New nurse, no experience, long gap...how to respond to interview

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Hi everyone, I'm in my late 20s and I just got my LVN. Back then I was trying to get into RN program so I took preq classes for RN. That took like 2 years trying to get into RN preqs but I wasn't able to get into community college for RN. I gave up at that point and went for medical assistant at a community college for 1 year. Got my certificate as MA. Worked for about 6 months at chiropractor office part time paid by cash. Then I went into CNA classes to get experience and too see how the nursing field is like. 6 months of CNA nursing home and 6 months of CNA in the hospital. Got certified as CNA but never work as a CNA and my license expired. Now I'm a LVN with not much of working experience. I worked at minimum wages jobs here and there during the time I was in school but they were all cash money.

What would be a good way to explain this to my future employee?

-Thankyou so much!

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.
Hi everyone, I'm in my late 20s and I just got my LVN. Back then I was trying to get into RN program so I took preq classes for RN. That took like 2 years trying to get into RN preqs but I wasn't able to get into community college for RN. I gave up at that point and went for medical assistant at a community college for 1 year. Got my certificate as MA. Worked for about 6 months at chiropractor office part time paid by cash. Then I went into CNA classes to get experience and too see how the nursing field is like. 6 months of CNA nursing home and 6 months of CNA in the hospital. Got certified as CNA but never work as a CNA and my license expired. Now I'm a LVN with not much of working experience. I worked at minimum wages jobs here and there during the time I was in school but they were all cash money.

What would be a good way to explain this to my future employee?

-Thank you so much!

Congrats on earning your LVN!!

I'm sorry, it's a little hard to follow your timeline ("6 months of CNA in the hospital" and "never worked as CNA"..?) but based on the assumption you are an LVN and have a spotty employment history- it'll probably be OK.

In your resume, be clear with your chronological history. Do not include non-relevant details. Just dates of work, job titles, and current license/certifications.

Holding an LVN license gives you a fresh start. Apply to LTCs, where LVNs are in demand, and once you get a job, stay there for at least one year.

If you are asked about your employment gaps, be honest, brief and positive. "I was a full time student and getting my education was my priority. I'm looking forward to starting my nursing career."

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I wouldn't talk about the programs/job titles that didn't work out. Focus on what you have completed...namely LVN.

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I did 25 years in the military...nothing related to healthcare. My whole resume was military. Just be honest. They usually don't care what you did. They are looking at can you do the job.

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