Going back after maternity leave advice

dragonfly954 · Jan 8, 2004

talkt to your supervisor.I'm sure they would be sympathetic.

Speculating · Jan 8, 2004

Originally posted by teresab_2000
Hi, I've been on maternity leave for almost 8 weeks now and unfortunately will be going back to work on Sunday:o . After much debating I realized that I needed to go back to work because we need the money. Well despite the fact that I'm sad to leave my baby, I'm afraid to go back.

A little background: I work on a medical floor and have for about 6 months before having my baby. This is my first job so I didn't really feel all that comfortable when I left being a new grad and all. Now coming back after 2 months being off I'm afraid I've forgotten everything. Well I know I couldn't forget everything, but I'm sure I've forgotten some things like some procedures, meds, etc. I'm just scared I'm gonna come back and make a bad mistake or something. I'm really afraid because now I have a baby to come home to. Any advice on how to ease my transition?

Teresa

You'll do fine Teresa. You haven't forgotten everything; in fact, you haven't forgotten anything. It will magically appear when you need it. You have to pull your confidence together though even if you have to fake it. If you go into that room thinking, I'm going to miss I haven't started an IV in months - guaranteed you'll miss every time! I think I can- I think I can- I think I can- I know I can- I know I can- I know I can- I know I can:D

imenid37 · Jan 8, 2004

You'll do ok. It will be hard at first. I read your post and it took me back almost 15 years. I started in June of 1987 as a new grad. I had pre-term labour at 30 weeks, got the chicken pox at about 10 weeks postpartum right before I was to return to work and didn't work from January until late May of 1988. I felt like I forgot everything, but I didn't. It is hard juggling being a new mother w/ being a new nurse, but it can be done. Things started to come back after several weeks back at work. Congratulations on your baby! Take care!

Nurse1202 · Jan 8, 2004

Theresa,

I began my career 5 months pregnant, and 3 developed weeks after completing my 3 month orientation, my OB took me off duty for preeclamsia (Can't imagine why I developed HTN!) I was off 13 weeks, and then returned to work. I have a pretty kind and understanding manager despite her downfalls, so I called and spoke with her BEFORE returning. I asked her if it would be feasible to give me one night orientation to help ease the transition. I ran the team, while my preceptor was available for questions and could assist the other nurses, if needed. this helped me immensely, but I realized that I would've been ok without the orientation!!! Good Luck and enjoy your little one. They grow way too quick!! Mine's now 2.

Chaya, ASN, RN · Jan 8, 2004

Never been gone for that long but when coming back after a long vacation I always feel calmer and more together if I pull out our policy-and-procedures stuff they gave us at orientation and ed updates. Probably don't need to but it makes me feel less apprehensive.

purplemania, BSN, RN · Jan 8, 2004

Can you ask your manager to assign a preceptor or mentor for a period of time? If not, ask one of your co-workers if they would be willing to serve in that capacity so you will know you have someone to go to for questions. You will be amazed how quickly it all falls together. Good luck.

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 8, 2004

I agree w/purplemania.

and belated congratulations on your newest family member!!!! go easy on yourself.:kiss

kc ccurn · Jan 9, 2004

Don't be so hard on yourself. You'll do better than you think you will. When I returned from maternity it took me a few minutes staring at the keypad lock to get into the lounge before I remebered the code, we all got a chuckle at that. I'm a list maker so at the beginning of my first couple of shifts back, I would write out a list of things that needed to be done and when, or things I needed to remember to check on. Before long, I didn't need to look at or even bother writing out that list anymore.