Going back to the bedside

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I have been a nurse for 14 years, 5 of those in pediatric oncology, and 9 in the community, first doing maternal child field nursing (public health) and the 5 years of school nursing. So I have a great background in terms of growth and development, working with families and general health issues through out childhood. Now I am wanting to get back to the hospital and am interested in the NICU. I floated to the NICU when I did peds onc. I am taking a NRP class soon. Can anyone give some idea of how realistic it is for me to get back on the floor after being away for 9 years? What are the best statigies to get the attention of the hiring manager? Should I take PALS or ACLS? Any thoughts on this matter will be much appreciated.

Thanks a million,

Stacey

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

WELCOME!

Wow....it might be harder than you think. The market stinks right now. Especially in California. Some facilities may want you to take a refresher course since you have been away from the bedside greater then 5 years. What area are you returning to?

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
WELCOME!

Some facilities may want you to take a refresher course since you have been away from the bedside greater then 5 years.

One of the hospitals I work for is very specific about it: they want at least 1 year of experience within the last 3 years.

Perhaps you can get your feet wet with an agency/per-diem position in peds so you can rack up some current acute care experience.

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My acute care time was mostly in peds hem/onc... I would like to go the NICU route now, I did float to NICU and saw a lot of babies in public health nursing. I am taking an NRP class in 2 weeks. I will research the refresher course. Since it is the middle of summer, I am hoping that things are slow because of vacations. Yes I agree it will be harder that I thought!

Thanks much,

s

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