In my area, we are dying for nurses. We are rural and are relying on traveling nurses which is costing the hospital an arm and a leg. There is no blanket statement to make that it will ALWAYS be hard to get back into nursing if you take some time off. And if you have to do a refresher course, what is the big deal? Enjoy your time home with kids and the ability to travel.
As a personal aside, kudos to you for deciding to raise your own kids. That cannot be an easy job. I hope to be able to do what you're doing someday!
Because working parents don't raise their own children...
OP is it possible to cut back at your work and work a few shifts a month? I think it will help keep up your skills and allow you to "escape" your household and have a grown up conversation.
I don't think she wants to escape her household . . . she wants to be available for her kids and travel with her husband. All perfectly acceptable goals.
I'd prefer to "escape" my job and stay home with my son. I was a stay-at-home mom for my older 3 kids who are now adults (and one is married and gonna make me a grandma soon). I miss those times and regret having to work.
If I was in the OP's place and not have to work for financial reasons, I'd jump at the chance!
I don't think she wants to escape her household . . . she wants to be available for her kids and travel with her husband. All perfectly acceptable goals.
I'd prefer to "escape" my job and stay home with my son. I was a stay-at-home mom for my older 3 kids who are now adults (and one is married and gonna make me a grandma soon). I miss those times and regret having to work.
If I was in the OP's place and not have to work for financial reasons, I'd jump at the chance!
Then work PRN if available.
Nothing wrong with not working but you want a job later it might be preferential to work a little and keep up in the workforce.
OP I'm probably pushing this book a lot but read "Lean In" by Sheryl Sandberg. It talks about stay at home moms a little. Worth a read before you go down this route.
I personally know I'd go crazy if I had to stay home all day with kids. Growing up my dad worked day shift and my mom worked swing shift which was perfect... We always had a parent with us but our parents still got to work.
The only reason I'm really working is medical insurance. Can't get that PRN.
I never went crazy when I stayed home with my kids. I homeschooled for awhile too. We went on many adventures. It was fun. I miss it.
I go crazy now . . working two jobs (both part-time) and it feels like those guys on the old Ed Sullivan Show . . spinning a bunch of plates in the air trying to keep them from falling and breaking.
Again, for the OP to be able to financially stay home, be with her kids, and travel . . . . heaven.
Listen, I'm all for staying home with the kids if that's what you want to do and is a possibility financially. But parents who work outside the home are raising their own kids too....
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Yup! I don't want to debate SAHM vs WOHM. But IMO being a Mom , is not for wimps. Its all hard and all worth it.
Maybe it is just me but thinking back to 2001 ( when i started in nursing) when there really was a "nursing shortage" nurses were getting much more flexible schedules to work around parental obligations than they are now. Now that there is a "glut" in so many areas employers can just tell you to "take it or leave it" if you don't like your schedule.
Totally my experience too.
The only reason I'm really working is medical insurance. Can't get that PRN.
I never went crazy when I stayed home with my kids. I homeschooled for awhile too. We went on many adventures. It was fun. I miss it.
I go crazy now . . working two jobs (both part-time) and it feels like those guys on the old Ed Sullivan Show . . spinning a bunch of plates in the air trying to keep them from falling and breaking.
Again, for the OP to be able to financially stay home, be with her kids, and travel . . . . heaven.
We buy our health insurance from BCBS. Almost the same price as what I paid through employer.
Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN
11,305 Posts
In my area, we are dying for nurses. We are rural and are relying on traveling nurses which is costing the hospital an arm and a leg. There is no blanket statement to make that it will ALWAYS be hard to get back into nursing if you take some time off. And if you have to do a refresher course, what is the big deal? Enjoy your time home with kids and the ability to travel.