I did not become a nurse until I was 40. I am an LPN. I have 5 1/2 years experience in behavioral health. All I have ever worked was in field of behavioral health. e.g. drug rehab, psych hospital. I have not worked for about 4 1/2 years and have been on disability. I have a chronic illness(sarcoidosis, but it is at a point where I am stabilized on my meds. I have just completed a 10 wk. refresher course at a community college. Originally, my plan was to learn some clinical procedures, so I could work home health only a few days a week. Although, my clinicals were not on a med-surg floor. It was more of transitional care unit.

I have asked one company if I would be able to shadow a nurse to see if it would be a good fit. However, they said no, that it was a liability issue. Now, I am re-thinking about the HH plan. I am too green with my clinical skills, since I have never worked med-surg. I thought HH would be good for flexibility and only one patient at a time.

As, I have mentioned, I am stabilized on my meds, and I feel good. But, I absolutely need adequate rest. My dr. has okayed me to work PT. In the past, I would work way too much which would lead to my exacerbation. I started out working per-diem, then PT, then FT, then too much OT. Not that I wanted the OT, but am just a wimp when it comes to saying "no".

Nursing homes would be too physically demanding for me. But, I must admit I am attracted to the wage they pay.

My disability insurance paid for my class, and now I can't find the job that would be a good fit for me. There is a job about 17 miles from me for a methadone clinic. But, it is for FT. I will still appply and ask if they would consider hiring PT.

Also, there is a job on tranistional care unit at hospital, but it is FT. Once upon a time, I wanted FT and could only find PT.(worked FT hours, though) Now I want PT and job postings are FT.

Any suggestions?

casual pool / agency nursing. You get to pick and choose when, where and how much. And you get the exposure and experience you want.

Hi Janna,
One the same line as Mr Ian, bank nursing (casual pool) also contact the people offering full time and find out if they will accept .5 or .6 rather than .8 (5/6 days a fortnight rather than eight) it is nearly part-time. Contact the home help places, they can sometimes provide additional training to help with the clinical side, and seeing it is only one patient at a time you won't be under as much preasure.

Thanks for replies. I am going to try to get some informational interviews set up. I will keep you posted.