Dear Renee1126,
I was in your position a few years ago. After graduation, I married a military man and was shipped off immediately overseas for 2 years. I did not work. Coming back, I had a hell of a time getting employers to take me seriously. Here was a new grad who had done "nothing" (according to them) for two years. This was also at the very beginning of the economical crisis, but I was still lucky to get a slot at a small hospital in a less desirable 'specialty".
When I left the country in 2006, at that time all you had to be was a live RN in good standing..now they want a BSN, certifications in this and that and lots of experience...RELEVANT in the area/specialty in which you are applying!!
If I were you I would enroll in a BSN or Masters program on line. School is always a good reason to not work. Then use that excuse when you come back and job hunt. Hopefully the economy will have improved by then.
My advice, if you really care about your career, stay if you can. If you do go, when you come back just keep in mind that you will not be competing against the average new grad..but vicious, frustrated new grads, some who have been job hunting since 2008 who are ready and willing to do anything for a job, and other experienced nurses who have been doing all and everything to improve their chances of getting hired...while you are in Italy.
Good luck, I hope you make the right choice. This is just my 2 cents.
