Back to NICU after 10+ years!

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Specializes in NICU.

I've been a nurse for 23 years. But I've been out of the world for a bit and I'm about to try to go back and need a little help.
The first 10 years I spent in a Level III NICU. I tried a few other things in the IT area. I did 6 years in Pediatric Private Duty (NICU grads w/ trachs and home vents) and then worked for a couple of years in a Level II Nursery (NOT a very good one.) I left Nursing at the end of 2019 for a little hiatus. As I was about to go back - COVID hit. My husband and I both got it! Thankfully neither of us was hospitalized. But I chose not to go back to work for a bit. Family circumstances have kept me at home until now. I have been thinking of trying to go back to a Level III NICU again. Only now, it's been 13 years!  Honestly, I'm a little worried about catching up and keeping up!  Any advice guys?  I'm getting my renewal CEUs together and want to add some Neonatal CEUs. I'm also trying to update myself on meds. I'm not starting from scratch but I know I've got a lot of catching up to do. Not having worked in the world since COVID... I worry a bit about other nurses resenting me if I'm being honest. And I'm scared about getting back out there in general. How do I catch up on the last 13 years??

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I wish you the best of luck. I have been off for a year and a half due to a accident and like you I have been a NICU RN for 22 years.  I still have my credentials all updated but, no one will hire me because I have been off to long. I have applied with at least 15 NICU’s in my home town and I got turned down by everyone. Then I tried PRN, Per Diem, and agency. They all said I have been off to long. So I hope it’s different where you live. 

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Specializes in NICU.
On 1/3/2022 at 2:15 AM, ElleArrghN said:

I worry a bit about other nurses resenting me if I'm being honest. And I'm scared about getting back out there in general. How do I catch up on the last 13 years??

Why would the other nicu nurses resent you?Why are you having this concern?What happened in your other nicu experience?All you can do is try,get all your credentials up to snuff[not easy,I know] read the Core curriculum,even amazon carries it and a workbook,remember you are investing in yourself.If it is meant to be ,it will,if not you can make other choices youwill be well prepared.Good luck

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