Could really use some advice

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Spent 25 years as a pediatric nurse, large part of it in a peds emergency department. Left nursing in 2006, but kept my license up, and worked in a clerical position for a relative. Business is down so it looks like I may need to find at least a part-time RN job. Do I need a refresher course? I am finding them very expensive and most don't start up till this fall. I don't won't to limit myself to peds, even fewer opportunities there. Not sure what my options are, any advice would be appreciated.

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Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.

unquestionably, since you been out of practice for 6 years a refresher course would be most beneficial to you, and enhance your skills, plus it shows your future employer your sincerity desire to commit to whatever position you are applying for. in addition, make sure that all of your certificates like cpr, acls etc. are up to date. wishing you the very best in all of your future endeavors...aloha~

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

Agree with the refresher course advice. How did you keep up your license without nursing hours? just curious, my state requires a minimum number of nursing work hours a year.

Good luck and welcome back!

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Specializes in Community Health/School Nursing.

Think about being a school nurse! You would be excellent in that position if you like working with kids. I love my job....I am a school nurse here in Nashville, TN. Good luck!

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Specializes in Pedi.
Agree with the refresher course advice. How did you keep up your license without nursing hours? just curious, my state requires a minimum number of nursing work hours a year.

Good luck and welcome back!

I think this is something that varies by state. In my state, you aren't required to be actively working to keep a nursing license active, you just have to take the required number of CEUs.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

You'd be very unlikely to get hired at a lot of hospitals without a refresher course.

Have you considered other, non-staff nurse type jobs? If you just need a part time income, perhaps you could find something that doesn't involved direct patient care in a hospital. Teach CPR? Teach PALS? Do some home care on a part time basis ... or some private duty? Perhaps serve as a baby-sitter / nanny for a kid with special needs? Work in a day-care center? Use your clerical skills with an insurance company or wellness program?

The jobs I just mentioned don't pay as much as hospital staff nurse, but they may be a way for you to earn a little "part time cash" without waiting and paying for a whole refresher course.

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