Re-entry with little to no work experience.

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hello, wondering what the thoughts might be about my dilemma. I graduated with a nursing diploma, got my RN license and worked all of 1 month. I stopped working, had 2 babies and now would like to enter the world of nursing. I kept my license current and have CEUs, but I just don't even know how to market myself, not having experience besides my nursing schooling. Any suggestions or thoughts, I appreciate it. Thanks.

And thank you to all the underappreciated nurses here!!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

You don't say how long it's been since you graduated.....

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Oops! Ya that would help, its been 8 years! Wow when I type it thats huge! Maybe taking a refresher course would be best...hmmm

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Hurdle 1: you have less than a year's experience so that shuts you out of most jobs.

Hurdle 2: you have graduated several years ago and aren't a new grad anymore.

I would start with the refresher course, then see what you can find. Acute care may be hard to get into (though you should definitely try)...you could try sub-acute or LT acute care. Or pick a job outside of the hospital box and start your career there.

Best of luck!

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.

Why did you stop working so soon? I also think a refresher course would be a good idea.

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Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

A nursing refresher course is definitely a great idea. Make sure to get into one with a clinical component so that you can begin networking with other nursing professionals again. Also, look up some old friends from school and see what they are up to. Are they working in your area? Can they give you a heads up about job openings or someone to talk to?

Then, perfect your resume and get it out there. You'll never know until you try.

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Best Advice, refresher courses are always good to do. Also, make a good resume. I have one i can show you just private message me.

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I agree with the above posters.

I worked as an LPN for about a year before staying at home for the last 6 years, and started feeling out of touch very quickly. I have kept up my CEU's and license, and signed up to do an ADN program at home while I took care of my kids, but I found it very difficult because I had nothing to apply my learning to. From my perspective, the fastest way to feel comfortable would be to do an in-class course, and just get back out there!

:)

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Specializes in ..

As others have said, taking a refresher course with a strong clinical component is the best way to get back into nursing. Be aware that working a month after graduation looks far worse on your resume than never having worked at all.

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