Feel like part of my identity is gone

KateRN1 · Aug 12, 2011

Have you considered home health care? It's not quite as high-adrenaline as ICU, but it has its own set of stressors and it's much more family-friendly than institutional nursing.

MomRN0913 · Aug 12, 2011

I have considered it. Actually I decided on it, but I don't know what happened in my state all of a sudden, but the bigger companies, like the VNA would rather have a BSN new grad rather than an 5 year ICU experienced RN. Go figure. I need to do a little mpre research and find a company that will take an AAS

Yiggs · Aug 12, 2011

Couldn't you work week-ends only or work two days a week and have someone watch your kid(s). I feel your pain! The last thing you want is to loose your skills - make sure you keep renewing your liscence and your BLS/ACLS. Also, try to read nursing journals etc. Have you considered doing Home Health nursing as the other poster suggests? All the best ... your kids will eventually get older and you will be able to return to your first love - ICU nursing:D

prettyinblu · Aug 12, 2011

Im so sorry to hear that. It sounds like you are a great nurse that enjoys nursing. I understand how you feel with your child. Look into different areas of nursing to see if you find another fit? In my area we have a skilled nursing facility that has a vent unit that has the options of 8 or 12hours. Good luck

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Aug 12, 2011

I feel lost. I am a Nurse. An ICU trained RN. But now I am unemployed. While my career did not define me, I feel empty. Through my divorce, the struggle of raising a new born going through that..... I was always a Nurse. I miss a good code. When I see ex coworkers posts on FB about a 7am code, I get all excited then misty eyed......
What's wrong with me? I miss being an ICU nurse. Well, I miss being a nurse. I can't go back to ICU because of my situation as a single mother with not much help..... I need something more 9-5ish. I can't even get that right now. I feel like a part of me died. I want tp be an actual nurse again.
I hate this. I want my career back.
Sorry for the vent. I needed to let this out.

WOW, can I relate :) Mine is for disability, so no chance to go back- but more than half of my life has been as a nurse!! I'd been a nurse for 3-5 years when some of the young ones here were born!! I can't say I miss codes (tried to avoid them whenever possible )

You still are a nurse. :) There's nothing wrong with you. You might need to be willing to look at options you wouldn't necessarily want to do- and try it (can always do something else, but if you don't check things out for yourself, you'll never know what you missed ). There are 9-5 jobs in LTC for assessment RNs- It's a totally different animal that 'regular' LTC nursing, as it's a desk job. But it does involve assessments on a variety of different rehab situations, as well as the longterm residents. And it pays the bills. :)

You don't have to be in a code to be an "actual nurse".... :)

KateRN1 · Aug 12, 2011

You don't have to go with VNA, they're not the only game on town. I worked for a VNA years ago and it was a great experience, but there's plenty of other agencies in most places. You can do shift work with stable patients, usually kids with vents and g-tubes for set hours and less money, or you can do Medicare intermittent visits with more headaches but better money. Open up your phonebook, look for home health agencies, and then visit their websites, see if they have any openings.

MomRN0913 · Aug 12, 2011

It's every other weekend with me and my ex. So, not enough. I do child care, but for 7-7, it is almost impossible.

I can go back to nights in my ICU, but I was MESSED UP. I still am actually. Plus, the childcare for night is very difficult. I did it the first few years of our seperation/divorce, but it wasn't working out well.

I almost got my ideal job. For a company being an inservice RN for a device used int the ICU's.... Great money, right up my alley.....

Travel. Travel in my state, but my hours would be wacky. I got to the final 3..... then when my ex gave me a hard time helping me on my final interview (a field run about and hour away, probably would be home late) I realized this was something I couldn't commit too. So I backed out honestly and gracefully.

My dream job though. I love meeting new people, traveling, teaching.... Oh it would have been great. Mom first though:)

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Aug 12, 2011

Yep- mom first :) You only get a shot at these years once w/your baby....nursing isn't going anywhere- it's lousy getting work for anybody as you've probably seen on the threads... :eek:

MomRN0913 · Aug 12, 2011

Thanks, I have been researching dilligently. Was excited for a possible job with an insurance company that involved educating patients abd case management. But non RN's interviewed me, asked me an hour worth of stupid internet interview questions and I didn't get it:(

I'm going to keep the faith.

I know, I am weird, I loved codes. Actually, no, I loved catching a patient before they coded. Felt good....

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Aug 12, 2011

Thanks, I have been researching dilligently. Was excited for a possible job with an insurance company that involved educating patients abd case management. But non RN's interviewed me, asked me an hour worth of stupid internet interview questions and I didn't get it:(
I'm going to keep the faith.
I know, I am weird, I loved codes. Actually, no, I loved catching a patient before they coded. Felt good....

I totally understand that :)

gcupid · Aug 12, 2011

to find someone who is willing to work in the icu setting with such high stress and who actually enjoys bedside nursing......

my prayer is for your situation to change.