Preparing to return to practice/RN refresher

[Kittery]

Hi, my first post on AN in years. So glad it's still here and wow, looks very different!

I've been staying home with the kids for almost 6 years. Prior to that, I worked as a school nurse for 5 years (hi to school nurses if anyone sees this!), and inpatient 2.5 years. I'm in TX and have kept my license active by renewing and completing CEs but haven't actually practiced, so technically, I'm not required to do an RN refresher course but I personally feel I need it.

My current plan is to go back to work full time for a couple of years before pursuing an FNP program. Would love insight on 2 things:

1. What RN practice setting would be most beneficial for someone wanting to become an FNP? I'm thinking of returning to inpatient med/surg but not sure.

2. If you did a refresher course after ~5 years away, did you find it very helpful to prepare for working again?

We have 3 kids 8 and under. I'm a little anxious about all this so any encouragement from other parents with young kids would be appreciated as well. I never stopped being a nurse at heart. ? Thanks!

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

You need to start slow.  Just get back into nursing and see where that takes you. FNP is too far out. Six years is a long time to be away. I was off for 2 years.. felt like a fish outta water. You still have your license.. because you have followed the BON rules. A refresher course is a good idea.

Do you need  additional income?  Stay home with the kids as long as you can.

 

[Curious1alwys, BSN, RN]

I did a refresher after staying home for 5 years. It did help if you can afford it and devote the time. I agree with the previous comment to stay home as long as you can because once you do the refresher you don't want to have to repeat it. You'll have to stay in at that point, generally. 

I still had massive anxiety when I returned but that's just me LOL