How can I get an RN job when last clinical practice was 18 months ago abroad??

Published

This is my first post, so I hope I am writing in the appropriate place!

I am hoping for some advice..... I am an RN both in the UK and now the USA. I moved at short notice to the USA (husband in the Air Force) and as such it took me a year to apply for my USA RN license through CGFNS, whilst moving around with the air force, and finally be approved to take NCLEX. I worked in a non clinical role during this time, and this shows as my latest employment on my resume. I recently received my RN license for Colorado and I was so relieved that I could finally resume my career as a nurse. However, I don't know how to market myself properly, or at least I think I am doing a pretty poor job of doing so! I have 8 years of nursing experience in the UK, but no clinical practice in the USA. I know I cannot just pick up my career where I left off, so I have been looking for a broad range of non managerial RN positions with less years experience than I have. I'm being not fussy with roles, I just miss being a nurse. So far, I have yet to have any success and I think I am being in the weird position of being both over and under qualified at the same time (I have been given both of these reasons in response to a rejected job applications). Does anybody have any suggestions? I am really keen to get back into clinical practice and the longer this takes, the longer my career gap gets :(

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Have you considered taking a refresher course? These are offered for experienced RNs who have been out of practice for an extended period and help get one back "up to speed" with current practices and expectations. Having completed one might well make you more attractive to potential employers. It would also familiarize you with "real-life," hands-on nursing practice in the US.

The state BON should have a list of providers of approved refresher courses, since they sometimes require them for people who have been out of practice and/or unlicensed for some time, as a condition of licensure.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion