Nursing Hiatus

[CRNI2010]

My husband and I are planning to have another kiddo in the near future and have me stay at home. I am thrilled to have this opportunity, but am nervous about not working anymore. I've been an RN since 2001 and have had a fulfilling career thus far. Has anyone ever come back successfully after taking a long break?

[RNperdiem, RN]

I worked as little as four hours a week to have plenty of time with the kids yet still had that little trickle of income coming in.

When I was ready to come back, I increased my hours over the years.

[CRNI2010]

So was that 4hrs a week enough to keep you current without having to take a refresher course? And was that in the acute care setting?

[Mulan]

I would stay PRN, otherwise I would be afraid I'd never get another job.

[Fiona59]

So was that 4hrs a week enough to keep you current without having to take a refresher course? And was that in the acute care setting?

Depends on where you live. In my province if you don't practice for either 3 or 5 years you must do a refresher before a practice permit is issued.

[CRNI2010]

I would stay PRN otherwise I would be afraid I'd never get another job.[/quote']

And ultimately, that is what I am afraid of....I guess I have real mixed emotions about hanging up my stethoscope. Got some stuff to mull over.

[RNperdiem, RN]

I was working per diem in a procedural type setting where I could work that little. It helped too that I had worked there for 3 years full-time and they were willing to give me the hours I wanted.

I stayed current and have never needed a refresher course.

These days I work one 12 hour shift a week. One night or weekend day per diem is easy to get where I work.