Thinking about going back after 13 years!!

Published

...is it even possible?

Hi everyone. I've been reading lots of posts the past few days. Very helpful and informative stuff on this website. Love it!

Here's my deal: Graduated in 1995 with ADN in Florida. Took boards (Florida), passed, and first child about 10 days later. Put license on inactive status the following year to stay home longer with baby. Never worked at all. Few years later husband transfered to New Jersey, had second child few years after that. Well, I've been home with the kids since then (1995) and have actually never worked as an R.N. Still in New Jersey now.

Now, it's something that's always bothered me...that I never went into it. I worked my tail off in nursing school, did very well, loved my classes, etc.

So here I am now, almost 13 years later and really wanting to get back into it, or should I say "go into it" as there really isn't anything to get back into, lol.

Also did the big sin of not keeping up with CE's so my license (Florida) has expired.

Now, here's where I need opinions. Called Florida DON yesterday and they said yes, it's expired, and if, say I was still living in Florida and wanted to practice, I would have to take the NCLEX again (which I figured...no problem with that...I'd devote about 6 months to re-studying everything).

Called New Jersey DON and they said (that this is where I think I'm being told incorrect into), that I have to fill out "licensure by endorsement" paperwork (pay fees, sumit fingerprints, give a bunch of other info, etc.), an that after processing all that paperwork, I can get a NJ RN license. That doesn't seem right. And I explained over and over that 1: my license is expired in Florida, not just on inactive status, and that 2: I've never worked as an RN. The woman then went on to say that if I had had my schooling in NJ and had originally taken my boards in NJ and was in the same situation as (meaning I let it expire), I would have to take the NCLEX over again in New Jersey (which makes sense).

See...it's like I'd have to take my boards over if everything stayed withing the same state (understandable), but because I'm "transferring" from one state to another, then can issue me a new license???? It just doesn't seem right. Does that make sense to any of you.

Like I said, I have no problem taking the boards again (not thrilled, of course, but I certainly understand why it would be required of me), and am going to start studying as if I have to, because I have a feeling that once all this endorsement paperwork gets processed, New Jersey is going to come back and say, "ohh, but your FL license is expired, you need to retake the NCLEX" to which I will be thinking "yeah, that's what I've been trying to say all along."

I also realize that the very least I have to take a refresher course. I've already found one that's 12 weeks long and looks pretty good and I plan to take in the spring. In the meantime, I'm going to devote the next 6 months or so to restudying.

Here's another question (oh, and if you're still readying this loooong post, thank you so much): What do you think would be the best way. To drag out my old textbooks and notes, or to get some of those other books at Borders...books like the "___________ Made Incredibly Easy." I was glancing at some the other day and some are quite comprehensive. Are there any other good books you would all recommend?

Thanks so much for reading this. I look forward to posting and reading more.

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I think you will definitely need a refresher course to bring you up to speed on changes in the last decade that are huge especially in IV therapy and med administration, wound care etc. I think you would have to just comply with whatever the state where you want your license renewed in tells you to obviously and you would be fine. I wouldn't use your old books except for the basic stuff that doesn't change like A&P and med math, some basic procedures don't change etc. You would probably get books for a refresher course I would think...good luck

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:up:Goodluck in processing for licensure....do what is right for you and God will do the rest... !!!!

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Specializes in Education, IV Therapy, Travel Medicine.

The nursing book stores likes www.majorsbooks.com and others at your local colleges and universities as well as the Borders, Barnes & Nobles etc have NCLEX review books, CD programs,etc. Many of the schools also do a end of year review at this time I believe it is called the HESSE and they take outside students. This is a good way to meet students for a study group if you like these.

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I would love to know what you have found out. I have not worked for almost 14 years and am having to take the NCLEX again here in NJ as well. I was looking at Lady of Lourdes for the Kaplan course they offer there.

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glad to see you thinking about going back

do you have to take this test before you can take a refresher course?

check with the facility that is giving the course and ask them what yo will need before actually getting into it

prepare your family for the grind that you are going to be going be going thru, definitely study a/p etc before the refresher course because they usually go pretty fast and intensive

good luck on your new adventure

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Where are you in NJ? south? north?.... I'm planning on taking a prep course for the NCLEX since I need to take it due to an inactive license of 13 years. I'd love to share info since I, like you, have gotten incorrect info from the NJ state board of nsg.

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Does the refresher course also offer a clinical component? It will be hard enough to get a job with so much time away and having some recent clinical experience will only help.

Just FYI, as you look for employment with your shiny re-newed license, don't expect to be welcomed with open arms as hiring personnel will likely be wary of the risk of hiring & training someone in your position. But you only need one good offer and you're off and running.

Meanwhile, maybe you'd want to see if you could qualify to work part-time/PRN as a nursing assistant or unit secretary. That would show hiring personnel that you are serious about & invested in getting back into nursing and might lead to other opportunities as well.

Unless there's a well-established re-entry program in your area, what you are attempting is not a straight forward task and will involve lots of persistance. But it's not impossible by any means! Good luck!!

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I just noticed it's been a few months since the OP first posted... any updates for us, Swiss9500?

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Specializes in Education, IV Therapy, Travel Medicine.

If you still need assist. I agree with jjjoy the clinical portion is essential for a refresher course. This allows you to "put it all together". I do not agree re: part time. It is crucial in my experience to get some solid time back in a full time orientation and experience for at least 4-6 months as a part timer you may not get the support and orientation you need and then be placed in a situation you are not ready for including charge nurse. Of course, it depends on the work environment but, at least do full time for orientation and short time after that to make sure the cobwebs are off and you know when and who to call for issues. Lastly, spend some time with the policy book in your new setting. Especially, Physical Assessment, Documentation, and Medication Administration policies. This will give you direction and keep you out of trouble.

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Hi,

I just completed a RN refresher after 7 years of staying home with my daughter. I have 20 years of background in ICU,PACU and Tele.

It was a 10 week coorifice, 1 classroom day and 1 clinical day/week. A lot of at home study and reading. They also gave us our tests via email, and we were able to study and take the tests together. All open book......but was very comprehensive. There is alot that has changed with computer charting, the med delivery systems, IV pumps,

wound care. The basics don't change though, and I felt pretty confident on the floors.

It was a Med-Surg rotation, and you got to pick a unit specialty area and float there for a day! That was great for me. I really enjoyed it. It also helps to have a good clinical instructor. We had a whole team of patients(6) by the last week. This was fairly overwhelming, but we managed.

They are telling us that we will all have jobs in no time once this is complete. Some of the nurses have been out for 20 years! The hospital we are doing our rotation at is also willing to reimburse us our money for the class if we take a job there, and sign on for a year.

It is definetly been worth it, and I've made some new friends along the way.

Don't give up, find a program out there with the clinical rotation included. There are some online sites that offer refreshers without the clinical and that is just a waste of time. You will also be able to use this on your employment resume and your instructors as references!

I have to say it's been a rewarding experience for me. Don't ever let your license lapse! If I can answer any questions for anyone out there feel free to contact me.

I live in the Chicago area. Best of Luck to all of us older and wiser RN's:cheers:

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Specializes in Med-Surg, School Nurse.

I am planning on going back after nearly 21 years out...had a few years in the middle of school nursing. I am taking a refresher course with a clinical section. I am wondering if anyone that has "re-entered" started at a hospital that had a new grad program? I figure that might give me a bit more time to adjust compared to a regular orientation.

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