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Discussion

Getting back in after 2 years

I was an ICU nurse for 5 years. I got out to try to be a NM, which turned out to be horrible then I did something else non bedside and now I am a HH/ hospice nurse and the job is torture.

I would go back to ICU full time ifi could do shift work on a regular basis.

I was thinking about going per diem back in my ICU job, where I worked, so when the day comes and I completely lose my job and quit on the spot ( it's coming) I have a back up until the job I am waiting for has an opening.

Anyways, my point being, I feel almost as if I could walk right back on the unit after being out 2 years. Is that weird? If they do hire me back, should I get a day or 2 of orientation, atleast to familiarize myself with some updated processes?

Is it ridiculous to think I can go right back into it like I hadn't left?

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    How long have you been out? Not that it matters much......it's like riding a bike after a few test runs it's like you never left. I think a few days to refamiliarize yourself with the unit but you should be fine.

    Once an ICU nurse always an ICU nurse.

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    How long have you been out? Not that it matters much......it's like riding a bike after a few test runs it's like you never left. I think a few days to refamiliarize yourself with the unit but you should be fine.

    Once an ICU nurse always an ICU nurse.

    I've been out 2 years....... And you said it so well, once an ICU nurse, always an ICU nurse. I've been doing hospice for a year now and still consider myself an ICU nurse:).

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    I was an ICU nurse for 15 years before going to hospice and then to teaching. When I had to bring my clinical group through an ICU rotation I was scared to death as it had been 7 years since I had been in one, but it took me about 2 hours to become comfortable again, it's amazing what comes rushing back when you are back in the atmosphere. My biggest challenge was the different equipment but, that didn't take long either. ICU nursing is a way of thinking, critical thinking, and once you learn it, you never actually stop using it in your practice. Good Luck to you, I think you will be fine :)

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    Your story sounds very similar to mine. I was an ICU nurse for 5 years, and am now back after a two year leave. There are a few new things, but overall its like I never left. Good luck!

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