WWYD? keep business or pursue entry level?

[thekid]

Hi everyone, need words of advice, please...

I stopped working as a nurse 8 years ago, I was a new RN and only had about 6 months experience (in hospice) before stopping (had a year experience in ltc as an LPN). I have just been reinstated and am having a really tough time getting job since I'm considered at new grad status. Jobs in my area are VERY limited and no new grad programs are open right now. I may get hired at a temp agency but would work as an LPN instead of RN (because my year of experience was in ltc as an LPN). So that is a start..it's not confirmed yet.

During the past 8 years I built an online business that, 90% of the time, I really enjoy. The hours require full time work from me, but it brings in a decent income when business is good. However, if I worked as a nurse, I would only have to work 3 days max to bring in the same amount of money. The business is something I enjoy but I need more financial security and long term career stability..that's why I returned to nursing.

What would you do right now? A few of the hospitals in the area have suggested I apply and work as a CNA but I have a toddler and after paying for daycare and gas, it's not very cost effective. But it may help get a foot in the door as I understand a lot of hospitals hire within. I suppose breaking even, or making a little bit of money, is better than doing nothing..but I do have the business that would make more money than working as a CNA.

Another option is working the business and returning to school to get my BSN. Possibly by waiting out the economy and waiting for a new grad position to open up..I could work the business for money and go to school part time , and wait for a position to open up.

I do not care for med/surg but realize it's where a new grad may end up. My interest has always been in labor and delivery but the hospitals here don't use CNA'S in l and d. So getting a foot in there isn't possible. They use OB techs but they have scrub experience.

There is a possibility of precepting with a homebirth midwife. In my state homebirth midwives can practice. The precepting may be great experience for future work in labor and delivery and if i decide to pursue a graduate degree in midwifery in a few years. The precepting is not a paid position of course..but I would PAY to do it (the cost of daycare).

Need advice from seasoned nurses ..what would you do? I love the business and it brings in a nice side income, but is not reliable enough to support myself and my kids should I be a single mom ..a nursing career seems more stable in terms of income and health insurance, and career growth/opportunity.

thank you

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

regardless of what you choose, please be aware that no matter how your job title is listed, you may be held accountable to the highest level of licensure. So if you work as an LVN or CNA you may still be held to the RN level of accountability. I would not consider working as anything but RN myself. Why bother with the lesser pay for even a few weeks?

[nyteshade, BSN]

Why on earth would you work and get paid at other levels when your last level was RN? Just contact your board of nursing to reinstate your RN license...it's that's simple...just pay the fee. Med/surg nursing is not the only option, however, I don't know what is in your area.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

thekid

Do you have RN refresher courses in your area? Some RNs who have not worked at the bedside for a period of time, opt to take refresher courses because it gives them a chance to gain clinical experience, build confidence and sometimes opens the door to jobs. If a refresher course is not an option, consider going for the BSN and do everything you can to do a clinical placement in your preferred area of labour and delivery.

Good luck

dishes

[thekid]

Why on earth would you work and get paid at other levels when your last level was RN? Just contact your board of nursing to reinstate your RN license...it's that's simple...just pay the fee. Med/surg nursing is not the only option, however, I don't know what is in your area.

I certainly don't want to (work as a CNA) nor can I really afford it after the expense of daycare, it was suggested to go that route to get a foot in at one of the hospitals. But I'd take a big cut in pay from business earnings to do it. Unless it was a short term deal, like a couple months, I can't see working as a CNA while waiting for a job to open up. I think they'd lose me after two weeks

My license is already reinstated, active and in good standing. My state board did not require a refresher course but I am taking one anyways, for my own update. I'm almost done with it..maybe one month to go.

thanks for the responses it's appreciated