Advice for psychiatric NP out of practice for 6 years

[Barb606]

I would like to return to practice part time after not practicing for 6 years. I have been working as an instructor during this time. I am bored with this, but somewhat anxious about returning to prescribing. I am 66 years old but I don't want to retire. I am board certified after doing a post masters NP. (Previously I was a CNS with prescriptive authority.) when I practiced, I had difficulty handling the stress, but I want to go back and try again. My daughters think I'm a little crazy since I have a good job teaching clinicals, off in the summers,etc. Any advice or has anyone been in a similar position? I have thought about getting a one day job in addition to teaching but that is difficult to find. Not sure if I should just quit teaching and look for an NP job.

[puravidaLV]

think of it like the first time you saw a patient pop off in-house....you got over it and everytime you just perfected your skill till you became an experienced nurse in that area. Find someone that is going to foster you coming back into practice, keep it small, and it will all come back to you...there is a reason why the icd10/cpt codes are small...hand full of dx...hand full of meds.

[Psychcns]

Just look around, read ads, network. There are jobs in Psych NP now. Might not be there forever. I have worked in some very supportive places. It will come back to you! Best wishes!

[Jules A, MSN]

Have you stayed on top of the latest meds that have come to market and the FDA approvals? What did you find so stressful before and what do you think would be different this time around?

Personally I plan to retire from prescribing when I'm 62 but perhaps I'd consider continuing to teach a little. This is just me but I don't know too many prescribers in their late 60s who are still as sharp as they once were and feel quite confident I won't be so that is why I'm planning an exit strategy. Best wishes with whatever you decide.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I'm 56 now and plan to work another 10 years. However, I don't expect (knock on wood) to have a break in employment. Personally, I have know providers who were in their 60's and still quite sharp.

However, much depends on whether you keep up with new meds/developments, evidence base practice guidelines, CME, etc..

I have also know providers younger than my who have stated "We've ALWAYS done it this way and I'm not gonna change."

I think its more up to the individual.