I am an experienced RN who has interrupted my career several times to care for my family. I’d like to return to work, but I’m worried my résumé doesn’t look appealing because of the interruptions.
Wednesday November 4, 2009
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I am an RN with 21 years of experience and multiple specialty skills. But as a mother raising seven children and assisting with my 12 grandchildren (so some of my children could pursue their careers) and with a husband who is a firefighter, I’ve always had to either resign from my full-time jobs or take agency and registry assignments to accommodate my husband’s schedule. I took off work about five months ago to have a total knee replacement. I want to return to work, but I can't take flu shots because of my allergy to eggs, and my résumé doesn't look good (because of all the interruptions).
Valerie
Your situation is not as dismal or hopeless as you make it sound. It appears that you have a good solid base of experience in your specialty. And more nurses than you might imagine have worked on and off over the years while tending to family/personal issues.
I would suggest that you start to move forward with confidence focusing on the work and life experience you have accumulated. A great place to start is to sit down and make a list of your lifelong accomplishments — both personal and professional. It might take a week to complete it, but it is an empowering exercise. You might ask some friends and family members to help you recall these things. We have a tendency to focus on where we want to be and forget how far we have already come.
You also should make a written list of your strengths and assets. Focus on what you can do and what you have to offer to prospective employers. You have to believe in yourself and be able to convey your value on an interview.
Also, start getting out to related professional association meetings such as the local chapter of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (www.apna.org). If not already a member, attend as a guest. Talk to people there and let them know what you are looking for. Contact past employers, supervisors, and coworkers, too, including physicians and others. Networking is a great way to find and get a job.
If you don’t find paid work immediately, consider volunteering somewhere while continuing to look for paid employment. Volunteering is a good way to get your foot in the door somewhere and ease your way back into the workforce. It also helps to build confidence and beef up your résumé.
Transitioning back is a process, so be patient with yourself and the process. Persistence and determination will always win in the end.
Best wishes,
Donna
Donna Cardillo, RN, MA, well-known career guru, is Nursing Spectrum/NurseWeek’s “Dear Donna” and author of “Your First Year as a Nurse: Making the Transition from Total Novice to Successful Professional” and “The ULTIMATE Career Guide for Nurses: Practical Advice for Thriving at Every Stage of Your Career.” Information about the books is available at www.Nurse.com/CE/7010 and www.Nurse.com/CE/7250, respectively. To ask Donna your question, go to www.Nurse.com/asktheexperts/deardonna. Find a “Dear Donna” seminar near you: Call 800-866-0919 or visit http://events.nursingspectrum.com/Seminar.
