As you all know, I'm re-starting my nursing career, just finished my course and will be working full time.
But just today, I've been feeling kind of strange about it.
I think it's because it's been Steven's birthday and I've been wondering how it will be in the future.

I've just worked out that after Easter, when I start back full time, one of the weeks I'm doing my consolidation hours for the course, I won't be putting my boys to bed for 6 days.:sad:
And I'm now wondering how much I will miss them. I know they will probably be fine, they will have dad at home with them.

But just today in the last hour or two, I've been wondering if I am doing the right thing in going back to work.
But hopefully it will improve once I finish the 'consolidation' hours (we have to do these for the course, and because I have to go to the city hospital I can only get there for a late shift, hence the not putting the boys to bed) but once I start earning, I will be doing earlies as well cause hubby will have given up his job and be looking after the kids, and the unit I'm working on is moving down the road to my town. So I will see them more then.

I'm sorry to let this all out on you all but I just said to hubby about the putting the boys to bed thing and all he could say was "oh, we'll be alright":wallbash:

I know we have alot of working mums on here, how have you managed, did you/do you miss your kids, or are you glad to get out of the house.

I'm sure once I actually get my nursing registration through and work as a staff nurse it will be fine. But it's just the thought of these next two weeks of the easter holiday will be my last of being a full time mum. It's such a big life changing thing. I've never worked full time before and had the feelings I do for my boys. Before it's always been just me on my own.

Ok I've finished now, I'm going to fill up my glass of wine!:wine:

Andrea, I am and have gone through the same thing you are about to experience, for the last 8 months. Naith was a precious 6 when I started full time work again, after spending near on 24/7 with him for the whole of his life. He is now 7, and Daddy has taken on the full time carer role as I am at work.

So in that respect it makes it a little easier knowing he/they [and Jack] are with their Daddy. but when it comes to poorly time, bedtime, sleepy time and morning hugs - I really feel like I miss out big time.

In a way, I feel selfish that I have hogged them both for so many years without letting Mr F have a look in, but now that I have had to relinquish the hold I feel gratified that, not only have I done a good job, but neither seem to notice that I am not doing the things I used to do. So as far as they are concerned things are normal and tickedy boo - it is just me being selfish and needy.

Andrea, it is hard to give up the every day things with children that we take for granted, but it gets easier, and although they do notice once in a while - children are resiliant little creatures and are so adaptable - they will slot into the new routine easily. I have noticed that I pay far more attention to their needs than I used to, you probalby will do the same - so although your not around so much - you will far than make up for it by providing and devoting all your spare time to them - and they will always know that.

And you are doing a wonderful thing, never forget that. Nursing is a very very very special career, not everyone can do it - so don't forget that, no-one else will.

Andrea, I think you should go on and do this. Hubby will do just fine. I've had guilt with both of mine when having to work early or late or having to be out of town for various reasons but they really don't wither if you aren't there. I still think hubby will never be as 'perfect' a clothes picker-outer, story reader, hug and kiss giver, etc. as me but the boys do fine and it gets easier each time, especially if I have to go out of town. And it will give them a time to bond more with thier Dad. I think you have chosen to go on to do a wonderful job that not many people are cut out to do and I know over here we lack good, qualified nurses and you really need to get yourself going in something you really want to do b/c before you know it the boys will be all about thier buddies and then (horror) girlfriends and you will have your nursing to do. You go girl and be the best!!! It'll all fall into place, you'll see. XXOO msgirl