Career advice welcome!

[RNmomma3]

Hi, I could use some advice or at least other nurse's thoughts. I have two years experience in labor and delivery, I resigned in September. I had my third child in May 2015 and didn't return from maternity leave. I left on really good terms with my manager and the hospital, at the time I was exhausted and pretty fed up with my job. I'm not sure if I just don't like L&D or if I still need to give it a shot. My main and honest reason for resigning was that childcare was extremely difficult to come by at that time, since then my husband is on a different shift with a promotion that can accommodate any position of mine now. I'm almost done with my BSN program and would really like to try public health nursing, but I still have at least 3 months left of my program. My husband would like for me to go back to work, but is not being too pushy. I guess what I need help deciding is, should I go back to labor and delivery even though I was glad to be out of there? Or should I finish school and try to get on as a PHN? My county is currently hiring, but I can't be guaranteed they'll still be hiring during the summer when I should have my PHN certificate. I know ultimately it's my choice, but I'd like to hear what others have to say. Thanks in advance for anyone who replies.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

Hello, and Welcome to Allnurses!

I don't know enough about your circumstances to advise you, other than to say go with what your heart tells you. Life is simply too short to be unhappy at work. Find your bliss and you'll never work another day in your life. :)

[RNmomma3]

Thank you! Truer words have never been spoken

[RNmomma3]

I guess what I'm wondering, is 2 years enough acute experience? I would love to try public health nursing, but should I put in more time in the hospital? I don't feel proficient in labor and delivery, not that that matters much for public health.