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Discussion

Terrified to return to work

I have spent the majority of my nursing career (6 years) in Forensic/Psych. Nursing at a Minimum Security, Long Term Psychiatric Facility. I got so burnt out with the patients and with difficult management that I quit and have been staying home with the kids for the past year...I need to go back to work d/t finances and do not want to return to Psych. There are so many jobs out there and I have no idea what area to go into. I am interested in OB, Care Management, Oncology, and Acute Rehab. I have also worked as an office nurse for 2 years at a Urology Clinic, and 6 months on Renal/Tele (which was terrifying and overwhelming as a recent grad). I am worried that I don't have the skills to do other jobs besides Psych. Any advice/encouragement would be greatly appreciated !

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    • Featured Replies

    With the utmost respect, I dare say your worries are misplaced. In this market of nursing surplus exceeding demand, you voluntarily stepped into the unemployment world. Your best move would be to immediately get those applications in before any more time lapses......and you might want to consider a very carefully-worded statement for your unemployment other than the real reason you left nursing a year ago. Also, devise a statement that highlights a burning desire to gain training and skills in new areas of nursing. This might be your only chance to re-enter in an area other than that in which you are experienced. Once you find that job, drop down to PRN before completely leaving again. Good luck!

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    • Experts

    Ditto every word to the above post. This is the time for a carefully worded, politically correct 'reason' for leaving the last job. Good luck.

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    After 3 years of L&D, I quit after my son was born to stay at home for almost 2 years.

    All my certifications had expired.

    But I just got hired for a PRN L&D job. So it can happen!

    In my interview I explained that I'd been staying home with my son for the past 2 years and it didn't seem to be an issue.Good luck!

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    Just say you had reason to be with kids. Honestly it will be hard to get a job.

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    Say you had the opportunity to be a stay at home mom but found that you really enjoy and miss being a nurse. You are ready to re enter the workforce and as a lifelong learner, would like to expand your knowledge base in a different field of nursing. Tell them why you are interested in a specific field as well as your goals (certifications, leadership, etc) you hope to accomplish.

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    Say you had the opportunity to be a stay at home mom but found that you really enjoy and miss being a nurse. You are ready to re enter the workforce and as a lifelong learner, would like to expand your knowledge base in a different field of nursing. Tell them why you are interested in a specific field as well as your goals (certifications, leadership, etc) you hope to accomplish.

    Oooh, that's good. :)

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    • Guides

    You may need to explore the potential for an internship for experienced nurses who wish to change specialties. If the majority of your experience is in psych you are going to struggle in acute care with the average of six shifts orientation and the employers will be aware of this. Go over that resume with a fine tooth comb and find a way to highlight anything that might stand out as acute care applicable. If you must return to work for financial reasons I would not neglect to apply for psych positions. It will be your strongest likelihood for getting a job (ie the L&D nurse above who was able to return to L&D). Once you are established back in the work force you may find it a smidge (but only a smidge) easier to change specialties. If you can get on at a psych facility that is attached to an acute care hospital you may have better luck.

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    You would really not be interested in Behavior Health?? YOu have the perfect background for this and perhaps being on an acute behavior unit would at least get your foot in the door. Small steps first!!! Then usually after 6mths - 1 year most can apply for a transfer to another department. Use what you have to get where you want to go!!!

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