Lost but not forgotten

[sweetdove]

Am in need of some help and advice. First, I would like to thank you for taking out the time to respond to my request for help. Secondly, let me explain my situation. I graduated from nursing school in 1994. Worked a year in a hospital on the ear,nose and throat department of oncology of one of the biggest hospitals in my city. After a year I decided to leave for various reasons, worked in LTC for about 3 years and did home healthcare for the last two years I worked. Due to personal challenges and illness I was no longer able to work after 8 years of gainful employment. Unfortunately, because of financial reasons I was unable to maintain my license. when things changed and my situation improved I decided to regain my license. I was told I needed to retake the NCLEX exam again, since it had been longer than 3 years. After much studying(a year exactly) I decided to re-take the exam. My first attempt was not successful, but I studied once again and by the grace of God I was able to re-take and pass the exam. Now, my question is now that I have my license and since I have been out of health care for more than 8 years am afraid no one will hire me. Due to my current financial situation am unable to pay for any refresher courses. Is there anyway I can hopefully gain any experience that will help me to renter the nursing profession or is there any advice you can possibly offer to help me with this situation to better improve my chances of re-entering the profession again. Thank you in advance for any help or advice you may offer.