Returning RN..do you explain employment gap in cover letter?

nurse2033, MSN, RN · Jan 3, 2011

You should address it. You don't want them wondering and filling in the blanks with their imaginations; prison, rehab, writer for the Fox network... Just say you stayed home to care for your children, this is not lame and not an excuse. It's a perfectly good reason. Good luck.

0402 · Jan 3, 2011

I agree- something about after spending time at home with my children, I am ready to return to the challenges of nursing.... There's nothing wrong with taking time off to be with kids, and it's a great explanation of the employment gap.

mcleanl · Jan 3, 2011

You guys are the best. I've been a nurse for a million years but this nursing break and the job shortage has made me feel so unsavvy! Nurse2033...writer for Fox network...made me laugh so hard I spit my gingerale out!!!!!!

Preeps · Jan 3, 2011

I think staying at home to be with your children is the best possible reason to have a gap in any job personally!

You should be proud you put them first, and also happy that you could afford them this time!

Good luck.

tablefor9, RN · Jan 3, 2011

What is it with us when we think taking time to be a Mom is lame? Be proud of what you've done...you've poured into the lives of your children!

You might want to talk about any volunteer work or educational ops you've taken advantage of, but don't sweat it. It is what it is, and you don't need to be ashamed.

JLForever · Jan 3, 2011

Wow, I clicked on this post because I just quit my nursing job with the intentions of staying home with my children for awhile (ages 4, 2 and trying for #3) and wanted to see how people explain gaps in nursing employment. It is really nice to hear so much support for choosing to be with our kids. I have felt somewhat ashamed, like I should be willing to sacrifice spending time with them to put my hard earned nursing license to use. I have tried but felt awful being away from them and am fortunate that we are in a financial position to allow me to stay home for now.

Anyway thanks for the support and encouragement even though it was directed at the OP. To the OP: do what everyone else suggested and just word it in a professional manner (like the "returning to the challenges of nursing" comment). I had to do the same thing to explain the gap between graduating nursing school and starting my first RN job, because I got my license 3 weeks before my daughter was born. In my cover letter I said something like "After spending time at home with my daughter born soon after passing boards, I am eager to begin my career as a Registered Nurse".

Hope that helps. Good luck!

Mrs. Sparkle Pants · Jan 3, 2011

I agree with the responses here, but I would also try to find a way to make it clear that you have stable care for them now. Just letting the employer know that you won't be calling in every other day because the babysitter is sick or the kids had XYZ. Yes, taking time off to be with your kids is awesome and respected, but it can also be a red flag for an employer.

RNfaster · Jan 3, 2011

Why not state that you seek to return to nursing after a brief hiatus and leave it at that? You might have been traveling around the world, caring for family, sick, doing nothing, renovating a house, anything... Aren't prospective employers not supposed to inquire about family, marital status, car status, and all that? You usually have to declare felonies on an application....

RNfaster · Jan 3, 2011

Check this link out...

http://www.9to5.org/local/activist-network/media/press/women-end-up-on-the-spot-when-employers-ask-about-plans-for-mothe

Questions about family or marital status "are not relevant to whether or not you're qualified for the job, and therefore it should not be part of the job interview," said Shannon Powers, of the state Human Relations Commission.

Currently, 22 states prohibit asking if a job applicant is married or has children. "I think everyone can agree there is no reason to ask that question," said Lisa Matukaitis, a Harrisburg attorney specializing in family law.

I would emphasize your skills, education, and previous experience in your cover letter.

Maybe you took time off to relax while your spouse worked. Maybe you have a trust fund.

A female friend I know mentioned that she had kids during a job interview. The employer asked her the ages, and if she had daycare, and if she had her own car (not shared with her husband). Those questions weren't right. I think I would keep off that subject and emphasize the things relevant to the job. If an employer is asking questions that aren't kosher it's a warning sign as I see it. My friend took a job with that employer and later quit it as she didn't feel comfortable with the company's practices.

Anyway. Good luck. Your experience will surely open doors for you.

mcleanl · Jan 3, 2011

Thanks for all the encouraging responses!

favoritemumsy · Nov 23, 2012

So glad I found this site. I too have been out of nursing for close to 10 years raising my children. I had worked as an OR nurse for 14 years prior to quitting to be a full time stay at home mom. Want to get back into nursing and am waiting to attend a RN refresher course hopefully after the first of the year. I was working on my resume and didn't know how to explain the 10 year gap. My husband is actually the one who told me to explain it in my cover letter and to preface it with all my experience and certifications. ( He does a lot of hiring in his job and sees this often). Really feel much better about how my resume reads now.