Incorporating informal caregiving into new grad resume

[BirdieBird, BSN]

Hello all, I am a recent BSN graduate embarking on a second career at age 30. My prior career was business management and was 7 years ago. Since that time, I've worked part time in home care while acting as a an almost-stay-at-home mom and also caring for my severely disabled parent in my home; the last four years I did this while full time in school. The care I provided my father included ostomy cares, PROM, ADL assistance, constant assessment for newly surfaced health issues, and general management of his care; however, this was unpaid care provision without an employer. Had he not lived with me, he would have been in a LTC facility (this is where he was for a brief period before joining my household). I should mention his diagnosis: chronic progressive MS- quadriplegic. So, how can I incorporate this experience into my resume so it doesn't appear I've spent the last five years doing little to nothing in the employment realm? Thanks in advance for any advice!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

It is unwise to provide a potential employer with any information about your personal life or circumstances. Federal law prevents asking "those questions" any more (marital status, dependent children or relatives, etc) because they were found to be prejudicial. What if this information gives someone the impression that you may be calling in frequently to deal with sick family members? You never know what type of prejudices or stereotypes are present among those that do the hiring.

Since you are a new grad without previous healthcare jobs, competency expectations will be minimal for your first job. You will end up surprising them - in a very good way - with how fast you meet their performance expectations.