Need some advice

[KAW1962]

I will try to keep this as brief as possible. I moved from PA to CA in March of 2008 after my husband secured a job here in CA. In June of 2008 I obtained a position in one of the local hospitals. Shortly thereafter we began experiencing some marital difficulties related to his alcoholism. I had only been employed for a month and a half when things on the home front became intolerable and I was forced into making a very difficult decision. Unfortunately I had to abruptly resign my position without notice, packed my belongings and drove back to PA and stayed with my family.

At that time I was not anticipating returning to CA and my previous manager was kind enough to give me my old job back. Over the next couple of months my husband was working on his issues and he also had to undergo surgery (unrelated to the alcoholism) that left him non-ambulatory. So I returned to CA to care for him after surgery. My old boss was very understanding of the situation and was actually happy for me that we were able to salvage our marriage.

When my husband was able to return to his normal level of activity at the beginning of this year I once again started looking for a job. This unfortunately also coincided with the depressed economic situation. It is now August and I have yet to obtain a position. I have signed on with a staffing agency and while it's only been one week I have not even had a nibble. I want to continue looking for a regular position but my resume as it is makes it look as though my last job was March of 2008. My questions are: Do I also include the two short lived positions which would show employment until November of 2008? I am afraid that might hurt more than help me. Second question: Would it be appropriate to include in a cover letter a brief outline of the circumstances, without going into too much detail, that let to sporadic work history for last year?

I am afraid that I am being punished for circumstances beyond my control. Believe me, if there was anything else I could have done to change this I would have, but at the time I had no where to go. I have no family here, didn't know anyone and felt really stuck.

Any input or suggestions will be appreciated.

[Orca, ADN, ASN, RN]

I would include them. Most employers understand economic and family situations, especially in times like these. When I interview applicants for employment, I always ask if I see something on their application or resume that may be a cause for concern. I had much rather see a couple of short-term jobs than a long gap since the last listed job. The real warning flag for me is people who seem to hold each job for a year or less and have a string of them. That tells me that either (a) they keep getting fired, or (b) they are restless and always in the market for another job. In your case, omitting those two jobs indicates to the casual observer (or prospective employer) that you were out of the profession for eight months longer than you really were - and that is significant. Without those two jobs it appears that you have been out of nursing for almost a year and a half.

I believe that most employers would be understanding of your situation. If I interviewed you I would appreciate your honesty about the situation.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

if you include them be BRIEF, only state there were issues that are now resolved. They don't want the gory details but they would like to know the issues are in the past.

You also might try applying for prn positions till people get to know you.

[KAW1962]

Thank you for the advice. I updated my resume and produced a cover letter briefly explaining the gaps in my employment history. I've contacted other nurse travel agencies and there's nothing they can do for me either. I know for a fact that some of the hospitals are hiring new grads but are telling me they want experience in the last year. I'm really stuck and am ready to give up and chuck nursing all together. I don't know what else to do short of pounding on the doors of the recruiters, but something tells me that won't make me any friends.