Am I crazy?

[ireland_nicole]

OMG, I just registered for an RN re-entry (refresher) course. 200 hours to figure out how to be a nurse again, after being out w/ the kids for 10 years. I feel like I'm about to go on Expedition Everest! And I'm wondering if it's nuts to think I can make time for course work when I can't always figure out how to make time for laundry... So is it completely unrealistic to think that a mom of two still young kids (almost 9 and just 6) who require constant supervision and have mult. challenges-to go back to work? On the one hand, I read this and know that it's not unreasonable, but then I wonder how I can even think about this when they still need so much - ugh, any feedback?

 

[minkydog]

The good thing about nursing is you can usually find a schedule that works around your family's needs.

I have been a nurse for 31 years and I can't think of a more rewarding career. You know what i mean I've done a lot of different things over the years, such that I've really had a series of different careers within a career. At this point I'm a school nurse, something I couldn't have done earlier in my life. I know this will not be my last job and someday I will train yet again for something different.

Just wanted to say good luck. I hope you find nursing personally fulfilling. I think you might enjoy the challenge of relearning what you already know. Once a nurse, always a nurse.

 

[MousekeMommy]

hi! lots of hugs and support . . .
I went back to school (lots of online courses and a few on campus) and kept my teaching certificate up-to-date, just graduated with a masters and am going back to teaching this August 12th--with my sons ages 5 & 6 (1st grade & kindergarten)--I was out, a SAHM, for 7 years!!! I'm assuming since you're on this board that you have a disability in your family--me, too, my youngest DS. So, wow, am I nervous about our immediate future! His first real school experience, and my 1st "working mommy" experience . . . No advice, other than "you can catch up on sleep later--do what you've gotta do" For me, insurance through my husband's business was $12,000 a year, with unbelievably high deductables, copays, lack of coverage (they don't even cover the state-mandated "school shots"). They did keep us out of bankruptcy with my child's latest surgery, so I guess I can't be too ungrateful, but . . . My career's benefits will be a blessing and peace of mind . . .
Anyway, good luck with your decision, and with any other "life circumstances" that are thrown your way! You are not alone!!!

 

[ireland_nicole]

Thanks guys; Mouse mom, yep; I have two "alphabet soup" kids. I have had fibromyalgia for 9 years now, DD has ASD,RAD,ODD,ADHD, Bipolar and Dyspraxia and DS has a congenital brain malformation and PDD. So life is interesting at our house . My DH's benefits are good, except that they won't cover any therapy after a child turns 5, so our OOP medical expenses run 1000-1500 per month- Good Times. Anyway, I thought even working part time could help with that, if not pay all of it. But I've definitely lost my confidence. I used to be a Hospice nurse, and I loved it; but I feel like the old me is like a dress I put away in a closet and now I don't know if it fits YKWIM? I can't tell you how much I appreciate your support, to ya'll.
Nicole

 

[mechurchlady]

A lady from my church was working in a nursing home. She got a job in the pulmonary unit as an RN. Within the first month or so she had vacation time alloted, free education in this new field, and great benefits.

There will always be a need for janitors, trashmen, police, firemen, lawyers, doctors and nurses. You could work for a disabled person at their home for a few hours a day or in a big hospital on a regular shift. There is a great need for nurses out there including amusement parks, cruise lines, schools, and in home care. My friend in her first two years has taken a trip to WDW and a trip to Tennessee, I think. People need nurses and if nothing else you might use those skills to help someone in your community for free. It is a great thing you are doing and something for you that will make you feel like you did something with your life. Psst, laundry is in the laundry room, get the nursing job then buy new clothes, lol.