Is it possible to reactivate a license after seven and a half years? Will I be required to take the exam again?
Question - Dear Donna, I have not worked as a nurse for seven and a half years. I was injured, and th..
Dear Donna replies- Dear Lapsed Licensee, To reactivate your RN license in Pennsylvania, you will have to call the board of nursing directly at 717-783-7142. They will take your information and advise... read more

I have a conflict with a job I've been offered and a job I currently have and want to keep. What advice do you have?
Question - Dear Donna, I am a new nursing graduate and have been offered my dream job. I was asked to..
Dear Donna replies- Dear Needs a Delayed Hire, All you can do is ask. If the nurse manager says she will not hold the position, then you will have to consider what to do next and where the best opport... read more

I have been out of the nursing profession for 12 years. What can I do to become employed as a school nurse?
Question - Dear Donna, I have been out of the nursing profession for 12 years. I am enrolled in a nur..
Dear Donna replies- Dear Wants to Be a School Nurse, It sounds like you're on your way. In addition to the steps you are taking now, attend local meetings of the National Association of School Nurses ... read more

I'm a nurse from Ireland and would like to work in Boston. How do I find employers and hospitals that provide visa sponsorship?
Question - Dear Donna, I'm a nurse from Ireland and would like to work in Boston. I have more than si..
Dear Donna replies- Dear Needs a Visa, Attending the upcoming career fair (www.eventbrite.com/event/5075426738) is a great place to start. You'll have access to many employers and staffing agencies an... read more

As an agency nurse I often find myself working with RNs who are not licensed in the state where we are working, and I am expected to sign for all their work. What can I do if I am presented with this situation again?
Question - Dear Donna, I have been working as an agency nurse. More often than not I find myself work..
Dear Donna replies- Dear Concerned, I'm wondering how you know that these nurses are not licensed in the state. While this is both illegal and unethical (unless working in a Nurse Licensure Compact st... read more

Should I go for a BSN online or do legal nurse consulting?
Question - Dear Donna, I have an associate degree in nursing. I want to expand, but don't know if I s..
Dear Donna replies- Dear Wants to Expand, Furthering your formal education is something you should do, regardless of any additional career education or training you wish to pursue. A BSN is becoming a... read more

Any suggestions or tips on adapting to a large ED unit that is computerized?
Question - Dear Donna, I have six years of nursing experience with a year and a half in the ED. It wa..
Dear Donna replies- Dear Having Trouble Adjusting, There are several things you can do to shorten your learning curve. The easiest might be to approach a friendly competent co-worker - other than your... read more

I have 30 years of experience and cannot find a job. What am I supposed to do?
Question - Dear Donna, I have more than 30 years of hospital experience, primarily in oncology. I rel..
Dear Donna replies- Dear Needs a Job, You don't mention what type of positions, facilities or employers you are looking for. The hospital job market is very tight for nurses, and without very current ... read more