Want to go back to hospital work ...

U.S.A. Texas

Published

Hi everyone. I am so glad I just found this website. Maybe someone can offer me some advice. I guess I need some support really (maybe a kick in the rear to get me going ...lol)

I am an RN. I worked in an NICU as a new grad for 2 yrs in South TX. I got a ton of experience and even precepted lots of new emplyees in my 2nd year there. I did some Level III but mostly Level II. We moved for my spouse's job and I worked in pedi homehealth as a supervisor for 4 mos. until we moved yet again. Then moved around with my husband's job to 2 different states and I have been back in TX for several yrs now, we bought our first house, but since my kids were young I stayed away from hospital shifts and worked in a medical office for 1 1/2 yrs and then substituted as a school nurse for a year. Due to demands of children I stayed home for 3 years. I feel like this is the worst thing (not for my children) but for my career that I could have done. I am very worried about being able to get a job because I am not fresh on my skills.

I loved my NICU job and am just about to complete my resume and would like to get back to work asap. My teen is at college now and my other child is in 6th grade so I don't have daycare issues (imagine that-phew!!).

I guess my concern is the employment gaps. I am hoping someone will hire me. My licence is valid, I've got my CPR and did my CEUs. I have also been doing lots of reading to get myself refreshed but have come to the realization that hands-on nursing is what I miss. l feel so intellectually stunted staying home for so long. I recently met a nurse and we talked for 4 hrs straight about all kinds of things. I miss those babies immensely.

Any advice will be helpful. I live in Austin.

Thanks

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Kati,

I'm still pretty green (brand new GN) but I would think that if you took a nurse refresher course, it might show any prospective employer that you were serious about keeping current on your skills. I noticed a website with a list of TX nurse refresher courses at http://nurserefresher.austincc.edu/courselist.pdf .

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Specializes in floor to ICU.

I was thinking of a refresher course, too. I think staying home to raise children is admirable and shouldn't be viewed as a negative. Find a facility with a good preceptor program...

good luck!

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Check with the larger hospitals in the area. They might have a special preceptorship for those wanting to come back to the bedside. There are some that do that here in Houston, so it is not so far fetched that Austin could have it too. Good luck!

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I am going to apply for 2 positions today and see what happens. There seems to be a need here in my specialty area so I am hopeful that there is a good preceptorship program available.

Thanks to everyone for your input. Wish me luck.

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Hello Katibug:

I don't think you should have a problem getting back into the NICU, even though it's been a while that you have been in the NICU. I work NICU as well and recently returned to it full time after being away from it for five years. I was still working in nursing during those five years, but not in the NICU. I know of another nurse that was away from the NICU for five years as well working in a doctor's office and she didn't have a problem getting back in. If it's a good hospital and NICU they will give you as much orientation as you need to get you back on your feet.

Good luck and keep us updated!

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I've got an interview this week. Wish me luck:)

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