RN since 2012, little work experience, new state - need advice please

[kk83]

I graduated from a CC in May 2012, got my first job and worked at a hospital 90 miles away for 3 months before I couldn't keep up. The drive alone could take 3 hours in snowy weather and it just wasn't possible. I worked on a busy Cardiac unit and learned a lot in my time with the hospital.

I continued my education and went back for my BSN graduating in January '15 and have since moved to another state. I am about to apply for my license and start looking for jobs, but I worry about the fact that although I've been active in school and furthering my education that my lack of experience will put me at a major disadvantage.

In the middle of my BSN coursework I suffered a huge, critical health crisis where I was lucky to survive. I was in the ICU for 7 weeks and it's taken me since January of '14 (when I was faced with the near loss of my life) to get back to a really healthy state where I am mentally and physically ready to start working again. During that time when I was still very ill, I finished my BSN with a 4.0 and Summa Cum Laude honors.

I'm sorry for the very long post, but it's scary to step back into this nursing world when I know I have very minimal work history - even for good reason. After my own health crisis, I feel I have even more dedication, passion, understanding, and heart to bring with me in whichever position I hope to find.

Any advice for what I can do to highlight the positives and hopefully become employed? I am going to a job fair in the state I live in now and am hoping to make some contacts, but I feel a bit anxious since I can't talk up my work experience (all 3 months of it).

[kk83]

Bumping in case someone happens to have any advice :).

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

I think your work experience is not that much to talk up..well you did get off orientation...that's an accomplishment. I think you should focus on the fact that you were motivated to advance your education and you are similarly motivated to advance your career..I think you should take a refresher course. Don't mention specifics about your illness. Just say you had to take off time for "personal reasons" only if asked. Hopefully they will like you and you will like them!