Would the hospitals even hire me?

Nurse Ratched, RN · Jun 20, 2004

I don't see why not, blackcat - they hire new grads who may have NO experience in any nursing setting. Go for it! :)

I've had many people tell me how wonderfully useful psych experience is in any nursing job. I agree - it's been a great asset.

elkpark · Jun 20, 2004

I agree -- can't hurt to try, and they will probably be delighted to get you.

PMHNP10 · Jun 20, 2004

I am an LPN who has only worked in psychiatric,correctional and LTC for the past 25 years. The local hospitals are advertising for LPN's. Do you think they would even consider me since I haven't worked in a "real hospital" for 25 years? Thanks

My question is, are your skills after 25 yrs of non hospital experience where they need to be, on a floor where you will be taking care of 6, 7, 8 acutely ill pts? If you have taken a med-surg refresher, that is a start, but I would certainly not take a job on a floor without getting a very very thorough orientation. To answer, yes they will, but don't sacrifice your license in doing so. JMHO

Blackcat99 · Jun 21, 2004

Thanks for your messages. Yes I certainly do need a med-surg refresher course and a very very thorough orientation. I am going to see if the college or the hospital has a med-surg refresher course. :)

Nurse Ratched, RN · Jun 21, 2004

Our facility has an extensive orientation for new grads and those who have been out of med-surg-type settings for a period of time. I'm betting yours does, too. You are also in the enviable position of having plenty of experience under your belt to know what your strengths and limitations are, and be able to express your needs to your employer. So often when we are first out of school, we don't know enough to know what we don't know . Good luck :).

SCRN1 · Jun 21, 2004

When I started at the hospital a year ago where I work now, I was in orientation with a woman who was in her late 50s and had not worked as a floor nurse in about 25 years either. She had never worked in a hospital. They hired her. So, I'm sure you could find one to hire you too.

Blackcat99 · Jun 21, 2004

:) Thanks so much for your very encouraging posts. That would be wonderful if my hospital would give me an extensive orientation. I'm glad to hear that woman was able to get a hospital job after being away from hospital jobs for such a long time. My last LTC job was a nightmare so I'm hoping to escape LTC for good.