Asking for my old job back

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Hello everyone,

I have been contemplating how to ask for my old job back. In fact I have been in tears thinking about returning to my old job. I have been job hunting for 4mos with only one job offer. I am an experienced nurse who thought I could find something in nursing that was satisfactory. So I quit my job w/o any other job lined up. I believed that if I think positive follow my dreams that things would work out. Wrong. Four months later with financial resources running out, I have to make a decision. I feel broken but come to the realization I have no alternative as no other job is available unless you have your masters.

You read about and watch television of people where their dreams become a reality and think maybe that could be me, people let me that I need to stick to one does regardless if I enjoy it, but my brain won't allow me to do that. I cry everyday, I feel so trapped with no options. I am job hunting 24/7 only jobs available are bedside. Can someone provide some advise on how to write a letter asking for an old job back.

I have spent my whole life helping people, I helped a friend through school, now when I need assistance I have no one.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

Personally, my advice to you would not be to request your old job back.

First, I'm not sure what the odds are that they would accept you. Fairly low, I would think.

Secondly, if you are crying everyday at the prospect of going back there, you will likely not cope well with returning to that situation.

I don't know what the answer is...you say that you've spent your life helping others, yet no one is there for you. Have you actually reached out (personally) to anyone? Maybe you have a friend/close relative to whom you could confide and perhaps get another opinion?

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it's tough, the economy is crapola. i know some nurses like you, many years experience, but they thought nursing was recession proof and could jump jobs like old times. they've all found jobs, but it took some a long time and some of the jobs aren't as good as what they left.

my advice, get any nursing job, it seems easier to find a job when you already have a job. i wouldn't write a letter asking for you're old job back, i'd go to the person that can make the decision to hire you and talk to them in person.

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Well, I firmly believe every problem has a solution.

Bedside is, indeed, extremely difficult. The hours are long, the stress is awful, and no one understands except us. Complain, and you hear "but nursing is such a rewarding career!" But, you know, that's why bedside needs experienced, dedicated people like us.

If you had a good rapport with your old boss, throw her an email or leave a voicemail. A little butt kissing in the message probably wouldn't hurt. The worst you'll hear is "no" which is never fun but you really haven't lost anything by trying.

I don't know what specifically was so difficult about your last job, but my suggestion is, if at all possible, go back PRN. One of the things I hated about hospital work was the every other weekend, every other holiday, and no days off unless you arranged it, at least a minumum of a month and around the holidays up to FOUR months in advance. Never again. With PRN I can pick and choose and I no longer miss family occasions, friend get togethers, etc. Good luick to you.

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Maybe you can sign up with a couple of agencies, while continuing to look for something more permanent. There are a variety of areas to choose from. At least that would bring you some income in the mean time.

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Thanks everyone for your advise. I have signed up with two agencies. I have not told anyone that I am job hunting. I don't feel comfortable discussing it, but I'm sure a few know as I have all this time on my hands. I am unable to go casual as the options were only FT or PT. I feel humiliated asking for my old job.

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

You sound depressed. Please get some help.

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What type of job are you wanting exactly? Maybe we can brainstorm with you..

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Stay encouraged Destiny 12. I did the same thing about a year and a half ago. I had been at the bedside for almost nine years and i was burned out. I resigned without another job thinking that it would be easy to find a nonbedside position. Oh was i wrong. But after being off about three months and applying for over 50 jobs and going on several interviews I got a job with the insurance company as a case manager. This is my dream job. I work four ten hour shifts and off weekends and one day through the week. I know that it was God that opened this door for me. I also passed the case manager certification recently as well. Yeah me!!!!!!!!! I know God has great things for me. Yes I did get depressed during that time because I could not go back to the hospital because I hurt my back. A door will open for you just do not give up. Also I figured out for me that my resume nor interview skills were not up to part. So I did a yahoo seach and got tips on updating my resume and interviewing tips. But all in all it was GOD.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, PSYCH, PP, CEN.

I don't know about jobs, I'm looking too, agency has dried up. But I am sending you positive vibes. You are not alone, and we do care about you.

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Hello everyone,

thanks for all the support. It feels really nice to know that I am not alone. I am starting to feel more positive that something worth while will turn up. Once gain thanks.

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