Is there work after kids??

I am an RN with over 13 years of hospital experience, mostly in the cardiac cath lab. I have taken some leaves from nursing to care for my kids, and for a three year move to Germany. I came back after 5 years without much difficulty, but most recently, after 6 years away, I can't get anyone to even consider me! I worked in a world class hospital for seven years and then other smaller hospitals and have extensive on-call experience. I know what it is to be a nurse in a high tech environment and having to adapt and multitask non-stop. I realize I may be a little rusty and there are new drugs to learn, but I have been told that in this market, if you have been away from the hospital for a year or two, no one wants to talk to you. I have also applied to other departments, but recruiters have told me they won't even consider me without "recent" experience. I also don't have my BSN, which is another big mark against me.

I can:
1. Go back to school and get my BSN. (Very costly, and I am not making an income presently. I will still be an RN without "recent" experience, but may have a little advantage).

2. Take a refresher course with clinical (again, costly...about $1500 and I am STILL an RN without "recent experience"....6 or 8 weeks doesn't count apparently).

3. Continue to apply for "non-hospital" jobs (that generally call for experience, and I am only experienced IN the hospital!)

4. Continue to knock my head against the wall in frustration (it is starting to hurt!)

HELP! Am I the only nurse out there in this "black hole"? And they say there is a nursing shortage...not in THIS economy, I guess. I feel like a real "has been" although I am completely convinced I have a lot to offer and truly believe I would assimulate back into the hospital with relative ease.

I don't know where to turn.
In Texas, you are not given the option of NOT taking a RN refresher if you have not worked in 4 years or longer. As part of the refresher, you are required to put in 80 unpaid hours of clinical to get your license back in good standing. It is expensive (the figure you quoted sounds typical), BUT if you find a good course with people who have good connections, you could do your clinical in the cath lab. That's a GREAT way to get back in the door-you show them your skills, they get free training out of you, etc. I've known several nurses who did the RN refresher and were hired by the hospital or other facility in which they did their refresher clinicals.

Apply for those jobs with the awful shifts and hours. Then your significant other can do child care and you will looking at positions that are not in as much demand. That is the beauty of nursing with a young family. No need for child care. Good luck!!!

I was away for 6 years and got a job last year. It is working part time at a clinic running a small program. My previous in-hospital experience was not in this area but I did volunteer extensively while not working in this area. While the pay is not great compared to what I could make in the hospital, I can't beat the hours and the ability to schedule myself for when I want/can work. I also do not have a BSN, someday maybe when kids get older. There is hope, it just may not be quite what you are looking for. I'm planning on staying with this job until all my children are older and then start searching for something else.

Your title is misleading.Goodluck on your job search.

I'd say get your BSN.... I have no real reason for saying that other than the fact that if you're not having any luck finding jobs now, make yourself more desirable.Good luck