RN returning to nursing after * years

Nurses General Nursing

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I am an RN who has been out of nursing for about 8 years I have kept my CPR certification up to date, but due to my husband moving frequently with his job, I put my nursng career onhold. I worked for over 10 years at UCSD Medical Center in San Diego, CA. on the AIDS care ward. We also took in many various other type of patients such as the homeless. I learned many skills working there and enjoyed the patient care. I also worked for a short time at Eisenhower Medical Center in Palm Springs, CA. I now live in an unincorporated area of Memphis, Tn. and am very close to MS. and many areas in Memphis. I would like to take a refresher class so that I may return to the field that I love so much. My husband is retired now, so this will be our permanent home. I would appreciate any information as to what I need to do to make my license current and return to nursing.

KSSheldon

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Check with your state's Board of Nursing to see what the requirements are for re-licensure. I'm sure they will want you to take a refresher course, but you'll want to do that anyway because so much has changed in the time you've been away from nursing. You may also want to take ACLS and maybe an EKG class, which can help give you a leg up if you're applying for hospital jobs. Best of luck to you, and Welcome to Allnurses!

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Yes, it is up to your state's board of nursing to determine how to obtain your nursing license. Your previous license has most likely expired and you will be required to take a refresher course to get a new license. I don't know if you will have to re-sit for boards or not. There have been so many changes in the last 10 years, when I left acute nursing for 3 years and returned I found most of the insulins had changed, terminology is a lot different, and of course, the computers rule. You might want to brush up on your computer skills, take a beginner class at a community college if possible. Welcome back!!

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All up to the BON. You've received some great suggestions. Could you do some volunteer work in a hospital you would like to work for?

Best of luck, let us know how it's going.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, , Home health, Education.

A refresher course is recommended. Maybe you could job shadow also? I'm assuming you kept up with your license fees. I know many states also require CEU's to maintain licensure- (WI is not one of them). Good luck and welcome back!

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