Returning to Nursing after 6 years

[tjb4dcp]

Hello all,

I need advice on re-entering the nursing field... I have a BSN and worked in critical care (burns, neuro, PACU) for 6 years before I left nursing in 2000. Since then I've worked in the non-profit world (totally NOT medical related) and lived overseas. I'm returning to NC this year and am interested in taking a refresher course and getting back into the field. Ideally to work in Hospice or LTC.

Does anyone have advice on refresher courses? available What wages are like? Will it be difficult to get into my chosen field after being gone from nursing for so long?

Any advice or encouragement would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

tjb4dcp

[aimeee, BSN, RN]

You have some good experience behind you so if you show evidence of having the heart and the organizational and critical thinking skills needed I don't think you will have too much trouble finding a position. 6 years isn't all THAT long in fields that are not technology dependent. Sorry I don't have any info on refresher courses though. Good luck to you!

[athena55, BSN, RN]

Dear tjb4dcp:

Hello and welcome to AllNurses.com. Umm, I am not from North Carolina (I am from New York City) but I think it is cool that you are considering rejoining the Nursing Work Force. Overseas, huh? Wow. Did you have an easy time with the differences in culture, seeing as you lived "over there" for a while? Just curious.

Okay, I hope this website will help you out. Let us know if it did and of your decision: www.ncbon.com/education-refrecor.asp

Good luck to you and Welcome Back! (smile)

athena

[checkb]

tjb,

Our bios read almost the same! I graduatedw/ BSN 1986 worked med/surg, ICU then 7 years ED for a total of 13 years in nursing beofre quitting ALL work in 2000 to raise up the kids, ages 13, 6, and 4. I have recently completed @200 contact hours of continuing education to re-claim my lapsed license. (only took @ 2 weeks)

I am also considering hospice. A lot of the CE dealt w/ hospice & end of life issues. I have not yet started to actively search for a position. An RN friend who works Oncology thinks that I should do some in hospital work for a while to brush up on skills. I think this is a good idea. Then I go to the local hospital's career opportunities listings and just about all the jobs in the areas that I think would be best for me are night shift. I can't do night shift. I'm excited about getting back to work, but I'm getting discouraged and I have'nt even submitted applications! Every time I start to write a resume I start to hyperventilate!!!!!!!!! Encouragement please, from anyone out there!!!! I'm stuck in the house with a bunch of kids! I need professional help!! Adult contact.............anything............