Re-entry RN

[Lacie, BSN, RN]

Need bit of advice on resume writing for re-entry RN. I'm at a loss regarding how much or what to include on a resume. Major brain freeze at this point lol. I have my BSN and had great experience for over 10 years as a CCRN in CVICU/CCU/Burn ICU, Hospital Nursing Supervisor and also Clinical Nurse Manager then went to Medical Case Management for several years for the workers compensation insurance companies. After the death of my husband and suddenly becoming a single mom to 2 boys I had to make a choice and decided to stay home and operated a part-time cleaning business of my own to do so (no nights, no weekends/holidays and home by 3). Now 7 years later I am ready to return as my youngest is now a senior in HS and doesnt rely so much on the Mommy factor any more. I am at a loss as to how far to go back in job history or how to document the gap between. Long term I would like to return to specialty care once again as it was what I did best and loved. I did take an on hands (in hospital) refresher course when doing case management in prep to return to hospital nursing of which my husband passed a week after I finished so I never got to put it back to use either. Should I document this course also Needless to say there are no onhands refreshers in the area I now live. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Gosh Lacie - I really admire you. Though 7 years is a while in nursing terms, you should do fine going back. I would just put the dates down and then put "stay at home Mom" and leave it at that. As to how to approach HR, I would just apply and say that you'll need a comprehensive orientation of at least ___ amount of weeks or months. Did you keep your CCRN current? Have you taken any continuing ed classes? These could also be listed. Another avenue might be to contact the education depts of the large hospitals near you and see if you can update your BLS, ACLS, etc.. Many hospitals allow non-employees to take the classes if they pay for them. It will also get you in the door and maybe able to network with people.

[Lacie, BSN, RN]

Unfortunately I was unable to maintain my CCRN as you are required to maintain "active" practice to do so. I do have all my CEU's up to date as I am in Florida and also is a requirement for my KY licensure to remain intact. I also still have an active licensure in PA. I'm scheduled for a BCLS for Health Care Providers in 2 weeks. Also looking into an available in class IV course for next month hopefully if there is room. I'm currently reviewing all my Cardiac Rhythm materials and am very surprised of how much I still remember off the top of my head. Hopefully my experience in In-Field Case management will help as I did Catastrophic Injury/Trauma cases 98% of the time which kept me abreast on treatments etc. Guess some things are like riding a bike really so I dont think I'll have difficult getting back on. I was just very surprised for the area I am in (Daytona Beach) that there is no on-hands refresher courses for re-entry. There are some excellent hospitials so hopefully they are in need and willing to help with re-entry. I've always loved my work but of course I had to put my childrens nurturing and thier needs first as they were only 9 and 16 which was the perfect age for things to go the wrong way with the loss of thier dad. But it was well worth the sacrifice as was great to be home when they went to school and home when they walked in the door everyday and when they went to bed. Turned out to be 2 great kids and very well adjusted due to that decision. Now it's time to take care of me and get back to what I love doing.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Best wishes Lacie. You have certainly overcome some obstacles. You should do fine. Just make sure they give you enough orientation so that you feel comfortable.