Experience, per diem work and being a mom

[chrty_knox]

Hello, I am currently a full time mom who works per diem on a Med/Surg floor and as a home health case manager. I have been an RN (A.A.S) for 3 years. I went on maternity leave shortly after graduation ( surprise twins kinda threw a wrench in my original plans) and although I had been a CNA for many years and worked as an apprentice and continued to work as much as possible in different settings I feel like I can't believe it has been 3 years and I feel like a new grad all over again (sometimes). I guess I never got to get into my groove in nursing since I have not worked full time in the last few years. I still have so much to learn! I am continuing my education and moving onto my BSN/MSN through WGU. Just wanted to vent and hear from other mom/nurses that may feel where I am coming from.

[rnrg]

I can understand. Im a mommy to 3 also. 10y 5y 18m. Rn for three years in pursuit of BSN. Only difference? Ive never taken maternity leave. I return to work 6w pp post cesarean with all three. IT SUCKED. I work 40+ hours a week. Just keep plugging away and you'll find your niche. GL :-)

[RNperdiem, RN]

I have been a per diem nurse and a mom for many years. Working less than full time does have its price. Learning and mastery of nursing comes a lot slower. If I had worked full time for all those years, I would probably rate my skills as expert in the novice-to-expert scale. To be very honest with myself, I am a competent nurse, occasionally a proficient one.

You don't get to be a musical maestro by practicing once a week. Nursing is no different.

I am not complaining though, I made my choices and have no regrets. I am aware of the tradeoffs.

[chrty_knox]

I just was having a "I wish I had more experience" moment after seeing some of my fellow nursing grads ,who have no children, nursing achievements. I am blessed to have the opportunities that I do have and happy I have been able to do what works best for my family. I will quit my whining :) suck it up and move on and look for great opportunities to increase my knowledge and experience for the future. Thanks!

[Alnitak7]

Speaking only for myself, I was always worried sick when my own child was young and I had to go to work and leave her in the care of others. I sometimes wish I had found some way around it.