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Lisa Bonsall, MSN, RN, CRNP
Hi Nancy,
That is great to hear!
Thank you,
Lisa
8/7/2015 2:08:07 PM

Nancy
October 11. 2012 13:25
I was out of bedside nursing for about eight years while working as a case manager. When I decided that I wanted to get back into the clinical arena, I took a job working alternate weekend shifts in a small community hospital while maintaining my "regular" 9 to 5 job. Yes, it was hard, but I found that my clinical skills were not as rusty as I thought they were.
After about one year of doing this I returned to full time work in the hospital. It has been over seven years now and I don't regret making the change back to the clinical arena.
8/7/2015 2:07:49 PM

Lisa Bonsall, MSN, RN, CRNP
October 10. 2012 22:46
Thanks Amy! Best of luck to you!
Lisa Bonsall
8/7/2015 2:07:29 PM

amy
October 10. 2012 06:27
I have been away from nursing for about 5 years now. I am hoping for May to take my refresher course. My situation is a bit different. I came out of nursing school and did not locate a job quite as easily as some of my friends did. I worked in an internship for 2 months and did not adjust too well with nights and all the "school" work this hospital made you do in conjunction with your orientation. So, that did not last long. I could not find another job at the time. I truly believe I am older now and can be a nurse more than when I finished college. I'm looking at my refresher course with a new perspective in starting over. In ways I am preparing to return before my refresher course are: volunteering and studying key elements of nursing in my spare time. I volunteer on a med-surg floor and have learned so much in the process. That may be a great idea for you if it fits your schedule. Good luck with everything. I hope it is a smooth transition for you and me.
8/7/2015 2:07:12 PM

Lisa Bonsall, MSN, RN, CRNP
October 7. 2012 01:24
Hi Penny,
Thanks for sharing your story! I'm a bit overwhelmed with the thought of starting over again, so reading your comment is very helpful and encouraging Smile
Thanks so much,
Lisa
8/7/2015 2:06:52 PM

Penny
October 6. 2012 13:08
I returned to nursing after a 14 year hiatus (extended maternity leave, 4 children in 6 years!). I had taught Lamaze classes in the interim, but wanted to take care of patients again. I took my refresher course, and applied for a job with a Home Health agency, where I was able to step into a setting with home care pts instead of the "bedside". That is also where I learned I have a knack and love for hospice nursing, and eventually moved over to an acute care inpatient hospice facility. My previous area of work was ICU, so I complely changed course, and loved the challenge and change of focus (although many of our patients come to us from ICS, some vent patients, an occasional VAD!!!).

You have such education!! Go for it, Mom!!!
8/7/2015 2:06:12 PM