You make it sound like you don't know a lot about medicine here. A good nurse who's been out of the field for 10 years will eventually get back up to date, but

You make it sound like you don't know a lot about medicine here. A good nurse who's been out of the field for 10 years will eventually get back up to date, but it's not going to be in a week. Or even a month. A lot of nursing is about understanding the meds you're dealing with. Also, I contend a good programmer who's been out for 10 years still has the ability to be a good programmer. Sure, they're not going to know whatever language/framework is popular this week, and they'll probably be slower to pick up a new one than somebody who's up to date, but I contend they'll be productive in less than a month.