Returning to Work After Depression and PTSD

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I've been an RN for 25 years, I specialized in PICU, loved it, however I became extremely burnt out about 5 years ago. Long story short, I am on disability for depression and PTSD. I am doing very well now, and I'm ready to go back to work, however, slowly. I am looking at Telehealth for the short-term, and long-term I'm thinking of Nurse Navigator, advocate or even Nurse Health Coach. I have my 2 year degree, would it be advisable to get my BSN? Also for the Telehealth, should I do an online course. And, is the pay reasonable for a Telehealth nurse? And lastly, what kind of education is required for a Nurse Navigator, Nurse Advocate and Health Coach?

Dear Ready To Go Back To Work,

I'm glad you are doing well and ready to go back to work :)

It would be highly advisable to get your BSN. More and more, the jobs available to ADN prepared nurses are limited to clinical (bedside) practice. A BSN will really help you to qualify for more positions and to be more competitive.

In general, training for the jobs you mentioned (great jobs, by the way!) takes place on the job. On the job training, so after you're hired. Nurse Navigator jobs vary from facility to facility, but are often found in oncology settings. Typically a nurse would work in an outpatient clinic as an oncology nurse, and after time would qualify for a Nurse Navigator role.

It certainly wouldn't hurt to do a course on TeleHealth, as long as it's a reputable course, but it may or may not increase your chances of landing a job. It depends if the employer is looking more for experience or more for training. Tele-health positions may require a background in disease specific care or adult population.

Register on Indeed.com to get an idea of jobs available in your area

If you have been unemployed for a time, you have an extra challenge in getting back in the job market and getting hired.I highly recommend my book (below) to help you stand out in your cover letter, resume and interviewing.

Consider taking an RN refresher course. Since you have solid experience in PICU, your best bet may be looking for a job in that area just to get back into the workforce. From there you can always transfer.

Also read 8 Jobs to work from Home (related to your question). Best luck to you, my friend :)

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!