[Suejlon]

Hi Kathryn

I'm in London, UK, so the system will be different but I just wanted to offer moral support.

Almost 4 years ago, after an absence of 17 years(!) I returned to nursing. I had to complete an eight week refresher course and re-new my registration, etc.

Also, I returned to the same hospital that I had left all those years ago. It was a bit strange at first, particularly seeing some of the same faces who were around back in the old days. All those of us who had young kids back then are now parents of twentysomethings!

You will pick up were you left off.

Everyone asks me the same question: 'Has anything changed in all that time?' I always give the same answer: 'Everything has changed, and nothing has changed' !

Sue

[YellowFinchFan]

check the colleges that offer nursing degrees they often have refresher courses too

[pahanurse]

I also am an inactive RN considering returning. I'm thinking about certifying as a CNA and working as an aide while I take a correspondence refresher course and /or find a refresher within driving distance that has classroom and clinical time. Has anyone else gone back with similar experiences to prepare? I've been out of acute care for 14 years, did some home care about 7 years ago. I've got the 'itch' now that my kids are older, and have been reading alot. I want a challenge and to make a difference in the next chapter of my life.

[narthy]

hi Lisa your insight is truly needed here. being out of the scenes doesn't mean we are already unworthy. To be back in the real scene of nursing needs a lot of preparation and willingness to learn.let's not forget we have two arms to embrace the whole situation all we need to do is to be more optimistic and always think that we are not only into a profession but a vocation that needs true and honest dedications:cheers

[aloha551]

I have been trying to return to the field after a 16 year absence. Before I sent out resumes or made applications,I sat down with different Directors of Nursing to see what I needed to do. They all told me the same thing and that was that I'm too old and i've been out too long. They said that they all have hired older returning nurses and it never worked out,even after a refresher course. I'm only 57yo and I live in a part of the country where there is a large nursing shortage. There is a large pool of older nurses wanting to return its a shame they don't see that. Yes, were not as fast as a twenty something and we may have a few more aches and pains but we're still vibrant people with the desire to help.... This leads me to believe that the nursing shortage may be somewhat self imposed.....aloha

[marinemom07]

Aloha,
I am reading this post from the nurses station at my night shift job in ICU. I was also inactive for 12 years, I returned to work as a nurse 5 years ago at the age of 45. Luckily I was able to return to work in the Dialysis Unit I worked in before I decided to stay at home to raise my family. I wish I had some wonderful words of wisdom to tell you how to return. I did find dialysis very physically taxing. ICU is absolutley wonderful! Mentally challenging and very satisfying. Fortunately for me at 50 I am not the "oldest kid on the block". Even though I never took a refresher course I did a lot of reading and take every opportunity I can for education.
Don't give up, keep looking-something will turn up!

[amesor]

hi! i was inspired by the article...since i am a second degree course, graduated last '07 and passed the board june '07..as of now am still into job hunting...btw, am already 45 years old..waiting for the petition of my husband...am into job hunting for i want also to help my husband and of course enhance my experience..but sad to say in this country of ours...age discremination is so rampant...i've worked as a volunteer...and need to stop for i need to earn...is there somebody who can help me????

[mpccrn]

i recently precepted a returning RN who was out of the buisness for 16 years raising kids. i had to start from scratch. she even forgot some of the terminology. i took my time with her, held her hand, always talked to her throughout the day explaining the why's of what i was doing and made it a point of asking her after each shift what she thought of the day. she did great! her orientation took a few extra weeks than normal but she's a functioning, caring ICU nurse now. i think the biggest thing for someone returning is to have an open mind, go to where the action is and watch and do what they are able to preform well. it builds confidence, gains experience. she's now volunteering to take incoming codes, knowing she'll never really be alone. she wasn't afraid to ask questions.....they may have driven me nuts at the time, but it was my job as her preceptor to set her up for success. set little goals for yourself. #1 should be to get functional. find a system that works for you, stay organized, and be TASK oriented. easedrop on your co-workers as they talk about different patients. some of the best tid bits of knowledge come in the most casual ways. it comes down to how bad you want it.......want it and you'll do great to!

[captainron12]

I am a multispecialty RN BSN, MA Hosp admin. Phd Economics. My liscense is inactive in AZ but am ready to relocate immediatly to fill any position as long as no nights. What I need is something that can offer me emplyement and assist in reactivate my RN liscense?

[mama_bird]

I hear you on the "confidence" statement. I am already having visions of getting yelled at.

I know I am smart and highly functional, I just haven't drawn blood in 9 years!

Good luck, I'm in the same boat!

Teresa