Returning nurse

[Guest1030824]

Hi, I’m hoping I can get back into nursing and find an area of nursing that I enjoy. I’ve been off the Med Surg floor for 3 years, and now I’m ready to go back. I had no idea how hard it would be to get back into nursing with time off. I worked in Med Surg for 2 years. I would like to explore ER nursing but I’m not a new grad so I don’t think I can. Not sure what to do next to get back into the hospital setting. Advice?

[Closed Account 12345]

If you're willing to relocate to an area with a nursing shortage, I imagine you could find a job in any number of nursing fields right now, including ER.  So many places are desperate for staffing. Three years isn't a terribly long break, and two years of med surg experience should certainly put you at an advantage over new graduates who were stuck doing clinicals in sim labs because of covid.  You'll be surprised by your muscle memory when it comes to clinical skills. I'd review lab values, common meds for the type of unit you're hired into, and request a longer orientation than "experienced" nurses usually get since you've been out of the game. Good luck!