SAHM - how did you choose when to return to work? And did you go back to the same job/career?

[Ghoulfriend]

I stopped nursing 7 years ago and have had 3 children but I really think it might be time to do something.

In order to go back to nursing I would need to reregister (3/4 month course next year). I am thinking of applying to do some voluntary work at a local Hospice as I think I might like to eventually become a Palliative Care Nurse.

OR

Do something completely different!

DH can't really help too much with childcare because of his job being the commitment it is.

Just wondered what everyone else did when it was time to go back to work

bump?

I returned to work after my second child was born because I was bored and found being at home harder work than working . I had a break of about 4 years.

I retrained (used to work in the media, now in youth work- can't be too specific on here, sorry).

Sounds like the voluntary work and nursing refresher course = a good plan. You'll get an idea of whether you want to go back to nursing, and whether palliative care nursing is for you.

If not, you can always retrain. Nursing is a great professional background for loads of other careers.

Have been in touch with the local Hospice and they've responded already.

Think I am going to start by being "a friend" to terminally ill patients in their home. Popping in for a chat, bit of help or shopping. Sounds like a gentle introduction to going back to work, a way to build up my confidence.

I was a District Nurse - had 4 yrs as a SAHM having the DCs but then went back and did 3 evenings pw on the Twilight Service for many years.

Nowadays DCs have their own jobs(!) and I work with disabled students at a university, which I feel makes good use of my nursing background.

Also tried Clinical Trials nursing for a while when they were younger, as the hours fitted in well.

Nursing can be v good for flexible hours and a variety of jobs. It sounds as though you're going in the right direction and, once you've done your Back to Nursing course, you'll be fine.

I used to work for the civil service before I took a career break when DD1 was born.
I have gone back to work now DD1 is in full time school as I only have to pay childcare for DD2, if I had to pay FT for both it would have been more than I was earning.
I am doing a teacher training course now to become a secondary school teacher, which is something I always wanted to do but never had time/money for after uni. I figured now is my chance to 'start again' so I am!

I'm looking for work now - FT but ideally flexible/working from home in order to minimise my childcare costs. I have two at school and DC3 is about to turn two - I've been a SAHM/w wroked PT from home for the past 6 or so years and feel the need for a change and an escape from the monotony of the school run etc. It will be very difficult with the childcare etc and I still haven't got my head round how it will all work but I have a second interview this week...

Ghoulfriend - I will watch this with interest as I have just stopped working (ward based nursing). I am torn between doing the odd shift on a nurse bank, just to keep my hand in or taking a complete break.

Or like you maybe trying something different? I just don't know what!

I think doing the odd shift sounds good in practice but it is hard to not know exactly when and where you will be working. Also since I have been at home, I am amazed at how my week is quickly taken up with appointments, nursery runs, food shops, cooking etc.