What 2 Think

[what2think]

Hi

im just posting on here due to a feeling of unknown. I was revoked in 2012 and I became reinstated in 2017. I just got enrolled in Tpapn today. My case manager did help me out a lot. She bypassed the iop and only assigned 1 aa meeting a week and random drug testing. So I feel very lucky to not have a lot to do. My unknown feeling is I have been out of practice for so long and I have forgot almost everything. I did complete a refresher course however I do not know if I can do nursing correctly. I do not know what to think and I will be returning my work release from my dr next week. I’m afraid I will not be able to spot a sign/symptom and heaven forbid let someone die because of it. There were so many signs and symptoms on every condition known and there is no way I would even be able to know all of them even after finishing school. Does anyone have any advice on what I should do. I bought a new foundations nursing book and starting to review. I want to proceed but do you think I’ll be ok. I just don’t want something to happen. Any advice is appreciated.

[Eris Discordia BSN, RN]

I don't have any particular advice about what to do, but I do want to try to comfort you and let you know you that many nurses take long breaks from nursing altogether, particularly some who are raising kids. A best friend of mine completely left nursing for just under ten years to raise kids, and while she was very nervous about going back, she was happy to discover how quickly things came back to her. Just remember, the vast majority of the info didn't just fall out of your head; it's still in there, and when you start needing it again, I imagine you will be pleased with how much does come back. I will let others speak to how to study or what to study to help get back into the groove, but I wanted to give you some encouragement...that you aren't alone in having a larger gap away and I am confident you can get yourself back into the swing of things! Best wishes!

[what2think]

Thank you for the reply and encouragement. I am going to give it my best. Thanks

[svetlana36]

I took an 8 year break and it came back to me remarkably quickly. I did extend my orientation longer than probably was necessary, but it helped me to feel more confident and comfortable.