Seriously discouraged at this point and need some friendly advice...

chelli73 · Feb 8, 2011

WOW, first of all Congrats on all of your many accomplishments!! Many women and men would give an eye to have all the wonderful blessings you have had! I think 2 things happened to you, however, one being that you had your precious bundle at a time when most new grads would be working on honing their skills, but a baby is a blessing no matter what, God bless her!! 2. Your generous 5 months off was probably too long a period to go without nursing (I personally would go nuts after one month!! I love my career choice!!), so now its up to you to decide if nursing is going to be an integral part of your ever changing life...whatever you decide, good luck and always keep your license and knowledge current, because that is one of the BEST aspects of the field, its never too late to go back as long as long as your willing to put forth your best efforts!!

FranEMTnurse, CNA, LPN, EMT-I · Feb 8, 2011

Just a few words to keep in mind dear. I have a caregiver who has interviewed all over and hasn't received a new job either. So you aren't alone. Just know the job market is very tight right now, and if you are having doubts about nursing now, how do you think it will be better later? May I suggest that you go back to school if you are able, and get some further education into what you would desire to do?

ProBeeRN, BSN, RN · Feb 8, 2011

The market is tight... my advice is to try and at least keep a toehold in the field- you have an active license and no sense letting it go to waste- and if benefits aren't an issue you might have an easier time not looking for full time? Can you continue with the peds HH and substitute school nursing? Look into per diem hospital work? How about intermittant peds visits? If you leave the field entirely to be a SAHM you're going to have a lot harder time getting any job with a huge gap in your resume. I mean, even 1 shift every week or two is enough to keep up an employment history. At least until you figure out what that "something else" is. Good luck!

LongislandRN23 · Feb 9, 2011

I think your job as a mother is more important. Although you did not like your job you never returned to it! If your having doubts about being a nurse than you dont want to be on. Honestly there are PLENTY of new grads out there that have much more passion!

carolmaccas66, BSN, RN · Feb 9, 2011

Do not go back to do extra study in nursing. You answered your own question. You will get frustrated, will waste money and will regret it.

I got my Ba Nsg later on, and do regret it now in many ways - I had other things I wanted to do but nursing seemed like quick money, etc. I didn't count on getting taxed so much either, I wish I'd spent my hard earned money on studying something else now.

What about doing some agency work until you decide what you want to do? Or just quit altogether if money is not an issue. You could try home health care agencies, phone nursing - there are many other fields that might be better for you. Maybe peds isn't the way cos ur secretly scared if u make an error, it could have been YOUR child you harm? I've heard many peds nurses say this after they have had their own children.

Keep looking, you will get something.

nohika · Feb 9, 2011

I know I'm not a nurse yet, but from the nurses/nursing students I have talked to, it takes at least a year in the same position to even get COMFORTABLE with what they're doing. So that might be an issue - a lot of the nurses have mentioned being nauseated, dreading their jobs, etc. So that's really common.

Regardless, do what you feel is best. :)

highlandlass1592, BSN, RN · Feb 9, 2011

Almost sounds like you are trying to get someone to talk you out of going back to nursing. In attempting to read your post, it appears to me you've already come upon your answer. You don't think nursing is a good fit.

Just some random thoughts: As someone else posted, it really does take a year or more to just get comfortable with your job skills. You took that time off to have your baby and spend time as a new mother. (that's not a criticism, just an assessment). You really never gave yourself time to get acclimated to all nursing is and can be. That would of course lead to a normal feeling of nervousness as you think of going back.

You asked about charting a different career path. No one can tell you whether that's a good idea or not. Only you can make that decision. The job market in many parts of the country is VERY tight right now. Many, many people are having problems getting interviews, let alone jobs. You need to keep that in mind.

It might be beneficial to sit down and make a list...list all the positives and negatives for your choices. Sometimes, just by writing things down you can find clarity. The decision may become clear. Good luck to you, no matter what you decide.

gettingbsn2msn, MSN, RN · Feb 9, 2011

I have a friend who was a SAHM for 18 years. She was blessed to have a husband with a good job and they could do it. She got her BSN while she was home and is now working for a pharma company. That could be another choice for you. Maybe a better fit is the corporate world? Sales, research?

alem-tsahai · Feb 9, 2011

Like some of the others posted, it seems like you've already answered your own question. Hey, nursing isn't for everyone and at the end of the day it's just a job, not a calling, so don't be too upset that it doesn't agree with you.

Although, being anxious and dreading work your first year as a nurse is pretty normal. I remember how much I hated going to work, especially while a new grad orientee. It does get better, even for those who aren't "passionate" about nursing (fyi being passionate about nursing is not a requirement for being a competent nurse. It's a job, not a commitment).

One more thing, the grass isn't always greener. That ultrasound program might sound interesting NOW, but only because you are looking for a way out of nursing. But the reality of the program/career might become a huge disappointment to you. Take careful consideration before making your final decision.

Good luck whatever you decide. Congrats on the baby!

BellaRoseRN · Feb 9, 2011

Hey everyone! Thank you so much for the thoughts and advice. It is good to hear other's insights. I know the job market is so tight right now and that is everywhere...except maybe Alaska. I have heard that the first year is the most difficult and maybe I haven't given it a fair chance?

I definitely feel different about working peds now that I have a child. I feel like I understand the parents so much better and yes, it almost feels like it is my own child in the hot seat! It is probable that the hospital pace is too chaotic for me.

I don't regret being at home with Mia or having her at the time I chose, after all...that biological clock ticks! ; ) She is the greatest blessing in my life along with my husband. I am so very lucky to have what I do. And I thank you all for pointing that out, it is easy to take our blessings for granted.

The bit about the ultrasound program isn't totally random. That is what I was studying to do when I switched to nursing because I thought it would be easier to find a job. Ironic, I know, but I truly loved studying cardiac anatomy and physiology. I know...I sound like a total dork and yes, I am.

Anyways thank you all for the feedback, I am going to apply for a school nurse position today in fact and let's cross our proverbial fingers! I really loved subbing for school nursing when I did it.

Happy Wednesday!