Cured of cancer, now looking for new RN job

[OrionQuiltsRN]

After a year long battle with lymphoma, I am finally ready to get back to work. Clearly there is a lapse of employment on my resume. How do I address that lapse of employment on my resume, or do I? With God's blessings I will have a job interview (or many). How do I address that lapse of employment in the interview? I am concerned that once I say the cancer word, employers will not want to hire me. How much information do I discuss in an interview? I want to be honest, but don't how much information to give.

I am healthy, a bit tired after that much chemo kicked my butt. My oncologist has cleared me to work. I only see my oncologist every 4 weeks for blood work. Doctor visits will soon be every 3 months, so I have no treatments that would interfere with my work schedule.

[Leelee2]

Having a chronic health condition myself, I have some lapse in my employment.

I have been asked about them before in an interview. I kept it simple, you need to address it yes, but I wouldn't get into any specifics. The point is you are cleared to get back to work. Here is the explanation I gave. Hope it helps.

"I had a health issue that I needed to focus on to heal, and now that I am feeling much better, I am ready to jump back into working and I am excited about the possibly of working for ...(named company)!"

It worked, I got the job!

[Belle Epoque]

Only provide as much info as you are comfortable doing.

Don't mention it unless they bring it up then be very vague - say illness/medical condition, not cancer/chemo.

Emphasize the fact that you are healthy, fit to work and as motivated as ever.

Good luck to you.

[GM2RN]

Only provide as much info as you are comfortable doing.

Don't mention it unless they bring it up then be very vague - say illness/medical condition, not cancer/chemo.

Emphasize the fact that you are healthy, fit to work and as motivated as ever.

Good luck to you.

While I agree with this, my inclination would be to say "illness" and not "medical condition." The former, to my mind at least, conveys the impression of something acute and temporary that can be "cured." The later conveys the impression of something chronic that may need to be dealt with on an ongoing basis.

[cecilsgirl]

All good answers!!, Leelee2 sounds workable on the application and questions that may be asked. So happy for you, I am a cancer suvivor also, BC, stage 2, 6 and 1/2 years out from last chemo. !! wishing you the best, and there is life after treatment!!!!

[nebrgirl]

It was time to take a break to address some of my other life goals. (maybe a bit less than 100% honest, but discrimination is real, so keep it very vauge.

[P B and J]

Not much for advice, but I wanted to say congrats and glad you are well again!

Also, I suppose if I were in your situation, I would simply say, and only if questioned, that I had a medical issue to deal with, and as was already suggested, now that I'm all better I'm excited/looking forward to working at such and such facility. If they ask more, you can use your discretion to disclose or not.

[iwanna]

I was given advice about this situation - several replies:

I was in a position where I did not need to work. I decided to take some time off.

I was needed at home for a family member that was ill.(although family member was self)

I wanted to be a full time homemaker for a while.

A vocational counselor told me that the ADA protects you from revealing anything about your past illness. Only, if it would interfere with your job and would need accommodations.