I’ve had 23 years of nursing experience in many different areas and then took 13 years off. Now I want to return without having to pay for a refresher course. Any suggestions for application and job search?
Take the srefresher course. Why?
1. Protect your licenses.
2.Indicates to recruiters your are commited to providing up to date nursing interventions.
3. Your presence will present with self assurance.
TY ... SG
You will be horrified to see how short staffed everywhere is. They’re letting new nurses loose with high patient loads. All places offer paid orientation. You will do fine. The medical profession is sadly not what it was
Some hospitals will put you through their new grad or 'fellowship' program since you've had such a long break. I worked with a nurse who did this and the training was paid regular salary.
I'm in the same position as you, took several years off but actually want to take a refresher to keep up with all the changes
If you had a clinical in either of those fields you might be able to get a recommendation from your instructor. Esp. if you did well and your grades were great. I had an instructor recommend me in L/D but didn't get only because a different student fit the profile for that hospital. It was an inner city hospital. She was a c student an I was an A student but sometimes it depends on the area.
So much has changed in hospitals in thirteen years that you would most likely be required to show you had taken a refresher course. Consider going back to a physician's practice or group practice where you can apply the skills you have already and pick up some new ones. Subscribe to a clinical nursing journal such as "Nursing Made Incredibly Easy" which includes reviews and articles on the latest techniques and procedures. There are CEUs to be earned in journals like these also in case your state requires you do earn a certain number yearly. Also explore urgicenters which function like regular doctors' offices for many people who do not have a PCP. After a year or two in that sort of setting, you will have renewed a lot of what you will need in acute care and be in a better place to apply for a hospital position if that's what you wish to do. Welcome back to active nursing!
Hi! My advice is check first with your State Board of Nursing. They usually have requirements that need to be met, and they offer various "refresher" courses. If you kept your license active, it will be easier moving through the job search. If you need your license reinstated, that will be step one and you'll be advised by your state board on how to do that. I strongly caution against trying to by-pass the license requirements. Hope this helps! Best of luck to you!
Think about what specialty you like and mention a preceptor when you are in the hiring process. Every unit should provide this any way as well as hospital orientation.
Follow your dreams!
Review your Licensing Board Regulations. I live in Louisiana, and after 4 years, you're required to take the refresher course.
