I am 53 and have had two careers (nursing and accounting).  I would like to return to nursing, but am not sure who would want me.  I don't think my body will tolerate 12 hour shifts - I could barely do them when I was 30.  I have 8 years of nursing experience, was a Certified Emergency Nurse, 4 years ICU experience and the rest in ED's or out patient settings. 

My question is, do I have any chance of obtaining a job in nursing after not practicing for 20 years?  I have always kept my license current, and am now enrolled in an RN refresher course and will be needing to find a clinical placement soon.  I live in NC.  Does anyone have any advice for me? 

Thanks very much!

Sue

Thanks Ginny -

I live in the Triangle (Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham area).  All I've seen so far when I look at hospital website job postings are 12 hour shift jobs, so that's why I was thinking I'd have to work 12's.  Are hospitals more flexible these days?  I don't know how severe the shortage is.  There are two large nursing schools in the area (UNC and Duke) and they supply the area with nurses, but I still think there are shortages.  How does one assess this?

Any suggestions on how or when I would approach a nurse recruiter at a hospital?  Or is everything done via on-line resumes these days.  I have a lot of varied experience and just don't want to scare off potential employers because I haven't worked as a nurse in 20 years.

Thanks!

Sue