Trying to get back into the hospital after staying home with the kids.

Nurses Retired

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I have been a stay at home mom for almost eight years except for two years that I worked for a retail store. I enjoyed working retail but I really want to get back to nursing. I began applying four months ago. Before I became a mom I worked two years on an Ortho/Trauma floor in a level one trauma hospital. This spring I took a RN Re Entry course that was Maternity focused where I received the following certifications, BLS, ACLS, Basic Fetal Heart, and STABLE. I would like to enter the Women's Services specialty as you can tell. My problem is I am not getting any hits on my applications.

I have called and asked for feed back from RN Recruiters and I was told that I have been out too long and just this Friday was told that by one hospital that they would hire a new grad before even considering me. I was devastated. I have found that New Grads actually have the advantage over me...Bless their hearts I know they have it rough as well.

I am wondering if it is worth taking a general RN refresher course or what advice anyone may have. I have applied to 80-90 jobs and have gotten nowhere. Thank you nursing friends!

Specializes in hospice.

Only if you're stuck on the hospital. Look other places.

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Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.
I do not have my BSN ... I do have 3 associate degrees, Nursing/Science/Criminal Justice but I never wanted my BSN because back a few years ago the only thing the BSN did was help you on the clinical ladder to management which I never wanted. I was enrolled to start working towards it when I got pregnant with my 1st child and then I tried again when I came back to work after her ... then came my son and life happened. And now it is all buy a requirement unfortunately.

Well, you've busted that myth that BSN is only for people who want to work "management." I graduated with BSN in 1975 and writing was already on the wall to have a BSN because jobs then (in NYC) were scarce. And we didn't have a single "management" course - just clinicals. Staying out of hospital nursing for over 5 years makes it really tough to get your foot back in unless you take a refresher course. Good luck to you.

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When you say "with a preceptor" what does that mean?

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Specializes in Tele, float.

I have been away from work for 2.5 years due to my daughter. I am in CA East Bay area... I continued my CE's and licenses and BLS and ACLS... I applied in CA hospitals and in HOuston Hospitals but only response "Better candidate than you" One Home Health agency offered me a job but pay is way lower than I had even made even as a New Grad. Has 4 years of experience in Trauma, Tele, PCU, Emergency. ICU and Travel nursing... Never had problem to get a job before... but this "better than you" is killing and very very depressing.... When I started as a new grad I started with so many nurses who stayed home for 3 to 15 years.... DO not know why is that!!! Where I see the posts are vacants for a year and they still do nto want to hire me... I know I need max 1 week of orientation .... VERY Frustrating situation!!!

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

Have you looked at LTC - you may have to take a job for lower pay for a year or so which is what I am doing after 9 years away from the bedside for lower pay. OR consider a bedside refresher course. Lots of nursing schools offer them and it is a good way to brush up your skills.

You might also look into an how to interview course at a community college - they will put you through a series of mock job interviews and tell you how you can best present yourself.

Good Luck

Hppy

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