Want to work ER again, but now widowed and solo parent

scattycarrot, BSN, RN · Dec 16, 2007

I am afraid I don't have any bright ideas but I am sure someone else will. I just wanted to say welcome and wish you luck in your quest for employment. I am sure it will be successful and you obviously have a lot to offer an employer. Look at all the experience you have! I admire you for having the gumption for wanting to return in the first place after what you have been through. Remain strong and confident and I am sure you will find what you are looking for!

Blee O'Myacin, BSN, RN · Dec 16, 2007

Hello! I am new to this site, and have been reading/searching, but I haven't found anything relating to my situation, so I'll try a new thread.
I worked seven yrs in ER (2 of those 7 yrs in level-1 trauma, the last year as a charge nurse in small ED) after 5 yrs working in ICU, then went into case mgmt for 5 years after I obtained my BSN. I was widowed 3 yrs ago and couldn't work as a nurse during that time, but now feel I'm ready to return....my problem is: I cannot work 12-hr shifts or clock in at 6:45 a.m. or work after 6 p.m. due to the fact that I am now a Solo Parent...am I kidding myself that I could return to the ER? Or even Hospital nursing? I am having a terrible time just getting an interview anywhere since I've been out for awhile. I plan to take a refresher course mid-January. Any input regarding how realistic my yearning to return to ER is would be appreciated. (Also, I have no family to help with childcare and no extra $ for a Nanny!).....
Thank you!

I don't think you need to hire a nanny (big bucks) when a neighborhood teenager or college student will work for a lot less. You can also look for a job with 8 hour shifts. Surgi-centers operate during "normal business hours" and you might find something in that type of environment. Or home care, even.

Good luck!

Blee

mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 16, 2007

How old are your kids? Do you feel OK with hiring a grandma type person, a college student or a high schooler to watch them for the few hours each day? What about churches? Any after school care in your area? What about a support group for widowed parents? Neighbors? Do any of the facilities you are looking at have child care?

As far as jobs.....I don't have any great ideas for that. 12's are the norm here and 8's are VERY hard to find even in SDS centers and doctor's offices. I think even the LTC's in the area have finally gone to 12 hour shifts.

Good luck in your search and welcome to the site!!!

harley007 · Dec 16, 2007

I have a friend that waited for a "job fair" at a particular hospital so she could speak directly to the ER manager. She was able to obtain the job and shift she needed by speaking directly to the manager. Human Resources can only look at formal job postings.

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2007

I think you may find better leads after you complete your refresher course. I work PRN at a hospital that provides one and hires many of the "grads". I have found ER overall to be one of the most flexible places to work in terms of shifts. Many offer 4,8 and 12 hour shifts to cover meal breaks and busy times. Look for a larger ER for more flexibility.

If you can live without a guarantee of 40 hours you will have better luck devising your own schedule. I know the ER I work in has a shift for everyone! We start with 21 RN's at the beginning of the shift and have peaks and valleys throughout the 24 hour shift.

As far as children go, I was a single parent most of my kids life and managed to get baby sitters when they were not in school, you just have to be flexible. You will find quite a few nurses in your position as far as child care. Good luck.

Trauma Columnist · Dec 17, 2007

What about an urgent care? Sometimes they have positions like 8am - 6pm or 8 hour shifts.