Career change fears, unfounded

worked at XXXXX so long that I did not think I could be a "real" nurse anymore. But, I was wrong, and I now have great self confidence in myself as a nurse. I thank Debbie and my husband and family for supporting me and giving me the confidence to broaden my horizons. Initially I was lucky enough to find a part time job at a nursing home in Boerne. The DON was so kind to me, and told me, "you CAN do this!" She is former Navy, and basically gave another Veteran a chance, and for that I will be eternally grateful.

So, my first day I was terrified! Of what? The new insulin delivery systems! As far as I can tell, nothing else has changed. My preceptor, a young nurse in her 20's, was just the ticket to build my confidence. I can now manage the various insulin delivery systems, and treatments for 20 patients, MD orders, etc. I have also managed 2 emergencies. I serve as a resource person to 2 LVN's and a medication nurse as well as 2 CNA's, and my confidence has returned. You know why? The human body has not changed. Not much else has changed either. We CAN do this! We did not lose our minds sitting behind a computer. If anything, we have a broader base of knowledge than when we started at XXXX.

I have just started in a full time hospice RN Case Manager job , and it's going well, and I am making more than I made at XXXX, and in 90 days I get a raise. I was given a bag of all the necessary nursing tools, including a pulse oximeter, cell phone and a laptop. I am ready to go, working in central SATX. Our newest territory is the Boerne area, and  I will move from SATX to Boerne, as their case load grows. I did not give up my part time job, because I love it, and will work there per Diem. I just can't let those residents go, as they have wormed into a place in my heart.

What makes my day now are hugs from my elder patients, an "I love you" from some of them, and hearing stories from one woman who is 100 years old, which are extremely interesting. I would not trade these moments for anything in the world. I have been given the opportunity to remember, why I became a nurse in the first place, and it feels good.

Pat, I know you and I were not the best of friends, but I just wanted to let you know, there is life outside of BRC, should you decide to go that route. 

I am thankful to my wide circle of friends, who took me in their arms,  loved me, and helped me find my way when I was so upset that I did not know where to turn.

Partially employed for 6 weeks. I did find a weekend job, thankfully, and soon after I lost my job. I don't know why nobody looks at my resume, but the comments I have received were that I did not have enough "current" nursing experience. I am now working in a long term care facility, where I have fallen in love with my elderly patients, and think I am a good nurse, who cares for them and looks out for their welfare.

My project this week is to find a place to volunteer, so it does not look like I am staying home not looking for jobs and watching TV. I have spent 8 hrs a day looking for work for the past 5-6 weeks, so I have not been sitting on my laurels. A report on NPR suggested doing volunteer work to show that you are still a hard worker, etc. to prospective employers and it seems like a great idea. In fact, I had that idea on week 2 of unemployment, but then I go to busy applying for jobs online to do anything else. So...now I am going to takea breather and try to get some volunteer work.

To all my fellow underemployed people...let's keep on trying!!!!