Hi everyone! I'm new to this site, but everyone seems so supportive I'd thought I'd write about my situation and see if anyone could give me advice.
Ever since I was in nursing school (almost 9 years now) I had wanted to be a Maternity nurse. I would read my maternity book just for fun. I absolutely loved it. However, when I graduated back in 1995, you were lucky to get a job, let alone one in your preferred field. I started in LTC and continued in that field, along with skilled and sub acute, to this day.
Fast forward to now! I was offered a job in a large community hospital that did 3000+ births a year. I couldn't believe that I was finally in maternity. I should have been excited, but for some reason I wasn't. I don't know if it was the fact that I'd have to be in training for at least 4 months full time (I have 3 little ones at home, so I've been working part time or weekend for several years now), or if it was the fact that I'd be dealing with a lot of drug babies and very young moms (the hospital was in a high drug use area). Needless to say, I didn't take the job. For some reason it didn't feel right for me to take it, but now I wonder if that was my only chance.
I love geriatric nursing, and I feel that it's an underrated field. Unfortunately, society thinks that all we do is pop pills and fluff pillows (remember the ER episode?) I'm just so confused, I don't know why I didn't jump at the chance to take that job, and now I'm wondering if I really want to get into Maternity as much as I thought I did.
I guess my problem is that I found out through a lot of soul searching and research that Maternity may not be the place for me. It's just hard to grasp after wishing for it for over 8 years.
Thanks for letting me vent. I don't know if it makes much sense, but I'd appreciate any feedback.
