Returning to work after recovering from medical crisis

[RNandCPA]

A little background.

I've been an RN since 2005. I jumped around specialties but mostly focused on psych and most recently OR although I spent my first year in the ER. About 2 years ago I had to stop working because a chronic condition made it impossible to walk without a mobility device. I looked like I could fall over at any minute. I took a medical leave but was eventually terminated because my condition never got better.

I went back to school for accounting but have discovered that it is really difficult to get a job that will pay enough to support my family. About 6 months ago, new treatment made my walking ability better and now no longer need assistive devices. I am looking to return to working as a fulltime nurse but it seems that my gap of not working for the past two years is making it nearly impossible to get even an interview.

Now the problem.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how I could get back into nursing? I've thought about taking a nursing refresher course, but I just don't have the funds available to do that. I fear that if I don't find a decent job soon we will have to file for bankruptcy.

[OnlybyHisgraceRN, ASN, RN]

You should definitely take a refresher course, even if you have to work a non-nursing job to pay for it. Is your nursing license still active? I would think a refresher course would be mandatory if so.

I spoke to a nursing recruiter this week and she stated she looks at possible candidates who take initiative to take a refresher course if its been more than 2 years since they have practiced.

Wish you the best and welcome back!