[opam]

After I graduated from Nursing school I worked in a doctors office where I used very little nursing skill..injections, some IV starts, teaching, blood draws, but that's about it. It's been 3 years since I sat for the NCLEX and 2 years since my last job. I've been at home raising my children. I want to re-enter the workforce and I am preparing my resume, but I am completely scared. I have spoken to some people in HR at the local hospital and they do not seem to mind that I have such little experience, but honestly, I really do not feel like I remember anything at all. No one seems to understand my position, they just think I can go get a job whenever. No one realizes how much work and knowledge goes into nursing. I am afraid that I'm going to show up to work and know absolutely nothing. I was always so nervous about clinicals in school and that fear is flooding back and I do not even have a job yet. Any advice would be helpful.

[ByTheLake]

Definitely insist on a long orientation period such as new grads would go through. That will give you lots of review, lots of time to brush up, lots of practice, and lots of time to see what you will need to know while working in that unit so you can pull out your old textbooks (hope you still have them!) and review before being set loose on your own.

[Tweety]

I think that they are willing to give you a chance is a good thing. Ask them about orientation. Let them know that you would like the same orientation that they would give a new grad nurse. If you get this kind of orientation you should be fine.

Good luck.