How to address 10 year absence and other ?

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Specializes in Oncology (OCN).

I submitted this to Nurse Beth but would like input from others as well. I'm returning to practice after a 10 year absence due to medical disability. This is raising all sorts of issues when it comes to filling out applications, submitting resumes, and writing cover letters. I'm really hoping for some solid advice.

I recently took a RN Refresher course and I don't know where to include this on my resume. I've seen it listed on some resumes under Professional Experience and on others under Education or even Licenses & Certifications. My gut says listing it under Professional Experience gets rid of that initial impact of seeing my last nursing job was 10 years ago. (But does it really?). Thoughts???

Is it appropriate to address my ten year absence from nursing in my cover letter? And if so, how do I best do this? I'm thinking in very general terms explain what happened; state I'm now in excellent health and able to return to nursing; this is what I learned from the experience and these are the qualities I can bring to your organization because of my experience.

One last question, when filling out job applications it asks reasons for leaving positions and/or gives options. I worked for one organization my entire career but was on FMLA/STD for longer than anticipated and when I was unable to return due to my doctor not releasing me medically I was "let go". How do I address that? I was rehired by the same organization a few months later when I was medically cleared. And then eventually had to leave again when I became permanently disabled. How do I addressed that?

I'm sorry I know it's all complicated but I don't want someone to take a look at my application/resume/cover letter and immediately trash it. (Although I realize the chances of that are pretty high.)

Thank you all for your help!

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I submitted this to Nurse Beth but would like input from others as well. I'm returning to practice after a 10 year absence due to medical disability. This is raising all sorts of issues when it comes to filling out applications, submitting resumes, and writing cover letters. I'm really hoping for some solid advice.

I recently took a RN Refresher course and I don't know where to include this on my resume. I've seen it listed on some resumes under Professional Experience and on others under Education or even Licenses & Certifications. My gut says listing it under Professional Experience gets rid of that initial impact of seeing my last nursing job was 10 years ago. (But does it really?). Thoughts???

Is it appropriate to address my ten year absence from nursing in my cover letter? And if so, how do I best do this? I'm thinking in very general terms explain what happened; state I'm now in excellent health and able to return to nursing; this is what I learned from the experience and these are the qualities I can bring to your organization because of my experience.

One last question, when filling out job applications it asks reasons for leaving positions and/or gives options. I worked for one organization my entire career but was on FMLA/STD for longer than anticipated and when I was unable to return due to my doctor not releasing me medically I was "let go". How do I address that? I was rehired by the same organization a few months later when I was medically cleared. And then eventually had to leave again when I became permanently disabled. How do I addressed that?

I'm sorry I know it's all complicated but I don't want someone to take a look at my application/resume/cover letter and immediately trash it. (Although I realize the chances of that are pretty high.)

Thank you all for your help!

It looks like you've been thinking and asking about this for quite a while. There's probably no "perfect" way to do it ...just get out there and do something. Adjust your approach as you go along, depending on how it's going. Your path is unique that there's not really a reliable formula.

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Specializes in Oncology (OCN).
It looks like you've been thinking and asking about this for quite a while. There's probably no "perfect" way to do it ...just get out there and do something. Adjust your approach as you go along, depending on how it's going. Your path is unique that there's not really a reliable formula.

Thank you. It has been a long road back. I finished my Refresher course in May and my RN license was reactivated in June. I've been sending out applications/resumes since that time and I've not received any responses in over two months. I'm redoing my resume and that led to my questions. I'm thinking I've not been handling this in the correct way. (And yes, I do have a really bad habit of over thinking everything!)

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I don't know the answer but remember that women (primarily) enter and leave the workplace frequently due to family issues. It's not unheard of to be out for a decade to raise kids or take care of elderly parents. So, don't think this ten year gap is a deal breaker. It's not. You might need to apply to some not so nice places to get your foot in the door, but not necessarily (depends on the market, among other things).

Good luck. I wouldn't focus too much on all the reasons they might not hire you. Focus on all the reasons you'd be a fantastic addition to their organization.

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I have also been out of Nursing for 10 years due to medical disability that has since resolved.I feel great and looking forward to get back into nursing, but I'm having no luck. The only thing the recruiters see is my absence. My age does not help, because I'm not a 22 yr old new graduate.I'm trying to remain positive, that's all I can do.

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