Returning as NP after time out of field and have questions

[gatorxo]

Hi all, I've been lurking around for a bit and decided to come on and ask for some advice. I graduated in 2000, worked for a few years in cardiology, then got pregnant and decided to be a stay at home mom for my 3 kids (while my husband traveled for work). Fast forward it's been 11 years now (wow time flies) and I'm looking to get back into the field and a little lost. I have kept my licensure active but need to take the certification exam (it wasn't required when I graduated). I'm thinking of taking the Fitzgerald review course and looking over some other review materials, but not sure what else to do to make myself marketable. I haven't found any type of NP refresher courses (like there are for RNs reentering the work force). Anyone been in a similar situation or have any advice for me? I'm concerned that i won't even be given a chance and it seems such a shame to feel like I've wasted a great degree because I chose to take care of my family. Any ideas or thoughts? Thanks so much!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Hmm.. Conferences, online CME? Have you kept up via your states APN organization? Network with other NPs.

[BostonRN13]

What if you just asked to shadow an MD or NP you know for a little while to become reacclimated to current practice?

[mammac5]

I don't think you're going to be at any disadvantage. You are licensed, you will have passed the certification exam, you've kept up with CME...you're no worse off than a recent grad and you can make the most of your experience while you've been the manager of your family for the past decade.

I think when interviewing it will benefit you to point out that your plan was always to return to your profession, which is why you've kept things up. Point out how your Fitzgerald review course emphasized the latest guidelines for management of illness, new meds, etc., and point out your computer skills so there won't be concern that you won't be able to find your way around EMR.

Don't discount your value!

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

Are you really required to be certified? No grandfathering available? Have you completed your CE requirements all these years? If not, you would likely have to do that.

Fitzgerald and Barclay both say they're the best.

Get hold of a prescribing guide and a current How To Manage_________ whatever illnesses you will see often in your field, know immunizations, take practice exams.

There are lots of new meds, new Medicare rules. Know these.

Talk to your state Board, talk to the certifying organizations for their requirements.

[gatorxo]

Thank you all so much for your thoughts. To be honest, I just figured I needed to be certified like everyone else. I have kept my license active all these years, and therefore have completed all the required CEUs as well. I have called various times and spoken with both AANP and ANCC with questions regarding certification and the application (obviously my nursing program does not have records of my clinical sites/preceptors from 11 years ago, LOL), and no one has mentioned being grandfathered in, so that never crossed my mind. Maybe I should look into that aspect, however, I was thinking taking the exam and review classes might help bolster my intentions and show that i'm taking this seriously and am willing to study and put in whatever time I need to get back on track. Thanks again for everyone's help!

[IrishIzCPNP, MSN, RN, APRN, NP]

I don't know if you have to be certified. I know an NP who is not certified and works. In fact, she looked to do the certification and she had to jump through hoops. She skipped it. She's been an NP forever and it seems pretty clear the certifying groups don't want older NPs as they make it very hard or impossible for them I do the certificartion. This NP works full time as an NP. No issues.