Need some advice

[vm156]

I graduated in May of '11 and became licensed in July of '11. I had been working part time in real estate and made the decision to stick with real estate after graduating/becoming an RN. Fast forward to 2015. I am looking to get out of real estate (complete lack of a personal life will drain you, no matter how much money you make!). I am a little nervous about not only being a grad nurse but also not having any experience besides school (which was now years ago). I have kept my license current.

I'm scared I may have blacklisted myself and may have made it impossible to find a job...I know it's hard enough for new grads to get hired, and that's when they're fresh out of school.

If if anyone has any advice for me, I would appreciate it greatly!

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

You may have to take a refresher course since it's been 4 years. Are you in touch with anyone from nursing school? They may be able to give you some leads. My advice would be to start applying to new grad programs and jobs requiring less than one year of experience. Be prepared to explain your lack of nursing experience at interviews. A hospital volunteer position may be a good place to start.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Yikes. I think it will be very challenging to secure a nursing job. The nursing landscape has changed dramatically in many ways since you did your student clinicals. A comprehensive refresher course is essential; one that includes clinical practicums. FYI, I know of several large hospital systems that have an established policy of not hiring any new grad with > 6 month gap between graduation and his/her first nursing job. Be prepared for this phenomenon & seek nursing jobs in a wide variety of settings.