I have been layed off for 6 months, I have tons of experience but can't seem to find any jobs. I did have some time off for personal issues (my mother was terminally ill and I took care of her) in a strange way I feel as if nursing is penalizing me for taking care of my family. Am I the only one that feels this way?

In a way I have come to resent nursing just because of my experience as a daughter and a caregiver, how do I move past this so I can go back to the profession I have loved for 20 years? Mom passed on 6 years ago and I still harbor anger. How do I move past this? I have been to counseling and the like nothing seems to help me move forward. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks

I'm sorry about your mom.......I'm not sure from your post though the time sequence...you took time off 6 years ago to care for you mom but were working until 6 months ago and got laid off? Is that right? If so, I don't think the time you took 6 yrs ago has anything to do w/not finding employment now. Most employers would want to know why you were laid off....if it was a termination situation that may play into their not being open to hiring you. I don't know all where you have applied - hospitals, home health, LTC, schools, county positions, hospice...there are also insurance co. and some physicians offices that hire RN's.

There are also staffing agencies and travel agencies to consider.

Sorry I was not very clear with the time line. I was not terminated I was laid off due to low census, I had been with one hospital system for 20 years and moved to another and then was laid off. It has been six years since mom passed but it has taken me a long time to get over her loss. I also had 2 major surgeries and a difficult divorce also in the last 4 years. I am physically healthy and feel like I could work anywhere, I have done tele, ,med-surg, ICU, peds, OR and home health case management. The state I am in is really feeling the nursing crunch it is tough all around to get a job. I am looking into traveling but I do not want to do OR anymore I would like to do med surg tele. something in that area. Thanks for your response.