How to return to nursing after 16 years and mental health issues

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

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Thank you for your interest in my career. My question is, I joined PNAP in 2008, and I did not complete the program because I was unable to pay for my UDS, and I did not have any transportation to the required meetings, plus, I was going through an awful separation with 3 children at the time, and we were homeless for a few months. With that being said, I eventually had a nervous breakdown and other mental health issues that were so intense, I was able to collect SSDI. To be honest, I receive a good amount of SSDI currently to cover my expenses and I have my own vehicle, plus my mental health issues are stable. I would very much like to return to my profession that I've worked so hard to receive my degree as a Registered Nurse. It has been a rough 16 years since I've practiced nursing, but I still study and try to keep up with the new technology. WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST THAT I DO?

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4 Answers

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Note: PNAP (Pennsylvania Nurse Peer Assistance Program) is a three-year-long monitoring program for nurses or nursing students with a substance use disorder or a psychological and mental health disorder such as bipolar disorder, psychosis, and schizophrenia. UDS stands for urine diagnostic screening.

It's good you are in a better place and ready to return to nursing.

Returning to nursing after a 16-year hiatus, especially with mental health considerations, involves a few strategic steps. Here to help you navigate this process:

1. Assess Your Readiness

Mental health support. Ensure you have a robust support system in place. This may include therapy, medication, support groups, and self-care routines. It also includes friends and family.

Physical health. Check-in with your healthcare provider to ensure you are physically ready for the demands of nursing.

2. Update Your Credentials

Licensure. Check the status of your nursing license. Make sure there are no restrictions on your license. If it has lapsed, you must meet the requirements to reactivate it, which may include continuing education or retaking the NCLEX exam.

Enroll in refresher courses to update your knowledge and skills. Find a refresher course with clinical and classroom components. Networking while taking a refresher course can result in job leads.

3. Gain Current Experience

Volunteer work. Consider volunteering in healthcare settings to gain current experience and build confidence.

Entry-level positions. Especially if you do not have your nursing license activated yet, and to ease back into the field, look for positions that might not be directly in nursing but related to healthcare, such as medical assistant or health care aide. This way, you could gain exposure to computer charting systems and new medical equipment.

4. Professional Development

Certifications. Obtain any new certifications that may be relevant to the area of nursing you wish to pursue. Get your healthcare provider BLS.

Workshops and conferences. Attend nursing workshops and conferences to network and gain exposure.

5. Seek Support and Networking

Professional organizations. Join professional nursing organizations, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA), for resources and networking opportunities.

Mentorship: Find a mentor who can provide guidance and support as you transition back into nursing.

6. Job Search Strategy

Resume and cover letter. Update your resume to highlight your past nursing experience, recent education, and any volunteer work or related positions.

Job applications. Apply for positions that match your current skills and experience. Be open to starting in roles that will help you transition into the profession. Consider dialysis and sub-acute settings.

7. Prepare for Interviews

Practice interviewing. Practice common nursing interview questions.

Discussing gaps: Be prepared to discuss your career gap and how you are ready to return to nursing. Frame your mental health journey positively, emphasizing resilience and self-awareness.

8. Consider Specializations

Mental health nursing. Given your personal experience with mental health, you might find a fulfilling career in mental health nursing, where your empathy and understanding can be invaluable.

Final Tips

Stay positive. Confidence will come over time. Celebrate small victories as you progress.

Utilize resources. Don't hesitate to seek help from professional organizations, career counselors, and mental health professionals.

Taking these steps can help you transition back into the nursing field, leveraging your experience and addressing your mental health needs.

Very best wishes,

Nurse Beth

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

Unlike some states, PA does not require work hours in order to renew a nursing license.  It appears you may need to reactiveate your license.

Check out  PA BON  § 21.30a. Continued competency regs: Can retake NCLEX or complete a Board-approved reactivation program. 

Board-Approved Reactivation Programs List

You may want to call the BON Toll Free: 1-833-DOS-BPOA (1-833-367-2762) to inquire regarding your specific situation.

Best wishes moving forward.

 

Specializes in Critical Care.

If she did pursue this, would she not most likely face stipulations on her license with urine drug testing, mandatory therapy, etc to even have a chance to work as a nurse?  How will the OP overcome these financial hurdles if SSDI is withdrawn?

From what I've read people who had past AODA or mental health issues have been forced by the BON into monitoring programs even if it was before they pursued nursing school, so if the OP failed to complete PNAP in the past wouldn't this remain an issue in the quest to get a job?

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.
brandy1017 said:

If she did pursue this, would she not most likely face stipulations on her license with urine drug testing, mandatory therapy, etc to even have a chance to work as a nurse?  How will the OP overcome these financial hurdles if SSDI is withdrawn?

From what I've read people who had past AODA or mental health issues have been forced by the BON into monitoring programs even if it was before they pursued nursing school, so if the OP failed to complete PNAP in the past wouldn't this remain an issue in the quest to get a job?

The OP needs to check their licensing status for any restrictions.

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