Question:
Dear Donna,
I am in the process of completing an RN refresher course. I graduated in 2000 and worked part time in long-term care. Unfortunately, I had a series of surgeries and a bout with breast cancer, but I am doing well now. Basically, my status is “new grad,” but I really want to work part time. I am not seeking any insurance, perks, or career status. I just want to use my knowledge. Is there a place for me in nursing? I’d appreciate any direction you can give me.
Dear Donna,
I am in the process of completing an RN refresher course. I graduated in 2000 and worked part time in long-term care. Unfortunately, I had a series of surgeries and a bout with breast cancer, but I am doing well now. Basically, my status is “new grad,” but I really want to work part time. I am not seeking any insurance, perks, or career status. I just want to use my knowledge. Is there a place for me in nursing? I’d appreciate any direction you can give me.
Carla
Dear Donna replies:
Dear Carla,
There is definitely more than one place for you in nursing. While hospital bedside nursing would not be a good choice for many reasons, there are opportunities in long-term care, including rehab, clinics, medical offices, and a variety of outpatient settings.
Contact your local blood bank, Planned Parenthood clinic, public health department, adult day service center, assisted living facility, senior citizen housing developments, etc. If you don’t find paid work immediately, start volunteering in one of these places while you continue to look for paid employment.
To get and stay connected, develop a support system, and get up to speed with knowledge and information, I strongly encourage you to join and get active in your state chapter of the American Nurses Association (www.ana.org). Most chapters have reduced dues for nurses who are unemployed. And networking is a great way to find and get a job.
Welcome back and keep moving forward.
Dear Carla,
There is definitely more than one place for you in nursing. While hospital bedside nursing would not be a good choice for many reasons, there are opportunities in long-term care, including rehab, clinics, medical offices, and a variety of outpatient settings.
Contact your local blood bank, Planned Parenthood clinic, public health department, adult day service center, assisted living facility, senior citizen housing developments, etc. If you don’t find paid work immediately, start volunteering in one of these places while you continue to look for paid employment.
To get and stay connected, develop a support system, and get up to speed with knowledge and information, I strongly encourage you to join and get active in your state chapter of the American Nurses Association (www.ana.org). Most chapters have reduced dues for nurses who are unemployed. And networking is a great way to find and get a job.
Welcome back and keep moving forward.
Best wishes,
Donna
Donna Cardillo, RN, MA, well-known career guru, is Nursing Spectrum/NurseWeek’s “Dear Donna” and author of “Your First Year as a Nurse: Making the Transition from Total Novice to Successful Professional” and “The ULTIMATE Career Guide for Nurses: Practical Advice for Thriving at Every Stage of Your Career.” Information about the books is available at www.Nurse.com/CE/7010 and www.Nurse.com/CE/7250, respectively. To ask Donna your question, go to www.Nurse.com/asktheexperts/deardonna. Find a “Dear Donna” seminar near you: Call 800-866-0919 or visit http://events.nursingspectrum.com/Seminar.
