Starting Nursing after 4 years off

[tindera]

I graduated 4 years ago and I haven't worked as a nurse since then. It's a long complicated and sad story not gonna bore you. I got a job in a neuro progressive care unit. I'm starting my first day on the floor on Monday and I'm really nervous. I don't feel like I'm ready and I'm afraid a lot of time has lapsed and I've forgotten a lot about nursing. Any tips would be great! If you have any resources you think I can check out please let me know.

[RNKPCE]

Kudos to the hospital that hired you. Hopefully they will have an awesome preceptorship program. Even fresh new grads are nervous! Congratulations!

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Ask questions and find a brain sheet that works for you.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Find a mentor.

[guest17]

I recently went back to working after a 2 year absence due to medical issues, so I can see why you're concerned. I was just as worried as you going back into the hustle of everything nursing.

First off: It'll all come back very quickly. I was afraid of forgetting all about charting, assessing, critical thinking, etc. but it really was like second nature. Once you have the nursing virus, it's with you forever.

Anyway. During your preceptorship, don't be afraid to ask questions! I was told by one nurse I was following that she'd be more afraid of a new nurse not asking questions. Asking questions shows you're listening and learning.

If you need more days of preceptorship, your nurse manager should comply. They're there to help you.

And have confidence in yourself! Having a mentor, like CrunchRN mentioned, may help you as well.

Good luck!

[Green Tea, RN]

I was like you that I got my first nursing job four years after college graduation. After graduation, I moved to a foreign country where my family lived and stayed there for four years.

After moving back to the us, my first nursing job was on med-surg. Now I work in the OR. I think attitude plays a big role in nursing. Good luck!