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Hi, everyone. I am working on my resume. I have been out of work for two years due to getting married and just wanting to take a break and enjoy being new wife and stay at home mother. I am now ready to go back to work. (Although really nervous) I have about three years experience on med-surg and neuro. My question is, do I address the two year break on the resume or cover letter? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks everyone so much.

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In the business world, this has been referred to as sequencing.

Essentially, going to school, getting a degree, taking time off

for family, then returning to the workplace. I have not found

an example of how to reference the time out of work for a resume.

If a search reveals an example, I will forward it to you.

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Thanks Jahra. That is a good article. I appreciate it. Yeah. it is a tough struggle to decide even though my son is a bit older, 13 years old. I know he still needs me though...

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You are welcome. I am in a similar position, caring for elderly parents.

I have a larger gap than you. But, you are smart to put the needs

of your family first...

If you find a way to document the break on the resume, please let us know...

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Specializes in ICU.

I'm coming off an 18 month break after 12 years of ICU. While trying to find non-nursing work I detailed what I did during that time off. Got ZERO interviews. Zip. Nada. Then decided that I'll go back to nursing, so I re-wrote my resume and summed up the 18 month period as "Needed a break". THats all I wrote.

I have two interviews next week.

I believe that since I have a pretty solid background before quitting, what I did on my time off is of no concern to them. If they ask, then I'll tell them. Otherwise it's "If you hire me, let me show you what I can do for you".

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Specializes in behavioral health.

Two-three years is really not too long to be away. IMHO, you do not need to address it on resume. My sister is in management and tells me that she is more concerned about several gaps or job hopping more than a lengthy time away. You have three years experience, so that is a plus.

Many employers are quite understanding of taking time off to raise a family, taking care of ill family member, or just staying home as you are needed. Employers are understanding of taking time off to be a full-time homemaker. I took a nursing refresher course after being gone for four years and members in my class did not feel that four years was a big deal. They were all surprised that I was taking class after being out for "only" four years. I don't believe that two years is something to be overly concerned about.

You may want to ask this question on monster.com advice forum. They have a nursing thread as well.

Congratulations on marriage and becoming a mom! Good Luck to you!

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