Returning to work

[McBx3]

I graduated from an ADN program in 2004 and worked as RN in Med/Surg unit for one year. At that point, I was ready to move on to a different area of nursing, but decided to take time off when I discovered I was pregnant with my first child. I stayed at home, caring for my daughter for the past few years, and now have a 3 month old as well.

I am wanting to return to work, but am really nervous. I am worried that I have lost skills, and that the hospital will not give me an orientation since I already have experience (I'm planning to return to the hospital where I used to work, but on another unit) and because I will only be working PRN.

Also, I am breastfeeding, and don't know if I will be provided an opportunity to pump (breaks were few and far between when I worked there before).

Should I just stop worrying and go for it?Any suggestions would be appreciated

[chrisInc]

Go for it. Even if you work once a month or week--stay in the work force. The great thing about nursing is the choices of hours.It is so easy to get lost in our family life and forget about own personal needs. Especially, when the kids are young (plus breast feeding—it’s a good thing). In retrospect, that is what I would have done. Good luck.

[zoo*moon, BSN, RN]

i graduated from an adn program in 2004 and worked as rn in med/surg unit for one year. at that point, i was ready to move on to a different area of nursing, but decided to take time off when i discovered i was pregnant with my first child. i stayed at home, caring for my daughter for the past few years, and now have a 3 month old as well.

i am wanting to return to work, but am really nervous. i am worried that i have lost skills, and that the hospital will not give me an orientation since i already have experience (i'm planning to return to the hospital where i used to work, but on another unit) and because i will only be working prn.

also, i am breastfeeding, and don't know if i will be provided an opportunity to pump (breaks were few and far between when i worked there before).

should i just stop worrying and go for it?any suggestions would be appreciated

i understand your worries. your story sounds like mine. i worked med/surg for a full year, hated it, left after one year. then i had my children and didn't work in a hospital for two years. my boss was super nice and rehired me as prn. she told me i could have as much orientation as i wanted/needed. just ask. you might be surprised.

also, i worked nights which is a little bit less stressful than days and found it easier to go pump. but if i nursed right before i had to leave for work around 6 and it was super busy, i was ready to die if i couldn't pump by 10 or so. so just keep that in mind. if you can wait maybe a few more months, until the baby is 6 months? i don't know if that would make it a little easier. just don't let anyone make you feel guilty about going to go pump. heck, smokers get to go out all the time. you have a right to pump and your hospital is required to provide you breaks and a room to do it in. good luck! you can do it!