returning to nursing practice

[triggerfish]

I gave up nursing and became a childminder when I had ds2. Now that ds2 will be starting school in sept, I feel I should start thinking about returning to practice. I feel pretty unsure about the whole decision as I've lost all nursing confidence. Have any of you done the return to practice course or returned to nursing having had a break? Was it a complete nightmare? Please tell me something positive!!

Hi, how long have you been away, i have returned to hospital nursing after 8 years (and 2 Kids). I worked part time in a clinic during this time but it was very specialised
and i felt i had lost all my clinical skills.

I left nursing 4 years ago. I have been a full time childminder and not done any nursing during this time. I feel terrified about the loss of clinical skills, forgetting all the drugs etc....arghh!

HB - did you have to complete a course or had you kept up with enough hours to keep your registration going?

i kept up my hours, but was working in a private clinic (part time), have returned to the nhs in the last couple of months, loving it, everything does come back to you!
Hadn't emptied a catheter let along put one in for 8 years but honestly it doesn't change!

sorry for the delay - got side tracked with sorting the house out ready for tomorrow! Thanks for your helpful advice - its good to hear that those clinical skills are still in there....somewhere!?