How to Get Back Into The Work Force

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

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Dear Nurse Beth,

I had a BS in Petroleum Engineering back in 1983. Worked a few years, then left employment to raise a family. In 2008, I was diagnosed with Stage II-b breast cancer. Finished treatment, went back and got Associate's Degree in nursing, became RN and worked about 3 years on Oncology floor. Left nursing in 2014 due to husband relocating us (again). Currently 59 YO, but would like to get back into nursing. Where do I start? I was registered in OK, but now live in TX. I do not want to work the floor again. Always had an interest in wound care. Again ... I am not sure where to start.

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3 Answers

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Where to Start,

So glad to hear about your recovery ?

To sum it up, you have an ADN and have been out of the workforce for 7 years. You could take a nursing refresher course to update your skills and start networking.

A BSN is required for most non-bedside roles, such as case management, informatics, and documentation specialist. To land a job in wound care would take knowing someone and some good luck. Not to say it's impossible, but you would likely be beat out by a bedside nurse with current experience.

Jobs that are typically easier to get are dialysis and skilled nursing. The most important thing is to get back in the workforce, and establish your work history. From there you can start to pursue your goal of wound care.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Thank you NRSKaren, that is very helpful info about Texas licensure.

The Relias-owned Wound Care Education Institute offers a prep course, but they do not provide certification. The course costs upwards of $2,000.

Many employers don't really place a lot of weight on courses completed over clinical experience, sorry to say. 

Certification is an official recognition of expertise. To sit for a certification exam, you must meet eligibility requirements of the credentialing organization. Most all nursing certifications require experience in the field for eligibility.

The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB) offers CWCN certification. Considered by some to be the gold standard for wound care nurses, eligibility criteria includes 50 CE hrs plus 3 yrs in the field, and a BSN. WOCNCB is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCAA).

The National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy (NAWCO)  offers WCC certification. Eligibility criteria for WCC certification includes 120 clinical hours with an approved NAWCO preceptor, or 2 years in the field. NAWCO is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCAA). 

I would do what is needed to obtain your Texas license, and from there, apply to multiple organizations, register on indeed.com and network through your Refresher Course colleagues to land a job as soon as you are able.

The most important thing is to start building your work history again.

Best wishes ?

Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Texas BON requires one to have worked in nursing within the past 4 years in order to apply for license endorsement from OK to Texas.

 One can not complete a  TX refresher program without having an active license  or 6 month temporary permit in TX.

Quote

Per Rule 217.5 (a) To be eligible for licensure by endorsement, you must have:...

A nurse who has not practiced nursing in another state within the four years immediately preceding a request for temporary licensure and/or permanent licensure by endorsement will be required to:  

 (1) complete a refresher course, extensive orientation to the practice of nursing, or a nursing program of study that meets the requirements prescribed by the Board. The nurse must submit an Application for Six Month Temporary Permit (RN) or an Application for Six Month Temporary Permit (LVN), as applicable, to the Board for the limited purpose of completing a refresher course, extensive orientation to the practice of nursing, or a nursing program of study; 

2) submit to the Board evidence of the successful completion of the requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection;  

3) after completing the requirements of paragraphs (1) - (2) of this subsection, submit to the Board verification of the completion of the requirements of subsection (a)(1) - (8) of this section

https://www.BON.texas.gov/rr_current/217-5.asp

Texas requires one to pass a nursing jurisprudence examination prior to being issued a temporary or permanent license

Wound care education  is available from Wound Care Education Institute  for those nurses with an ADN which can lead to certification.   Employment available at wound care centers, SNF, home health agencies, vascular surgeons office and Hyperbaric centers once TX license approved.

Allnurses Wound, Ostomy, Continence forum may offer advice too.

Best wishes in your re-entry journey.

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