Entry into nursing after being out of school for 10 years?

[Nurseniki]

I graduated and obtained licensure in 2012. Due to many variables, I did not begin working as an RN after school and instead I've been working in criminal law. Now that my life is a bit more settled, I want to go back into my original passion and use my degree. I know I need to either take a refresher course or retake the NCLEX, but my question is this:

Where do I begin studying for the things I will actually need to use as a real nurse day to day?? I don't need to be able to pass a test, I need to know what I will actually need to remember or understand as a first year nurse? My goal is to work at a rehab or surgery center, not a hospital, but I do assume I will have to first put my time in there. Anyone have advice for what to focus on? I do remember a lot, but a also don't remember just as much. I would like to brush up on everything I will actually need to use on the job before even attempting a refresher course.

Also, how often do you really go to a book or Google to look something up as situations arise, verses how much you are comfortable jumping straight into with your own knowledge as a new nurse? I feel like it is so much information and I just was confirmation that people actually do have to look things up the first few years and don't remember every detail LOL.

[hollyjoi, BSN, RN]

Hi there!  I was in a similar situation, I was licensed in 2012, but worked away from the bedside 8 years.  I was able to get hired at a hospital through a residency program specifically for nurses transitioning into acute care.  They provided a 3 month orientation with dedicated skill days and classroom days.  I could have used more of those days, but they were helpful. The program was designed to help you recover those lost skills.  Luckily the unit I work on there is a lot of help/support for the charge nurses. I also refer to the hospital policies for guidance and the hospital’s education tool. On my own, sometimes I have to review my textbooks or even Professor Youtube just to refresh my knowledge.  I would say look for a similar program if your looking to get into the hospital.  Good luck!