My Battle

[asims646]

Hey there,

First of all, thank you for reading my post. Any reply is greatly appreciated!

I graduated in 2012 from nursing school. I had a 4.0 and received many awards for my compassionate care and commitment to the nursing profession. However, a storm was brewing inside of me.

I have struggled greatly with anorexia, anxiety, depression, and panic attacks since I was in junior high school. During my time in college, these issues exponentially worsened. But, I was determined to become a nurse and provide high quality compassionate care to individuals.

After graduating, I began working at a wonderful, highly regarded hospital on the cardiovascular telemetry floor. I was performing well, learning, and really enjoying the staff I worked with. However, the previous mentioned problems were worsening. I lasted two months at my job and had to resign due to these problems. Two months later I found myself in residential treatment for anorexia.

Currently, I am still receiving therapy, nutritional counseling, and psychiatric support. I have made much progress. Since 2012 I have been a private tutor for nursing students. I assist students with understanding material for pretty much any nursing class, including entrance exams and the NCLEX-RN. However, I am truly missing the hands on nursing care. Although nursing knowledge is fresh on my mind, I feel like I have ruined any opportunity to work as a nurse providing direct patient care.

How do I approach getting back into the nursing field? Am I too late? Has anyone else gone through something similar?

Thank you

[firstinfamily, RN]

I think just making yourself available for PRN or per diem work would be helpful. You do not really have to tell them why you left the bedside. If you are doing tutoring you might start working on your MSN, there are many on-line programs that you could attend. This way combined with your experience you most likely would be able to be employed as an instructor at a college program. You might see what Kaplan has to offer as far as teaching for NCLEX. Glad that your treatment is helping, and don't feel so alone. All of us come with baggage and it is how we deal with our baggage that makes us who we are. You were wise to seek out treatment, just grow from your experiences instead of replaying them. Good luck!!