Reentry can be painful! Seeking suggestions for a soft landing

[debbietx]

I recently completed a Nursing Refresher Course after being away from nursing for 19 years. Although I pursued other, more flexible careers that fit my family and added to my repertoire of skills, they were not in nursing. I thoroughly enjoyed my Refresher Course, especially the clinical setting where I quickly became comfortable with the changes that have occurred over the years (luckily, the patient is still the same) and am excited to get back into the swing of hospital nursing. The volumes of reading material made sense, my instructor thought I was wonderful-things were looking great.Then comes the burn of reentry. Because of online apps, I am feeling very challenged to get face to face with the nurse manager. The recruiters look at my years out of nursing and almost unanimously email me that they are looking at other, more qualified prospects. I am really confident that I can perform the duties well and that I would be a great asset to the hospital (as I was the first time I was in nursing). And with my added management, computer, and teaching skills, I am an even better package than I was before. Any ideas on how to overcome this obstacle? Any surefire ways to get to talk to a real person? Your experience and thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

How about talking to the manager of the clinical setting where you did your refresher course? Managers can hire people and tell HR they want particular people on their units.

[RNperdiem, RN]

You could call the nurse recruiter and ask her advice about where in the hospital she would recommend you apply. Explain your situation.

This way, you will talk to a human being.

Of course, the advice you get will be what serves the hospital best.

[lindarn]

This is all just a smokescreen to keep out us older (read "expensive"), nurses. I refuse to take an expensive "refresher course", while hospitals are hiring, and paying through the nose, to hire (and orient), only new grads.

I am presently pursuing an EEOC complaint against a hospital here in Spokane, for hiring newgrads, and not hiring experienced nurses. I will keep everyone posted on the outcomes. As usual, JMHO and my NY $0.02.

Lindarn, RN, BSN, CCRN

Spokane, Washington

[firstyearstudent]

This is all just a smokescreen to keep out us older (read "expensive"), nurses. I refuse to take an expensive "refresher course", while hospitals are hiring, and paying through the nose, to hire (and orient), only new grads.

I am presently pursuing an EEOC complaint against a hospital here in Spokane, for hiring newgrads, and not hiring experienced nurses. I will keep everyone posted on the outcomes. As usual, JMHO and my NY $0.02.

Lindarn, RN, BSN, CCRN

Spokane, Washington

Why would an older nurse be more expensive than a new grad? My facility pays the same for a starting nurse. The older nurses only get paid more for seniority at our facility per union contract.

To the OP, why not apply for a new grad position (if possible)? Your previous experience may make you a good candidate compared to new grad, whereas your lack of recent experience may make you a poor candidate compared to a regular hire. You might also benefit from the longer orientation usually given.

[TexasNurseEducator]

Dont be discouraged. Look for career fairs for nurses where you can get face to face. Dress professionally and take resume copies. Look into a new grad or internship option if they are offering one. Usually 1-2 times a year with graduation times. Try a smaller facility or different type like a LTACH (long term acute care hospital). They usually have more openings and are willing to give you an extended orientation. Network by going to association meetings and the like where other nurses are that might have job leads in your area of preference. Be willing to take a not sought after position or shift for at least a year to get solid time in which will give you more options. Lastly, there are areas like Dialysis Nursing outpatient that hire in-experienced nurses (in other words all of us) and train for 12-16 weeks.

Good luck!