Any former SAHM's returning to nursing after several years?

Fedide · Jul 21, 2012

Yes, I did. I took seven years off while my boys were young. I then took a refresher course, and I have been working PRN for about 4 1/2 years now. I did the clinical hours for my refresher course at the facility I got hired at, so it was actually a pretty smooth transition.

Nurse ABC · Jul 22, 2012

Thank you for responding. It's good to know the transition went smoothly. Did anyone else go back working more hours? Just wondering if anyone had any trouble adjusting to not being home so much. Thanks!

jennthelvn · Aug 3, 2012

I took a hiatus away from nursing to raise my kids for 10 yrs and now after dabbling in prn sub school nursing I've gotten a permanent job in a hospital after being away from the bedside for 20 yrs. I just wondered if anyone else has gone through this recently and could share any support, special challenges, or advice. I sometimes feel guilty I can't be here for my kids as much and I feel like I've lost a lot of confidence from not working so long.

I am doing that very same thing right now. Hubby and I decided to begin our family (again! we have a 10 year old) and we lost our daughter to GBS meningitis after having her for only a month. Next month will have been one year that she has been gone and I am ready to go back to work now, I think. I am still very unsure of myself since I was a new nurse to begin with but I was a damn good nurse, 15 years as a lead vet tech behind me and awesome people skills. We shall see. Sink or swim, right?

Nurse ABC · Aug 3, 2012

Wow-you've been through a lot! So sorry to hear that. I've been at it a month now and so far it's going well. There are stressful days but nothing I can't handle. I think you will be just fine. Best wishes on everything!!