Is reentering nursing even possible for me?

Nurses Retired

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I was a hospital nurse (medical floor) for 8 years.

I then did a year of home IV therapy, 4 years administrative, and a very short time (less than a year) in a clinic.

I had to leave my last job when i was 7 months pregnant with my first child.

It was never the plan to be a stay at home mom...it just sort of "happened".

So, here I am, almost 11 years later (2 kids), really missing my career!

I would love to go back to a hospital setting, just part time. And I am willing (and want) to do a refresher course (if I can find one!).

But after reading some of the threads here, I am worried!

It looks like it may not be so easy to find a job.

What are your thoughts, experience on this?

Do you think I stand a chance?

Is this worth pursuing??

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

The nursing world has changed a great deal over the last 11 years. Current and very recent trends have sent me from an extensive (24 yrs) and successful acute care LPN career to an ASN (4 yrs) and now a new BSN-RN employee. Re-entry into nursing is not impossible, giving your willingness to participate in a refresher course. But you might need to show some very competitive credentials or accolades. You would definitely want to have a stand-out resume. Your years of experience is naturally better than no experience or exposure at all. But you know what they say, what you don't use, you lose. Your time off may have evened the playing field against these new grad RNs, (ASN and BSN alike). My hospital just hired 50 brand new nurses (ASN and BSN) into their nurse-residency program. But you can believe it didn't come cheap. They are obligated to remain for 4 years or fork over EIGHT GRAND at departure. (Of course you wouldn't be eligible for a residency, and every area is different). I wouldn't attempt to look for a job until that refresher course is done, though.;)

I don't know if this is even possible, but you might want to reach out to a local hospital's hiring department, (make sure you have your valid RN license and ), and offer/ask to volunteer/shadow a nurse preceptor just as a nursing student would in hopes of being allowed to rehash latent nursing skills. Human resources already knows how desperate its facility is for nurses and has first hand information into which floors/units are in dire straits. Also, they already know whether or not their organization would be will to entertain such an idea. Who knows? If they are willing to re-train a past experienced nurse at no cost to them, I'm sure they will hire you when the training session is over.

Good luck and welcome back!

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

There is a huge trend in BSN right now. The job market is saturated right now. A review course would be almost mandatory right now....a lot has changed as far as legislation, restraints, and The JC regulations.

Yes it is worth pursuing!

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Specializes in ER, Forensic Nurse, SANE.

You can do it!! take a Refresher course either in person or online. Take CPR and other courses that interest you for example wound care or an infusion course. You have to education your self to make your self marketable. Then apply for a position in a infusion clinic or home health. Do not let anyone tell you, you can't!! Good Luck.

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Follow your heart. If you really want to return then go for it. Is that what you really want to do? Why not start a business?

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

Take the refresher course and other suggestions people have given you. Put together a résumé and start job hunting. Best wishes

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Specializes in OB, Postpartum, Nursery.

I am a reentry nurse, completed a refresher course 12/2013, plus a 150 hour Labor and Delivery Internship and just recently completed a Post Graduate Nursing Emergency and Trauma Course that included TNCC, ACLS, PALS, BLS, EKG and IV/BLOOD Certification and a 168 hour Emergency Room Internship, and I have yet to get an interview in acute care! I literally apply and drop off resumes every day. Of course I have a personalized resume, business cards, wear my suit, the whole bit!! I am in Northern California and it just sucks. I refuse to give up.

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