Re-entry RNs

[Just Dave Will Do]

Hello fellow Professionals,

I have been out of Registered Nursing for 6 years and allowed my license to lapse. Currently in the process of re-entry (apps at present and trying to scrape money up to pay for re-education). I need input from you all on any resources you might know of for re-entry nurses (education, financial, grants, etc)

My specialty was Geriatrics/End of Life/Pain Management/Wound Care. I had advanced to DON of a small hospital/Nursing home when career burn out and life issues peaked. Personally re-educating myself at this time, prior to online course work. I also need to arrange my own clinical practice.

So far, most of what I get from the Nursing world in the area is something like "that's nice, contact us when you have your license fully re-instated". I continually hear that the nursing shortage is critical and everyone is desperate for us to get back into play, but i havent heard of anyone doing anything positive to work with and support the re-entry nurse (RN).

Can anyone steer me in the right direction?

[Straydandelion]

I am not familiar with the licensure issue assuming others that post will be..or you have advise from your state board. Once license is reinstated however some hospitals are willing and able to give refresher courses and long preceptorship.... hospitals as they said can't help you too much until you have a license, I would imagine each state has different prerequesites also.

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

The nursing shortage has changed depending on where you live nurses may be getting laid off. Don't let that stop you, just be aware. Good luck and happy New Years.

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

Check with your state board of nursing and state nurses association for any educational assistance that is available.

Don't know what state you are in, but check the listing on your state board website for refresher courses. The refresher courses are usually a recruitment tool for the hospitals to get a look at RNs they might consider hiring while the students are doing clinical assignments for the refresher course. Isn't that sneaky? So, it's important to try to get to do the clinical part of the course in a hospital where you want to eventually get a job. You also want to network with the instructors and any staff you come into contact with in order to get recommendations for job applications you will be filing later.

On the student forums is a sticky thread specifically about NCLEX preparation.

[TexasNurseEducator]

Dont give up. Try the state board of nursing in your area, local nursing schools, even google nurse refresher or the like and should find some programs out there. Make sure whatever you do that you choose one that has clincial option even if not required in your state. It will make you more employable,confident, and competent.

Good luck,