Trying to get back into nursing after six yes

[Perisoreus]

Hello! My name is Anne. I have an unusual background for a nurse. I graduated from an RN program six years ago; at the time, I was working as a plant pathology scientist for Cornell University. This is a job I dearly loved. I spent ten years at it, was published a number of times, and then my supervisor retired. Concomitantly, my father was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's, so I moved back to Ohio from New York. I worked for Ohio State in plant pathology again, but the position was seasonal. I would really love to transition into nursing from science.

I have never practiced nursing, but I graduated at the top of my class, and I have kept my CE and license up to date, now in both NY and OH. I stay on top of nursing literature. I have current ACLS and PALS certifications. My question is: how do I get my foot in the door after so much time has passed? I am an intelligent, motivated learner; prior to plant pathology, I worked in biomedical research in breast cancer and then infectious disease. I don't fit neatly into any box. I was told so point blank at a job fair last weekend. I know I would be a good nurse with some bridging but I don't know how to get someone to give me a chance. I am looking into MSN programs, but that won't help me right now.

I would so appreciate any thoughts or ideas you all might have! Thank you in advance.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Welcome to AN! If you've never worked as a nurse despite having graduated and been granted licensure 6 years ago, I would think that there are going to be many facilities who are going to wonder about that. You might want to make sure you have a brief, concise answer ready for that question. You may also benefit from a refresher course- a lot has changed in nursing care over the years, and it may be a point in your favor in the view of an employer.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Look for research nurse jobs. They might consider your background valuable. Even look at research assistant jobs to get an in.

[Perisoreus]

Thanks, you guys! I do have a ready answer for that question: I was doing a job I loved that had a lifespan. Life changes all the time for all of us... I just wish someone would give me a chance. Again, thank you.

[Wrench Party]

Another science nerd!! Hi!! (7 years at Duke as a lab manager/research tech in molecular biology with S. cerevisiae here!)

Don't let recruiters get you down. They thought I was also a strange bird as a new grad. With all the evidence-based practice and research going on these days in hospitals, your previous degree will be valued highly by the right people in the right field.

Consider research nursing, informatics or becoming a clinical research coordinator. I recently picked up a part-time gig as a clinical research nurse who does home visits. "Sciencey" types also tend to be found in critical care in-patient areas.

I sold myself on the more applicable positive aspects of science: good written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail and experimental problem solving, fine motor skills, etc.

A refresher course is an excellent idea and will make you more marketable. Also, volunteering at a local clinic can let you practice skills and make network connections.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Sad but irrefutable - Nursing is a 'practice profession' - our pre-licensure education is designed to produce a very specific skill set that is in line with current (at time of graduation) practice. If there is a significant lag between graduation and beginning a nursing career, that graduation skill set is outmoded because our industry changes very rapidly. Most organizations are not equipped to deal with this type of remediation. IMO - OP has a marvelous background that will be a real asset for any employer but it may take a really astute hiring manager to realize this.

Best of Luck to you!!!