Re-entry (out for 14 years now)

I went back to ICU after ten years away. It took a few weeks to get back to normal. Refresher courses here in the states don't take 1-2 years. In Pennsylvania, you don't even need a course-I was relicensed by taking the NCLEX.

I was just hired at a LTC facility after being away from nursing for 7 years. I don't know how hospitals would feel about you being away from it for so long, though. Maybe you could start back at a nursing home or doctor's office for awhile and then maybe a hospital would have more confidence in hiring you? The woman that hired me told me that she just hired an RN who has been out for 25 years!! She said she will also give me a longer orientation period. I think this opportunity is great!! I really didn't think anyone would hire me after so long. If you want to go back, I say go for it....even if you have to work somewhere that would not be your first choice for awhile.

I'm also in Canada

and at the time that I was preparing to start the re-entry program

(and I was away from nursing for over 10 years).

The school offered me the option of writing challenge exams (for a fee of course), or taking the courses -one is a computer course. They are distance learning courses so I work on them at home, and there are a couple of labs and then two clinical courses.

The cost to take all 17 courses is about $7000 and textbooks (some are available in the library).

When you ask if you can still make it - the answer is YES, you can make it

Congratulations!

They would be lucky to have you!

I know in Toronto they even have a course at Centennial for internationally educated nurses or ones wanting a refresher...it that enhances your confidence.

I think its a year or something.

You can always pick an assignment to get your feet wet and build confidence too!

good luck!

I am looking at returning to nursing after six years away....(my husband is active duty and we are currently overseas) . Since CA does not have a continuous work requirement, I have been able to maintain an active license by completing CEU's. Depending upon our final destination, I may be required to take a refresher course. Best wishes as you begin preparing to re-enter the nursing profession.

i think that you will have more self confidence if you take a refresher course required or not

nursing needs you..welcome back

Thanks to all positive responses. I really appreciate the encouragement. I was actually in communication with Penssylvania Hospital offering i think a 6-8 week re-entry program for $1200, but they said I need a licensure or permit from the state board of Pensylvania. I'm still looking for other hospitals that offers re-entry program. I know there are some that offer paid training, I'm just not sure which hospital. If you know anything please let me know. A paid training would be really great, considering that I'm jobless now, finance is really tight.