Returning To Work After Long Absence

Updated:   Published

Specializes in Cardiac Nursing.

reenter-workforce-cant-find-job.jpg.76d8953e4722ecc294453a34bc1df620.jpg

Hi everyone. I’m a BSN, RN who is attempting to re-enter the workforce after being out for several years due to caring for my husband who passed in 2020. It took me to the end of last year to get myself together and to get the CE’s required to reinstate my license. I have almost 20 years total LPN and RN experience, but can’t seem to get a job. It’s to the point where I’m about to give up on nursing altogether. I no longer want to work bedside nursing, but will do to get my foot in the door. I used to work on a cardiovascular TCU, and love this patient population. I want to work more closely with cardiology patients, even learn about cardiac devices. But the few jobs I’ve found require experience.

I still want to become a Clinical Nurse Specialist. I’m 48yo and a new single mom. I’ve never had to really think about working shifts around my daughters school schedule before, but I do now. It’s really the getting her off to school which is my main issue. Any advice.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

Moved to General Nursing for better responses

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It's very hard  to reenter the workforce after you have been out for awhile. If you are willing to start back at the bedside .... you should get some interest. Are you on Linkedin, Indeed, and Monster? However employers know you will need a lengthy orientation. You will not be able to call any shots on your schedule.  Get a sitter in to send her to school if you do get a job.

Have you had your resume reviewed? Is there anyone you could network with?

Think outside the box. Insurance companies are always looking. Disease management is also a possibility.

Best wishes.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac Nursing.

I'm on all of them and have revised my resume so many times it's not even funny LOL. Even though I've been out a while, I shouldn't need that lengthy an orientation unless I get a job on a specialty unit like ICU. Refreshers definitely.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
51 minutes ago, WildcatFanRN said:

I'm on all of them and have revised my resume so many times it's not even funny LOL. Even though I've been out a while, I shouldn't need that lengthy an orientation unless I get a job on a specialty unit like ICU. Refreshers definitely.

You and I both know we wouldn't need much of an orientation. I don't think nursing is a skill you can lose.. However, employers do. I have had recruiters tell me that employers are not interested in nurses that have been out of the field for awhile. In my case it was two years, nobody wanted me.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Dialysis always needs nurses - units are being closed because of the acute nursing shortage. Good thing - the big two (Davita and Fresenius) both train from the ground up

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac Nursing.

OMG! I went to yet another job fair yesterday and was hired on the spot. I decided to accept a part time, weekend only 12hr night shift position. Get myself back into working again. Also, working Friday and Saturday works perfectly with my daughters school schedule.

10
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, PICU, Transport, L&D, Hospice.

Congratulations!

 

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Congrats.  Hope position works out well for you and your daughter.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.
21 hours ago, WildcatFanRN said:

OMG! I went to yet another job fair yesterday and was hired on the spot. I decided to accept a part time, weekend only 12hr night shift position. Get myself back into working again. Also, working Friday and Saturday works perfectly with my daughters school schedule.

Excellent news!  I hope you find you really like the job, the hours will definitely work with your daughters school schedule. At the very least if for whatever reason you decide you don't like it after giving it a fair shot you will at least have that recent experience. For some weird reason it seems finding a job is easier when you already have a job so transitioning to a different role will be much easier should you eventually decide to do so. 

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in oncology.

let's celebrate the job instead of saying things like

On 9/10/2022 at 4:48 AM, kbrn2002 said:

. At the very least if for whatever reason you decide you don't like it after giving it a fair shot you will at least have that recent experience

Jeepers, the OP found a job that works with his/her schedule.  The job will earn the income she/he needs. What else would you think the job is lacking???

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.
9 hours ago, londonflo said:

let's celebrate the job instead of saying things like

Jeepers, the OP found a job that works with his/her schedule.  The job will earn the income she/he needs. What else would you think the job is lacking???

Agree with londonflo here.  Congrats are definitely in order for OP landing that position but sadly there's often things in a new job that just don't make it a good fit. Nights doesn't work well for everybody, it's a difficult shift for some to adjust to.  A weekend only option while working great with OP's schedule now might not be something she decides she likes in the long term.  It could turn out the culture of the unit isn't ideal. There's a ton of reasons why this job might be perfect in the short term but turn out not to be the perfect job for her long term goals. 

Maybe she'll love it, maybe she won't. Point is at least getting the job will open up opportunities to something different down the road if she decides it's not what she wants.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion