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Discussion

Should I include work history from a LONG time ago?

I graduated nursing school almost 19 years ago and worked for around 6 years and then took off for 10 years to raise kids. I've been working part-time as a substitue school nurse for the last three years. I would like to find a more permanent type job where I get paid year-round so I've been applying places with no luck which is not all that suprising. I was wondering if it's better to put on my resume my previous six years experience with the 10 yr lapse or should I just leave all that out and put only my recent three years experience and then if I would get an interview explain my work history then? I'm afraid my having graduated so many years ago is hampering them even considering me. On the other hand it does show I have 9 years experience. What do you think?

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    • Featured Replies

    I would include the last 3-5 jobs you have had, if you do not have any advanced education.

    Substitute School Nurses would be the first job,then follow with the others behind it putting the years worked without drawing much attention to the gap.

    They will see the missed years inbetween and maybe question you on it but life happens. Have you taken a refresher course?

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    I would include the last 3-5 jobs you have had, if you do not have any advanced education.

    Substitute School Nurses would be the first job,then follow with the others behind it putting the years worked without drawing much attention to the gap.

    They will see the missed years inbetween and maybe question you on it but life happens. Have you taken a refresher course?

    In addition, I would check to see if your former employment can be verified -- many businesses only keep records for 7 years, more or less. If you've earned any additional certifications (e.g. ACLS), it would be helpful to list those as well. :idea:

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    I would definitely include your prior experience. My last 3 yrs experience showed prn work at a peds clinic. I did their medical dictation as well for 15 hr'/week. Prior to that I had a couple yrs consulting work and then 7 yrs of time off to stay home with kids. I included all previous work on my resume and on the online applications.

    I also included any unusual duties I had. I did get hired.

    I also called to follow up on my application a week later. That may have helped.

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    You can opt for a functional format resume. Include all the information. Do not use any dates. You can reserve dates for when you fill out the actual application or if the interviewer asks.

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    You can opt for a functional format resume. Include all the information. Do not use any dates. You can reserve dates for when you fill out the actual application or if the interviewer asks.

    I absolutely agree with this and believe it is your best solution. If unsure how to do this, use Google to find descriptions and examples of functional resumes for nurses.

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    • Expert

    In your case I would include the prior experience until you have enough recent experience to take the place of the old experience. I have had employers only ask for the last 7 years because that is how far back the background check goes while others ask for the last ten years. If the application only has four spaces, I only list the last four jobs.

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    • Author

    I will try the functional resume for sure which I have never done and see if that helps. Thanks for the advice!

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    You usually include employment from onty 10 years ago, BUT if your employment over that time is relevant, please include it.

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    I 2nd the notion of omitting dates, but would would include the elapsed time.

    i.e.:

    Current school nurse 3 yrs

    Hospital A 4 years

    Hospital B 2 years

    That way it establishes your 9 years without revealing the total span of time

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