Trouble returning to the bedside

[marcelita]

Hello Colleagues:

My issues is this: After working in a community clinic as a Nurse Lead for 1.5 yrs I have decided to return to the hospital setting on a per-diem basis and go back to school in the fall for my NP. However, most recruiters are telling me that they have "reservations" about me being away from the bedside for "so long". I have redone my resume numerous times to make me more interesting when they read it. So far I have gone on 2-3 interviews with no call backs. My background is 3+ yrs in telemetry/acute care/DOU both as staff and traveler RN. Is this really that big a deal? are there so many breakthroughs that I would be able to handle it? What is the difference between me and a new grad, then? I thought about it, put myself in the recruiters shoes, and understood their concerns; until this weekend when I did 2 shifts at a busy 12 bed urgent care. I nailed it; the charge had nothing but praise for me. Said she left a note for her unit manager to request me next time they had a need.

Does anyone have any advise on how to approach or respond to a recruiter when they mention this concern? So far I have told them that as a traveler I am used to jumping into any situation and succeeding, also as a per-diem RN one must be able to be very independent and knowledgeable.

Also, a recent critical care course wont hurt, right? even if a have to pay for it myself! Thanks ALL!!