Should I return to nursing???

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Specializes in Med-surg, OB, school nursing.

I've been out of nursing and home full-time for 10 yrs and am thinking of returning now that all my kids are in school. My husband also works shift work as a police officer. I'm just wondering if it's worth the effort to go back to work now or if I should wait longer. I'm afraid of being physically exhausted after working on my feet all day and then have to come home and take care of the kids plus trying to arrange child care for late evenings. How do you do it if you have kids and a husband that works crazy hours too? Are the hospitals very flexible with schedules? Would you work if you didn't have too? I used to work as a school nurse (for 5 yrs) but I need something with a little more excitement and I don't want to work full-time. Thanks for any advice!

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Specializes in Telemetry/Med Surg.

I think you should go back. Maybe start out part time/24 hrs week so not to overwhelm yourself. Then you can see how that works out and see if you want to go full time. Just a suggestion.

Good luck to you.

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Specializes in Emergency, LTC, Med/Surg.
I think you should go back. Maybe start out part time/24 hrs week so not to overwhelm yourself. Then you can see how that works out and see if you want to go full time. Just a suggestion.

Good luck to you.

I agree; you could even go back less than that.

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go PRN! Just work a day or 2 a week. I am obsessed with being PRN. I was PRN at my last job and now I am full time at my new job. Needless to say I cant wait to go back to PRN some day. There are all kinds of options available. Some places do 8 hr shifts. You just gotta ask. Happy job hunting!!!!

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If I didn't have to work, I wouldn't.

Good luck.

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Specializes in er, icu, geriatrics.

I stopped working as a nurse for 4 years. At that time I had no desire to return to nursing. However, 4 1/2 years ago I returned to nursing and I have never been happier. When I left my son was 5, and I was working as a director of nursing. I now work as an ER nurse. Returning has been one of the best decision I have ever made. When I returned, I just worked 24 hours per week and now work full-time.

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Specializes in PICU/NICU.

I doubt after being out for 10 years you could get hired as PRN becuse you might need more orientation than a hospital would be willing to give to a PRN nurse. If you didn't want full time...maybe try a Dr's office or clinic- shorter shifts/better hours, less back breaking ect. Thats the great thing about nursing, there are so many different opportunities! Good luck!

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Specializes in Corrections, neurology, dialysis.
If I didn't have to work, I wouldn't.

Good luck.

Same here.

Doesn't matter what the job is. I just don't like working. Been doing it all my life. It's overrated.

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No, I would not work if I didn't have to, at least not in Nursing. We do need to be active but, if I could afford not to work, I'd just do things I enjoyed doing.

Should you go back? Sure. There are lots and lots of options for nurses, so many different types of nursing. Explore, explore, explore. If you work evening shift, you'll not see your school age children much and that's not good for you or for them.

Level with prospective employers about your schedule needs and see what they offer you. Get your refresher course and go for it!

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