Desperate for guidance

[Peatness]

A little background info to clarify the situation.... I graduated in 2005 with a BScN from a Canadian university. I am licensed in both Canada and the US and will be moving to Texas in the next few months. I will be looking for a position there (possibly on a three month travel nurse contract).

Here is my issue: Upon graduation I was unable to seek immediate employment due to serious family issues. I was offered several positions but had to decline. I am only now able to seek employment as an RN. I have been 'out of the loop' for close to 2 years and I don't know where to start. Not only could one consider me a new grad but two years have gone by with no clinical skills review. I did some casual work with a general practitioner, general assessments, wound care, diabetes edu...small stuff. He is willing to provide me with a reference. Previously my profs and nurse preceptors provided references for me but I can't bring myself to contact them two years later for fear that they won't even remember who I am. So.... I'm getting the gears going with text book reviews, concentrating on the "how not to kill your patient" chapters. I am thinking of taking an ACLS course when I get to Texas, I figure this will help my chances of employment (any other courses that you recommend?). Suggestions on how to wedge myself back into the RN scene and to which area of nursing would be most appropriate would be wonderful. My anxiety is through the roof and it's over having to find a job under these circumstances not so much that I think I won't be able to do the job (although that plays a part as well). I have found so much wisdom on this site throughout the years and I hope a little can be sent my way.

Peat

[caliotter3]

A nursing refresher course would be in order. One has been offered in the SF bay area for a long time but it is very expensive, about $1200 or maybe more.

Look for one of these courses. ACLS is not a bad idea, as well as PALS, if you want to work in Peds. However, both of these courses are better done (usually) when a person has experience.

Also, when you seek employment, specifically look for new grad orientation/preceptorship offers. Normally these are offered by the bigger employers.

Good luck and welcome to the US!