For Inactive Nurses desiring to return to the field

Nurses Retired

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I would like to hear from any nurse who has been out of the field of nursing for a time, and thinking about returning. I have been inactive for four years due to a medical sabbatical, but am now looking into becoming a Parish Nurse.

I have always maintained an active nursing license in some state since my medical sabbatical, and have kept my BCLS card up to date until this past month when it expired, but I am working on updating it now. I also let my PALS expire, and won't update that unless I return to work in pediatrics.

For any of you who have been out for awhile, and have successfully returned, how difficult was it for you to be hired, and how many of you took a RN refresher course before applying for a job? Did the refresher course teach you anything that you didn't already know, or would you recommend it to other nurses returning to the field?

Thanks for your input, nurses!;)

seems a good advise on my part nursemanon...i'm waiting for my petition,too.been inactive since i graduated...(though i volunteered in 3 hosp but lasted only 3 mos. each,argh!and that was long ago...)

i'm considering to take the nclex here,apply to a certain state that does not require sss# but the lack of working experience is holding me.:uhoh3:

this is the site of the philippine general hospital apcn training.

once you complete this training, it would be easy for you to apply to pgh or any hospital of your choice.

if your visa could arrive in less than a year, you could just do the us refresher.

good luck! :redbeathe

http://www.pgh.gov.ph/v2/?fid=nursing

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this is the site of the philippine general hospital apcn training.

once you complete this training, it would be easy for you to apply to pgh or any hospital of your choice.

if your visa could arrive in less than a year, you could just do the us refresher.

good luck! :redbeathe

http://www.pgh.gov.ph/v2/?fid=nursing[/qu

thank you so much nursemanon...i appreciate your desire to help someone like me.bless you always!!!:-)

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Nursemamon and TLC93, thanks for all the help... now i'm on the process of completing my requirements... Thanks a lot again...:nuke:

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Specializes in Nurse Educator.

I just wanted to follow up my last post. I have actively been looking for a job with a lot of difficulty. I finally found a company that trains nursing assistants and applied and sent my resume and they interviewed me and hired me as an instructor. So I was glad to get my foot back in the door. I was prepared to start teaching next week after getting all my supplies, doing some training, etc.... I was notified today that the Board of Nursing did not approve me as an instructor because I was out of nursing so long. The thing that really makes me angry is that the company knew. I surely didn't hide it, they had my resume and job application with the dates on it. I don't know quite where to turn because nobody wants to hire someone out of nursing as long as I even though I felt I would have done a great job as an instructor and would be a better nurse today after raising kids, taking care of aging parents, etc....

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Hi all!

I am an RN that graduated in 1990 and really did not work long in the field (6 months agency) before finding a job as a nurse in pharmacy. At the time of my graduation nurses were not in demand and most of my class moved out of state to find jobs. I really have enjoyed my job in the long term care pharmacy field ( I have been here 18 years!), but always feel like I am missing something. Recently I sent out resumes to several long term care facilities in my area. I was really surprised at the interest even though I lack experience. I have taken on a per diem position because I am really not prepared to leave my other job at this time. The worst part is how completely stupid I feel most of the time. My question is this. Can someone like me re-learn these things on the fly with experience...or am I kidding myself. I have to say, this facility has been great with orientation. The nurses and nursing supervisors have been more than welcoming and have offered to help me whenever I need it. I was paired with a great nurse for approximately 2 + weeks before I went solo. But at times I must say I feel like a fraud....am I really a nurse?? I mean I know the meds (I should after working in pharmacy!), but IV's are totally different and recognizing signs and symptoms of certain diseases may be a problem, not to mention..how do I know what lab test should be ordered when certain new meds are added??!! Am I over dramatizing?? I don't know if this is simple nerves due to a new job or if I have any business being back without more education. The nurses I have worked with assure me I am doing a great job and that my feelings are no different than a new grads but I'm not sure. Feedback anyone??

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Specializes in Nurse Educator.

Hi Kelzo,

I just wanted to give you a few words of encouragement. You seem to be so conscientious and have such a strong desire to do a good job that I am sure you are. Your pharmacy experience will really help with the meds and since you really only had six months experience prior, it is kind of like you are a new grad again, but everything will come to you. It is a matter of experience and repetition and truly wanting to do a good job and learn. Sounds like you are well on your way. Good luck!

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Thank You Momma23 for you words of encouragement. I will say with each shift I work I do get more and more comfortable. Especially since the supervisors at this facility are so incredibly patient and helpful. It really has made the difference.

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Specializes in PEDS-HEM/ONC.

I graduated from an ADN program in 1988 and began working immediately in pediatric oncology. I loved it, but after 4 years left the profession to have my three girls and work in a family business. Over the past 16 years I have wanted to return, but the time has never been right. In April our family business was sold and I began thinking about what I could do. I didn't think anyone would hire me after being out so long. I made contact with one of the nurses I worked with way back when and found that she is still on the unit. She put me in contact with the director of the unit who I also used to work with and within a week I had an interview.

I was hired on the spot and they are adapting their fellowship program to bring me on. I will do a general orientation with the new grads, and then will work with RN's on the floor and take classes as needed to become chemo certified. I know many things have changed and I am really nervous, but I am so excited to be going back to the career I love so much.

I am taking an IV certification class, BLS, PALS, an EKG class and a chemo and biotherapies class over the next two months. I am hoping I can get through the PALs class, that is the one that has me nervous.

I wish anyone returning to the field luck. I think it is a great opportunity and such a rewarding profession.

Becembrie

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Specializes in surgical nurse and er nurse.

Hello everybody Iam a board passer 1998 and I work only for a little while in the hospital.Somebody offers me a job as a private nurse in Riyahd so I grabbed the oppurtunity.Now Iam in London but not working as a nurse Iwould like to return to my field the only thing is I did not renew my license for so long and it really bothers me.It expired since 2003 pls I need Some Advise!!!!!!Thank you.:sniff:

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Specializes in surgical nurse and er nurse.
Hi, I thought it was just me!!! I have just finished the RN refresher course in my area (ct)...And to tell you the truth I thought it would be "easy" to return to nursing. NOT. I have heard all along how we "need nurses" etc...The "hospitals are just waiting for you" This is what I have found...There is no place for an experienced RN!! We seem to be even less desirable than the new grad. When I was on a busy med/surg unit in a major teaching hospital during my clinical for the nurse refresher I knew it would take some time to "learn" all the new equipment and become familiar with the new meds. However, I felt very comfortable and ready to care for the pt's. I am very discouraged at this point. Where does the experienced nurse wanting to return to work fit in?

It is like to me you are in the pressure cooker but wait for the result Iam sure it is a good one.

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I am desperately looking for an affordable LPN refresher course. I let my license lapse in 2000. I've looked up a few sites on the internet but haven't found one that I like. There is an online course with a college that's over 70 miles away but it's over $3000. Does anyone have any suggestions?

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I tried going back PRN TOO but no luck. They say that I have been out of nursing too long that it would cause the hospital more money to train me when I will only be giving then a small amt of hrs. I am still looking around but it sucks to have to drive 1hr away from home when my local hospital I use to work at is only 15min away.

UH!

wish me luck

And how much money does it cost them to orient new grads? Alot more than orienting you and having you up to speed in half the time of a new grad!!

Lindarn, RN, BSN

Spokane, Washington

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