Advice On Restarting A Nursing Career

[RegNurse1987]

Hello,

I'm a RN (ADN) with 30 years experience primarily in med/surg, neurology, and psychiatry. Two years ago I quit my job (without completing the required 1 month notice), and set out to teach English in Argentina, Cambodia, and Costa Rica. I don't regret for a second my decision, but 2 years later I'm interested in returning to nursing. Considering my level of education (ADN) my age (55), and absence from nursing for 2 years, what advice can you give me for re-entry into the job market. In my city there are a lot of bedside nursing positions available, but considering my 2 year absence, age, education level, and less than perfect departure from my last position (a nightmare of a job, at which I lasted but 9 months, and left after tendering a notice, but 2 weeks shy of the requisite 1 month notice; I'm ineligible for rehire. ), I'm concerned I'll be passed over in favor of younger, better educated, more up to date nurses without gaps in their resume and an ineligible for rehire history. Any thoughts, advice, words of encouragement?

Thanks,

RegNurse1987

[setsuna92]

Two years of non nursing work doesn't sound too bad. Maybe take a refresher course prior to applying at hospitals so when you're interviewed, you can share that experience. I was just recently in your shoes, and I would still give it a shot despite your eligibility for hire in that previous health system. In some cases, HR only provides dates of employment. SOME cases... but you still got a solid shot. :)