Gap Between School/NCLEX And Looking For Position

[Lilac]

Hi All,

I graduated from nursing school last August, and passed NCLEX on my first attempt last November. Due to family issues, I am just now starting to look for an LPN position. I am concerned that the gap may hurt my chances of getting hired. Would it be wise to explain the reason for my delay, or would that induce a prospective employer to think I may bow out on them in the future BECAUSE I took time to handle the issue? I personally believe that this issue is now resolved, and would seek other options if anything similar arose in the future, but I'm not sure how a prospective employer might feel.

Has anyone else experienced a gap betwen their training and seeking employment? How did things work out for you?

Thank You

[pielęgniarka, RN]

I know tons of nurses that had time off to have a baby or care for family or do whatever after passing boards. It for sure won't be a foreign idea! IF, big if, the employer asks during the interview [which I doubt they will] just tell them for family reasons and that you are now ready to get into the work force. If it was an issue, you could state you are willing to take a review course. Or state you have completed CEU's in certain areas to stay updated or something.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I did have a friend that was questioned about why it took her a year after graduation to sit for NCLEX-PN and 9 months after that to begin searching for a position. She lied and told them she was out of the country to care for a sick relative. They still offered her the job. I'd bend the truth a bit, if I had to.