Explaining Gaps in Employment: How to Frame Travel Work or Sabbatical Time Effectively

Your CV shows a gap—maybe six months, maybe two years. You took time for travel assignments, family caregiving, burnout recovery, or simply to reassess your career. Now you're in an interview, and that gap is the elephant in the room.

Here's how to address it with honesty and confidence.

Why Gaps Feel Scary (But Shouldn't)

Employers do notice gaps, but they're far more common—and acceptable—than you might think:

• Post-pandemic normalization: COVID taught everyone that careers aren't linear
• Healthcare staffing reality: Recruiters are often desperate for qualified APPs
• Changing attitudes: Burnout and mental health are openly discussed now

The gap itself isn't the problem. How you explain it is what matters.

Common Gap Scenarios and How to Frame Them

Scenario 1: Locum Tenens / Travel Work

The concern: "Were they job-hopping? Couldn't they hold a position?"

The reframe: Travel work was an intentional career strategy.

Sample language: "After my position at [Hospital], I intentionally pursued travel assignments for [X months/years]. This gave me exposure to different ICU models—I worked in a Level 1 trauma center, a community MICU, and a CVICU. That breadth of experience made me a more adaptable clinician. Now I'm ready to commit to a permanent position where I can build long-term relationships with patients and colleagues."

Key points to emphasize:

• It was a deliberate choice, not a fallback
• You gained diverse clinical experience
• You're now ready for stability (and mean it)

Scenario 2: Personal Sabbatical / Travel

The concern: "Are they reliable? Will they leave again?"

The reframe: You invested in yourself and returned re-energized.

Sample language: "I took a planned sabbatical to [travel/pursue a personal goal/recharge]. It was a decision I'd been considering for years, and I'm glad I did it when I did. I returned with fresh perspective and renewed commitment to critical care. I've completed [any relevant activities—CME, certifications, volunteer work], and I'm fully ready to re-engage."

Key points to emphasize:

• It was planned and time-limited
• You remained connected to healthcare (if true)
• You're energized and committed now

Scenario 3: Family Caregiving

The concern: "Will family obligations interfere with work?"

The reframe: Caregiving demonstrates valuable skills.

Sample language: "I stepped away from full-time clinical work to care for [family member]. During that time, I [maintained my certifications/did PRN work/volunteered in healthcare settings]. The experience actually deepened my understanding of patient and family perspectives. My caregiving responsibilities have resolved, and I'm ready and available to return to full-time critical care."

Key points to emphasize:

• You maintained professional connections (if possible)
• The situation is resolved
• You're fully available now

Scenario 4: Burnout Recovery

The concern: "Will they burn out again?"

The reframe: You proactively addressed burnout and built resilience.

Sample language: "I experienced burnout—something unfortunately common in critical care. Rather than push through and provide suboptimal patient care, I took time to recover and develop sustainable practices. I've since [worked with a therapist/developed better boundaries/found effective coping strategies]. I've learned to recognize early warning signs and prioritize self-care. I'm returning to bedside care because I genuinely love this work, and I'm better equipped to sustain it long-term."

Key points to emphasize:

• Self-awareness is a strength
• You've developed coping mechanisms
• Your passion for the work remains

Scenario 5: Couldn't Find a Position

The concern: "Why couldn't they get hired elsewhere?"

The reframe: Be honest, but focus on what you did with the time.

Sample language: "The job market in my area was challenging for [specific reason—if legitimate]. During my search, I [maintained certifications/worked PRN shifts/volunteered/took relevant courses]. I'm now able to relocate, which has opened up opportunities like this one."

Key points to emphasize:

• External factors (market, geography, specialty)
• Productive use of time
• Changed circumstances now

Universal Strategies for Any Gap

1. Keep It Brief

Don't over-explain or apologize. State the reason, what you did, and that you're ready now. Move on.

2. Bridge to the Present

Always end your explanation by pivoting to your current readiness and enthusiasm for this specific role.

3. Show Continuity

Even during gaps, highlight any professional connections:

• Maintained certifications
• Attended conferences
• Read journals
• Did volunteer work
• Took online CME

4. Prepare a One-Liner

Have a concise version ready: "I took 18 months for travel assignments and family time, kept my certifications current, and I'm now excited to return to permanent critical care work."

5. Don't Lie

Fabricating experience or hiding gaps that will appear in background checks destroys trust instantly. Honesty, framed positively, is always better.

When Gaps Are Actually Advantages

Some "gaps" are selling points:

• Travel nursing during COVID: "I went where I was needed most."
• Advanced education: "I completed my DNP during that time."
• International work: "I did medical missions in [country]."
• Entrepreneurship: "I started a healthcare consulting practice."

Don't hide these—feature them.

Red Flags to Avoid

Don't say:

• "I just needed a break" (sounds unmotivated)
• "I hated my last job" (raises concerns)
• "I couldn't deal with the stress" (without showing growth)
• Anything bitter about former employers

Do say:

• "I chose to..."
• "I prioritized..."
• "I used that time to..."
• "I'm now ready to..."

The Bottom Line

Employment gaps are not career death sentences. In a healthcare landscape desperate for qualified providers, your skills matter more than perfect chronology. Frame your gap honestly, emphasize growth, demonstrate current readiness, and move the conversation forward.

The right employer cares about what you bring to the table today—not whether you took time off yesterday.