From Communty Health back to Acute Care: Need Advice

Specialties CCU

Published

Specializes in listed above.

I've been working in community health for two years, but now want to return to acute care to eventually pursue critical care. The problem is, I've been out of the hospital for over 10 years and nobody wants to hire an RN without recent acute care experience. The recent economy downturn hasn't helped. Does anyone have any advice how to make this transition? I've thought about taking some refresher courses but it's not like I've been out of nursing, it's just that I've focused on different areas of health. Any help would be appreciated.

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Specializes in ICU, cardiac, CV, GI, transplan.

Getting into a casual or per diem position might help get you a foot in the door. I would take whatever I could tolerate in the hospital setting just to get in; once you're in-house it's easier to move than it is to get hired in the first place.

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Specializes in ED, PCU, Addiction, Home Health.

I have found that casual/registry positions sometimes come with less oritentation than a regular position, and might leave you feeling even more overwhelmed.

Check in your area for which hospitals seem to need staff the most....maybe be willing to take any position you can get.....and if you can get an interview honestly share your career goals and desires. Basically "if you give me the chance and training, I'll make it worth your while ......"

10 years is a bit of time to be away from the bedside. You might be amazed at the changes in meds and treatments!

I also left acute care for a year and was amazed and how fast my brain cells forgot stuff!!! I had done ER before, and I got an ER position in a small, small facility with a great staff, and got my skills back up where they needed to be. But it still took time to regain that level of comfort.

Dawn

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