Possible to still get employed as RN after graduating nursing school 5 years ago??

Nurses General Nursing

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Just wanted to hear maybe some success stories (if any) of anyone who got their nursing degree but was not able to use it right after school, for unforeseen reasons? Is it possible to still obtain a job after so long? I dont Want to give up on my career I have always wanted, but even my biggest cheerleader in the past is telling me it's too late and not to waste money on starting my bachelors degree! Feeling sad!

It can happen. You kept your license up though, right? Usually you have to do so many educational hours in order to be considered.

Your jobs may prefer if you take a refresher. However, where to find a refresher is a better question. I have heard of refreshers existing but never actually seen one advertised online.

The state BONs usually maintain a list of approved (by the BON) refresher courses in their state, since BONs sometimes require people to take them as a condition of getting (or keeping) a license. I don't think the programs "advertise" so much.

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Your lack of nursing experience will likely be a deterrent to the many employers who do not want to spend any more than is necessary to train new staff. You can brush up your nursing skills and enhance your resume by taking a refresher course that includes a clinical placement.

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I did keep my license up and do the education hours. I did find a couple refresher courses yesterday that were near by and was thinking about taking them. Thanks so much.

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I did keep my license up and do the education hours. I did find a couple refresher courses yesterday that were near by and was thinking about taking them. Thanks so much.

Your problem may not be a refresher course. You haven't worked as a nurse and you graduated 5 years ago. Potential employers are going to want to know why there is such a big gap and may not hire someone who has no experience.

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Your problem may not be a refresher course. You haven't worked as a nurse and you graduated 5 years ago. Potential employers are going to want to know why there is such a big gap and may not hire someone who has no experience.

I don't think anyone here will dispute that someone with a five-year-old degree and license and no nursing experience is not going to be a particularly attractive or competitive job applicant; but a refresher course might help ...

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I graduated in spring 2008 and was employed for 3 months. Due to moving with my husband (military) and staying home with our son, I did not return to work until spring 2015.

I did take a board refresher course in 2013 that had a clinical component. The refresher course I took really tried to place students in jobs. I would have gotten a job then but we had to move again shortly after I took it. Needless to say I was the least out of practice of all the students. Some of them were 10 years+ out of practice. So I wouldn't give up if I were you! I thought about going back for my BSN just to try to get a more recent foot in the door but I luckily obtained employment before I began the application process.

I happened to apply for a per diem position but did do a full-time orientation (3 months). I'm not sure if this is an option for you as these positions seem to be more available than full-time.

Things really do come back to you from nursing school. I think I was just in the right place at the right time to have gotten hired. I did "study" for my interview though (from this forum) and was prepared to explain my absence. I was also 100% honest and upfront in my interview. I wanted to make sure they knew that I would need a thorough orientation. They took a chance on me and I've been at the same job over a year now.

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How is your license still active if you have not worked the mandatory number of hours you need when you renew?

What happens if you can't renew your license because you didn't work enough hours but then you can't work the required number of hours because your license expired?

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Specializes in Med Surg/ICU/Psych/Emergency/CEN/retired.
What happens if you can't renew your license because you didn't work enough hours but then you can't work the required number of hours because your license expired?

In CA, where the OP now resides, an RN does not need to work any mandatory hours in order to keep a license active. The only requirement is 30 hours (CEUs) every two years. I realize this is not true in other states, as their requirements vary considerably. I'm a bit confused since she endorsed from another state to CA. It may be that a refresher course would be her best and only option.

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

As other users have mentioned, I would take a refresher course along with a few CEUs (general and content specific) and start networking for jobs in the area. In terms of certifications, I would make sure that you have AHA BLS, at the very least, but having ACLS and PALS (depending on the setting you are looking for) wouldn't hurt either. You will want to look for positions geared towards new grads/new nurses and realize that it will likely have to be less desirable shifts (eves/nights, weekends etc.). Make sure you have a strong resume, practice your interview skills and be ready to explain your gap between graduation and not being employed until now (which I don't believe is an insurmountable task). Another item to consider, I think that people underestimate the power of a well-written LinkedIn profile to help expand your professional network and get access to new job openings. Best of luck and let us know how it goes!

!Chris :specs:

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I think you will have to take a refresher course to be able to work again and that's assuming you have passed the NCLEX. You need to check with your BON because no one here can give you a factual answer, only anecdotal answers.

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Specializes in kids.
What happens if you can't renew your license because you didn't work enough hours but then you can't work the required number of hours because your license expired?

I have no idea, has never been an issue for me. But I would assume that is a conversation to have with a BON in the state where you would like to work.

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

Not all states have such a requirement!

How is your license still active if you have not worked the mandatory number of hours you need when you renew?
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