Anyone recently take a gap off work? Or Long maternity leave?

Published

Hello everyone, 

I currently work as a telemetry/oncology RN. I'm 32 weeks pregnant with my third and last baby. Luckily my husband and I are in a position where we can afford to live off one income. However, I don't want to exit the field completely. I just want to be home the first year or two. My husband works remotely for a few different companies, so he is very busy. It just isn't plausible for me to go back to work until the kids are older. & because we live in such a high cost of living area (SoCal) I don't think paying a babysitter is realistic, even if I only worked per diem. I truly feel in my heart I just need to be home during this time. 
 

My question is, has anyone recently taken a long maternity leave/ time off work and come back? If so, how did that work for you? I do enjoy nursing so, I do plan on getting my BSN online during that time, and getting my OCN certification as well. Just looking for advice, and if you've experienced this please let me know! 
 

Thanks! 

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology (OCN).

Absolutely take the time to be with your littles!  Nursing is one of the careers that is very easy to re-enter into without it derailing your whole career.  I ended up having to take off 11 years due to disability.  I was required to take a refresher course to reactivate my RN license but even after 11 years, I easily re-entered the workforce in 2019.  
*Just a side note-for your OCN you have to have a certain number of working hours in oncology to qualify for that certification so you will have to wait until you return to work and have worked for awhile before you qualify for that certification (but you certainly can study for test and work on the other requirements).

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Leadership.

Totally agree with Cricket183 - Take the time with your littles !

My biggest regret after both of my maternity leaves was going back to work too soon. I always tell anyone in this situation the same thing – stay out as long as you can!

The first time, I was a new grad. I passed my boards when I was 7 months pregnant and started working shortly after. I took about 8 weeks off for maternity leave, but I had major FOMO. When I returned, I was able to jump back in, but I was definitely stressed.

The second time, I left the bedside for a new role. Started job searching while on maternity leave and got a few offers. I ended up cutting my maternity leave short because I was worried they might not delay my start date. It was a huge mistake ! I was the best candidate for the role and they really needed me - they would have definitely waited.  

My advice would be to make a solid plan and stick to it. Talk with your husband and your support system. Look into flexible BSN programs and start thinking about your OCN study plan. It will seem impossible at times, but you'll get through it. The job will always be there (or there will be others), but this window of time with your babies may not come again. Take full advantage of it now!

Wishing you the best with your journey ahead & safe delivery 🙂

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in mental healt/hospice.

take the time off it you can afford it. no one has on their headstone that they wished they could have been at work more often!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, PICU, Transport, L&D, Hospice.

Take the pathway of least regret.  

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion