I have been on disablity for almost 10 yrs. I am an RN (I keep my license current), and at the time that I had to leave, I had 17 yrs exp. A couple of the treatments that I have found for my illnesses have made me feel about 50% better, at times. I wanted to, at least, TRY to work. But, no one will give me a second look, having been out of work so long. I understand, but felt that I could have been oriented. I took the didactic portion of an RN re entry course. The clinical portion was going to cost me another 500.00 and the nurse supervisor at a local hospital, told me that wouldn't be enough experience to get a job. Any thoughts or suggestions would be so greatly appreciated. Renee.

Renee,

First of all I am glad that you are feeling healthy enough to consider a return to nursing! I hope that you continue to have good days and that they become more frequent.

What type of nursing did you do when you were working as a nurse? I had been out of acute care for about 20 years and although I never left nursing I found it extremely difficult to get accepted back into the acute care setting even after completion of a RN refresher course. I eventually did find a job but it was only because I had never left nursing but had only gotten out of acute care. I was shocked to hear that as a group we weren't welcomed back with open arms. But...that is the sad truth. In the area I live in the nursing shortage seems to be a misnomer!


I would give you this piece of advice: please think about areas other than acute care. I don't know where you live but in my experience I have found that many times long term care facilities are willing to train a returning nurse. Please take advantage of any educational opportunities you can find. You may also want to consider a volunteer position in healthcare somewhere to get your feet wet, beef up your resume and see how well you tolerate being back in the "work force". There are so many avenues in nursing that I am convinced that there is an opportunity for all of us out there somewhere; it just takes perseverance and creativity.

Please keep me posted as to your thoughts and progress!

Hey Pam. Thank you so very much for responding. Yes, I worked in med-surg at a teaching hospital. You know....I have been seriously considering trying LTC. Also, there is a prison nearby and a state mental hospital. Who knows, IF I can get a job, I am certainly aware that it may not work out for me, healthwise. But I really want to try. I will keep you posted. Again, thanks so much. Take care. Renee