Psych RN -retired one year ago problems going back to work

[Glenda West RN]

As a nurse with 25 plus years in psych nursing, I retired a little over a year ago, I now find myself

needing to return to work and am having difficulty finding employment. In my career I started as a

staff nurse on a 43 bed locked unit-then was a charge nurse- also helped to start two PHP programs

one for approximately 60 adolescents--was PHP nurse did all intakes, care plans and meds--later was

PHP nurse for both adults and senior out patient program. I then became the nurse manager for two

28 and 30 bed locked adult units also over saw a busy receiving unit for involuntary clients. My last

three years I was an Assistant Director of Nursing, but really was held responsible for day to day

operations as the Director was only a twelve hour per week position.

I would really like to work part time or do some traveling nursing--I need input or suggestions--I was told by

one nurse recruiter that because I had not worked in a year I would not be considered--Does 25+ years

experience and a BSN degree count for nothing? Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated!

[Jules A, MSN]

Times are kind of tight right now. You may not get your first choice of an ideal spot but if you need to work don't give up and something will come along.

[armywifeRN]

google psych hospitals in your area. that's how I located the facility I work at. It was not listed on job websites or the newspaper. Experienced psych nurses are such an incredible asset, especially for nurses like myself who are new to this field of nursing. Keep trying! Best of luck to you.

[elkpark]

Yes, unfortunately, this is a difficult time (for everyone) to be looking for a job. However, experienced psych nurses are rare. If you are interested in travel nursing, I know that there are a few companies that specialize in placing psych nurses -- I find it hard to believe that they (and the facilities they work with) would consider that being away from working for a year outweighs all your experience! I don't know the company names, because I've never looked into that myself, but I know I've always seen ads in the back of the nursing journals. I'm sure it would be easy to track them down.

Best wishes! (I am getting close to 25 years in psych, although I'm nowhere close to retiring, unfortunately! :))