Returning to patient care - how to difficult?

I may have an opportunity to work as a non-nursing executive at a fairly prominent medical center. Any thoughts on how difficult it may be to return to patient care after several years (say 3-5)? Would hiring managers even give such a nurse the time of day? Thoughts? Last edit by MsBruiser on Aug 22, '12
I work with some per diem staff who work in medical research as their full time jobs and put in a shift or two a month in the ICU. They maintain their ties to direct patient care and keep their skills fresh as well as earning a little extra money.If time is not a problem, a per diem job is something to consider.