returning to work after long break

[jujumama88]

i am an RN with 2 years experience that took 18 months off to have a baby and stay at home with her....i worked on a very stressful, experience gaining med surg floor and then i worked part time with temp agency until baby was born. I have not worked in 18 months and want to return back to temp work... do you think this is a good idea or should i take a refresher course? I am pretty confident in my skills, just out of practice and i found a temp agency that is able to give me a longer orientation (full day instead of 2 hrs before shift) any advice would be helpful! Thanks so much!

[caliotter3]

I would try it on your own before springing for a review course after only 18 months. As for the book learning, hit the books on your own. Dig out your clinical skills book and carry it in your backpack with you. Challenge yourself to learn or review things you encounter on the job. After a period of time, you will be able to tell whether it might be beneficial to go ahead and pursue the refresher course.

[LaxNP, DNP]

What about a per diem job at a hospital. You might be able to get a weeks worth of orienting. Just a thought...

[MLMRN1120]

Ugh I'm about to go through this as well. I have been laid off, only for 2 months but the job I was at was my first out of nursing school so I only worked 14 months as an RN. I'm really nervous because my new job is on a large step-down at a major city hospital while my old job was on a very small oncology unit at a very small hospital..

Let me just say though I am very grateful to have a job, they are tough to come by in my area. Good luck in your return to nursing I'm sure you'll be fine once you get back into the swing of things :)

[jujumama88]

Thanks everyone! I think I just needed encouragement!! I know it will be ok...just need to get over the fear of returning:)