To Tell or Not to Tell

[Novice1]

Basically, I failed my initial attempt with the RN exam but passed the second time. However, there's a time gap on my resume and I didn't receive my RN license until January 2009 (graduated June 2008). In addition, my eligibility for the new grad expired. Do I let the interviewer/manager/HR know that I failed the first time? Would it make a difference?

*sigh* Right now I'm struggling to get into the Ontario RN workforce. When they (HR/managers) look at my resume I have no experience (aside from school) and I'm competing with new grads who get funding plus experienced nurses. Any advice to over come this?

Defeated and frustrated

[CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN]

No reason to tell! Unless asked specifically, all right to tell the truth then.

Don't give your future employer ammunition to use against you or to spread silly rumors amongst the staff IMHO! You passed, bravo!

I repeated pediatrics and failed pathophysiology the first time. So what!? I believe it is nobody's business to know my struggles in school! I passed the NCLEX the first time. Big deal! So what! It doesn't make me a better nurse than someone who took the test multiple times.

In fact I'll bet you the one who had to take that test over and over and finally passed is a determined old soul and should be praised for his/her perseverance! That person who did so did not want nursing to go by the wayside. Bravo to that special someone! I'd hire that one over a prideful NCLEX taker any day!

[eriksoln, BSN, RN]

I'd say pretty much the same thing the poster before me did. Dont bring it up, if they do....be honest.

Just my opinion, but, I think people overthing the interview process and get worked up and then dont de well. Dont overthink the interview or what it is you are going up against.

The thing I always take with me into the interview is.......I know what makes me a good worker. I'm flexible, tend to make close relations with co-workers leading to a good team environment and I am assertive. I make sure these points, if nothing else, come across.

Decide what it is that you have to offer as an employee and practice getting those points across.

[NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN]

Please tell ! My mother who is a new grad RN, had her first interview today. However, it didn't last five minutes, because a GAP on her resume.

She had a GAP for a legite reason as you do.... However, when the interviewer inquired about her GAP on her resume, my mother was forced to tell the truth. She did not get hired due to that very reason.

Her charecter was questioned, because she did have a GAP, and did not explain why on the resume.

She came home, cried, and then changed her RESUME.

Employers don't care if and why you have a GAP. The important thing is being honest, even if you think being honest won't get you the job. The truth will always set you FREE.

GOOD LUCK, with whatever you decide

[linzz]

You might want to try and post this in the Canadian Forum to get some feeedback from anyone else who may be going through this also. If you graduated in June 2008, do you not have one year from graduation to still qualify for the new grad initiative which is supposed to be six months of guaranteed full time employment? Maybe I am wrong and it is only six months after graduation. I am so sorry for what you are going through. I am sure that someone will hire you eventually as I doubt you are the only one who did not pass the exam on the first attempt. I am hearing that the CNO will be bringing back the short answer format so this may also create more people who don't pass the exam on the first try.

Please keep going, as the Ontario economy is in a terrible state right now as all the hospitals must balance their books by April, of this year and they will do it by laying off if the government doesn't pony up the $$. I am optimistic that they will come up with the money or risk a coalition government, so I think it will get better soon. Please keep us informed as I think this is crazy turning away new grad RN's. Don't beat yourself up, you are just in a tough spot due to political forces beyond your control. You will find work eventually as RN's are needed.

[SonicnurseRN]

You could explain the gap on your resume as a sabbatical to Europe or something. Lots of people do that after college.

[Princess_M83]

Do not lie as above poster suggested. Simply tell the truth. There are many nurses where I work that do not pass the first time. Most of them are able to work while they try to pass again which gives them an edge of course but I do not believe that anyone will hold it against you, ultimately you passed your second try and there are many people who take longer than that. Tell the truth on your resume and in person, do not try to cover it up, in the end you will feel better that you told and did not make up a bogus reason as to why you are just trying to find work now and you will respect yourself much more for not lying to people.

[BroadwayRN, ASN, RN]

If they ask why the gap, tell them the truth, there's nothing what-so-ever unusual in failing the first attempt don't let it make you so nervous. You have a license that's all that is important.

[caliotter3]

I've never mentioned employment gaps on my resume or job applications and have never been asked. Don't bring up anything negative. If asked, have an answer ready. I would say that I took a break after school and leave it at that. No need for anyone to be told how many times you took the NCLEX. It is not relevant. The fact that you now have a license is relevant.

[The Hated Consultant]

It's not necessarily an employer's business why you have a gap. People have to not work for stretches at a time for a variety of reasons. If they ask directly, tell the truth with as few words as possible, but like another poster said, be prepared with why you're the one to fill the position you're interviewing for.

[MB37]

Nothing wrong with the statement "I took a little time for myself after graduation and then studied for the NCLEX," if asked. They may not even ask about a 6 month gap directly following graduation though, it does't raise a red flag like gaps in the middle of a work history do.

[eriksoln, BSN, RN]

Can I add something also for the OP:

You have nothing to fear about the interviewer knowing that you failed boards first time.

First time pass is a priority ONLY if you are already employeed by them. They are expecting you to pass so then can get on with using you as a nurse instead of a GN.

You took care of taking the test on your own time. Your failed attempt first time around has/had no effect on their or anyone else's staffing needs.

Passing first time is only vital to them because they need you on the floor pronto. Thats why hospitals are so anxious about it WHEN YOU ARE THEIR EMPLOYEE.

You've passed and have your license. You are the same as someone who passed first time in their eyes.