Nursing Career after caring for dying parents???

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Home health was tops, 2nd was L&D.

I just came off of 9 months caring for both parents with terminal illnesses. Father died in April. Mother just died in Nov 27th. I gave up 2 good jobs to be able to care for each parent. Now I can not seem to "buy" myself even an interview?

I have redone my resume, called all my contacts, even called on a Director in person to see why she would not interview me..just felt like if I asked? I would feel better. Director told me she would not consider me as I quit 2 good jobs for "no reason" When I repeated my reason, I was told "You made your choice now live with it!" I am sure I would not want to work with her as my Director! Yes, I have also called both jobs I gave up but neither has any openings at this time but welcomed me to apply in the future should I see any openings.

I have 23 yrs experience started with L&D, got into home health and home health management. Did 2 yrs as ADON of LTC when I relocated to an area with no home health openings. I have an ADN, did mgmt without the BSN. Was enrolled in Bridge program to MSN this year for nurse educator but could not do all the care for my mother and concentrate with online accelerated program so I withdrew.

Now..what? I have applied for over 30 positions since my mother passed. I know it is holiday time but not one response. I have applied to even traditional hospital jobs where I am sure they will not consider me qualified as it has been years since working in a hospital.

Not real sure about continuing education anymore? Not seeing or hearing of many actual nurse educator jobs positions open..why become one and not be able to get work to pay loans.

I have even looked at other management type jobs! Never knew one needed Bachelor's degree to manage fast food or rent cars to people. Amazes me!

I never experienced difficulty getting a job ever..even as new grad.

Maybe at 54, I am over the hill in my understanding of the ways of the world!

Can anyone share similar crisis? Can any one offer any hope?

I do not want to relocate as I have a home and my grandchildren live near here. That is important to me..maybe I can not have both?

Is it true a nurse can not even "nurse" her own parents? If so, I think this career has become a "sad" state of affairs.

I know there is a nursing shortage of "JOBS" and this may not change quickly. I read ads every day..are they just not really hiring nurses..are they just looking to see who responds?

I welcome replies from general nursing as well as any specialists who can suggest how I can re-create myself as employable??

If I knew what I wanted to be, I would consider opening my own business.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

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:hug:

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Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.

I am so sorry for the loss of both of your parents. I know how that feels. Bless you for caring enough to put your life on hold to do what you knew in your heart was the right thing.

I'm not going to waste my time by stating the obvious - your old boss is a biotch (OK so I wasted a little time) who doesn't deserve to have you as an employee.

Nobody wants to be bothered with interviewing new applicants over the holidays, too many distractions. Don't get too down on yourself. There are employers out there who will value you and your years of experience. Something will come along, you just can't beat on yourself because of one nasty person's thoughtless and hurtful comments. Something WILL come up for you. Have you tried contacting an agency? Thought about going PRN for a while until the market picks up?

Keep your chin up and keep moving forward. You are valuable, you just need to find someone who appreciates your worth.

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Specializes in maternal child, public/community health.

I am sorry for the loss of your parents. It must be difficult to lose them both so close together. I know getting a job is important but be sure you take some time for yourself - you need it after being a caregiver for so long. Adding the stress of the job hunt makes it even more important that you take care of yourself, not just physically, but emotionally too. Talk to friends, read a book, take a bubble bath, whatever helps you relax. (Surely that includes time with your grandchildren!)

I cannot understand how anyone could say you quit 2 jobs for no good reason. If caring for your parents is not a good reason, what it? Sometimes people say incredibly dumb things. What you did shows a lot of dedication and commitment - something that someone will see as a plus and will recognize that those are characteristics they want in an employee. Looking for a job stinks but you are too valuable not to find a job. Keep it up.

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I think you should put on your resume, that you did private duty nursing for Mr So n So and Mrs So n so for the past 2 years.............

I just came off of 9 months caring for both parents with terminal illnesses. Father died in April. Mother just died in Nov 27th. I gave up 2 good jobs to be able to care for each parent. Now I can not seem to "buy" myself even an interview?

I have redone my resume, called all my contacts, even called on a Director in person to see why she would not interview me..just felt like if I asked? I would feel better. Director told me she would not consider me as I quit 2 good jobs for "no reason" When I repeated my reason, I was told "You made your choice now live with it!" I am sure I would not want to work with her as my Director! Yes, I have also called both jobs I gave up but neither has any openings at this time but welcomed me to apply in the future should I see any openings.

I have 23 yrs experience started with L&D, got into home health and home health management. Did 2 yrs as ADON of LTC when I relocated to an area with no home health openings. I have an ADN, did mgmt without the BSN. Was enrolled in Bridge program to MSN this year for nurse educator but could not do all the care for my mother and concentrate with online accelerated program so I withdrew.

Now..what? I have applied for over 30 positions since my mother passed. I know it is holiday time but not one response. I have applied to even traditional hospital jobs where I am sure they will not consider me qualified as it has been years since working in a hospital.

Not real sure about continuing education anymore? Not seeing or hearing of many actual nurse educator jobs positions open..why become one and not be able to get work to pay loans.

I have even looked at other management type jobs! Never knew one needed Bachelor's degree to manage fast food or rent cars to people. Amazes me!

I never experienced difficulty getting a job ever..even as new grad.

Maybe at 54, I am over the hill in my understanding of the ways of the world!

Can anyone share similar crisis? Can any one offer any hope?

I do not want to relocate as I have a home and my grandchildren live near here. That is important to me..maybe I can not have both?

Is it true a nurse can not even "nurse" her own parents? If so, I think this career has become a "sad" state of affairs.

I know there is a nursing shortage of "JOBS" and this may not change quickly. I read ads every day..are they just not really hiring nurses..are they just looking to see who responds?

I welcome replies from general nursing as well as any specialists who can suggest how I can re-create myself as employable??

If I knew what I wanted to be, I would consider opening my own business.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

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Specializes in Home health was tops, 2nd was L&D.

On resume under Overview. my first line is about caring for dying parents for [past 9 months. Resume writing place told me I was crazy but to me I had to get that fact across first.

I did have my first interview yesterday, they were sympathetic and kind and interview went well. Should know about this next week..so wish me luck! Getting a few "No thanks" letters now too.

I'd go back to school if I knew what would be best for me..just can not even make that decision right now.

Thanks

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On resume under Overview. my first line is about caring for dying parents for [past 9 months. Resume writing place told me I was crazy but to me I had to get that fact across first.

I did have my first interview yesterday, they were sympathetic and kind and interview went well. Should know about this next week..so wish me luck! Getting a few "No thanks" letters now too.

I'd go back to school if I knew what would be best for me..just can not even make that decision right now.

Thanks

But I'm thinking it would be better to not make it apparent they were your parents....That you did private duty.

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