Feeling Lost in Career - Mom / RN

[01.rn.10]

Has anyone here taken a step back from hospital nursing or even taken a break from nursing in general when becoming a new mom? I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old. I left the hospital about 2 years ago because I couldn't do the rotating schedule, and the exhaustion from bedside nursing was getting to me especially with having a little one at home. But since then, I've been struggling with feeling lost in my nursing career as im trying to find a job that provides a good work life balance for little ones and one that I enjoy that doesn't take me away from home them too much. I've thought of work from home jobs, but I really enjoy hands on acute care the most. But those jobs seem to take me away from home too much. I guess I'm just looking for other people who have been in similar situations and what they did. I'm torn between going for a job I'll enjoy more that will take me away from my kids more than I want vs taking a job I know I won't enjoy as much in order to be more available as a mom. 

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Right now, the kids come first. A work from home job would be ideal, if you are allowed to have the kids at home. Can you work part time?

[01.rn.10]

I'm actually working part time now, and we're struggling with making ends meet. With student loan payments coming back, I need to go back to full time. I've been thinking more and more about working from home but worry about "losing my skills.” I'm trying to remind myself that I can stay educated on them while working from home. But I'm still feeling stuck and unsure about what to do ?

[cinlou, BSN, MSN, RN]

Option full time at home and pick up a part time bedside position to keep your hands in the activity so when you are ready to go back to hospital you will have the ability to get hired back having maintained your skills. Are three 12 hour shift available on weekend? I did night shift 12hr straight weekends when mine were young, Dad was home, then I was home during week. It really comes down to what will work with your schedule and not necessarily what you would like to do, but what you need to do to be able to be at home with your children as you want. 

[Miriam Barger]

I have one year old twins. After ten years at the bedside and teaching part time as an adjunct nursing instructor, I recently left the bedside and will be teaching full time in the fall (part time hours). I am grateful to have time away from our kiddos and time at home. Balance has been key for me!

[jobellestarr]

Although I am now retired, this was an issue when my kids were little. I usually worked a Baylor plan (work 2/12 hr shifts q weekend and get paid for 3 or I worked 3-11 because daycare was so expensive. Also, if you work from home you usually can't have your children there and they'd still be going to daycare. Please don't worry about your skills. I can guarantee you that you won't forget them. You take care of your babies and please be kind to yourself. ❤️
 

A good source for WFH jobs is the facebook site: Remote Nursing Jobs