Need advice about re-entering nursing after stay at home mom

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Hi. I posted this on the greetings board, but maybe more people will see it here. I have been at home for the past four years with my children and am now ready to get back to work. I started working as an RN in 94 but only worked until my first child was born in 97. In 2000 I went back to work one day a week for just under a year (then we moved and I haven't been back). Now I feel stuck because I feel like I don't have a lot of experience and it's been a while, so I don't know where to start my search. I've worked Telemetry and then the last year I went back was on a Med Surg floor. I was really stressed out on the Med Surg. floor since I was out of work for a little while and only working once a week, it wasn't enough time to get comfortable. Any advice on where to look, anything that wouldn't be really stressful or the best way to get back out there would be greatly appreciated. By the way I'm in Central Florida and wondering about Florida Hospital vs Orlando Regional Medical Center. Anyone work for either or know if one would be better than the other. Sorry so long, thanks for any advice.

I was out for 10 years and just returned. Although previously in NICU, I took an OR position at a university hospital that required no prior experience and offered a 6 month orientation program. It's been great and it's not an area a refresher would have really helped much prepare for the job. With the nursing shortage, I think your chances of finding a job are good.

rnpilot,

I am so glad I read your message. I too, am returning to nursing after being out for 8 years, and had planned to return to Home Health (the last job I held as a nurse), but just recently saw where a large hospital was offering a 7 month OR training course for RN's with little or no surgery experience. I have been seriously considering this option, as I have always been interested in surgery, but have been a little anxious about it since I was out so long. I am glad to hear you were out for a little longer, took the OR training and enjoy it. It gives me something to think about.....

As for you, JNT's mom, you might consider Home Care (similar to Hospice care except the patients aren't usually terminal). I found it much less stressful than med/surg and very flexible.

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