Are you a nurse who took some time out of your career? Whether it was to care for small children, cope with an illness, or attend school, it’s common for nurses to experience gaps in their employment history. But fear not, as there’s a way to bridge that gap: the employment gap explanation letter.
An employment gap explanation letter is a professional document that helps you address any potential concerns regarding your employment history. It could be the key to landing your dream job.
We understand the process of writing a good letter can be daunting. That’s why we’ve created a few employment gap explanation letter samples for nurses that you can download and edit as needed. Our samples will help you showcase your skills and experience while explaining the reasons for your gap in employment.
So if you’re a nurse who’s ready to get back to work after taking time off, our employment gap explanation letter sample for nurses is for you. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to articulate your value to potential employers. Download our sample letters now and start crafting your own document today.
What is the Best Structure for an Employment Gap Explanation Letter for Nurses?
As a nurse, having an employment gap in your work history can be common. Whether you took time off for personal reasons, furthered your education, or experienced a layoff, explaining the employment gap to potential employers is important to ensure you are viewed as a strong candidate for a nursing position. So, what is the best structure for an employment gap explanation letter for nurses?
Firstly, it’s important to keep the tone of your letter professional yet casual. You want to come across as sincere and transparent without being too informal. You can start your letter by briefly introducing yourself and mentioning the position you are applying for.
Next, address the employment gap and provide a clear reason for it. If you took some time off to care for a family member, for example, explain this in a concise, professional manner. This shows that you have a strong sense of responsibility and care for others, qualities that are highly valued in the nursing profession.
After explaining the reason for the employment gap, take the opportunity to highlight any skills or experience you gained during that time. Did you take courses or certification programs to enhance your nursing skills? Did you volunteer or work part-time in a related field? Use this space to showcase your dedication to the nursing profession and your willingness to continually improve yourself.
Finally, reassure the employer that you are committed to your nursing career and eager to return to work. This can be done by mentioning any steps you have taken to stay up-to-date on industry trends and practices, as well as your enthusiasm for contributing to the healthcare field once again.
In conclusion, the best structure for an employment gap explanation letter for nurses should start with a professional yet casual introduction, followed by a clear explanation of the employment gap and any skills or experience gained during that time. End the letter by reassuming the employer of your commitment to your nursing career and eagerness to return to work.
7 Sample Employment Gap Explanation Letters for Nurses
Sample 1: Employment Gap Due to Personal Health Issues
Dear Hiring Manager,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to explain a gap in my employment history, which was a result of personal health issues. In 2016, I had to take a break from my nursing job to undergo medical treatment after being diagnosed with a chronic health condition that required surgery and almost a year of recovery time.
During my recovery, I prioritized my health, attended physical therapy sessions, and followed my doctor’s advice closely until I regained my strength and was cleared to return to work. Despite taking time off to focus on my health, I remained up-to-date with the latest nursing practices, attended continuing education programs, and maintained my nursing license.
Thank you for considering my application. I hope that I can bring my passion for nursing and experience to your team and make a positive contribution to your organization.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 2: Employment Gap Due to Family Caregiving Responsibilities
Dear Hiring Manager,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to explain an employment gap in my nursing history caused by taking care of my elderly parents. In 2018, my parents were diagnosed with serious health conditions, and I had to take an extended break from my nursing job to be their primary caregiver.
Though it was a challenging period, I was committed to providing the best possible care for my parents while navigating a difficult caregiving process. My responsibilities ranged from managing doctor appointments to administering medication and ensuring they received the best care they deserved.
Now that my parents’ health has improved, I am ready to return to my nursing profession. I am eager to take the next step in my career and bring my knowledge, skills, and experience to your organization.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to showcase my skills and work with your team.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 3: Employment Gap Due to Career Change
Dear Hiring Manager,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to explain a gap in my employment history caused by a career change I pursued. After working in the nursing field for over a decade, I was inspired to explore a new career path and took a two-year break to attend a culinary school and become a professional chef.
My culinary journey was an enriching one, and it taught me valuable skills such as multitasking, collaboration, and attention to detail, which I believe will be useful in my nursing practice. However, my passion for nursing never faded, and I am thrilled to return to the profession I love.
Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to leverage my experience and passion for delivering patient-centered care to make a significant positive impact on your organization.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 4: Employment Gap Due to Maternity Leave
Dear Hiring Manager,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to explain the gap in my employment history, which was caused by taking maternity leave. In 2017, I took a six-month break from my nursing job to give birth to and care for my newborn baby.
During my maternity leave, I took advantage of the time to stay up-to-date with nursing practices, attend relevant conferences and workshops, and prepare for my return to work. I remained committed to the nursing profession and maintained my nursing license throughout the period.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited to jump back into nursing and contribute my experience and knowledge to your organization.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 5: Employment Gap Due to Pursuing Higher Education
Dear Hiring Manager,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to explain a gap in my nursing work history, which was caused by pursuing higher education. In 2018, I completed a two-year master’s program in nursing administration.
During my academic pursuit, I developed my leadership and management skills, learned how to implement evidence-based practice, and honed my ability to manage complex patient care systems. I’m excited to apply my new skills to my nursing practice and provide higher quality care to patients.
Thank you for considering my application. I am confident that my knowledge and experience in nursing administration will be an asset to your organization.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 6: Employment Gap Due to Career Break for Travel
Dear Hiring Manager,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to explain an employment gap in my nursing history caused by taking a career break for travel. In 2019, I left my job to travel the world and broaden my horizons.
During my trip, I volunteered in medical missions, assisted in clinics, and attended health workshops to keep my nursing skills up-to-date. My travel experiences exposed me to new cultures, healthcare systems, and taught me how to adapt to new situations quickly. I believe these skills will be valuable as I return to working in the nursing profession.
Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to leverage the skills and experience I gained during my travels and bring them to bear in your organization.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 7: Employment Gap Due to Layoff
Dear Hiring Manager,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to explain a gap in my nursing work history caused by a layoff. In 2020, I was laid off due to budget cuts in my previous organization.
Despite losing my job, I never lost my passion for nursing and continued to seek out opportunities to stay up-to-date with the latest nursing practices. During my layoff period, I volunteered in nursing homes, provided private duty nursing care, and attended career training workshops.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited to showcase my skills, experience, and passion for nursing in your organization.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing an Employment Gap Explanation Letter for Nurses
As a nurse, it is not uncommon to take a break from work for personal reasons, such as raising a family, pursuing higher education, or dealing with personal health issues. However, when you decide to re-enter the workforce, you may be required to explain your employment gap to potential employers. Here are some tips to help you draft a compelling employment gap explanation letter:
1. Be honest and upfront: It is important to be truthful about your employment gap and the reasons for it. You can start your letter by stating the duration of your break and the reason behind it. Avoid providing too much personal information and stick to the facts.
2. Focus on the positive: If you were away from work to pursue education or training, highlight the skills and knowledge you gained during that time. If you were caring for a family member, mention your caregiving experience and how it helped you develop empathy and compassion.
3. Show your commitment: Employers want to know that you are committed to your job and will stay with the organization for a long time. If you have taken any courses or certifications during your break, mention them in your letter to demonstrate your commitment to your career.
4. Keep it brief: Your employment gap explanation letter should be concise and to the point. Stick to one or two paragraphs and avoid rambling or adding unnecessary information.
5. Proofread carefully: Before sending your letter, make sure to proofread it thoroughly for spelling and grammar errors. You can also ask a friend or family member to review it for you to catch any mistakes you might have missed.
By following the above tips, you can write an effective employment gap explanation letter as a nurse and increase your chances of landing the job you want.
Frequently Asked Questions about Employment Gap Explanation Letter Sample for Nurses
What is an employment gap explanation letter?
An employment gap explanation letter is a document that explains to potential employers why you have gaps in your work history as a nurse.
Why do I need an employment gap explanation letter?
An employment gap explanation letter can help potential employers understand why you have gaps in your work history and demonstrate that you are proactive, accountable, and responsible for your employment history.
What should I include in an employment gap explanation letter?
You should include the reason for your gap, how long the gap was, what you were doing during the gap and how this experience is relevant to your current nursing career.
What should I not include in an employment gap explanation letter?
You should not include any negative information about your past employers, colleagues, or the reasons behind your gap that might reflect negatively on you.
How do I format an employment gap explanation letter?
Your letter should be brief and concise, clearly stating the reason for your gap in employment, the length of the gap, what you were doing during this period and then end with a summary of your relevant skills and experiences to show how you are the candidate they are looking for.
What should I do if I have multiple employment gaps?
If you have multiple employment gaps, focus on the most recent ones and explain the reasons behind them. If you have significant gaps between two experiences, you could use your letter to explain the skillset you maintained during the time.
How can I ensure my employment gap explanation letter is effective?
You can ensure your employment gap explanation letter is effective by keeping it professional, concise, and honest. Highlight how the experience you had in the gap will add value to your current role as a nurse and show your motivation to further your career in nursing.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this employment gap explanation letter sample for nurses has been helpful in giving you an idea of how to explain gaps in your employment history. Remember to always be honest and direct in your explanations, and provide evidence of any activities or education you pursued during your time away from working. If you want to learn more about job search strategies, resume writing, or interviewing tips, please visit our website again soon!