Dear Nurse Beth, I'm going to finish my 3rd Nurse Refresher Course in August, so I will start looking in September. I'm turning 61 in July. Last time I worked in Nursing was in 2006 part time at a busy hospital in Behavioral Health. Graduated Nursing School in 1980, I have a BSN and MBA. Worked in Pharmaceutical Clinical Research from 1990 to 2016. Have not worked in 3 years. Last salary was 190K plus bonuses as a Director, Clinical Compliance. I'm in good health. The state Board of Nursing said clinical research was considered "Nursing" and I got my active license in compact state without having to take a refresher in 2012. I did a Refresher despite this assessment in 2012 but did not look for a nursing job because I was making too much money at my regular job. Now I am ready to work full time as a nurse. Am I hireable as a nurse? How should I approach a job search? My refresher course management says there is a Nursing Shortage and I should have no problem.

Dear Refresher, You have over 2 decades in clinical research and scant current experience in clinical nursing. Essentially you are changing fields and starting over, but not with the job-seeking advantages of a newly licensed nurse. Your refresher course management says there is a nursing shortage and you should have no problem but even if they are motivated to say that to promote their business, they still may be able to give you some leads if they have connections in clinical settings. Be sure and ask. The important thing, unless you are prepared to relocate, is the market in your area. To get your foot in the door, you may have to initially accept a job that's not your ideal job to start building your work history. Cast a wide net, including Behavioral heath and sub-acutes. You've invested a lot by taking the refresher course, so good for you. You were very successful at your previous job and have a lot of life experience. A wise manager will appreciate your assets and not be intimidated or wary of your credentials and past. You will need to convince a hiring manager that you are not an over-qualified flight risk and that this is genuinely what you want to do-practice nursing. Be persistent and good luck! Nurse Beth

61 With No Current Nursing Experience

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

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Jordee, BSN, RN

25 Posts

Specializes in Bahavioral health.

Thank you TAKOO01. There's not a lot of information from Refresher nurses out there, and I wanted to give a closure to my story. Its difficult to find Refresher courses as well. Again, I highly recommend going the open house route and speaking with hiring managers so they can see you face to face. The day after the open house, I was invited to come to the unit and shadow a nurse for 4 hours. I made sure to convince the preceptor how motivated and happy I was to get back to the floor. The hiring process went quickly after that. They gave me a decent offer. I have never been late for work or called out.

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RN90

25 Posts

I enjoyed reading your story, and so glad you came back with a feedback!! So happy for you, you are such an inspiration..

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