Out of field for almost 15 years...

[SacSunshine]

I am an ADN RN, graduated 1980, worked steadily for 16 years. I worked OR for the last 8 years, but also worked ER, Public Heath and IV Therapy. In 1996 I started telephone triage nursing, which I did until 2001. Then, my MIL became ill, and I left work to care for her in our home. She did great, eventually moving into her own apartment, but I still had her as a "home visit patient". I did some other types of work...notary, web design...so my schedule was free to take her to dr appts, shopping, etc.

We moved to TX and I took a refresher course, thinking she was better and I could go back to work. Then I had a rude awakening. No one wanted me. I had 20 years of varied nursing experience, but since I hadn't been in the hospital in 8 years, they weren't interested. I put in tons of applications, and got a few interviews, but no offers. And most wouldn't even talk to me. "Too long out of the field."

In the meantime, my daughter has graduated from nursing school and is looking to get her BSN online. She wants me to do it with her. I'm not exactly opposed to that, BUT...

How can I find out whether I will run into the same issue as a "new" BSN nurse? Will it matter that I just graduated from the BSN program, or will I still be considered "too long out of the field"? I don't want to spend $10K and 13 months, only to find out I'm in exactly the same position I am right now.

Anyone? Thanks!

[Marisette, BSN, RN]

Many of the nurses going for BSN are doing so because the health facilities are requiring this in many areas. I'm not sure this will make you more likely to get hired if your in a state with few nursing jobs. I've had a BSN for 24 years, before it became "mandatory". I don't feel that it made me more marketable, because employers often asked for a specific nursing experience. I have a friend who has an associate or ADN degree, but could not find a job. She returned for her BSN and did not work for another year. So far 5 months after she graduated with a BSN, and she is still unemployed.

A BSN may help you stay in the hiring possibility pool, but if you don't have the experience an employer demands, it does not improve your odds of getting hired. I suspect there are many unemployed BSN graduates. I'm for education and learning, but I suspect the BSN will have to be accompanied by a nursing refresher course to make you more marketable in nursing.

I certainly understand your frustration. I have worked many years in a specialty in nursing. Recently, I decided it was time and economically possible for me to change, but I'm having difficulty changing specialty because employers are looking for a certain nursing experience. What happened to transferable skills? Some nursing ads, will add a note that the nurse hired will be expected to acquire certification in a specialty within 1-2 years. So the ideal nurse will be an RN, BSN, with cerfication and recent experience in the specialty the nurse intends to practice.

[SacSunshine]

I suspect you're right, Marisette...even with all the surgical experience I have, they will still be looking for it to be "recent". But, I hate the thought of starting all over in something else...

[CherylRNBSN]

I'm also from Texas. I worked twelve yrs., and was out for twelve. I took a refresher course. I have been hired three times! THis is in Louisina, tho. First two jobs didn't work out, third time is apparently the charm. I'm back in the groove. I got my ACLS, did some volunteering at Hospice.

It can be done. Keep applying, polish your interview skills. Good luck. For all the no's, all it takes is one Yes.

[echoRNC711, BSN]

What about agency work to get you back into the hospital ? It might be difficult at first but it would mean you have some current working experience to place on a resume.