Inactive RN wanting to return to practice... is it possible...?

bluemartian, BSN · Dec 6, 2010

Here's my two-cents for what it's worth. This is the Dallas-Ft Worth area. Have not done active HOSPITAL nursing for about 8 years as I had gone onto managing ambulatory clinics, consulting; QA/Risk Mgmt; aesthetics in the past 7-8 years. Got tired of the management gig and am wanting to just go back to working as a 'staff nurse' for no other reason except that it's easier than management, leadership, politicsblah blah. (No insults meant here as ANY nursing position is HARD WORK!). Okay, so the DFW area (as with a lot of areas within the US) is having difficulties with staffing hospitals. I'm ready to go; I know I have the hands on that I need; I'm comfortable with my skills, I know there is new technology, lotsa new stuff, and I agree that a good orientation with a self-assessment at the end is quite useful and probably all that is necessary for most nurses hitting the ramp again. Nursing is nursing and unless you've not kept up with your CEUs or remaining knowledgeable of your profession and the changes that have gone on during your 'inactivity,' there really shouldn't be any big deal getting back into the groove again. (Yes, there is some need to orient to newer equipment, orientation to the way things might be done, different types of staff and staffing, etc etc. And.....there are some nurses who might be more comfortable with a more lengthy refresher, but each nurse should know what her limits and capabilities are and what she needs to work on to get rolling again).
THAT SAID, what do I hear from the 'LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT' at the hospitals doing the hiring? Here it comes:
"You haven't done hospital nursing in awhile so we want you to go to a refresher course" (aw right, not so keen on that, but whatever it takes...). How do i get a refresher course? Oh....that's 'easy'. Just go to the local community college and sign up for the course (which I'm told is 16 weeks long and costs 2700.00 AND.....here's another one for ya.....after the first 2-3 weeks of the refresher course, one HAS to work at one of the local hospitals a full shift (D-N-E's), three times per week, UNPAID while attending the CC so that I can become 'refreshed'.
And they wonder why they can't keep nurses!?!?!?! OMG. We have met the enemy.....and they is us.

This sound like the same line I received her in Miami. Freaking teaching/magnet hospitals asking for refreshers!! The hoops these refesher courses ask you to jump through make it impossible to support yourself if you happen to have a non nursing job that paying your bills. If I ask my employer "can I knock off 2 hours early twice a week for the next 16 weeks, would that be ok?" Chances are I would be out of a job.

CrunchRN, ADN, RN · Dec 6, 2010

That is sad. It would cost less to orient you guys than train a new grad......

tobesmartt · Dec 10, 2010

Hmm ? Why?

jco · Mar 2, 2011

Hi, I know it has been a few years you posted this thread but want to find out how your return to practice work out? I have been a stay home mom for the last 5 years and now hoping to return to practice. I lived in New York. Any advice would be grreatly appreciated...jco

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 for inexperienced RN's... pay... likelihood for employment... etc... I want to work for an acute care hospital and I do not have any intentions on working for an agency (I really got burned by one right before I left practice... a topic for an entire thread of its own...)
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

jco · Mar 2, 2011

I have been out of the nursing field for about 10 years and have been trying to return. I've submitted several applications along with my resume, and I've felt very brushed off and lost. I've even been treated rudely by a few nurse managers. I realize returning will require hard work and retraining, and I'm prepared for that. I wasn't prepared for such an unwelcomed response by hospitals. I think my experience as an RN is valuable and I have a lot more to offer the nursing field. It makes me sad and frustrated that no one seems to want to give me a chance.

Did you have any success finding a job in the end? All the best! jco