returning to nursing

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Hello. I was wondering if anyone could help me. I am an RN with a BSN, and I have been out of work since 2002. I have some experience in hospital maternity and 4 years of office nursing. I want to get back inot nursing, but have no idea what path to go down. I have an interest in wound care, transplant nursing and Nurse Anesthesia. I am 38 years old, so I feel I am running out of time. I left nursing to raise my 4 children. I feel like I have been out of the loop forever. I am not quite sure where to begin getting my career back on track. I don't have much experience in nursing and not sure what my next step should be. I would appreciate any input .

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Specializes in Med/Surg and Wound Care, PACU.

i am currently working wound care and i like it, it is much better than bedside nursing because it is not chaotic, everything goes in a timely manner and the patients are nice, i also work 5 days a week, from 0700 am to 1530 and thats it

nici

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Specializes in Med Surg, Renal, Neuro ICU.

I took a refresher course last year after an 8 year break from nursing. I would highly recommend one, even if your state doesn't require it. It really does "refresh" your memory. I didn't forget nearly as much as I thought I had.

Also, I found that I had a different perspective upon my return. I was burnt out when I left. I know what I want to do & what I am willing to do. There are certain areas that I just don't want to work anymore, so I won't. While I gained tremendous experience from them, I want to try different areas that allow me professional growth without sacrificing family time.

And you are by no means running out of time. Several of my refresher instructors were in their late 60's to mid 70's. Good luck!

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It is never to late to return to nursing. Nursing is a vocation. It is part of you and you carry with you even if you are retired or take a respite to raise your children.

There are refresher courses in some areas. Look online and search for RN refresher course. Also you can take some CME courses in areas that you feel weak in.

When you go to apply for jobs, it may be difficult to start back in a hospital setting. However, office work is great if your want a more stable schedule and less demanding on an older nurse.

Good luck to you.

:heartbeat

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