Can I list work experience without dates?

[Lemon Bars]

I am about to graduate from a BSN program. I am 46 years old and I have significant work experience prior to nursing school. However, my work history is somewhat messy. There were years when I worked, years when I was in school, years when I was unemployed, and there is one employer that I left and then went back to three times. I'm worried that listing all the dates of employment on my resume will highlight the fact that I have at times been unemployed, and will also highlight the fact that I am 46 years old. Does anyone know if it's acceptable to input these dates on a job application but then leave the dates of employment off of my resume?

[caliotter3]

Go back only five, or at the very most, ten years. Just completed app process and this employer verified (heard it before) that five years is sufficient.

[caliotter3]

BTW, in the past, employment apps or the HR representatives have stated to go back seven years. The HR rep who told me this said it is because seven years is how far back the background checking company goes for BI's. It also happens to coincide with the date that bad credit entries (and good entries as well) drop off one's credit report.