I am about to start applying for some nursing positions after a 2 and a half year break. From everything I have read, I should address this "employment gap" in my cover letter. For the life of me, I can't think of creative way to address this. I stayed home with my children...but it sounds so lame when I put it in print.
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to spice up my "nursing break?"
There was a two-and-a-half year gap in my resume because I cared for my dying mother. In the resume, when I came to those years, I simply listed the dates as though I had worked, but put "cared for mother who was dying of breast, brain, and liver cancer."
While it was most certainly an act of love, it was also a fulltime job.
Being someone's mom is something special, so don't downplay it!
Not every job even asks about employment gaps. I've had some that do and some that don't.
I've always heard that the best thing to do is when you're filling out the employment history is to put "Sabbatical" where there is a gap. You can then elaborate and put, "I was caring for my children, spouse, or ill grandparent," or just don't put anything and address it during the interview if they even ask.
Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.
I was out for almost 5 yrs with my kids and I said just that on my resume and in my interview. When I was asked if I had lost my skills, I was very confident in my answer which was a No. I also had my CPR and ACLS updated though to help sell myself a bit more. I was bringing to them my years of experience of which I did play up.
The only downside was taking a bit of a pay cut. Even though I had been an RN on license for 20 odd years, they did start me at a lower pay scale by deducting the years I was out of nursing.
sharpeimom
2,452 Posts
There was a two-and-a-half year gap in my resume because I cared for my dying mother. In the resume, when I came to those years, I simply listed the dates as though I had worked, but put "cared for mother who was dying of breast, brain, and liver cancer."
While it was most certainly an act of love, it was also a fulltime job.
Being someone's mom is something special, so don't downplay it!