Long ago grad but no experience.

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Hi!

This is my first post here. I love this site, it has helped answer so many of my questions already.

My situation: I graduated in 1996, and worked for a year in a large outpatient general medical clinic. It wasn't the right place to develop my full nursing skills, though became very proficient at injections and blood draws! After that, i left nursing. I thought it would just be temporary, but her I am, 16 years later.

Now, at 52, I have a deep desire to return to nursing. Not only for financial reasons, but i finally want to be the nurse I should have become long ago. I am so regretful that I chose a different road at the time.

I'm having a hard time finding work. I eventually would like to become either a home-health or hospice nurse, or a psychiatric nurse. But of course all of these positions require 1 or more years of acute care, or even specific-to-job experience. I would love to work in acute care, but I just don't know how to break in. Next month I'm going to be applying to two nurse residency programs, but am doubtful they will accept someone out of school so long (though I did a nurse refresher course last year).

I'm also looking into the possibility of a private duty preceptor. Someone I would pay to precept me for a couple of months (or more). I've done searches online and haven't found much. Has anyone else heard of something like this? I'm in CA.

I desperately need acute care experience. I'm feeling so inadequate and frustrated. Does anyone have any advice for me?

Thank you.

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Sounds like it might be worth your while to do a refresher course. A lot of colleges offer them and it will also boost your confidence. The clinicals might also help you make job connections.

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Hi Beeker,

Thanks for your reply.

I did do a refresher course last year through University of S. Dakota nursing school. it was online, but I did about 90 hours of clinical locally. I don't know how much it helped. That hospital was/is on a hiring freeze. I wasn't allowed to pass any meds for 'liability reasons' (I did/do have my own coverage). And my 'preceptor' had a bad attitude, lol! So it was a bit of a bust...and cost me $500. I also wish I could have had more hours.

A friend told me about an intensive private preceptorship that cost $5,000! But I can't seem to find it online, and haven't been able to get hold of the friend. If I get desperate enough, I would do it. :-(

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