Returning to nursing after 4year break...

nur20 · Sep 30, 2001

CHANCES ARE YOU MAY NEED TO TAKE A REFRESHER COURSE. SOME THINGS HAVE CHANGED IN 4 YEARS, NOT TO MENTION NEW TECNIQUES AND NEW MEDICATIONS.YOUR BOARD OF NURSING COULD GIVE YOU INFORMATION.ISN'T THERE A STIPULATION WHERE YOU HAVE TO WORK SO MANY HOURS IN ORDER TO RENEW LICENSES, OR GO ON INACTIVE? PROBABLY A NON ACUTE SETTING COULD PAVE THE WAY FOR YOU. :eek:

RNed · Sep 30, 2001

I took a six year haitus from nursing and then returned. I did not take a refresher coorifice. I had been working in ICU prior to leaving nursing. I considered a refresher coorifice, however, my friends indicated to me that it was a refresher more designed to medical floor nursing, organization skills, etc. and convinced me that I would not need that type of review.

It turns out they were right, in my case. I am sure this is somewhat based on the individual, length of previous exposure, confidence level, etc. In addition, I returned to the hopsital and unit that I had previously left. The older staff familiar to me and I to them were very helpful and supportive.

I will remind you that the body and the physiology of the body has not changed. Some medications and some procedures have progressed and are different. The charting is computer driving which was new, however, I am computer wise and have no fear working with computers and embraced this with zeal.

If you think a refresher would better prepare you, take it. Otherwise be very upfront about your "timeout" and setup in the very beginning an extended probationary period. The hospital I returned to didn't know or develop a probationary program for me so I took the lead and designed one for myself and they approved of it, ahead of time.

Knowing the staff, I picked a staff nurse and asked to be assigned to her exclusively. We worked three weeks together, finished each shift with a small, how things go today session and plannned the next shifts events. I tried to do as many different procedures as possible offering to place or assist with other procedures on different patients throughtout the unit. By not being assigned to a patient, I was able to be exposed to many different tasks. I think this was one of the greatest elements to my return.

On a final note it took about four months to get "comfortable" again. I am not up to the level I left at, but I feel like I am a safe nurse and know time and continued experience will fill in the gaps. Good luck !

BeachNurse · Sep 30, 2001

Hi, Limey

I see that you are in Jax, FL...and so am I. I have noticed that all the area hospitals are fiercely advertising for RN's. Many of the ads have mentioned a "free refresher" course for nurses returning to active status. May be worth it. Check out the Times-Union. Good Luck! :)