Should I just lie?

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?
Quote from grateful2010I 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. That'll come back to bite you in the behind. Were you licensed right after you graduated (as in, took the NCLEX)? That information is readily available online from a state's licensing body, and then you REALLY wouldn't be considered for employment. Explain to them why you didn't work as an RN after graduating...I assume there's a good reason.

The reason that you are not getting hired is not your graduation date, it's that you have 0 experience. It's hard times for new grads & unfortunately that is the category you fall under.

It is NEVER a good idea to lie, especially to a prospective employer. Lies always have a way of biting you in the behind eventually. Lying on an application is cause for immediate dismissal as well. On most apps, you have to explain long periods of inactivity between jobs. Are you doing this or just sending resumes via email? With the market so tight, it is understandable that a prospective employer would pass right over your resume for one that has recent experience. Is there any place where you can do per diem work in your area? Relocating may be necessary. Good luck...

most places do confirm your education records (graduation date).

i'm not convinced that saying you graduated a couple of yrs ago, is any more beneficial in graduating 5 yrs ago.based on that logic, no way would i lie.truthfully, i wouldn't lie about it anyway...i'm a big believer in karma.the bottom line is, you're going to have to work your way into any sense of credibility w/prospective employers.that may entail a refresher course, volunteering for a bit, and working on your power of persuasion skill set.seriously, there is such a surplus of unemployed new grads, you're going to have to work it to your advantage.i just happen to believe that lying is a poor way to do so.much luck to you.leslie

Don't lie.. they will verify your licence and it states THE DATE you were licensed. Maybe you could do a refresher course and then try to find a new grad position that will take you in.

This is one lie that is easy to catch and it will not help you get a job to try this tactic.

I would suggest taking a refresher course with a clinical component to it. It will boost your confidence and make you more marketable. Don't risk not telling the truth. You will ultimately damage your integrity. It's a very tight market right now. You need every advantage you can have. Good luck and hang in there.

I hope you're kidding that you would consider lying. One of the biggest reasons HR departments exist is to verify the information on job applications. That includes graduation dates and RN licensing. Wouldn't it look a bit odd to have gotten your license before your fictitious graduation date? If I were an HR person and I caught on to your deception (highly likely), I would toss your application immediately based on your lack of integrity.You'd be better off looking for a low-cost refresher class (check at community colleges) to get your skills current and have something to put on a resume.May I ask why you have a five-year gap after graduation? Some circumstances might mitigate the lapse in an employer's eyes.

Seriously????Please take this reality check as a sincere expression of assistance, as that is what it is intended to be.1. The question you asked displays a significant lack of knowledge about the process of obtaining employment (any employment, in any field). A parent or friend can probably provide some valuable help for you in this area -- to give you a better understanding of hiring including references, fact-checking, licensure verification, etc.2. To obtain any position in direct patient care, you will probably need a nursing refresher course. Start seeking these out in your area now, and get yourself prepared to delay employment until this is completed.3. The dishonesty inherent in your question and the lack of understanding of the ramifications that dishonesty ... I'm just not even sure where to start with that. Take care of #1 & #2 above.

Quote from grateful2010I 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?