12+ months out of practice

[cvzsRN]

So I'm back! I'm looking for advice on returning to nursing after 12 months away due to the unfortunate (extended time) & location of my husband in Puerto Rico!

We are currently waiting on the news of when and where he will be located next! I'm am coming into my 12th month out of practice (with one year experience), it may be 15-18 months by the time we make it to our next home.

I am stressing about getting back back to states and starting work but I'm scared my lapse in practice may hinder my ability to get an interview or call from HR at all!

Is there anything I can do to show that I am passionate about returning to work! This break in practice has been terribly painful for me and a huge stressor for my husband and I b/c he knows how much I loved the job I left & how much I can offer any nursing unit!

I would love to start on a postpartum unit right away but with one Year med/surg-cardiac experience and a break in employment, I know they may be difficult but I also know I have so much I can contribute as well! I would be happy to go a to cardiac unit but I don't think it would be long term and the kind of excitement and fulfillment I think about if I were able to begin on PP right away!

Obviously I am going to be over the moon to return home and happy to go back to work but just looking for ideas, feedback or those that have been in similar situations! I've read a few posts and statements saying it could be nearly impossible & that completely terrifies me.

***We should know by end of July about when/where for our next location*** I know that will be helpful in my search and personal research as well!

Thanks all!

[Flames9_RN, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

I had only been an RN for about 2 yrs when we went abroad. When we came back I had not worked for nearly 2 yrs so a bit different. I chatted with a few managers and I was in an unique position.....not quite a new nurse, but not 1 with a lot of experience either..... So i took a nurse refresher course. The Theory portion was online, and then we had 4 weekends of clinical time! Must have worked as I got a job soon after!! Many community colleges offer refresher classes. if I had wanted, i could have just taken the clinical portion.

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

So I'm back! I'm looking for advice on returning to nursing after 12 months away due to the unfortunate (extended time) & location of my husband in Puerto Rico!

I would love to start on a postpartum unit right away but with one Year med/surg-cardiac experience and a break in employment, I know they may be difficult but I also know I have so much I can contribute as well! I would be happy to go a to cardiac unit but I don't think it would be long term and the kind of excitement and fulfillment I think about if I were able to begin on PP right away!

Thanks all!

On your resume you have one year experience followed by an explainable one year gap-this is not as bad as you think. But it's important to land a job as soon as possible to end the unemployment gap.

The location you are going to will determine your options. If it's extremely competitive, you may consider long term acute just to start practicing again, and as a stepping stone. Be prepared that employers may ask how long you and your husband will be stationed in the area. Best wishes and welcome home.