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Discussion

How to explain absences & looking for a career coach

Greetings!

I've had a rough go of it since graduating from nursing school in 2005. After working only 5 months my son was diagnosed with an aneurysmal bone cyst and I left to take care of him. I returned to work 6 months later to a position I clearly was not ready for (Peds Onc). I switched to a clinical setting after 5 months of that and was happy for 1 1/2 years until I was diagnosed with cancer myself. I've been out for nearly 1 1/2 years. I'm healthy now and ready to get back to work but I'm totally overwhelmed with where to begin.

For starters, how do I get in the door to even interview when my record looks so shoddy. Mind you, this is my second career and in my previous "life" I never worked for a firm less than 6 years.

Would taking a refresher course and putting that on my resume be helpful?

I have two great references from former employers but since everything is done on line now, how do I get past the "damn she job hops and hasn't worked in a long time" to get them to contact these people?

I'm also not certain WHAT I want to do. I've done onc, gyn, and general practice. I'm interested in psych and case management but I don't think I have enough experience at this point.

I'm open to any suggestions, warnings, words of encouragement, and hugs. I'm also very interested in paying someone for a few hours of their time if they have career coaching experience that could help me get over this hurdle.

Thanks so much!

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    I just posted a really long reply and then my computer ate it. :(

    The basic gyst was that I feel your pain as far as your spotty work history is concerned and I'm sorry to hear about your son and your own health but glad to hear everything seems to be okay now.

    The main point of my email was stressing how awesome Donna Cardillo is. I don't work for her nor do I mean to be solicitous or spammy (so forgive me readers and moderators if it seems that way), but she's a motivational speaker who is also a nurse and has done some great work as far as career changes and advice are concerned. Her books and column in Nursing Spectrum (you can access the "dear donna" advice letters for free on the Spectrum website) have certainly helped me a lot. You can do a web search for her, her company is called Cardillo and Associates.

    She has good advice on networking, joining organzations, and writing letters to uncover hidden job markets and even suggests saying something like "Periodically, I've had personal/familial issues in my past that have required my full attention. Those issues are resolved now and I'm eager to get back to the hospital/work/whatever environment again on a full time basis."

    I feel like my original response was longer and more clever, but again, I have an old computer that does like to eat things.

    I hope some of this has helped and I send you a cyber hug :hug: if you are so receptive. :)

    Good luck!

    One of her client's experience: http://www.dcardillo.com/articles/reenterwork.html

    The Nursing Spectrum Site: http://www.nurse.com/

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    • Author

    AnnaNurse,

    Thank you for replying. I was starting to get a bit disheartened because no one had.

    I will look into Donna's work and see if that can help me in any way. You know what they say "none of us is as smart as all of us". I'm open to any and all suggestions. I'm just ready to get back to work, mentally and physically.

    Thanks for the cyber hug. They are always welcomed.

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    Hi, there are good coaches out there...I do some coaching (it would have to be on a short-term basis) as I am in graduate school....but I do hear your distress and could help. I will tell you, the first thing you need to do is shift your own head. There is nothing "shoddy" about your work history....things happened in your life, the life of your family, that had you take a "leave" from a profession you love. Those issues are resolved and now you are ready to return. END OF STORY.

    Do not apologize, justify, be shamed or make excuses. Also do not go into the details..whatever you do, do not do that. Hospitals and other health care employeers are freaked over the current health care "reform" bills. If they think or find out you have had a major illness, they might pass you by for just that. So, you do not elaborate, they cannot (by law) ask...and you remain upbeat and ++, ready to restart. If they want you to do a refresher, they will say, so. It will depend on how fast you adapt...and I would recommend that first and most important you pick a unit that is a bit lower stress....and has a good culture of caring for patients. If they care for patients well, they may also care for staff well.

    But first shift your head. Because if your mind is not clear and focused...all the other issues will be "sensed" and you will be passed over. The market is a bit tight right now in some places. But you do have experience. A good book for you to read, it just came out...by Ruthie Dearing: Nine Keys to being Memorable. I have heard her speak and she speaks very STRAIGHT and gives good advice.

    If you want coaching beyond what I have given you, send me your e-mail and we can connect by phone. Good luck!

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    • Author

    dukemidwifeprof,

    Thank you for responding and your encouragement. I am, if nothing, too open and honest at interviews. And you're right, I do feel a need to apologize.

    I took a look at a chapter of Ruthie's book on Amazon and I think I'll order a copy.

    I've decided to apply for a position at a local psychiatric facility. I really do enjoy that aspect of nursing and I think that is key to being happy and confident.

    Thanks again and Congrats - Boy that's a hard thing for this Tar Heel to say ;)

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