How can I restart my nursing career in acute care after years away from the bedside?
Years away from acute care means you have missed many updates in technology, medications and nursing 'arts' that nurses use daily now. Contact your State or Territory Nursing Association, education division, and ask where the nearest and next refresher courses are being given and what else you may need to return to active nursing. Also contact your nearest collges/universities and ask if they offer nurse refresher courses. I am assuming you have maintained an active license while not practicing. If your license is out of date or is on pause status, the nursing association will tell you how to re-activate it. Subscribe to a nursing journal such as Nursing Made Incredibly Easy or Nursing 2024. Both of these journals have a clinical focus and are great for updating knowledge. I have recommended them to my former students who have left active practice for a while for different reasons. And consider joining your State or specialty Nursing Association: networking is invaluable when getting back into active nursing and seeking a position that will be a comfortable fit for you. Good luck!
