For Inactive Nurses desiring to return to the field

Nurses Retired

Published

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!;)

Specializes in Education, IV Therapy, Travel Medicine.

This is common. Don't be discouraged. Find a refresher program that includes clinicals and you should be fine from there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i thought u only take the state board exam once

do u have to retake the nclex rn if u stop working as an rn for some years?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education, IV Therapy, Travel Medicine.

In some states you do. This used to be the rule many years ago in Texas but, is not a requirement anymore. WhHat state are you in?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC Family Practice.

Hi everyone, I joined this forum in hopes of finding out more about re-entry.

I'm an (L)PN, I graduated from school in 1972 in OR, I worked in a hospital on a med/surg floor and ortho. I then moved and worked in a Nursing Home and then at a University Family Practice Clinic. Moved again and worked in ER, ICU, Family Practice and Peds Clinics. I had a total 10 years experience with additional training in ER/ICU and Pharmacology.

I became licenced in OR, CO, OH and GA. After my divorce from my ex- Family Practice Doc (reasons for moving around for him to go to school)

I was more than a little burnt out after 10+ years.

So I got into other things, fast forward to now, I'm unemployed and my current profession was in real estate research...ummm gone.

So today I looked for an online re-fresher course and talked with the woman, I was pleased with what I heard and so I contacted my state board to make sure her program is approved it is but not for me:angryfire. I would have to take the WHOLE program over...NOT.

If I had the funds I just do an ADN.

You hear everywhere they are screaming for nurses yet make it impossible to get re-certified. I'm an older (mid 50's) single woman, unemployed with a mortgage ect...ARRGGG

OK vent over, I don't know where to turn, going to school and working that is IF I could find work is not an option for my physically...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Recovery Rm, CCU, ICU.

I too joined this forum in hopes of learning more about re-entry into nursing.

I have a BSN; graduated in 1977 from IU School of Nursing. I worked 9 years in critical care. Had CCRN, BCLS, ACLS and Recovery Room Certificate. All are expired now, and my RN licensure is in Florida. It has been in inactive status for 1 1/2 years. I currently am employed elsewhere, and haven't practiced nursing for 23 years. I would like to re-enter nursing, and am looking for a refresher course in Chicago area.

My question is: Do I activate my license in Florida and then apply for Illinois licensure, or apply directly to Illinois? I have received the "run around" when I spoke with the Department of Professional Regulation in both states. Please advise.

Thanks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I too joined this forum in hopes of learning more about re-entry into nursing.

I have a BSN; graduated in 1977 from IU School of Nursing. I worked 9 years in critical care. Had CCRN, BCLS, ACLS and Recovery Room Certificate. All are expired now, and my RN licensure is in Florida. It has been in inactive status for 1 1/2 years. I currently am employed elsewhere, and haven't practiced nursing for 23 years. I would like to re-enter nursing, and am looking for a refresher course in Chicago area.

My question is: Do I activate my license in Florida and then apply for Illinois licensure, or apply directly to Illinois? I have received the "run around" when I spoke with the Department of Professional Regulation in both states. Please advise.

Thanks.

I just paid $200 for a pharmacology refresher course through the Intercollegiate Center for Nursing Education in Spokane (ICNE). The rest of the course is something to the tune of $2000.

Lindarn, RN, BSN, CCRN

Spokane, Washington

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education, IV Therapy, Travel Medicine.

I would go to Illinois site first and read the guidelines for becoming a nurse in that state (i.e. endorsement). If you qualify go straight there. Let me know if you can't decipher the guidelines and I will try and help.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
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!;)

I just graduated 2007 and a registered nurse now...i am so glad to hear that there are nurses who still want to return into service after a long time of absence...anyways, i know, there are people who are willing to welcome you as long as there is the enthusiasm to learn and prayers can be a big lift in everything we do.God bless!:yeah::bowingpur

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment