Graduated May 2008-no work yet, help!

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Hello there,

I graduated from an associate's degree program May 2008. I passed the NCLEX-RN in June 2008 and I was accepted into a new grad program at a great Chicago hospital. I was set to start my orientation and work in an oncology unit when I found out I was pregnant. I told them I could not work Oncology and they said that was the only unit that was left (I actually chose that unit before I knew I was pregnant). So I went on with my first pregnancy and tried to find another job. I soon began experiencing complications such as gestational diabetes and risk for preeclampsia, so I quit trying to find a job and focused on "our" health. I had my beautiful baby boy on Valentine's Day of 2009 and raised him until now. I have been searching for a job, on and off, but focused more on my little one (did I mention he is my first!). So now we are in the process of buying a new home in a different suburb and I am reluctant to find a job until I know where we will be living. I do not own a car so public transportation would be a necessity. What should I do? I do not want to go any longer without working because it has been a year and a half since graduation. I want to find a job but if I get hired and then we move far away then I may have to quit, which doesn't look great on a resume. I finally have childcare at my disposal but now I do not know what to do. Please advise!

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Specializes in Addictions, Acute Psychiatry.

i know many nurses work pregnant. they say it's good exercise; even residents pregnant then they get time off and most pump at work and have someone give it to the little monster

I guess you can only do what you can do...

got any relatives? that's a disadvantage our culture has; little family cohesiveness from what I've seen and everyone spreads out so there's no unit to support kids.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Going through a new grad orientation is stressful enough, let alone being newly pregnant in the process. I know there are plenty of people who have gone through orientation while being pregnant and kudos to them, but this was my first pregnancy. I really did not know what to expect and actually it was in "our" best interest that I took it easy during the pregnancy because I had quite a few complications. Luckily, I have such a supportive family and they are willing to provide cheap childcare so I can go back to work.

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Specializes in Addictions, Acute Psychiatry.

You did what you thought was best. I understand. New mommies are...new mommies!

Have you considered applying back at that facility, speak with the manager and tell them you're holding in your brain some invested time and money?

Tell them (no detail) your pregnancy was complicated and it was "meant to be" you left or you could have lost the baby....mother's instinct? LOL!

It can't hurt. I've worked back at facilities after leaving.

Start by writing a letter to your manager and HR. What do you have to lose in this job shortage?

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Thank you for the kind suggestions and words of encouragement. I have thought about going back but I feel like I dissapointed them when I quit. That was actually my dream job, a 4 month orientation with choice of unit making $27/hour base pay with dif. and great benefits. However, when I look at my son, I know I made the right decisions. Thanks again!

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

Stay home with the baby...=)

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

That sounds great JoPACURN! Actually my mom stayed home and raised my sister and I, so that really sounds great to me. However, after all that hard work, I do not want my degree to go to waste. I applied for a home health position last week that pays $35/hour with flexible hours so I am crossing my finger I get a call back.

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