Feel like part of my identity is gone

[MomRN0913]

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.

[MomRN0913]

Nursing shouldn't define you. It means there is something else missing.

It is absolutely okay to miss your job/career that you loved doing and to miss your coworkers , but it is not okay for you to lose your identity over it. You should define your job- the subject matter is you.

It doesn't define me, but it is a big part of me.

Yes, I wont lie, there is something else missing. This is probably for my divorce website........

I am lonely, being a young divorcee, I watch all my friends with their families, husbands, more kids on the way...... My life was turned upside down. Nothing like I planned, at all. Instead, I try my best to deal with the situation I am in. I socialize, I have friends, do things with my daughter, but in the end, I am alone.

I am trying to date again, and it is very hard. I would love to be in a relationship again as I am in a good place. I was seeing another divorced dad for a few months (15 years older than me) that I actually did meet on my divorce support message board (against the rules) turns out he has more issues than me and that ended recently, and I hope for this one.

I have 2 great accomplishments in life. My daughter, being #1. Number 2, is becoming a nurse. I did it under adversity, and I am very very proud of myself.

I am exiting the pity train now.

I would love PACU or a surgi-center. One year experience REQUIRED across the board. Ugghhhh.

I am applying though waiting for someone to take the chance on me.

I have thrown myself head first into exercise. I am a maniac actually. Kickboxing is my specialty, go me through my divorce, and it just feels like I am accomplishing something right now. I scared the guys in the PT room today with my punch:)

I wish there was a way Ic ould incorporate the 2. My first major out of high school was exercise science. I had ot leave school after freshmen year due to family issues. I decided later down the road when I went back to school nursing was for me.

[nightengalegoddess]

KEEP SEARCHING! Keep current. Dont' miss the kids' youth. Goes TOO fast. BUT, find a way!!! Xtern is right. Nursing will always be here. Kids won't. They become taller than you WAY too fast! Even one day a week working will nourish your soul. What about agency? With one or two good teens to rely on, you could make it fly.