How do I get back into nursing? I retired 5 years ago and would like to get back into hospital nursing. I have not worked in the hospital in years. Is this possible?
Yes, it is possible to return to nursing after a hiatus. Here are some steps you might consider:
1. Maintain your credentials: It's important to maintain your nursing license and complete continuing education credits¹. If your license has lapsed, you may need to renew it⁴⁵.
2. Check state regulations: Each state has different regulations for reentering the profession. For example, in California, a nurse whose license has expired for eight years or longer without an active RN license in another state will have to retake the NCLEX exam¹.
3. Basic Life Support (BLS): Ensure your BLS is active. Most nursing jobs require a current BLS¹.
4. Nurse Refresher Course: Some nurses choose to take a Nurse Refresher Course after updating their credentials. These courses provide clinical hours to help reintroduce a nurse to the workforce¹.
5. Start applying: You might consider starting in home care or at a long-term care facility to gain back experience and rebuild your resume so you can re-enter an acute care setting¹.
Remember, healthcare practices change frequently, so there may be a knowledge gap if you've been out of practice for a while¹. However, with persistence and possibly taking a job that can open up opportunities, you can be fully capable of re-entering the workplace¹. Good luck!
Source:
(1) How to Return to a Nursing Career After a Hiatus - RN Programs. https://www.registerednursing.org/articles/how-return-nursing....
(2) Reentering The Workforce In Nursing - Monster.com. https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/return-to-nursing.
(3) Ready, set, go! How to return to the nursing workforce. https://www.myamericannurse.com/ready-set-go-how-to-return-to....
(4) Making a return to nursing after a long hiatus takes the right .... https://www.nurse.com/blog/making-return-to-nursing-after-lon....
(5) Top 5 Tips for Retired Nurses Returning to Work. https://globalhealtheducation.com/article/top-5-tips-retired-....
If a brand new nurse can start a hospital job, you can. As long as you kept your license active. Otherwise check with the board of nursing in your state to see what requirements are needed to switch to active license. You bring all your years of wisdom and experience and everything you’ve seen and experienced with you, and can be a valid resource for new nurses who are still learning basics.. YOU CAN ABSOLUTELY DO THIS!!
