I could really use some advice.

RNfromMN, BSN, RN · Nov 26, 2006

I think you're underestimating yourself:) You still have more experience than a nurse fresh out of school, after all, and they're having no trouble finding jobs! I'll bet an employer would rather take the time to train a nurse who's been out of practice for 6 years than a new grad...just my thinking...

This might be easy for me to suggest, because I'm still in school, but I would try to get a hold of the Dean, or even just an instructor at one of the colleges in your area and ask their advice on what working environment would be best for you...I'm sure they wouldn't mind sitting down with you and giving you some suggestions.

And what you said about being afraid of carrying too much responsiblity and needing enough time to feel competent...I think we've all felt that way before starting ANY new job :) .

Good luck! And go talk to one of those instructors...mine get asked ALL THE TIME, "Where do you think I should work once I get out of school?" And I really don't think it would matter that you're not a student of theirs...they're nurses, too...it's a nurse-thing! :nurse:

np_wannabe · Nov 26, 2006

I am also the mother of two little ones: 1 and 3yo, and they are also my everything. It sounds to me that you really DON'T want to work, but feel like you have to.

So, my only suggestion is this: do not work in a store somewhere. If you are going to be away from your babies, make it worth your while--financially. In other words don't give up that time with them for $6/hour. Definitely find a way to make it work with the nursing gig....if you are going to work at all....

Good luck.

smk1, LPN · Nov 26, 2006

Hi everyone.
I'm new to these boards and I'm not sure what to do. I'm looking for advice/suggestions. A bit of background: I became an RN in 2000, and shortly after became pregnant, and have been a stay home mom ever since. I realized during nursing school how demanding floor nursing is, and IMO way too much responsibility for the amount of pay you get. Personally, I feel I'm a wonderful nurse (great bedside especially), but I'm not sure if I have the stamina to handle all of the responsibilities placed on nurses.
I have two young children, who are my everything, and have loved being home with them. The problem is, I live in a large expensive city, and we can barely scrape by on my husband's salary. I'd love to work a couple of days a week, but know that I'd need to work more frequently for at least a year to get my skills back up. This means finding day care for my kids, which is also quite expensive. Hubby is really not for it and thinks we just need a better budget. I don't think this is possible. You can only stretch a certain amount of money so far, and then reality sets in...you just need more money!
I really don't want to do med-surg if I can avoid it. I found during school that this was probably the most thankless nursing job out there. I just received a flyer in the mail saying they will train RNs for rehab nursing, but that seems like a lot of lifting. I have an old injury to my back from when my mom was sick, and it tends to flair up with heavy lifting. My other option is just working in a store in the evenings. It won't be a lot of money, but it would help and there would be little stress involved. I guess I'm looking for something that isn't super stressful (aren't we all? lol!), because I want to keep the majority of my energy and time focused on my kids.
I'm curious if any of you have been in my situation, and what you decided to do. Any advice would really be appreciated.
Thank you,
Kim

Could you be a school nurse? lots of time off, and Some positions are part time.

allele, LPN · Nov 27, 2006

Is it possible to work a shift opposite your husband to save on child care? Someone suggested weekends, is that an option? One thing about nursing, there are lots of options out there!! One of the things I love about it! The refresher course is a great idea. A per diem position would be nice somewhere that you feel comfortable and you can pretty much pick your hours. What if you find something you'd like, work it full time for just a few months then switch to per diem? I hope you find something that works for you!! It's too bad about your injury, I used to work rehab and it's SO rewarding to see people admitted in one condition and walk out in another! Good luck! :)

Sailingshoes · Nov 27, 2006

My 75 y.o. mother is an RN working flu clinics and other immunizations during the rest of the year. The stress is low and she loves the interaction with the people. The pay is lower than hospital work but the experience good. She works through a popular national agency and only works when she wants to. Perhaps that would work for you? Occassionally she even does some home care but only cases that are easy - no lifting or procedures.

Sylv · Nov 27, 2006

I agree about not going to work retail, you could work one 8 hour shift and clear more than working 40 hours at a minimun wage retail job.

Once you get your feet wet again, you could always work per diem one shift a week.

Medsurg may not be the best place to work but they always hire. Some hospitals are no lift facilities, and even if they are not, you just do not lift or pull etc by yourself, always get someone to help and get enough staff to help, otherwise don't do it.

Good luck with whatever route you choose.

RN mom of 2 · Nov 28, 2006

I just want to say thanks again for taking the time to reply. You guys have come up with some great alternatives that I'm going to look into. :)

"I am also the mother of two little ones: 1 and 3yo, and they are also my everything. It sounds to me that you really DON'T want to work, but feel like you have to.

So, my only suggestion is this: do not work in a store somewhere. If you are going to be away from your babies, make it worth your while--financially. In other words don't give up that time with them for $6/hour. Definitely find a way to make it work with the nursing gig....if you are going to work at all...."

This is so right on. I really don't want to work, but I need to. I have a 4 yo and a 7 mo, so it's difficult to pull myself away from them. You are so right about making more money if I'm going to be away from my kids. Thank you for putting that into perspective for me.

I am looking for a job where I can be at work when my hubby is home. Eventually, once I'm more comfortable with my position I'd like to work per diem, just a couple of days a week.

Thanks again for the votes of confidence. It's tough thinking about going back to work when I've been in the "mommy" mode for so long. I guess I just need to get my feet wet again!