Should I just lie?

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I am an inactive nurse with NO RN work experience, searching for employment after 5 years of graduating nursing school. I think employers aren't considering me for employment because of this information. I was thinking of stating in my resume that I graduated in '08 or '09 instead of my actual graduating date '04, in order to make my resume more appealing. I have a current RN license, that IS the most important factor right? Soo, should I just lie? would it hurt to do so? I doubt they are going to verify when I graduated....not sure on what to do. Any thoughts?

I never looked at it that way. Thank you. I will definitely use this in my cover letter from now on. I appreciate this bit of information.

without being too obvious, you may also want to enhance the fact that the waiting (for legal status) was very difficult, since you were eager to start working as a nurse...

and now that are you a u.s. citizen, you are feeling like a brand new grad, excited to get that very first nsg job.

i agree with rn/writer, that you can play this to your advantage.

by the way, a big, hearty CONGRATULATIONS on becoming a u.s. citizen.:balloons::balloons::balloons:

you have much to celebrate.

keep us informed, please?

leslie

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

Lying is never the answer. Sorry, but I only want to work with truthful nurses; and I am sure I am not the only one.

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This is not just a lie this is a big big lie. That's the first thing they check--school info.

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Specializes in Health Information Management.
That's a perfectly reasonable explanation for the gap. In fact, it can work in your favor if you stress the fact (in a cover letter) that you wanted to operate within the law. In my mind, this would have the exact opposite effect of lying, and I would respect you for doing it.

I don't know what your ethnic background is, but perhaps it could give you an advantage in finding employment within that ethnic community, especially if you speak another language.

Rather than lean toward dishonesty, see if you can turn this "liability" into an asset with some creative thinking and our encouragement.

I wish you the best.

RN/writer, I couldn't agree more. OP, if while you weren't working, you did anything within your community that might enhance you in a future employer's eyes - like volunteer for ANY groups (nursing-related or not) serving your ethnic community, especially if you speak another language or that ethnic group has a solid presence within your larger community - play up that information in your resume and cover letter.

For instance, a city near me has a growing Somali community, and any nurse who showed she was familiar with or had connections within that community would be considered a more valuable candidate. Perhaps you could seek out a resume service if you're still feeling a little uncertain of how best to showcase your background and abilities.

I know it's frustrating to deal with an awful job market, but think of it this way: What's easier to explain, a gap on your resume due to your immigration service, or having been fired from your first nursing job after three months because HR found out you lied on your resume?

Good luck to you.

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If you're in California, consider doing a preceptorship since it's been awhile since you've been on the floor... you'll work along side with a nurse and it'll look even better on your resume.

California Rural Nursing Preceptorships

Rural California Nursing Preceptorship Program

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Specializes in home health, dialysis, others.

Do not lie on your application. I agree with those who say take a refresher course. It will help you, update you, and boost your confidence.

Best wishes!

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Hi - I recommend honesty-integrity is to me the esssence of nursing. be honest about your background, build on what you have done in the gap years, and look at an internship programme. I ask our HR to verify information!! I would also suggest you look into a refresher course at a local community college. Integrity with a willingness to lean and enthusiam goes a long way. good luck.

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Im in the same position as the OP, I will be inactive 3 years this month, its unfortunate but as a 2nd carreer nurse I was forced to take on a position outside of nursing since my wife lost her job prior to my graduation, since she was the breadwinner wile i was in school, it put us in a jam, as soon as i graduated I was waiting to sit for boards which was 5 months after i had graduated, and tech positions were not going to pay my mortgage so i had to go on survival mode, and sign a 2 year contract with a medical manufacturer, I have explained this issue truthfully to different HR's, they have understood but now that i am at the 3 yr mark I am being asked for a refresher and frankly the refresher courses offered in my area conflict with my normal work schedule . Therefore I pay my bills with my non nurse position and live vicariously through Allnurses

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Just in case you missed it in the prior 31 posts... ;) I agree: don't lie about your graduation date.

Facilities are so stringent about background and reference checks nowadays that the lie WILL be found out, and you'll have pretty much shot your nursing career in the foot. Better to be honest about the date, even if it's a temporary setback, than to risk your reputation. Good luck.

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Well you have two options! Take a refresher or volunteer at a hospital. Volunteering would allow you to set your own ours and also look for employment elsewhere.

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Don't lie. It is guaranteed to trip you up.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
I am an inactive nurse with NO RN work experience, searching for employment after 5 years of graduating nursing school. I think employers aren't considering me for employment because of this information. I was thinking of stating in my resume that I graduated in '08 or '09 instead of my actual graduating date '04, in order to make my resume more appealing. I have a current RN license, that IS the most important factor right? Soo, should I just lie? would it hurt to do so? I doubt they are going to verify when I graduated....not sure on what to do. Any thoughts?

DO NOT LIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They will check and then you are not credible...........the date of graduation is on your nursing liscence

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