ltress00

Dear nursecat64, I am new to allnurses and just found you discussion today. I am in a similar situation except my illness came just after receiving my RN license so, I have not had any "real" experience yet. I see you had a relapse of your illness and said a prayer for you today. My heart goes out to you. After putting so much time an commitment into nursing, it must be frustrating to be out of practice. By now, I hope your health has improved.

I graduated from Purdue in December of 2011 and received my RN license three days after finding out I had breast cancer. My treatments and most surgeries are done. I feel like I will be ready to work by the end of May. The only experience I have is from the wrong side of the stethoscope. Would any hospital be concerned about hiring me because they will worry about my long absence? I am very committed to my future nursing practice and have even been taking classes towards my next nursing degree during my recuperation. How can I impress my dedication and explain my absence without blackballing myself from the beginning?

Dear BeOne77, I would like to encourage you. Everyone has something disabling to overcome. Sometimes a person is born with it, sometimes it develops later. Disabilities can be acute or lifelong. When you meet people that seem to have it all together, it is more likely they are better at hiding their problems. Being afraid is an issue all its own. It is very difficult to get away from such a powerful emotion. I can't help but wonder if you would benefit from a different therapist. I travel 2hrs to see mine. She has helped me deal with my fears and anxieties. With her guidance, I am handling my fears well now. It has been a journey. Please be encouraged to give yourself the same consideration you would give someone else in your situation. As I read your post the words that really got my attention where towards the end, "I have the desire, skills and know how to be a nurse, graduated, excelled, etc." I am refreshed myself by your words, they give me hope. Hold on to that desire! It would not surprise me to find out that you are also very concerned about feeling able to give quality holistic care to your patients. If this is part of your anxiety, remember as long as it motivates you be a better nurse; it may not be a bad thing after all. I can see from all the things you are doing that your longing really is to move forward. Keep that attitude!