Reentering nursing workforce, soul searching, suggestions?

Nurses Career Support

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Hi,

:banghead: I don't know if this got lost in cyber space or never posted so I guess I'll write it again :-(

I am reentering the nursing workforce and doing some soul searching. What do I want to be when I grow up? Should I go back for my masters (I have a BSN). Should I get certified, or just go back to the floors? I'm not sure what area I want to end up in. Are there mentoring programs out there or career counselors in nursing that can help sort things out. I guess I feel that there are almost TOO many choices to branch off into but I don't know much about them. I don't know what kind of certifications/schooling/positions etc there are. I also don't want to waste too much time getting certified or jumping into something and then finding out I don't like it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

love hugs and prayers

Carol

Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Sorry you didn't get any responses earlier. Welcome back!

You didn't indicate how long you have been "out of action"... if it has been a while, maybe you should just find a foot-in-the-door job first and see how nursing has changed before making any decisions. IMO, nursing has changed unbelieveably over the last 4 years: tons of new technology; an avalance of new 'process' requirements driven by new regulations, etc.

Good luck, keep us posted on your re-entry.

OOps sorry, I have been off the "floors" for 11 years ...although I feel like I never left because my dad has been a chronic patient for the last 5 years in and out of ICU/med surg/rehab etc. I was last in the profession 3 years ago doing Cardiac Rehab, outpatient. I feel that I could use the refresher course, more for a confidence boost! Thanks!

love hugs and prayers

Carol

p.s. I was in ICU/CCU/stepdown with telemetry prior to Cardiac rehab.

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