Burned out nurse starting over again

roser13, ASN, RN · Oct 15, 2009

Wow - what a life you've lead! Unfortunately, now is not a really great time to be re-entering the field of nursing. Lots and lots of nurses are having trouble finding jobs.

While your life experience sounds remarkable, I think you should keep in mind that it's probably not the type of experience that an employer would look for.....for instance, there's not much call for setting a limb with a rolling pin. I am not trying to be facetious, just wanting to remind you that your extensive experience while on a boat might not transfer into an advantage over other applicants.

emidianeRN · Oct 15, 2009

I guess it depends where you live! My hospital hires new grads into the ER and telemetry floor, so I'm sure you'll find something! During your interview you could certainly mention your other experience offshore. It just shows that you are a quick thinker, autonomous, calm during emergencies and a problem solver.

Good luck!

RNperdiem, RN · Oct 15, 2009

Have you considered going for an EMT? The experiences you describe sound more like EMT skills. If this is what you enjoy and remember, maybe nursing isn't the way.

ILRN200 · Oct 15, 2009

I'm sorry you are having a hard time finding a job too.

I think it is important to remember that there ARE nurses that will do the 12 hour shifts, go back to school etc., many of them have been in nursing for years and "did their time." Healthcare changes rapidly, there is much to learn from year to year.

sunflower918 · Oct 15, 2009

Wholeheartedly agree with RNperdiem-you sound like a perfect candidate for paramedic school-more advanced than EMT practice, with plenty of "making something out of nothing" in the field to keep people alive...

Good luck!

DeeAngel · Oct 15, 2009

I understand the reasons people think 12 hour shifts are not desirable, however let me give you my take on them.

I took a refresher course after 27 years of not working as a nurse at all and have a job working 7a to 7p 3 nights a week. I work for a few hours and then usually have 3-4 hours a night to study and get back on track with my knowledge, some nights I have even more hours than that to study. Yes nights are undesirable, but they are the only way you can work and get paid to study to improve yourself.

No one says you have to work nights forever. I'm going to do it for at least a year until I'm on top of my game once again. Days shift where I work is absolutely CRAZY, 3 or patients leave a nurse, 3 or 4 new admits follow, census drops below a certain point, a nurse goes home and the assignments are re-divided. IMHO this is not a good environment to get back into things you have been away from. As for studying on day shift - consider yourself lucky if you get a bathroom break.

MassED, BSN, RN · Oct 15, 2009

Hi everyone. Just to keep it real short, I was a CNA, LPN and then an RN for a total of 15 years. I got so burned out and had no idea what eles to do with my life. I just happened to fall into professional sailing and I did that for 13 years. Got my 100 ton Captains license. I was also the chief stewardess, nurse, medical officer in charge, culinary trained chef in N.Y. etc. I am now back on land. I went thru RN Refresher course and I am still looking for a job. I know I don't want to do 12 hour shifts again in a hospital!! EVER!! I did my time in that. I am interested in trauma and anything pertaining to emergency situations as I have encountered alot of that off shore, working with NOTHING and yet still making it work. I have saved many lives hundreds of miles before help could be available. All I see on these web sites for work are nurses with experience and certificates. I have had enough of schooling but am willing to go back and learn what I need to learn in order to do this type of work. I have more experience than anyone could ever imagine. Can anyone eles understand how to keep a broken limb intact with a rolling pin,........ how to keep a stroke victim alive for 3 days when help is nowhere in site.....etc. How do I even APPYLY for a job when I don't have the appropriate credentials????? How do I start over again???? I know so much but I don't want to start at the bottom of the food chain again. Any suggestions would be so helpful. I'm not a kid anymore and I don't want to start over in this life again.

I think your experience speaks volumes. Having your degree and those necessary certifications would boost your chances, if you want to get into an ER. Experience is the key - I think if you can convey that in an interview, you would get the job. I'd hire you, anyway.... =)

pbirdy · Oct 16, 2009

Hey all. Thanks for all your info. I guess I just have to do what I have to do. Thanks so much!!!