Need advice on getting back into L&D nursing...

[hammergirl5]

I have worked in L&D before and would love to go back. Starting in May of 2007 I was doing an internship in L&D. I had transferred from orthopaedics at one hospital to L&D at a "sister" hospital to do the internship. During the month of August 2007, I became pregnant with my third child. By the end of September I was very sick ... I had developed choleycystitis diagnosed at about 7 weeks pregnant. I was unable to eat and keep anything down. I would vomit numerous times per day and it was the foulest vomit I've ever experienced, both myself and in my nursing career. I ended up taking a leave of absence (FMLA of course). They did not want to operate until I reached the second trimester due to the risks of anesthesia for the baby. I got sicker and sicker, and finally at 11 weeks pregnant, after losing 35 pounds and not even being able to keep water down, they decided the benefit of surgery outweighed the risk. My surgery was on November 1st 2007. I spent a week and a half in the hospital because it ended up that I had passed a stone and had pancreatitis. I was so sick. I was labeled high risk and saw my doctor every 1-2 weeks for the remainder of the pregnancy. I was cleared to return to work on December 15th 2007. I made a choice to return to the hospital I had transferred from and leave the L&D orientation for now. I was told that I could return at any time and that they understood my decision to be closer to my doctors and my family should I need help. I had my baby in May 2008 and returned to work in July. Around October I attempted to transfer back to L&D as I was told I would be able to. The answer I got was that they felt it was too soon for me to return what with having a new baby and all. I was told I could "try" again the next time they were having an internship. Did I blow my chance because I got pregnant and got sick? I wasn't planning to get pregnant when I did, I was actually hoping for a Fall 2008 baby. I certainly didn't know I was going to get so sick. How was I supposed to know my gallbladder would go haywire right after I got pregnant. It may have happened even if I hadn't gotten pregnant. Who knows, things happen and people get sick.

Well, that's my story. I'm looking for opinions on the situation and advice on how to go about getting back into L&D ... that's where my heart truly is. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this and respond.

[SmilingBluEyes]

HI there. I am sorry to hear of all your troubles. All I can say, is pick up, dust yourself off and get back on the horse again. In other words, it's understandable you were sick. You need not get into detail the way you did here, however, when explaining your absence of the past year or two. Just that you were ill and the situation is resolved is sufficient. Don't let this misfortune discourage you. Get out there and apply and go after the job you want.

Good luck.