How do I get back into ER nursing after doing Covid-19 testing and vaccinations for the past 2 years. I keep getting rejected for not having recent ER experience even though I have 20 years of experience as an ER travel nurse.

I would ask what changed in 2 years to make you unqualified.

Also most hospitals are looking for reliable permanent staff. Your travel experience may make you a flight risk. Plus you may be overpriced.

Recent experience may be an easy excuse. Apply anyway and find out. I find most hospital recruiters are new and inexperienced

Have had issues myself with same situation as you. With a 911 firefighter/paramedic background for over 15 years and graduating during start of COVID, I had no problem getting jobs…but now the “experience” or “two years hospital setting” is killing me and I’m losing hope.

When I wanted to retry L&D after 15 years, I applied to travel at the smallest, most remote, critical access hospital I saw an opening. Within 3 days I got a "yes." It wouldn't hurt to reach out to most recent L&D coworkers for additional references, even though they are a couple of years old. Get them in writing and submit with your resume so they can no ignore them. I miss the ED but runny noses were not emergent and cardiac care is - so I just keep swimming around the nursing pool of saving lives. You can too. Best of wishes to you.