BURNOUT :(

[scorpio24]

So I am 24 years old and graduated with my RN in May of 2007. My mentor/instructor from school offered me a job in the ED where she worked and I agreed. ER was never an option for me...I just knew that I had the job in the bag and knew that my boss would look out for my best interests.

After a year, I was suffering from burnout and decided to leave to pursue travel nursing. What I didn't realize was that you have to have experience in the specific field for which you are applying. Shortly thereafter, events in my life led me away from nursing. I have not worked as a nurse for about 13-14 months. I honestly always wanted OB, but the opportunities just weren't there when I graduated. I'm not sure of how to get experience to get back into nursing and change fields. Also, after being out for a while I feel "rusty" and cannot find any refresher courses in my area. Just looking for some wisdom from those nurses who have been at it for 20 + years. Any advice you can give me is GREATLY appreciated.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Wow - you have gotten yourself into a real pickle. Since we are a 'practice profession' in which skills and knowledge are continually changing, it is very difficult to come back from an extended period of non-practice without some sort of remediation. FYI - travel nurses are 'sold' to facilities on the assumption that they can hit the ground running and perform as an expert without any additional training.

As a hiring manager, I would be very reluctant to invest in training a nurse for a new specialty if the employment history did not clearly indicate that the nurse would stick around long enough for the investment to pay off. I would advise you not to hold out too much hope of getting a job outside your area of experience.

Your challenge is going to be convincing people of your sincerity and commitment. Actions always speak louder than words - enroll in a refresher course if possible; make sure your BLS is current; get your ACLS certification. Since you want to work in OB, go get your NRP certification.

Good luck!