Re-entering nursing

SweetOldWorld, BSN, RN · Oct 21, 2006

Am I crazy to think after 19 years away from nursing & home with kids, that I could handle the refresher course & working as an R.N? I've been reading alot that's been said in other posts. When I left the field, we were not unionized, it was primary nursing which was a mess(all lpn's & cna's had been released). Am I too old to due & enjoy this type of work? I've considered using my degree to fast track to a teachers certificate; but I still come back to; using my past experience
& knowledge, although not up to date. Wht do you think? By the way I was an RN for 13 years before raising my family.

A LOT has changed in 19 years. I was out for 8, and went back with a refresher course and a good orientation period and I was fine. But 19 years away is a little bit different. What kind of refresher course are you considering and does it have a clinical portion? What does your state board of nursing say about going back? I kept my license active and all was fine there, but laws vary depending on the state. The hospital I chose was extremely supportive of me and I feel I made a good choice. One nurse at my hospital went back after 15 years and she did well, but was in orientation for a long time. I guess there are lots of questions to answer before you can make the best decision for you. Good luck in whatever you decide!

thumper55 · Oct 22, 2006

I'm in the initial phases of looking into this matter. According to the board of nsg., I need not only classroom hours but significant clinical hours; primarily in the previous area of work. So, I haven't had a discussion with anyone face to face, Next week I have an appt. to speak with a university hospital who offers this course in exchange for a time commitment to work at their facikity for a period of time. I'm sure I don't even know how things have changed. All 3 kids are in HS & getting ready for college. The extra time I have available to me know has gotten me thinking; what do I want to do with this phase of my life? My husband won't be retiring for awhile, & the thought of some income of my own, esp. with college coming makes this attractive! Any ideas?

Trauma Columnist · Oct 22, 2006

I want to welcome you back! What kind of nursing did you do before? Other things to consider - the pace is much quicker - ensure you get a very good orientation.

thumper55 · Oct 23, 2006

Over the course of 14 yrs., I tried my hand in many nsg fields. But I always returnrd to my 1st love of maternal/child. When I stopped working; there were 3 distinct units-L&D, nursery level1&2, postpartum/gyn. We had implemented a minature version of mother/baby, since the birthing rooms were under construction. The PP unit consisted of anyone with a female problem, gyn,terminations,ap,&pp. I hope I can find an antepartum unit to work on or mother/baby. I need to coordinate my timing of refresher course with obtaining my valid liscence, since there's a 6mo period fpr all to be completed.

Templedoll · Nov 19, 2007

Well I would like to return to nursing. Here in NZ we are expected to do a refresher course once we have not nursed for five years/ That is no problem. But the course is for nine weeks and no pay during that time, so unless you have financial support it is hard to do. I am going into administration although I do hold a Bachelor of Nursing so it seems a waste. I would not give up on the idea because you have been out of nursing for 19 years. You still hold the knowledge. Maybe you could work in rehabilitation and not an acute area. Not all areas are fast paced. All the best.