Experienced RNs who had been out of practice for a while

I also took 10 yrs off and over 20 away from the hospital! We don't even have nurse refresher courses in our area! It's great you're doing all that. I went to the last place I worked and spoke with my manager and asked about working part-time (this was school nursing). She had no problem welcoming me back. I really wanted to work in the hospital again. I had some friends who worked where I wanted so I put their name (with their permission) on my application and I was hired there as well. It can be done but network and get the word out you're looking!

I am an RN of 22 years who took a seven year break to stay home with our kids after working several years of Med/Surg inpatient nursing. I did an online refresher course when I wanted to get back into nursing, but the job market had changed so drastically between 2003 and 2010, and I didn't have any "recent" experience, so even with my refresher course, the only job I could find was at an inpatient hospice facility. I worked hospice for a while then got hired as a contingent float Med/Surg nurse in a local hospital and now I'm back where I wanted to be.

I don't know if I have any specific advice for you except hang in there, keep applying, and try to stay positive. Maybe also think outside the box a little bit, if something in hospice, home care, etc. opens up for you. At least you will be back to working as a nurse and you may find that you actually love your new specialty.