[yojzar_2000]

Nursemamon and TLC93, thanks for all the help... now i'm on the process of completing my requirements... Thanks a lot again...

[momma23]

I just wanted to follow up my last post. I have actively been looking for a job with a lot of difficulty. I finally found a company that trains nursing assistants and applied and sent my resume and they interviewed me and hired me as an instructor. So I was glad to get my foot back in the door. I was prepared to start teaching next week after getting all my supplies, doing some training, etc.... I was notified today that the Board of Nursing did not approve me as an instructor because I was out of nursing so long. The thing that really makes me angry is that the company knew. I surely didn't hide it, they had my resume and job application with the dates on it. I don't know quite where to turn because nobody wants to hire someone out of nursing as long as I even though I felt I would have done a great job as an instructor and would be a better nurse today after raising kids, taking care of aging parents, etc....

[kelzo]

Hi all!
I am an RN that graduated in 1990 and really did not work long in the field (6 months agency) before finding a job as a nurse in pharmacy. At the time of my graduation nurses were not in demand and most of my class moved out of state to find jobs. I really have enjoyed my job in the long term care pharmacy field ( I have been here 18 years!), but always feel like I am missing something. Recently I sent out resumes to several long term care facilities in my area. I was really surprised at the interest even though I lack experience. I have taken on a per diem position because I am really not prepared to leave my other job at this time. The worst part is how completely stupid I feel most of the time. My question is this. Can someone like me re-learn these things on the fly with experience...or am I kidding myself. I have to say, this facility has been great with orientation. The nurses and nursing supervisors have been more than welcoming and have offered to help me whenever I need it. I was paired with a great nurse for approximately 2 + weeks before I went solo. But at times I must say I feel like a fraud....am I really a nurse?? I mean I know the meds (I should after working in pharmacy!), but IV's are totally different and recognizing signs and symptoms of certain diseases may be a problem, not to mention..how do I know what lab test should be ordered when certain new meds are added??!! Am I over dramatizing?? I don't know if this is simple nerves due to a new job or if I have any business being back without more education. The nurses I have worked with assure me I am doing a great job and that my feelings are no different than a new grads but I'm not sure. Feedback anyone??

[momma23]

Hi Kelzo,
I just wanted to give you a few words of encouragement. You seem to be so conscientious and have such a strong desire to do a good job that I am sure you are. Your pharmacy experience will really help with the meds and since you really only had six months experience prior, it is kind of like you are a new grad again, but everything will come to you. It is a matter of experience and repetition and truly wanting to do a good job and learn. Sounds like you are well on your way. Good luck!

[kelzo]

Thank You Momma23 for you words of encouragement. I will say with each shift I work I do get more and more comfortable. Especially since the supervisors at this facility are so incredibly patient and helpful. It really has made the difference.

[becembrie]

I graduated from an ADN program in 1988 and began working immediately in pediatric oncology. I loved it, but after 4 years left the profession to have my three girls and work in a family business. Over the past 16 years I have wanted to return, but the time has never been right. In April our family business was sold and I began thinking about what I could do. I didn't think anyone would hire me after being out so long. I made contact with one of the nurses I worked with way back when and found that she is still on the unit. She put me in contact with the director of the unit who I also used to work with and within a week I had an interview.

I was hired on the spot and they are adapting their fellowship program to bring me on. I will do a general orientation with the new grads, and then will work with RN's on the floor and take classes as needed to become chemo certified. I know many things have changed and I am really nervous, but I am so excited to be going back to the career I love so much.

I am taking an IV certification class, BLS, PALS, an EKG class and a chemo and biotherapies class over the next two months. I am hoping I can get through the PALs class, that is the one that has me nervous.

I wish anyone returning to the field luck. I think it is a great opportunity and such a rewarding profession.

Becembrie