offer that will make you stand out in the crowd or portray you as someone accustomed to handling responsibility (apart from the structure of a school setting) is an advantage.

Here's another thought. If caring for your father has translated into doing well in the clinical setting, maybe you could approach your instructors/preceptors and ask about including them as references.

BTW, what you have done for your father is outstanding. If I were an employer, I would count your dedication and perseverance in such a demanding situation very much in your favor.

SlightlyMental_RN · Sep 23, 2009

No, I wouldn't put this anywhere on a resume. I, too, have a parent with Alzheimer's that I help care for, but I wouldn't ever think of using this as "work experience." This is my personal life experience, and it's made me more sympathetic and patient person, but my mother is not my employer. If you feel it's something that a potential employer would be interested in, such as applying for LTC, you could put it on a cover letter or mention it in an interview, but that's as far as I would take it.

TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN · Sep 23, 2009

Another thing to consider in addition to the great advice above, is that this may count against you with hiring managers. If they think that you might have an overwhelming personal life that will affect your professional life, it may have a very negative impact. Before I get flamed, I know this would be illegal, but I think we all know that it happens!

NC Girl BSN · Sep 23, 2009

Another thing to consider in addition to the great advice above, is that this may count against you with hiring managers. If they think that you might have an overwhelming personal life that will affect your professional life, it may have a very negative impact. Before I get flamed, I know this would be illegal, but I think we all know that it happens!

I was thinking the same thing. If you are interviewing for a position where you would have to care for someone with alzheimers, maybe you can share your experience with your father in the interview. DO NOT tell them that you are the primary care giver or that her lives with you. An employer may hold it against you and think you may let it interfer with coming to work at your scheduled times. Just be careful.

kanzi monkey · Sep 24, 2009

I don't think personal experiences are appropriate on a resume, but I can imagine the skills you've acquired while caring for your father could help you in an interview situation. If a moment arises where you can discuss your experiences in a natural way, I don't see anything wrong with that. I might make it as impersonal as possible--say "family member" instead of "father", don't give details about how it has affected your personal life, etc. The person interviewing you shouldn't inquire further, but if s/he does, prepare to be as vague as possible.

SunnyAndrsn · Sep 24, 2009

I am a nursing student and will graduate this December with an ASN. I have no previous healthcare experience. I have been caring for my father, who has Alzheimer's, for the last 5 years, in my home. He has had a few strokes, has seizures, has chronic kidney failure, bowel and bladder incontinent, and is bed bound due to loss of muscle tone. I bathe, dress, shave, give meds, change briefs, transfer from bed to chair and back, take to dr. appts., do incontent laundry, etc. I was wondering if I can add my caregiving experience to my resume, and if you think it would help in obtaining my first nursing job?

You could mention it in the cover letter, briefly. I did not add my experience with huntington's disease in my cover letter, but did bring it up at the interview. And yes, I did get the job.

I agree with those who have stated you should keep it as impersonal as possible..."I have personal experience helping care for a family member with alzheimer's disease. I have assisted with ADLs....etc."

JenniferSews · Sep 24, 2009

I think the cover letter would be the best place for it. I agree with saying "family member" and if they ask, be sure you have an answer for who will be caring for that person once you are working.

aquariusbridget · Sep 26, 2009

Thank you for all your advice everyone.