I graduated from an ADN program in 1982 at the age of 30. I had four children from ages 12 to 3. It was a stressful time for me. Trying to make good grades, completing all the homework took up so much of time I felt guilty for the time I lost with my children. I then went to work a month after graduating in the Emergency Room. This was my not idea, but the Director of Nurses decided I "looked like I would do well in the ER and cross train in ICU" I was in shock, but too intimidated to voice my concerns. But it turned out all right, I functioned well and was made team leader after six months. But after dealing with death of patients of all ages on a daily basis started to effect my family life. I become overprotective of my children. I would not let them ride their bikes unless I was home and could watch them, they could not climb trees, I tried to talk my daughter out of playing softball. My fears were interfering with my childrens' childhood.
So I transferred to Acute Rehabilitation where I fit in and did a good job, but after 16 years and multiple broken bones and back condition which required surgery (I have osteoporosis), the constant heavy lifting took its' toll. I quit in 2002 and planned to take a break for a couple of months, but one of my worst fears occurred that October. My 26 year old daughter was found dead . No cause was ever determined by the Medical Examiner. Needless to say I was overwhelmed with grief that did not resolve for 2 years. Meanwhile I was unable to return to work as I could not concentrate and would break out into tears without warning. I did take a Forensic Nursing Certificate Program from Kaplan College and trained as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner and performed rape exams occasionally.
I finally entered the job market by getting a job at a ER in Tahlequah which I felt totally out of place. The staff were mostly young and unfriendly. The doctors spent their time on the internet and griping when we had patients, they wanted them triaged as fast as possible so they could do their part and the rest was left to the nurses to get them out as fast as possible. They never had anyone who was in charge. My director was always calling me in for something another staff member had complained about, some were completely untrue. He was never around so he assumed that they would not lie. Anyway I decided I would go back and get my BSN and get a job that did not require physical tasks and pursue a job which was not in a hospital. My last job was as a DON which took almost all of my time and the time left I spent on online classes and outside projects required for each class. I quit in 2008 to concentrate on my last year in school.
During this time I had a second back surgery which still has not healed. I am trying to find work that I am interested in and something that I feel can make a difference. But I am having some difficulty finding a position. I have sent out resumes on the web and to public health advertisement but I have not received any interviews.