I have been out of nursing for nine years after having spinal decompression and fusion surgery. My second surgery in Feb. 2014 was very successful and I would like to return to my nursing career. I am an RN and am curious about where to begin to get back to work after thinking I’d never return.
-Debbie
This question was asked in the nursing forum section.
I'mANurse says
Hey Debbie,
Glad to hear your surgery was successful in February. Since you have been out of the profession for nine years I would consider taking some continuing education classes to brush up your knowledge on new drugs, protocols, and treatments out there. You know how nursing is… medicine is always changing. You can go to RN.com and they have continuing education (online) courses you can take. After you complete those courses you will get a certificate of completion and I would submit that with you resume or during the interview…just to show you are serious about “getting up to speed” since you have been out for nine years.
Is your nursing license still active….I don’t think you mentioned that in your question? If it isn’t you will have to reactivate it (usually you have to, of course, pay the licensing fee and provide evidence of education hours (like with the continuing education I was talking about).
After you get your license active I would apply for a job that you like. Most employers who hire employees that have been out of the profession for a while will put you in an orientation period (similar to a new graduate). This is to help you get up to speed with the latest equipment changes, protocol, online documentation etc. I would definitely take advantage of this. If the place you work with has education classes for you to take, I would do that as well. I don’t know what field you are wanting to re-enter but if you were wanting to go back to floor nursing…I would look into taking a cardiac drip class, IV skills class, wound vac class, etc)….just so you can get refreshed on that stuff.
I wish you the best of luck! Merry Christmas and may you have a blessed 2015!
Debbie says
Thank you for your quick response! Yes, I have kept my license up to date. Most of my 20+ years have been geriatric and psych …again; thank you your response has been very helpful!
Merry Christmas and a blessed new year!