Have not worked since licensure, two years ago and need to catch up

[J.Allen]

It's been a while since I have been on these forums and the website has changed. I'm not sure if I'm posting in the appropriate subcategory. Anyways...

It has been more than two years since I got my RN license (Pennsylvania), but I live in New York. I knew that's where I wanted to work, but I have not pulled the trigger, being reluctant to leave my career and move and begin a new one. I am mentally and physically just about ready to make the move to suburban, well almost rural Penn., however I feel as if I have forgotten more than I remember. I have thousands of pages of notes and dozens of books, but it's too much to review.

I plan on working at the local Memorial hospital, although am unsure what I am going to apply for. I need to do some review and I need a concise source like a "Nursing for Dummies," lol. I need to review care of diabetics, patients with COPD, ventilators, respiratory acidosis, cardiac disease, pharmacology, to name a few for example. Things that are going to be most relevant to my day to day work. Can anybody suggest a good review source, a single volume book. Maybe there are review programs? I not feel 100% confident to have a bunch of patients dumped in my lap.

[oncivrn]

You probably need a refresher course if you have never worked Nd it has been two years. They are typically a few weeks long and offered at various hospitals. I think you need more than just a book. Imho

[roser13, ASN, RN]

I think a refresher course is just what you need. Also, a heads up: you may need to be a little more open to other facilities. Some regions of the country are suffering with a glut of new grads. Rural may have an advantage over more populous areas, from what I read here.

You might want to secure a position before you move, rather than vice versa, to be safe.

Also be prepared to plausibly explain your 2 year gap between licensure & employment.

[J.Allen]

Of course it makes sense to put eggs in lots of baskets, but the hospital I particularly had in mind is a few minute walk from where I want to live and they are offering a very large sign on bonus because they are so desperate for staff. Also my family knows several nurses and administrative personnel there.

I know the two year gap does not look great, but I will simply be honest. I may not get the greatest job starting out, but I'll take what I can get and put in the work.

I was not aware these refresher courses existed through the hospital, perhaps during orientation or pre-employment.

NYC has the worst nursing job market. Lots of hospitals have closed down so there are plenty of experienced nurses looking for jobs. Plus there are so many schools here just cranking out more and more graduate nurses. Even though I went to school here I knew I didn't want to work here. In this town in Penn. the police station closes at 5pm and the cops go home. Is that rural enough? lol.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

If I were hiring nurses, an applicant who never worked as a nurse after passing boards two years ago would be the last one I'd consider hiring. But you say this hospital desperately needs nurses, so perhaps you have a chance. This desperation you speak of, however, may not be good for you if they do not give you a proper orientation. A refresher course is absolutely in your best interest, and quite frankly, in your patients' best interest as well. Do not even consider getting in over your head. Make sure you negotiate an adequate orientation WITH A PRECEPTOR.

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Refresher courses are not offered through hospitals. You'll need to check with local nursing programs and will have to pay for the course.

[J.Allen]

Thank you for clarifying this.

[J.Allen]

For those that have tried to PM me, I do not have PM privileges. You can contact me at my screename at yahoo.