No one will hire RN that left nursing.

caliotter3 · Nov 1, 2015

I've often seen listings at local home health agencies for marketing personnel. The advantage to such a position for an RN is that you could possibly work your way into one of the clinical positions as a way to get back into the nursing side of the house. I am certain that agencies would see that as an asset to them in the long run.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 1, 2015

The hiring climate has changed in the past few years, especially in acute care hopitals. To be straightforward, employers can be more selective than ever about who they hire since so many new nurses have glutted the market in recent years.

Your chances for securing employment would improve substantially if you'd consider non-hospital positions. Home health companies, nursing homes, hospices, LTACHs, and post-acute rehab facilities all need talented marketers and good floor nurses.

Good luck to you.

featherzRN, MSN · Nov 1, 2015

I left nursing for 10 years to do software development and was able to get back in. I didn't try acute care, but I was able to get back in through the outpatient arena. You will most likely have to accept a lower rate of pay and work your way up, but it would be worth it if that's what you want to do. :)

~PedsRN~, BSN, RN · Nov 1, 2015

Take a refresher course? Most employers will require that if you have been out of the field for very long anyway.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 1, 2015

Take a refresher course? Most employers will require that if you have been out of the field for very long anyway.

OP's post states she's already completed a refresher course, but it still has not helped in her quest to secure nursing employment.

lavenderskies, BSN · Nov 1, 2015

After 28 years of practicing nursing in Perioperative services with sub specialties in I.T and nursing education I left the profession to fulfill my dream of owning a business. I would like to get back into nursing on a part-time or per diem basis and finding employers will not hire me as I do not have recent experience. Most want a RN with recent in experience within the last 6 years. Also, I have a feeling they do not want to pay me at the rate I earned when I left nursing. Any ideas to help me find a position in perioperative nursing in a surgery center, travel Perioperative nursing or as a medical device educator. I am willing to travel. Even getting a refresher course has not helped. I have sales and marketing experience too.

They probably don't want to pay for your experience

How long were you out of nursing? Can you physically move to a higher need area?

~PedsRN~, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2015

OP's post states she's already completed a refresher course, but it still has not helped in her quest to secure nursing employment.

Whooops, missed that last line. :/

dlshilobod · Nov 2, 2015

I did forget to mention I have applied for nursing positions outside of normal healthcare clinics and hospitals. I have applied to medical device companies and EHR software companies and a whole host of other non-clinical nursing positions. They also want recent nursing experience. I guess 28 yrs of nursing means nothing to employers especially when I have I.T. nursing and nurse educator experience combined with sales and marketing experience. I thought all of these professional attributes and experience would make me a very marketable candidate.

~PedsRN~, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2015

I did forget to mention I have applied for nursing positions outside of normal healthcare clinics and hospitals. I have applied to medical device companies and EHR software companies and a whole host of other non-clinical nursing positions. They also want recent nursing experience. I guess 28 yrs of nursing means nothing to employers especially when I have I.T. nursing and nurse educator experience combined with sales and marketing experience. I thought all of these professional attributes and experience would make me a very marketable candidate.

Hang in there, something will fall out of the sky and it will be the perfect position! I know it!!!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2015

I thought all of these professional attributes and experience would make me a very marketable candidate.

Your professional attributes and experiential level may also give employers the perception that you are a very expensive candidate. However, continue to hang in there and keep on truckin'.