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!

Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

My state does not require CEU's either. The horror!

Huh, who would have thought that!?!?!
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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I worked with a nurse who had been doing L&D, but had been out of practice for 10 years (military wife, moved a lot, had/stayed home with a couple of children). She volunteered as an RN in our ED via the American Red Cross to get hours/experience. She was awesome, I loved her. The next time the Army moved them, it was to my old stomping grounds and I actually put her in touch with a nurse manager friend who ultimately hired her into a full-time position (not ED, but her ED experience was very applicable). Super happy for everyone how that worked out. :) So yes, it is possible.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.
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 worked with a nurse in a similar situation. She worked per diem, and developed some health problems. My state has a practice requirement, and she wasn't allowed to renew because she hadn't worked enough hours. She had to apply for a limited license, complete a refresher course, then work 40 supervised hours. The process took about 6 moths, and she got her unrestricted license back.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.
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!

Have you taken a refresher course? If it has a clinical component, that can be great exposure. The school will most likely have a career services office, which can help you craft a resume and explain your employment gap. If they don't, or can't, your local unemployment office may be able to help. They deal with the long-term unemployed all the time.

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