RE: Getting back in after a long illness and lost confidence

Alison Clare Hickman — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 11:57:34 GMT

Oh poor you - hugs all round sweetheart.... xxx

Glad to hear you are in recovery

You are right to think realistically about the physical (and mental) side of your career and whether it is something you can actually work with. I do know a lot of animal nurses who have really struggled with their physical and mental disabilities and had to stop working or at best, reduce their hours to allow for recovery time after a shift or diversify, say, into a less physical job such as reception work.

38 is young, so it isn't your age that's the critical element here, I feel … [I am looking at it from the view point of an antique 56 and still working (very part-time) in nursing...]. I think it is more the work-load and your continued ability to deal with it that's the vital part of your decision whether to go back into it or do something else.

Health is key.

I had to leave full-time nursing due to health and finances. I now do very part-time locum nursing and on days off also 'see practice' at a friendly local clinic to help them out (unpaid for a few hours). It helps me keep my knowledge up to speed and vitally keeps me in the loop with my veterinary friends. I write a blog as well, for a veterinary recruiter. I have an office job the rest of the week, (quite nicely paid!).

I have found the answer for me, (with my health and finances to the forefront), was to find a job that I am happy doing, is kind to my health and to keep my interests in animal welfare and nursing running as more of a wonderful 'hobby'. As and when (if) I can afford to return to nursing in larger capacity, then I hope to do so. So perhaps in your circumstances you could diversify into say, a sitting down role (e.g. reception work or manning a till or a phone in an office somewhere) and put your VCA/ANA skills to use in a hobby capacity for the time being? You'd be surprised what you are qualified for in team-skills experience for other (completely different to nursing) jobs!

I really hope you can find an answer to your dilemma. Be well. Be happy. Take good care of yourself. xxx