[abckidsmom]

My husband and I are just considering planning for the "what ifs" in life, having plan for me going back to work if we should need me to. I graduated from nursing school, worked in a Surgery-Trauma ICU for a year, then left nursing to be a paramedic in a major city EMS system. I quite that after 4 years to be a SAHM. We now have (almost) 4 kids: 4 yo, 2.5 yo, 11 mo, and a new one due in May. I've maintained all my certifications: ACLS, PALS, BTLS, etc, and before I stopped working was an ACLS and PALS instructor. I can handle facts, they've just mostly escaped my brain after all this time.

I love intense, difficult situations, I really thrive on managing the unexpected stuff, and since having kids I've found that I just love love love taking care of sick kids.

Would it be a bad plan for me to intend to go to work in a PICU if I should need to go back to work? Do hospitals offer "refresher" programs if you have some critical care knowledge, but it's old or not applicable to your practice area?

Any advice?

[janfrn]

I'd say go for it. They may suggest placing you on a general peds floor for a few weeks so you can get your groove back, but that wouldn't be so bad. You've kept up your certifications, and that's plus... especially with all the new algorithm changes. Depending on where you are, they may have a critical care course aimed at new grads that you might be able to sit in on. At the very least you'd get an orientation.

[randybayrn]

Some hospitals have a fellowship for RNs with experience in different areas tailored to your specific and special needs.