RETURNING TO NURSING

[MSNGFC]

I AM THINJKING OF RETURNING TO NURSING AFTER A 3 YEAR BREAK FROM IT TO WORK IN MY FAMILIES BUSINESS. WHAT MY QUESTION IS, ARE THERE ANY SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO DO IT SLOWLY AND GET MY FEET WET WITHOUT DOING SOMETHING STUPID AND LOOSING MY LICENSE. I KNOW I WILL BE RUSTY ON THE NEW MEDICATIONS. ALSO IS ANYONE OUT THERE IN THE SAME SHOES AND MAYBE WE CAN DO IT TOGETHER. TEAMWORK ALWAYS HELPS TO MOTIVATE THE SOUL. ANY HELP WILL BE THANKFUL AND WORDS OF ENCOURAGMENT HELP ALSO. THANKS CHRIS

[duckie]

Chris, I too returned to nursing after a very long absence, due to a severe back injury. I understand the worries and concerns you have voiced. First you must decide what kind of nursing you want to get into. For me, it was geriatrics, so I did my homework on the LTC facilities in my area. I found a facility I thought I would enjoy, one that wasn't too big and I made an appt. to speak with the DON. I was very up front and honest with her. I told her I had been out of nursing for a while and was rusty but if she'd give me a chance, she'd never regret it. I am a fast learner and I had the basic skills, so I figured I could do it. I will never regret that decision and to my knowledge, she never regretted giving me that chance. It is scary, but you can do it and you won't regret it. If you are up front and honest, I believe you will be given a chance and you will be fine. Whatever field you choose, do your homework and study the basic procedures you might be expected to perform. And if you aren't sure, let them know that you'd prefer to watch it be done and then take notes. You'll be fine and I wish you much luck. I hope this was helpful.