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Discussion

Returning to work as APRN after 3 years

After six years as an RN, I took a break from work for 2 years to finish my FNP program. I also had two children during this time and the pandemic had started. When my youngest was four months old, I took a full-time position in a specialty clinic (breast care). After a year of employment, the unpredictability of my childcare during the pandemic, being the primary parent, and learning the ropes as a new grad, took it's toll and I resigned. I spent the following 2 years as a SAHM and last year I took a part-time school RN position at the school my children attend. 

Has anyone left the workforce for an extended period of time before reentry? How was your transition back? Can you offer any advice? 

I have kept up with my FNP licensing and board certification. I am very much the primary parent, coordinating drop-off and pick-ups, the parent who will be home sick with them, taking them to doctor's appointments etc. I am struggling with my desire to work as an APRN versus waiting to return to work until my children are a little more independent (ages 4 & 6). Any advice, insight, personal experience you can offer is more than welcomed. I appreciate you sticking with me on this post. 

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    I hire NPs as part of my job duties.  Unfortunately, I would not hire an NP with only 1 year of NP experience who then took several years off work.  PT work might be a good option for you, given your childcare responsibilities.  There are also some FNP jobs that can be done remotely, from home.  That could be another option.

    Something I did for awhile was disability exams for veterans.  The goal is to help the vets get their disability benefits, so it feels good to help them.  There are some agencies that employ NPs on a PRN basis.  You tell them what days and hours you want to work.  It could be as little as 4 hours 1 day per week.  The agency I worked for provided the facility and even an M.A.  This would be a 1099 role.  I worked for an agency that subcontracted to V.E.S., I think it was Northeast Recruitment Services or something like that.

    I also met an NP that worked PT at a weight loss clinic.  She liked that as it was low stress and she could work PT. 

    Good luck.

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    Thank you for your thoughtful reply! I recently came across a couple of PT/PRN positions for veteran disability exams in my area, I can't recall the agency but I will look into those positions and Northeast Recruitment. I sincerely appreciate your feedback. 

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