Where do i go from here!!!

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I left patient care nursing in 2008. Due to financial issues I had to return in 2009. I didn't want , but had to. I found that I had gone to two different places to work, but I just couldn't get in the right frame of mind to continue in that capacity at a nursing home. I had worked in a nursing home for 18 years (the same one).

I decided to try home care. I remained there for 2 years with the same patient every other weekend. 2011 I quit and decided to take a job in retail. I've been doing that off and on every since.

I took the nurse refresher course in 2015, but I have not been able to find work because of no recent experience.

I forgot to say I relocated to another state in 2008 when I remarried. I didn't know anyone here except my husband and I still don't.

Any suggestions?

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
I left patient care nursing in 2008. Due to financial issues I had to return in 2009. I didn't want , but had to. I found that I had gone to two different places to work, but I just couldn't get in the right frame of mind to continue in that capacity at a nursing home. I had worked in a nursing home for 18 years (the same one).

I decided to try home care. I remained there for 2 years with the same patient every other weekend. 2011 I quit and decided to take a job in retail. I've been doing that off and on every since.

I took the nurse refresher course in 2015, but I have not been able to find work because of no recent experience.

I forgot to say I relocated to another state in 2008 when I remarried. I didn't know anyone here except my husband and I still don't.

Any suggestions?

It's a red flag to me that you moved nine years ago and still don't know anyone there. Are you having problems with depression?
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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
It's a red flag to me that you moved nine years ago and still don't know anyone there.
Not everyone has the social skills to connect with people on a deeper level and make friends. Meeting people in adulthood and actually making the connection click into something more meaningful is an uphill battle for a small percentage of people.

In childhood we could approach another kid and say, "Do you want to be my friend?" Meeting people was simple and to the point in childhood.

In adulthood there are more complexities and nuances involved with befriending new people, and not everybody knows how to establish bonds with others. I am not saying this is the original poster's problem. However, I definitely agree that not knowing anyone in a state where you have lived for nine years is a red flag.

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Why do you want to come back to nursing?

It seems like you job hop to me, just by saying you've been doing retail off and on.

I didnt know a whole lot of people after living in my current state for 9 years. It took me habing a kid and him starting school to finally make friends, but that should not be preventing you from obtaining a job. A good resume and great interview skills get jobs.

Your issue here is lack of current experience. Medicine is a constant evolving field and you need to be current with skills to be marketable. You've been out 8 years. It's going to be difficult to get back in. Keep applying.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Try Homecare again just to get the recent experience. PSA is a pediatric nursing agency that will give you refresher training and hire you. Hope this helps

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Specializes in ED, Pedi Vasc access, Paramedic serving 6 towns.

I second what the commuter said, not everyone wants to be social or is natural at it.

I for one have a few close friends, but not a ton, as I don't want that many. I have no desire to go out and socialize, especially in crowded settings like parties etc. I'm not depressed, that's just my personality, and it may be the same for the OP.

OP maybe join some nursing associations in your area or go to a conference or two so you can network?

Annie

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I for one have a few close friends, but not a ton, as I don't want that many. I have no desire to go out and socialize, especially in crowded settings like parties etc. I'm not depressed, that's just my personality, and it may be the same for the OP.
Same here...I am an introvert with a reserved personality. I have a handful of close, deep friendships rather than a multitude of casual friendships because I prefer my connections with others to be substantive.

Anyhow, my small network has resulted in doors opening for me professionally. Since no man or woman is an island, I still concur with the idea of meeting people and establishing a professional network.

Opportunities arise when others are in your corner to vouch for you.

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Not realizing that there were comments, to my question, I posted my concern again. Oops! Thanks for the comments and suggestions.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

My mom who is a LPN left nursing for almost 16 years to work in retail, but she kept her license up to date the entire time. She was suffering from severe anxiety (agoraphobia). After the retail store she almost dedicated her life to shut down she didn't know where to go after that until she ran into an old nursing friend at a movie theater who encouraged her to come back. She was terrified, but she did it anyway and in a few months can retire.

Just some inspiration for you is all :)

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