tennesseeRN67

It was surprisingly easy! Granted, I did have a connection on the floor I got the job on and I worked at this hospital years ago, but I also got interviews and offers where I had no connections. Every manager I talked to seemed to like the idea of hiring someone with experience along with new grads. On my resume, along with past work experience I listed community/volunteer work I have been involved with over the years. I did make the effort to find out the floor manager's names and used them in my resumes. Don't know if it made any difference. Tell your friend to go for it! I would even recommend calling and speaking with the nurse manager on a floor she's interested in, to feel things out. I did this before I started the reinstatement process and was encouraged enough to go forward.

After staying home with kids for ten years I have been hired onto a cardiac stepdown unit. So far I have been mostly in classes but last week I spent a couple of days on the floor. As I expected, a LOT has changed in ten years, but I am learning and the (very young) nurses on the floor say I am doing fine. I'm very thankful and excited that at age 50 after such a long break, I have the opportunity to get back into patient care and wanted to encourage anyone who may be thinking of returning to work after a long absence.