Stressing a little/a lot

[gma85]

Hey I just needed to put this out there and get some feedback. Not sure this is the right place to even post this.. Just kind of venting or whatever.

Ok so I graduated from a PN program in December of 07 and took and passed boards April of 08. The problem is I haven't worked since. My husband is in the Army and we have had to relocate 3 different times and were unsure of how long we would be at each place. We are now settled to our permanent duty station for at least the next three years (probably longer though). So I am now working on getting my licensure by endorsement from Iowa to Georgia. I am worried about getting a job though. I am scared no one will want to hire me since I have been out of school for so long. I am also worried about actually getting a job b/c I feel like I remember nothing... ugh.. Does anyone have any advice on refreshing my skills? I know I can read my books for the knowledge but I am worried about the actual skills. I always loved clinicals in school and was told by others how well I did however that is when things were fresh in my mind. I am so nervous about getting back into it and looking like an idiot! I also plan on going back for my RN as soon as possible so depending on wait list and requirements I am hoping this fall.

Anyway thank you in advance to anyone who responds!

God Bless!

Gracia Marie (sounds like grayshuh)

[arelle68]

Well, I'll tell you what. Most of the nursing you learn is after school. People who hire know that. Express how willing you are to learn, and how interested you are in their facility. Explain that you had to move with your husband. Everyone understands that. Most of all, trust in the Lord. You want to have the job He gives you. You are going to need the Lord every day to keep you and your patients safe, and to take away your stress. Everything has to start with trusting in Him, and submitting to His will. That will make it all okay, no matter how it goes.

[Katnip, RN]

You should call the BON in Georgia and see if they will require a refresher course before being allowed to work. Not being military, I am not sure about this part, but I think most bases have some sort of clinic and they hire civilian family members. They may have a good new nurse program there.

As far as your skills, even grads fresh out of school don't usually have great skills. There are always procedures that a new nurse has never seen, let alone gotten proficient in during school. I remember I had never done even 1 NG tube during school, but I could insert Foleys with my eyes closed. A fellow new grad was a whiz at NG tubes, had never done one Foley. Between us we got each other up to speed on both. We also went to the experienced nurses and told them of our deficiencies, and they stood with us and gave us as many of the cases that they could find and coached us through it. If you're lucky, you'll find people like that to help you along.

Good luck.

[gma85]

Thank you so much for your responses! I think I just need some reassurance right now that I can do this cause I am pretty scared. I did contact the Georgia BON and the lady that I talked to told me to write a letter to include with my application for endorsement explaining why I had not worked as a nurse since graduating. There was also something in the rules stating that if you had been licensed within the last year that was acceptable to. I am still nervous though.

I am seriously thinking about applying at the base hospital cause from what I understand I can practice there with my Iowa license so that probably would be a good idea.

Thank you again for your responses they are helpful to me!

I really do need to put my trust in God and know he will get me through it. He was with me in nursing school and would not have let me pass if he didn't think I could do it:)

God Bless,

Gracia Marie

[CABG patch kid, BSN, RN]

Another thing to consider, since you guys move around so much (I know you won't for three years, but just for the sake of the situation...) you might want to consider working at a Veteran's Administration hospital. These facilities are federal and take a nursing license from any state! Also, I'm not sure if there would be any benefits since your husband is in active duty, but its worth looking into. I'm not sure if there is even a VA facility close to where you're at, but its just a thought :)

[travduck, BSN, RN, CNM]

Go on line and research CEU's for those areas that you feel least "solid" in. You will need credits for licensure and it looks good on an application to show that you are 'keeping up'. Plus you will have up-to-date information that will let you not be any 'worse' off than a new grad. Check with the local nursing programs and see if they have refresher courses or if one of the instructors is interested in mentoring you for awhile.