Inactive RN wanting to return to practice... is it possible...?

Oh my gosh, we'd hire you now. I live in a rural area in Northern California though -

We have a sort of "grow your own" mentality . . . have an LVN program through a local community college and one of our own nurses teaches. Also an LVN to RN bridge program. Actually one of our BSN nurses is going for her Master's now. Oh and also a CNA program, which is taught by an LVN.

We would have no problem hiring someone who has been home with her kids for awhile. In our hospital, we do a little bit of everything - you have to be pretty flexible. We are not usually as busy as a larger hospital though. I do ob, er, med/surg, post-op, pre-op, . .. we have ortho patients, post-partum, COPD/pnuemonia, wound care, and rehab patients all on the same floor.

I'd have to say that depending on where you open yourself up to, you could probably get a job fairly easily.

Best wishes!!

steph

With a good orientation there should be absolutely no issues.

Kathryn, it wont be as difficult as you think. Im a retired health care exec and after 30 yrs am working part-time. Orientation was key, and certainly some things have changed. You'll do great!

I have seen refresher courses as well geared for those who have been out a while. I'm not sure who all offers them, or if they would be worth the money. It may just be easier/cheaper picking up some books, studying new concepts/meds, etc.

However, if finding a job becomes difficult, you may want to look into taking a refresher course.

Good luck.

Kathryn: Don't give up!! I graduated in 1997 and ended up never practicing until now!! I brought up my kids and once my youngest startest first grade finally began focusing on my nursing career. I retook the NCLEX in 11/04, passing with 75 questions and took an RN reentry course which was an intense three month long class. It was given at a local hospital and I really lucked out by getting a job there. I'm now completing my first month of internship and cannot believe how far I've come. This hasn't been easy, but I have some great people I'm working with. However, I'm planning to begin a different shift with not-so-nice nurses. I really worry it will be the death of me!! I'm hoping my interactions with them will be limited. There are so many preceptors who are cruel and shouldn't be doing what they do. Anyway, don't give up as you can do it!! The head of the education dept. met with us for the last time and I can still hear her words - "If you aren't making some mistakes, you're not doing enough." Think about it, she's right!! She's not into doing things when you are unsure, but you will make mistakes. One member on this website gave me the best advide which was to go over all your paperwork before leaving the floor. You don't want to get home worrying you forgot something, so check your meds, that you gave everything and it was all initialled, all the orders were carried out, etc. There's so much to it. I tend to worry, but really feel this advice came in handy!! I'm worrying a lot less than I thought I would. My biggest concern is assessments. I feel I'm not great at them and am worrying I should be better, but don't want to feel foolish in bringing it up at this point. I haven't gotten any good ideas on that issue yet from this website. I just keep reading about assessments. Just be determined---you will do it!!!

Kathryn I know many nurses who returned to practice after raising their kids...its why somebody invented 'refresher courses'!

Many hospitals have a strong education dept to help their nurses feel comfortable, new grads and old.

You will likely be surprised at how easy it will be to get a job, altho I know some areas of the country are not as desperate for nurses as others.

The technology will likely be the most daunting for you...seems like we have some new computerized this and that every few months...stuff that takes our time from the patients <sigh>

But...that is the life of a nurse...LOL!!

Good luck in your search for the right position for you!