Need Advice

[zen0322]

hi-

i was wondering if anyone had any advice about taking a RN refresher course? I have been a nurse for 9 years, but for the past four have been home raising my two daughters. I am having the hardest time finding a job. Do I need to take a refresher course? Is anyone else in the same boat. So weird because when I got out of nursing school their were jobs everywhere. Please help!!!!

[Rntr]

I'm sorry you're having this problem but it is a different world out there right now. Many, many nurse's are having a problem finding a job. I'm not sure where you're located but some area's of the country are really poor on jobs.

Maybe taking a refresher course would be helpful...

[Bubbles]

Opportunities have been very limited for experienced nurses for several years in my state. Also, if have not been involved in nursing for 5 yrs. are required to take a refresher course in my state. It looks like things are picking up a little, but the hospital ads usually state you need one or two years recent experience. I imagine you have seen the difficulty new grads are having. I would definitely check into a refresher course and get their advise.

[Rodoon, BSN, MSN, RN]

I think you'ved got to go beyond a refresher course. Make yourself less expensive in their eyes. Hopefully you kept taking CEU classes in your field and be sure to point that out. Secondly, get ACLS/PALS certification if you can to show you've still got the touch and they won't have to allow you time off for it later.

If you're in another state maybe you could ask colleagues or former NM for a reference to attach to your resume? When I was a NM, that would draw my attention especially if former co-workers write that you were a leader on the unit and they included phone number and email for contact. If you can't attach it because of HR rules, take the letters with you to interviews. Most people don't do this, I don't understand why, and it may help by adding a positive layer to the interview. Good Luck.