Resume Dilema?

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Dialysis.

Hi Everyone,

I have a little problem, in 2007 I graduated and became an RN, I started as an RN in August 2007 on a telemetry floor, a few months later, I became very overwhelmed and starting having panic attacks, so I quit in Feb 2008. In Feb I started a new job in Psych. Now I want to apply for a med/surg position because I am in better frame of mind and I miss the acute care medical setting. My question is do I put the psych position that I have only had for 4 months on my application or do I just leave it off and pretend that I have not worked for 4 months?? Unsure what to do, please advise...

Thanks!

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Specializes in Psych, Psych and more Psych.

Why wouldn't you put the time you worked in psych on your resume?

If I were hiring, I would be suspicious of a 4 month gap in your employment hx.

It sounds like you think that 4 months of experience is would be somehow detrimental. How can any employment hx as a nurse be detrimental?

How was your performance during that 4 month stint in psych?

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Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.

Honesty is always the best way to deal with life in general. Employers will respect that. I am always more interested in why a nurse wants this particular job. I do not like answers that they like the hours or the commute. What I look for is why they want to do this job,that way I know they will have passion for their work. Please be aware that many employers can do a background check on you and can find out that you have been employed in that capacity

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If there is nothing negative about your psych job, such as being terminated from the position, I wouldn't leave it off your resume. After all, it is nursing experience. And you are more likely to be hired into a new position if you show that you have experience.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Dialysis.

Thanks for your replies! There was nothing wrong with my psych experience or job, I feel like mgmt is happy with my performance, I just don't think it looks good to only work in a job for 4 months.

I will put my psych job on my resume but why do I tell them I left telemetry, I can't tell them I started having panic attacks and thought psych would be easier. I do have a lot of interest in psych but I miss the skills in the hospital would like to give m/s a try...

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Don't say you were having panic attacks. Say that you were deeply interested in psych nursing at the time and thought you couldn't let an opportunity pass you by. Always stick with the positive in interviews.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Dialysis.

good point! thanks! I hope someone will hire me, I don't like having 2 nursing jobs in one year, but stuff happens, so I will go for it! thanks again!

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I would mention that you miss the medical side of nursing :)

do NOT say you had any reservations or panic attacks. They don't need to know that.

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