bakermama

I am a RN who took a refresher course about 2.5 years ago in Nashville, but I don't know what courses are available now. The course I wanted to take was by Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, but they are not offering it anymore. Your best bet is to call the TN BON again. They will get back to you, but you have to be a bit patient. I have been away from nursing for 14 years now (to raise kids), and am still looking for a job. It's a tough market--you have to network to have a prayer of getting a decent job. Best of luck to you!

I have applied to hospital jobs, clinic jobs, doctor's office jobs, even LPN and MA positions. I understand that things have changed a lot in 13 years. But, it's a blow to the ego to not have any credit given for 14 years of dedicated service. I would bet I could get up to speed pretty quickly. Too bad no one is willing to take a chance on hiring me. I know I'm not the only one who feels this way.

I've been applying to nursing jobs for over a year, and they don't seem to want me, either. I have 14 years of (continuous) hospital nursing experience (was certified in critical care), but have been a stay-at-home mom for the last 13 years. I completed a refresher course to reactivate my license and am current in BLS certification. So, it assume that current or recent nursing experience is what recruiters are looking for.!? I understand the frustration of those looking for work in the Nashville area. Would be nice to know how many applicants recruiters are seeing per position--any recruiters to respond? I'm sure the economy is a big part of this problem. Do I have to volunteer to update skills in order to be considered?? I have a great work ethic and stellar work history.

Luv2swim, I would definitely take the course with the clinical component. I took one that I thought would have a clinical portion (it was much less expensive), and it turns out it did not. The clinical practice would've given me the extra confidence I need in finding employment. At the time, I didn't think the price (almost 3 x the cost of the course I took) was worth it. Now I regret it. Best of luck to you! (I, too, have been out of nursing >12 years.) Bakermama

I appreciate your replies. It's a bit daunting to think of returning to the nursing workforce after being out of it so long! I would love to hear from any of you who have done this--were hired into home health after a long hiatus from nursing. Bakermama

I need the advice of any of you home health nurses who have been in a similar situation. I was a RN for 14 years in acute care (mostly critical care), then became a stay-at-home mom for a little over 10 years. I took a refresher course to reactivate my license, but it didn't provide hands-on skills practice. I interviewed for a home health position recently and don't know if I'll get offered a position. Do you think it is possible for someone in my situation to be successful in home health with rusty skills? They are willing to train the right candidate. I love to learn and would work hard. Thanks for any advice you can share!! Bakermama

how rediculous to make nurses enter the same data multiple times!!! in my humble opinion (as a nurse who's been out of the field 12 years, but is looking to return), you need to join your voices and let president obama know this--how it impacts patient care and discourages those of us looking to return to the bedside! the powers that be just need to imagine themselves in the patient's position. i'm sure they would rather have a nurse who is attentive to them than the computer documentation (as would i)!!

When I left nursing over 12 years ago, I was worked critical care and even then, thought we nurses should all have ways to dictate the care we were giving or info gathered in order to lessen documentation time! A nice dream. .

Thanks, mmutk, for the advice! I would like to try my hand at an oupatient position, but my skills are 12+ years old, so wonder if I should work in acute care for awhile to get back up to speed. The refresher course I took ended up not having skills practice--we just talked through procedures. I would think I would orient pretty quickly. My biggest question now is what am I qualified for? My 14 years of working in the hospital included general surgical, ortho, burns, telemetry, critical care (burns, cardiac, and a variety of neuro, pulmonary, etc). I will be reworking my resume and setting up some interviews in the next week. The thought of home health appeals to me as well. If anyone else has any advice for me, I'd love to hear it. I'm looking in the Brentwood, Nashville and Franklin areas (including Williamson Medical Center). By the way, I'm enjoying the information and comraderie on this site!

I posted this in the ambulatory care section, but thought it also belonged here. I am a RN who is nearly finished with a refresher course to reactivate my license. I worked for 14 years (mostly in critical care) before I decided to stay home with our young children. That was over 12 years ago. Now I have been scouring the earth (online) for a part time job in an ambulatory care setting--no luck, so far. I have minimal ped's experience (burn center years ago), and prefer working with adults. I am open to learning new skills. I even inquired about a MA position at a pediatric practice, not expecting to be paid for my degree (RN, BSN). Anyone have any suggestions for me? Thanks so much!