I can take my boards, but will anyone hire me?

[gethealthy2]

I let my LVN license expire about fifteen years ago. I found out I can apply to take them again and not have to do it all over again. I am fairly confidant I can pass it, as I looked at a reference book and am doing well with the sample questions. However, if anyone has another way for me to improve my chances of success, I'd really appreciate hearing it. :)

I have no recent experience, although I am not stagnant. My daughter is a BSN and we talk all the time.

I have taken care of my husband for over five years, who has had very serious health issues, been on oxygen, has a gastric tube that I take care of and also I set up his feedings. I change the IV bags of normal saline when they run out, discontinue them, do dressing changes, as well as pour his meds, etc., etc.

But I wonder if anyone would hire me? Any ideas?

[ANMpreN]

When you do ever get an interview let them know why you have been out of work for the past five years because you actually do have a good reason. I too know the struggle since my dad is permanently disabled from spinal cord injuries and my mother and I are his only care givers.

[beekee]

If you explain it like you did here, I envision you'd get hired. You didn't mention why you let it lapse or what you did for the first ten years, but it doesn't matter. You can just say something like "the experience of taking care of my husband sparked my desire to return to nursing."

Good luck! You'll do great.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

I would definitely take a refresher course if I were you, even if you feel you might be hired without one.

In my state, you would be required to take a refresher course and do a certain number of clinical hours with a preceptor before you could re-activate your license.

[VANurse2010]

I would think a refresher course would serve you well, although if you're willing to work in a nursing home I doubt you'd have trouble getting hired.

[gethealthy2]

I have been asking about refresher courses, but the schools I have spoken with want me to go through the entire program. Does anyone know of refresher courses that are offered for LVN's in California? Especially in the Central Valley (Sacramento to Visalia, ideally)?

I want to thank everyone for the encouraging words and suggestions about how to explain my absence. I never thought I would use my license again, so to anyone who has ever considered letting their's lapse, my advice is, don't! :)