Will I ever be able to be a nurse again?

[proudsahm]

Hi Everybody,

I graduated in 2009, began working L&D in Nov 2009, worked until April 2012 when I had our daughter. I quit completely thinking I wouldn't go back to nursing for a least a decade or more but now I find myself missing it. Last year, I did the unthinkable, I let my license lapse. Looking back I wish I hadn't. What I would like feedback on is, I realize that L&D is a highly specialized area but I'm also wondering if I'm ruined. I don't know any other kind of nursing and I also fear that if I go to all the work to get re instated that no one will take me because I only have experience in L&D and that no L&D will take me because I've been out for two years. Sorry this is so long-winded. Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are. I almost think it would be better to try and get back into nursing now instead of 15 years from now. I also didn't realize how much I would miss nursing and need it to have something for myself apart from being a wife and mom. I wish I had been more wise and at least kept my foot in the door but alas, I can't undo what I've done. All thoughts are appreciated. Thanks.

[87RN]

I don't think 2 years away is that bad. If I were you, I would reapply for your license. Take a refresher course/ take acls/pals/NRP and apply for a job. I think it would be easier to get back into L&D since you have experience vs applying in other departments. Also, L&D of all departments should be more understanding of your extended maternity leave. It can't hurt to try, good luck!

[KathyRN1109]

Wow...I can understand your predicament! I have stayed home with my 3 kids and have been out 7 years. I had six years bedside experience and it has been soooo hard to get back in. I have been told that I am "not worth the time or money" that I am "stale" and that I am "too old". These nurse recruiters can be brutal! I have found a hospital that may be willing to support the clinical portion of an online refresher. I am waiting to hear back! Keep us posted if you have any luck! At some point someone will see the value in our experience!

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

Well, your BRN has the steps necessary to return your license to active status. It could very well be as "simple" as taking all your "missing" CE and paying the appropriate fees. Check with your BRN as to what the steps are to make that happen. It shouldn't be too horrible of a deal to do.

[BonnieSc]

Yeah, two years is no big deal as far as licensure is concerned. Depending on where you live, it might not even be that hard to get back into the hospital. Most refresher courses are only for nurses who have been out five years or more. It definitely is harder to get back into the hospital with a lapse of six months or more right now, but it is far from impossible. Get your license back (seriously, it isn't going to be "all the work") and put out feelers. Even if you're not ready to go back full time, you might be able to get a per diem job--even just 2-4 shifts a month. I do think, as a previous poster says, you're much more likely to get in with an L&D job than anything else in the hospital--or mother/baby. Med/surg jobs and so on are pretty hot commodities most places. Good luck!