I have been out of nursing for 12 years now. I have 28 years experience including being a DON in long term care. What would be the best way to refresh my knowledge in long term care nursing to move back into another DON position? Annette

I was out for several years, I wanted to come back so I started at a residential facility and now I’ve moved to a local small SNF to get back into Skilled

Start PRN or part-time at a local facility since this nursing is not what was happening 12 years ago. I'm an older nurse, and what is happening today is pushing young and old nurses over the edge with assignments, level of care needed, and lack of staff. The second shift appears to be the most affected for facilities in my state. Once you get your feet wet for a few months in nursing as a refresher, you can transition into a DON position or type of management position. Many DONs have left the job market, and I see openings everywhere. Read up on all the regulations before jumping into that position. The most difficult is the extensive amount of infection control compliance and recording needed, and it is nearly the most significant citation in the facilities these days.

See if any places looking for staff have an orientation program, which will help refresh your skills. You could also request to work a few weeks with staff if someone is willing to hire you for DON position. Make it part of the hiring process.

Start from the beginning and go back into long-term care as a staff nurse and then work your way into management. You will be able to get "a feel" for the unit and know what you will be managing should a DON or assistant DON position come up for you in the future. You could even try being an assistive living nurse as well as you still are helping the patients but at least these patients have some independence. Good Luck!