Do you think a nurse who took a couple years off would have a hard time finding work?

[linda2097]

I am a decent RN with 10 years of experience. If I choose to be unemployed for a couple years, do you think employers might not want to hire me when I choose to work again?

[returningnurse2006]

Absolutely not. I returned to work as a nurse after being away from nursing for 10 years with only 3 years experience. If I can do it you can do it.

[getoverit, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

My mom took off for 10+ years when I was a kid. Kept her RN license and went straight back to work when she was ready. Went from L&D to Occupational Health. Also was surprised that she no longer had to sharpen and autoclave needles!!

If you can do it, take your time off and just imagine what you'll have to look forward to when you come back!

[RNperdiem, RN]

Sure, just keep you license active and be prepared to work a little harder to refresh your skills when you return.

If you want to keep your hand in, a per diem job, as little as 4 hours a week will keep your practice current.

[jlcole45]

Linda2097

I too took a couple of years off, and I had 16 years experience in nursing, worked in another field and then returned. My background was critical care and emergency. I did get one decline from the local VA er - the recruiter wanted recent experience. But at our local community hospital I had two offers from a CV step down unit (days) and the CCU (nightS) - I chose the day shift job though I will eventually return to one of the critical care units.

Check with your state board in my state if you had let your license expire for more then 5 years then they made you take a 6 week review course. My hospitals are eager to hire any experienced nurse.

[Crash_Cart]

The nice part about having experience is that your past will always be there to serve you in the future.

My Best.

[bill4745, RN]

10 years in ICU, left for 8 years (own business), applied to 3 hospitals, 3 immediate job offers, all with several weeks of orienting with a preceptor. You will have no trouble returning to work.

[caliotter3]

At most, you should only have to answer a question or two about the gap in employment. However, if any of the previous employers say anything negative, then you might run into some problems. Info that a previous employer or reference is not being positive about you is not always offered freely. You can go through many potential employers, not getting favorable consideration, before anyone tells you that so and so from so and so, is saying bad things about you. Expect that some potential employers will assume that there is a problem if you haven't been working steadily, even if this is not the case.