How to Return to Work after Raising Kids

jcemen · Jan 28, 2014

Good idea.. I will be sure to ask to speak to the nurse managers...I really dont want to start as a PCA when I can go right back as an RN (and make more money).

Thank you!!

Carrie RN · Jan 29, 2014

Check with your BON if they assign you a job at less than an RN. Some states do not let you practice at less than the license you possess. I took a six month hiatus and came right back, I understand it is not the length of time you were out. Don't listen to negative comments.

Oedgar · Jan 29, 2014

Boy can I relate to this. I had been home 13 years with children, after working for six years in an allergy/asthma office, and two years before that inpatient Pedi/Pulmonary/Adolescent.-- LVN

I kept up my license, never let it go inactive. I did a brief stint at my old allergy job prn in 2008. I check with the BON (Texas) to make sure work hours were not required to keep my license... and they said it did not matter. I know some other states are different.

After my work in 2008 ended... the doc retired... I continued to look for a job for five years. I did not apply to lots of things, only situations that I thought would work for me. Last August I applied to an an in the local newspaper, which was very vague. Turns out it was an OB/gyn office, and the nurse who was there I knew from my allergy clinic days. We had worked in the same building.

I was very, very open with them about my lack of recent experience and lack of OB experience. They were very willing to train me. This other nurse still works with me and helps on occasion, though, after four months, I mostly have things down.

Without a refresher I don't know if a hospital would hire you. If you can deal with the low pay, check into a doctor's office.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jan 29, 2014

I graduated from nursing school and joined the Navy, worked for 5 years and resigned my commission to raise my children. After 8 years I was employed by my local hospital in their 6 month Nursing Residency Program. At the completion of the program I became sick and was forced to resign. Eight years later....it is time to return to work. I have my BSN and worked in Pediatrics. I live in the Newton, MA area. Do you have any information on refresher courses you would like to share?
Thank you!!

I would be careful of the PCA job...you still have a license and will be held to that standard. There are several refresher courses....here is a link to the MNA resources....Massachusetts Nurses Association - Nursing Resources - Career Services - RN Refresher Courses

jcemen · Jan 29, 2014

OK will do...."stay positive, stay positive"....thank you.

jcemen · Jan 29, 2014

Thank you for the link. I will definitely look into a refresher course.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 30, 2014

PM means private message; however, after I wrote that, I'm not sure I have those privileges yet. I haven't done enough posts on here.

Private messaging (PM) will become available to you after 15 posts.

ICRN2008, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2014

I've been out of the game for a year now, but have not worked full-time in 3 years because I've been home with my children. I've started networking with old colleagues and found that I've received a pretty positive response so far.

Attending local conferences in your specialty and taking an old colleague out to lunch are great ways to start. Our local community college also offers a refresher course if you've been out for 5 years or longer.

jcemen · Feb 4, 2014

Thank you! Although networking is more difficult for me as I have just moved to Massachusetts....but I will keep trying...my neighbor works at a local hospital...I will start there. I am also looking into an RN refresher course.