NurseWeek News

Hidden Treasures
Experienced RNs, eager to re-enter nursing, are a valuable but overlooked asset

By Beth Ulrich Ed.D., RN, South Central Editor
November 13, 2002

Not a week goes by that I don't get messages from nurses who want to get back into nursing. Many are older nurses who took time out to raise a family. Some are no longer able to work a 40-hour week, but are willing and able to work part time. All are frustrated by the lack of positive response they have received from hospitals when they have tried to apply for jobs.

A small sampling of messages:

"It doesn't seem fair to RNs who are older than 50 to be left out of the loop. I feel penalized for raising my children. No wonder there is a nursing shortage in the nation. Is there any hope for 'old' RNs? With all the talk about incentives for the young to pursue nursing, is there anything in the works for older nurses to rejoin the workforce? We do have experience in both nursing and life, yet I feel we are being left behind."
"I am an older nurse. I cannot understand why I am being shunned. I haven't had excessive illness days, but I have arthritis that prevents me from working full time. I have, in the past, worked in SICU/MICU/PACU/ER, some med/surg and some skilled nursing. I have also been a hospital night supervisor. I am able and willing to work per diem, since I don't have children or a working husband. I could go in for even a four-hour shift at the drop of a hat. Hospitals are turning their noses up at my being hired. Why don't acute hospitals look at my 30 years' experience and find a place to use me?"
"I have many years of nursing experience, but feel vulnerable to a lawsuit for not knowing all the new medications and procedures. I would love to be back in nursing after nearly 20 years, but where does one learn on the job? I know there are many of us who would like to serve these patients with all our experience and wisdom."
"I may not be a young, beautiful nurse, but I'm not dead either."

Given the need for nurses, you would think that hospitals and other organizations that employ RNs would make it easier for these nurses to update their knowledge and skills and find ways to use nurses who can work part time. Apparently, that is not the case.

Many hospitals offer internships for new graduates, but few have programs for nurses who want to re-enter the workforce. Flexibility of scheduling often means expecting nurses to be flexible to work when hospitals need them, not the flexibility of hospitals when the nurses want to work different schedules.

We have a source of more nurses. They have knowledge and experience, although it may need to be updated. They are willing to work. Why not find ways to help these nurses rather than reject them?

Discuss this and other topics with your colleagues at www.nurseweek.com/rnvillage.