58 yrs old with inactive license x 11 yrs, no computer skills, ADN, needs work

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

It sounds like you're exploring several pathways, which is a good approach. Given your background and desire for quicker entry, I'd suggest starting with roles that require minimal computer skills initially but still allow you to utilize your healthcare knowledge.

Non-Nursing

Register on indeed.com or other job board to get an idea of opportunities. 

• Case Manager. Oversee the care of patients, coordinate treatments, ensure appropriate medical resources are used, and liaise between patients and healthcare providers. Case management often relies on your clinical knowledge without requiring an RN license as long as you're not directly providing medical care.
• Health Coach. Guide clients on wellness, lifestyle changes, nutrition, and managing chronic conditions. Many health coach/wellness roles don't require a nursing license, but your nursing experience can enhance your credibility in helping others improve their health.
• Health Writer. Write or edit medical content, research articles, healthcare materials, patient education, or health-related blogs. Writing and editing don't require an active nursing license, but your clinical background will allow you to produce accurate and high-quality content.
• Insurance Claims Adjuster (Medical or Healthcare). Assess claims related to medical care, determine their validity, and ensure they are processed correctly. Your nursing background is valuable in understanding medical procedures, diagnoses, and treatment protocols, making you a good fit for roles in health insurance.
• Medical Sales/ Pharmaceutical Representative. Sell medical devices, pharmaceutical products, or healthcare solutions to hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities.
• Patient Advocate/Patient Liaison/Telehealth Support Roles. Work with patients to navigate the healthcare system, assist with finding resources, and advocate for their rights and needs. Provide administrative support for telehealth programs, such as helping patients navigate virtual or scheduling appointments. Some advocacy roles do not require an active RN license but benefit from the clinical knowledge you can bring.
• Medical Billing and Coding. While coding and billing don't require a nursing license, your nursing knowledge can help ensure the accuracy of documentation related to patient care.
• Home Health or Health Facility Administrator or Supervisor. Some administrative roles in home health and sub-acute care do not require an active RN license but still leverage your healthcare expertise.
• Driving patients or selling medical supplies is a solid option; you could also look into non-medical transportation roles. Once you activate your license, consider home health, which is less physically taxing and includes driving, which you don't mind.

Look into your local workforce development centers. They may offer programs tailored to older or returning workers.

For a smoother transition into these roles, consider basic computer training (many online resources are free) and local community colleges or online platforms for quick tech skills like Microsoft Office, basic data entry, or customer service. You can add these to your resume.

Nursing

The Missouri State Board of Nursing may require 40 hours of continuing education to activate your license.

While I couldn't find a list of Missouri State Board of Nursing-approved refresher courses, this list of their approved nursing programs gives you some excellent contacts and contact information to start your search.

If local in-person options are limited, online courses might be a more flexible and faster route. You can Google "online nursing refresher course."

Since you're looking for a quicker route back to earning income, starting with an online refresher course could allow you to begin sooner while you explore options like insurance sales, driving, or other administrative roles in healthcare.

Best Wishes,

Nurse Beth

 

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Second checking job retraining programs in your state.  In PA. most community colleges offer intro computer/keyboarding courses. Example: Delaware County Community College computer training courses 

I turned down an older RN due to no computer skills -she attended their course, called me 3 months later with certificate, was hired and worked for me 5 years transitioning to the hospital as discharge planner til her retirement.

[sissiesmama, ASN, RN]

I'm kind of in a similar situation OP.  I'm 54 and an experienced ER nurse.  I had to retire from nursing almost 20 years ago.  Long story short I had to have an ASD repaired inland had both a MI and CVA in the first 6 months post op.  
 

Now 20 years later my hubby who is also an RN is retiring next Summer and I will need health insurance.  After some other cardiac issues I ended up with a pacemaker last December and it has really made a difference.  In May I went back to school but not in nursing .  I started a pharmacy technician program that is 9 months  long.  I finished my classwork Thursday and start my externship Monday and just have 200 clinical hours left to complete and sit for boards.  
 

I am definitely nervous about rejoining the work force - it will definitely be a big change. 
 

Good luck to you!  I have few computer skills also and I really wish I had invested in some computer classes!  

[sleepwalker, MSN, NP]

Just to clarify...you haven't worked as an RN in 11 years or you haven't worked at all in 11 years?

If you haven't worked as an RN...what have you been doing?

If you haven't worked at all...why not?