How to best answer this application question?

I graduated in '99. I had 2 days of orientation. I worked 2 weekends a month for 2 months at a LTC facility. I was both thrown to the wolves and eaten alive. I was miserable. I realize it is completely MY FAULT for not starting at a more reputable place of employment with a orientation program. Hindsight is 20/20. At the same time my MIL was dx with CA and needed me to care for her 6yo son while she was ill. I quit, thinking when she was better I would get a better nursing job. I started selling successfully on ebay, and also discovered I LOVED being at home so didn't go back.

Now it is 2006, and I want to go back to work. I am finishing a refresher program. There is a job I would LOVE to get, WEO level I position with a great orientation program. I am working on the online application. I have NO idea what to put in the "reason for leaving last position" slot. I realize that I am already at risk for rejection and that it looks awful to have only given nursing 2 months. How should I answer this? Any other tips to help me get a 2nd chance at a nursing career?

You left that job to care for your young BIL while your MIL was ill with cancer.

That is a valid reason to quit a job and should do nothing but show you as honorable in an employers eyes. Even though it's been a while since you have worked, there are many people who take time from one career for another and you did that. I stopped nursing in 1982 to be in a rock band and travel around the country. That didn't stop me from working after that, however you may find that you are a little rusty and it may take a job before you feel comfortable again. Please don't be concerned about this issue, all you do is a part of you and makes you a fuller person and a better nurse. Best to you.

I graduated in '99. I had 2 days of orientation. I worked 2 weekends a month for 2 months at a LTC facility. I was both thrown to the wolves and eaten alive. I was miserable. I realize it is completely MY FAULT for not starting at a more reputable place of employment with a orientation program. Hindsight is 20/20. At the same time my MIL was dx with CA and needed me to care for her 6yo son while she was ill. I quit, thinking when she was better I would get a better nursing job. I started selling successfully on ebay, and also discovered I LOVED being at home so didn't go back.

Now it is 2006, and I want to go back to work. I am finishing a refresher program. There is a job I would LOVE to get, WEO level I position with a great orientation program. I am working on the online application. I have NO idea what to put in the "reason for leaving last position" slot. I realize that I am already at risk for rejection and that it looks awful to have only given nursing 2 months. How should I answer this? Any other tips to help me get a 2nd chance at a nursing career?

simple illness in your family. then put down as one of your jobs your self employment for those years.

Thanks, application submitted! :)