Wanting to get back in the game

[Bruin's Mom]

Hello everyone!

After reading the article "Ten ways to tell your burning out" I realize I made the correct decision by taking off some time and regrouping. I have been off since June. I needed to take a look at myself as a person and as a nurse and accept my flaws as well as my accomplishments. My job history has been ok; unfortunately, I live in a rural area and nursing homes and drug rehabs is all that is here. I am looking to get a job in a hospital med surg preferably, I worked in it before and really liked it; however, I was commuting an hour and 20 minutes and working full time, it was too much. After 7 years of working, being abused and belittled and treated like a doormat, I finally completely burned out.

My question is: When I interview for another position (the one that I want) do I tell all or just what is asked in the interview? Any advice will be helpful. I am an extremely honest person and I am scared I will talk to much and I will be thought of as a crazy, unreliable, incompetent nurse. Thanks!!:)

[Isabelle49]

When they ask why you haven't worked, say you were home with children or some other non job related excuse.

[RazzleNdazzle]

Maybe you could give a half-truth, which sure, may be a "lie." Prepare what you are going to say well before you go in. The job gap WILL come up. When it does you simply say that for all this time __ years you were facing: long commute, limited time with family, long hours, stressful environment. You recognized you needed some time spent at home and that your heart not only belongs to nursing but to your family. Say that it was a good thing and BECAUSE of that break you are a better nurse, better mentally/emotionally, and you're more valuable to them now.

Be prepared to answer "how will you deal with the commute now?" "what will you do about family time?" and "how do you handle stress (etc)?"

I'm with you on the honesty. Some places who can't handle the truth probably aren't the ones you want to work for anyhow. Your truth aspect isn't really largely bad. In this profession it's a matter of time before we all feel that way.

Best of luck!

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

Think of it as a first date. No one wants to hear all your dirty laundry. Just put your best foot forward. An employer wouldn't expect you to be totally, brutally, honest.

[bmathis]

I would mainly stick to answering there questions. If they ask why you have been off for so long you could say something about your town only having nursing homes/rehabs as you said and say that you have gained a lot of experience there and felt like you were ready to try something new (med surg).

[Bruin's Mom]

think of it as a first date. no one wants to hear all your dirty laundry. just put your best foot forward. an employer wouldn't expect you to be totally, brutally, honest.

i love this!! thank you!!

[Bruin's Mom]

Thank you so much to everyone for the fantastic advice!! I think I will tell the interviewer what they want to know and wont expand much on being off. All posts were deeply appreciated!!:)