scared

1. Just registered and my first time posting here....feel like i know everyone already cuz i usually view the new items weekly. I am an RN (graduated in 1997) but never truely practiced. (i did work on the 3rd floor of a LTC facility for approx'ly 2 months. no orientation, but around 3 weeks into the position there was a fire in the only elevator i was just about to enter...i would have orphaned my 2 children cuz thats where the electrical fire was) ...i left nursing even though i received awards because none of the 39 skilled residents i had, nor 40 assisted living residents under my care suffered any type of distress.....i was the only RN for the whole bldg. 1 LPN for the assisted living side and a few CNAs. (i left my ACLS expire and went on to become a Nursing Home Administrator with a BS in Marketing & BS in Management). I really loved nursing, but back in '97 it was hard to find a job without experience. I'm thinking of taking a refresher course and going back into it. I'm afraid i might have forgotten a lot, and wouldn't recognize any drugs. (never did an IV...but had a lot of theory). Wondering if anyone else benefitted from any refresher course. Always wanted to work in ED, but never had the chance. Think i maybe ready to try again. Would love to hear your input.
2. 

   About MayoRN

   Joined: Nov '02; Posts: 23
   RN/NHA/Sales

   13 Comments

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3. 
   Nov 16, '02

   Occupation: RN, CLNC, Entrepreneur Joined: Apr '01; Posts: 6,312; Likes: 106

   Follow your dreams! I wish I had some first hand experience to share but I do not. I do know nursing needs caring people with a sharp mind like you.
   
   Let us know how we can help.
   
   B.
4. 
   Nov 16, '02

   Occupation: Hospice clinical director Joined: May '02; Posts: 2,873; Likes: 26

   I think a refresher course would be a good idea...I'm not so sure it would be a good idea to jump into ED, however.
   
   Get some skills under your belt first, then give ED a try if you're still interested.
   
   Good luck!
5. 
   Nov 16, '02

   Joined: Jun '02; Posts: 311; Likes: 3

   I graduated in '97, too, and I had a tough time finding a job!!! Now, I get cards in the mail daily to work with this company or that. Take a refresher course and see if you can't get a med/surg internship somewhere, that way you'll get a chance to get more refresher information and hone up on skills. Good luck!!!!!
6. 
   Nov 16, '02

   Occupation: Director of nursing in an assisted living facility Joined: Jul '01; Posts: 708; Likes: 3

   Welcome Mayo~
   
   Take refresher courses,,,, you haven't forgotten as much as you think I'm sure,,,,,
   
   Welcome to allnurses,,,,, nice to meet you,,,,,
   
   ~~kitamoon
7. 
   Nov 16, '02

   Occupation: RN! med-surg at a lge teaching hospital Joined: Nov '02; Posts: 13

   I would love to encourage you to march right in to a teaching hospital where you live and tell exactly what you said about being the only RN in a LTC and inquire about the preceptor program they have and "go for it". You know your answer to your dilemma is buried in the question. Believe in yourself and go for it. We need you out here to make a difference!
   Best of luck to you,
   From an old nurse in TN.
8. 
   Nov 16, '02

   Occupation: allnurses Asst Community Manager, APRN Specialty: 25 year(s) of experience in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU ; From: US ; Joined: Apr '00; Posts: 53,360; Likes: 26,173

   Welcome. Go for your dreams. I'm an ER nurse and love it. Just recently signed up for ADN to MSN on-line program so I'm also pursuing my dreams.
9. 
   Nov 16, '02

   Joined: Dec '01; Posts: 3,165; Likes: 59

   Go fer it!! You can do it!
   
   The nurse who precepted me took a refresher course, got on a MS unit, and 5 years later was the (vested) Employee of the Year!
   
   
10. 
    Nov 16, '02

    Joined: Nov '00; Posts: 931; Likes: 18

    welcome !!!
    
    we'll look forward to getting to know you, now that you're familiar with this crazy bunch! :d
    
    just don't allow yourself to get pushed into situations that you believe you aren't ready to handle. but, also don't let your fears stop you.
11. 
    Nov 16, '02

    Joined: Oct '02; Posts: 60,384; Likes: 16,559

    Hi! Find a place that has a good preceptor program and jump right in, ask a lot of questions. You should be allright, even if you don't take a refresher. I'm sure you remember the basics, head-to-toe assessments, looking up meds, etc. A good preceptor and a good long orientation for some on-the-job learning is the best refresher course you need.
    
    Good luck!
12. 
    Nov 16, '02

    Occupation: RN Joined: Jul '02; Posts: 175; Likes: 1

    :hatparty: Welcome Mayo!
    Take a refresher if it will help your confidence. I agree a good preceptor is a great help and can be as good if not better but you can't tell if they are good or bad till you have them.
    I also agreeyou have not foprgotten as much as you think and you sound like you are going to be the a vvery speacial nurse.
    Glad you are now a member. PM for anything if nesc.
13. 
    Nov 17, '02

    Occupation: RN, MS home health Joined: Aug '02; Posts: 7,472; Likes: 49

    Sure go for the course. I doubt you would have a hard time finding a job.
    
    renerian
14. 
    Nov 17, '02

    Occupation: RN.... Joined: Apr '02; Posts: 255; Likes: 6

    Good Luck, And may I say, as a nurse in a very busy level one tramua center, if you go right to an ER, go to a community one, small but busy, because you want to set yourself up to win.

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