No experience, out of school 3.5 years

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Oct 13, 2015

At this point, your options are pretty limited. You will need to check with your BON to see their requirements for moving back to 'active' status license. In order to do this, you may need to take a refresher course. The clinical 'world' has changed a bit since you were in school & since you never had an opportunity to develop proficiency in your clinical skills, you are going to have to find a place that is willing to invest in you and develop your competence.

If you're in an area with a sufficient supply of new grads, this could be a huge barrier since employers are much more likely to choose a "fresh" new grad. So - if you're serious about moving back into nursing, it may require a relocation to an area that has an actual shortage of applicants.

Imeanreally · Oct 13, 2015

Unfortunately my wife and I just purchased a new home only 3 months ago. Moving now would be a huge financial hit just from the Realtor commissions and isn't realistic. I spoke to my Board of Nursing and they said getting back to an active status shouldn't be difficult but will require a little work on my part. I'm also looking into volunteer opportunities on the weekends. Perhaps I can keep my day job to pay the bills and get some volunteer work under my belt showing I'm worth the investment. Once my license is active again I'll be applying to every LTC, Rehab, Nursing home, Home Health, etc. I'm willing to put in the time, do the shifts nobody wants, and hope that someone is just willing to give me a shot. I'm also looking for opportunity to just apply my nursing degree to something medical. Some type of manager assistant or something along those lines in a hospital. This will at least get me familiar with the environment and perhaps I can make a lateral move one day.

elkpark · Oct 13, 2015

I'm also looking for opportunity to just apply my nursing degree to something medical. Some type of manager assistant or something along those lines in a hospital. This will at least get me familiar with the environment and perhaps I can make a lateral move one day.

I would advise being cautious about this. The longer you are out of nursing, including working in a non-nursing position in a healthcare setting, the less attractive you are going to be to potential employers and the less likely you will ever get a nursing position. A non-nursing position in a healthcare setting isn't going to help you in that regard.

robyngraham95 · Oct 15, 2015

I currently work for a Hospice, which is a great starting point. Home Health and Hospice agencies hire CNA's, LVN's, RN's, and Doctor's and you usually work out your own schedule because the patients are being seen in their homes.