Re-entry into workforce after 1 year break. Help!

Nurses General Nursing

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Hey everybody!
I will be returning to the workforce soon  as an RN after a one-year career break to travel full-time. I have two years experience as a full-time oncology RN in an acute inpatient setting. My license has been active the entire time I have been traveling. I am pretty intimidated and scared to go back into the workforce after one year of not using my nursing skills. I'm deathly afraid that I have forgotten how to be a nurse even though I know deep down I will remember everything again and it will all come back in time after maybe a steep learning curve at the beginning. Are there any recommendations anybody would have to help during this transition or has anybody else gone through this transition that might be able to share on their experience?

thank you dearly, The Surfing Nurse

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Specializes in oncology.
TheSurfingNurse said:


I will be returning to the workforce soon  as an RN after a one-year career break to travel full-time.

 

TheSurfingNurse said:

I am pretty intimidated and scared to go back into the workforce after one year of not using my nursing skills.

Did you work as an RN while traveling? Travel nurse?

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No, I was not working. I was on a career break traveling full-time. 

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Specializes in oncology.
TheSurfingNurse said:

No, I was not working. I was on a career break traveling full-time. 

That is so exciting! You will do fine, with whatever job position you choose!

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Thank you. I think the reassurance is what I really needed ? 

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Specializes in oncology.
TheSurfingNurse said:

Thank you. I think the reassurance is what I really needed ? 

My husband is now in the hospital and I retired from nursing in 2017. He figured out on his own how to disconnect his NG, and unplug his IV pump from the wall for a walk. I have not told anyone I am a nurse.  The pumps are newer than when I was at this hospital so I do not have any knowledge about them except when I see the silence button, I assumed it silenced the alarm for 2 minutes.. When it alarmed, saying "infusion complete" I silenced it and alerted the nurse.... . Some PCT came in and said "when it says infusion complete, that is not the case. YOU two need to stop fiddling with the IV pump" 

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Specializes in Oncology (OCN).

I took a "hiatus" from nursing as well.  Unfortunately, not for traveling.  I was on medical disability for 11 years.  It will all come back to you quicker than you think.  (To be fair, I did take a refresher course).  But things like starting IVs, assessments, NG tubes, etc.-muscle memory.  
You've got this!  

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 Don't overthink this. Just get a job.  Somebody wants you.. somewhere.  Your orientation will show you the way.

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