Inactive RN returning to practice, what is the environment for RN's like in Wichita?

[Buttercupkitten3]

Hi there...

I am an inactive RN wanting to return to practice after 5 years of being a stay-at-home mommy. I do have a current license, but I have absolutely no confidence in my skills, knowledge, or ability to get a nursing position. With this in mind, I have an appointment to meet with the dean of a local nursing school later on this week (my alma mater). What is the environment like in Wichita for inexperienced RN's... pay... likelihood for employment... etc... I want to work for one of the hospitals and I do not have any intentions on working for an agency (I really got burned by one right before I left practice...)

Thank you for reading my comments, and I will greatly appreciate any input that I receive.

Best wishes for a wonderful weekend, and smile often...

Kathryn

[Alley Cat]

What did you find out from your discussion with your nursing instructor? Some hospitals have refresher courses available, or have had in the past, but you would probably have better luck checking with their Human Resources departments. Also, sit down and make a list of what you really want to do: is hospital nursing really what you want? Are you ready to work night shift, weekends, holidays, etc? Most newcomers get placed on night shift because that is where there are more openings. If you make it known that you are not sure of your skills, chances are you're not going to get anywhere. Other options from a recent scan of the newspaper ads are some offices are looking for nurses.

Also: if you still have kids at home, keep in mind that you are going to need backup care if they are sick--getting off work to take care of your own kids is usually not possible except as a last resort, and then you have to keep track of your absences, because only so many a year are allowed. What I was recently told was "everyone has to deal with their stresses." Be sure you're ready to do that. The hospital environment is not very supportive of mothers who stress about splitting their time between family and work. I'm blessed w/a husband who is usually able and willing to stay home the few times we've had an ill child; my manager is one of those who loads her kids up on motrin or tylenol if they just have a temp and sends them to school anyway, unless they're actively throwing up or something.

I don't mean to be discouraging, it's just something to think about. I continued working because I was afraid it would be too hard to get back in once I left. I'm sure your skills would be fine once you got back in the swing of things. Good luck!