RN Returning after 7 Years Off

[Omibashu]

I am a late in life nurse, getting my BSN at 40.

I worked one year on a General Medical floor followed by a year and a half in the OR at a major hospital in Los Angeles. I left in 2012 to work in hospital administration and pursue other interests. I have been trying to get back into the clinical setting for a few years now but have not had any luck in the hospital setting due to having been out of practice for so long.

I have just been offered a position in a LTC/Sub-Acute Hospital here in L.A. The facility is aware that I have been out of clinical practice for 7 years and are willing to retrain me.

My question is what should I do to prepare myself as well as possible for the challenges I know I will face? Any suggestions/support appreciated.

[Taylor55]

Your orientation must be long enough! It's the most important aspect!! And the preceptor you get. If you don't like your preceptor, if he/she doesn't completely answer ALL of your questions go straight to your manager and ask for more support, a different nurse, whatever, because once they set you loose you are going to be terrified. The longer the orientation, the better. Write everything down, review your notes several times a week. Watch youtube videos. Don't let families waste your time....don't allow them to blab blab. You will be so busy you won't be able to run to the toilet. You'll be slow at everything. Don't try being too nice to patients or families because they will sense your weaknesses and eat you alive. Put your game face on in the parking lot. The nurses will be tough, some nasty. Don't take it all personal, bide your time, stand up to them when necessary and eventually when you know what you're doing they will back off. Try not to use food as a stress reliever. Carry a pair of scissors, think organization. Fake it till you make it is critical. Make sure you have a very supportive person at home because you will need to talk. Returning to a role that you haven't had in a long time shifts how you see yourself and can be extremely disconcerting. It will take 1.5-2 years and you will be a new you. It will happen. Grit, perseverance. And also, after one year if you hate the place update that resume and look for the next job. And remember the orientation is the most important factor. Wishing you all the best.