Out of work ten years, just got my RN to BSN, license active, want to start working again!

[joyfulwellrichwise, ASN, BSN]

Hello! I have been away from nursing for over ten years due to my husband's military career and constant moves (about once a year, sometimes slightly more or less depending on his schooling and jobs) some of them being overseas where I was ineligible for work. I was able to renew my license when we settled for a little while (no moves for 4 years so far!) and I got my RN to BSN during that time in December of 2021. We were supposed to move again last year almost immediately after my graduation but we didn't move and are here for a while longer so I wanted to get a job.

I'm nervous because I am afraid no one will hire me because it's been so long since I initially graduated from my ASN/passed my NCLEX and I am out of practice. I assume that I would have orientation wherever I am, but I want to ease myself back into nursing.

What's a good plan of action for me and what jobs/settings do you think would be good for someone to ease their way back in? I thought a mobile IV Hydration job might be a good way to ease back in but I don't know. I've been accepted to work with a company and wanted to think more about that. I've heard it's pretty easy but I want to make sure I am proficient with starting IVs before I consider that further. I also thought about an urgent care setting because the one best us sees less intense cases than the hospital here (medium-sized rural town). 

I've contacted someone about a refresher course for nursing but they haven't gotten back to me. I'm also taking a basic IV therapy class in ten days to refresh my knowledge and skills on that and doing what I can to feel comfortable with that basic aspect of nursing again. Any books, videos, pharmacology cards, online CE, etc. you think might help? Thank you for any advice! 

[sleepwalker, MSN, NP]

joyfulwellrichwise said:

I've contacted someone about a refresher course for nursing

You've got the right idea. An absence of 10 yrs will be looked at as a detriment and increased liability by prospective employers. The refresher course will help attenuate those concerns.

[Race Mom, ASN, RN]

joyfulwellrichwise said:

I thought a mobile IV Hydration job might be a good way to ease back in but I don't know. I've been accepted to work with a company and wanted to think more about that. I've heard it's pretty easy but I want to make sure I am proficient with starting IVs before I consider that further. 

Hi Joyful! Did you accept the IV Hydration position? I have been away from nursing for almost 5 years and ready to hop back in. I have considered this position too and was hoping you  could give us an update!