Will i be able to get back into it?

Orca, ADN, ASN, RN · Aug 7, 2012

My mother took several years off during her career when my sister and I were very young, then she returned to hospital nursing. She said that the hardest part was the changes in medications during the time she was gone, and she had to spend a lot of time in catch-up learning. It can be done. Also, be reasonable in what you expect of yourself. There will be a learning curve again, since you have been away for a while. It won't be as steep as it was when you finished school, because of your prior hands-on experience.

thumperxx · Aug 9, 2012

thamk you, you have reassured me quite a bit . thanks so much :)

Nurse ABC · Aug 9, 2012

I'm doing it now. I've been out of the hospital for almost 20 yrs and have just started on a med-surg floor a month ago. It's doable and this time around I'm not quite as stressed. A lot has changed as far as computer charting but the basics remain the same. You'll be fine!

84RN · Aug 9, 2012

You'll surprise yourself at how quickly it all comes back to you.

I was out of the workplace for 17 years, and when I took a refresher course, did 96 hours of clinical. After the 3rd of 8 12-hour shifts, I felt like I could do the job again.

Computerized charting, the meds, a few things like IV pumps/tubings/needle systems are different, but assessment and disease processes remain the same.

Honestly, I feel that even though I may not be as current on the meds, my nursing judgements are better now than they were before. Life experience, organizational skills, prioritizing, and more are all better at 50 years old than when I was in my early 30's and last worked as an RN.

thumperxx · Aug 11, 2012

Thanks guys x