10 Tips for Rejoining the Healthcare Workforce after a Maternity Break
The journey of motherhood is a crazy, happy one. The wild sleepless nights, the struggle of breastfeeding, and trying to figure out why your baby is crying—everything is overwhelming and nerve-wracking after you give birth.
After a while, however, things start pacing down. Just as things begin to fall into place, another challenge arises—rejoining the workforce.
This is difficult for every professional. But it’s a whole different story for healthcare professionals—and you know that. That is because, as a healthcare professional, you don’t have the option to work from home.
The thought of returning to the hospital setting while leaving your baby can be daunting. How will you juggle work and family—you have been out of the office’s flow for weeks or months? Not to forget, the guilt of leaving your baby behind. It can weigh heavily on your mind.
Rejoining the workforce can be jarring after a long maternity break. But don’t sweat it. Here are some practical tips that can help you rejoin the healthcare workforce after a maternity leave.
1. Refresh Your Resume
You can’t rejoin the workforce with your old resume. Refresh it.
Include skills relevant to the job you’re applying for. Take, for example, you’re applying for the role of critical care nurse. List all the skills you possess to perform your duty effectively. That could include clinical skills like central line insertion and transducer setup, interpersonal skills, decision-making skills, and assessment skills like analyzing a patient's response to treatment.
Mothers build a lot of new skills when they raise children. Think about the skills you acquired while “mom-ing.” Whether it’s time management or multitasking, add each of them to your resume. It all counts!
Don’t forget to highlight all that you’ve accomplished in your most recent healthcare roles.
Bear in mind that a refreshed resume that showcases your current skills can make a significant impact on potential employers.
2. Explain Your Career Gap in Cover Letter
Career gaps, Forbes reveals, are no longer seen as red flags. Employers, however, notice the gap in candidates’ resumes—they will do so in yours, too. Why not proactively explain it to them on your cover letter instead of leaving them guessing?
When you explain to potential employees that you took time off to focus on your family, they will likely appreciate your honesty. Moreover, they will understand that you took the break for a valid reason. This wouldn’t be possible otherwise.
Acknowledge the gap, but make sure to shift your focus to how this experience has enriched you both personally and professionally.
Keep the explanation concise, however. Then, transition to discussing your enthusiasm for returning to the workforce and how your experiences make you a stronger candidate for the role.
This will give potential employers the impression that you used your time in a productive way and are fully prepared to re-enter your career.
3. Seek a New Certification
Before you rejoin the workforce, pursue a new certification. It can be a game-changer for you.
It will not just add a credential to your resume. But it will also demonstrate to potential employers that you’re committed to staying current in your field and eager to bring new skills to the table.
If you were previously working as a registered nurse, for instance, consider acquiring certifications in areas such as pediatric nursing, emergency care, or oncology nursing. It will make you an attractive candidate to employers.
Certifications such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) can open doors for medical technologists. Consider acquiring board certifications in specialties like oncology or pediatrics if you’re a pharmacist. It can make you stand out in the job market.
4. Pursue an Advanced Degree
Don’t mind spending time and effort to enhance your career prospects? Obtain an advanced degree, then. It will boost your career prospects and help you stay competitive in the healthcare field.
Aim for a bachelor’s if you already hold an associate’s degree. It will open up new opportunities as well as expand your knowledge base.
Suppose you hold an Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant can enhance your qualifications and enable you to take on more advanced roles.
For those who already have a bachelor’s degree, pursuing a Master’s degree can further boost your career.
Say you hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing with an adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (AGACNP) concentration can help you boost your career prospects.
This degree, Rockhurst University explains, will equip you with the clinical, managerial, and essential nurse practitioner skills required to advance in your career.
These nurses are handsomely paid. Gerontology nurse practitioners rank among the top five highest-paying nursing degrees. ZipRecruiter’s survey shows that gerontology nurse practitioners rake in, on average, $118,644 annually. In Hillsboro, Oregon, these professionals pocket slightly more, about $129,212/year.
Expect to earn a bit more than them since you specialize as an acute care nurse practitioner. Nurse.org ranks them at the top in the list of highest-paid nurse practitioner specialties.
5. Seek Out Volunteer Work
Your re-entry into the workforce after a long maternity leave might not go as smoothly as you imagine in your head—that’s okay!
Take up some volunteer work before rejoining the workforce. Volunteering will allow you to stay active in the industry while gaining recent experience and updating your skills.
This year, in Philadelphia, for instance, traveling medical corps bought free vision, medical, and dental care.
This two-day pop-up clinic was set up at Mariana Bracetti Academy Charter School in North Philadelphia on Aug 24 and Aug 25. This initiative aimed to serve individuals who may lack health insurance or access to affordable healthcare options.
This free medical clinic required registered nurses, primary and specialty physicians, dentists, oral surgeons, dental assistants, ophthalmologists, and other healthcare professionals as volunteers to serve people.
Participating in such volunteer opportunities will allow you to contribute to the community and gain valuable hands-on experience as well as update your professional skills.
Look for opportunities that align with your interests and expertise. You can assist with health education programs, volunteer in a clinic, or participate in community health initiatives.
This hands-on experience can also be a great talking point in interviews. You can showcase your proactive approach and dedication to your field.
6. Start Networking
Returning to work after maternity break is a process that takes time and effort. Don’t try to do everything on your own.
Seek out support through networking as you make the transition. Research shows that 85% of positions are filled via networking.
Connect with mentors, former colleagues, and industry professionals. They will be able to offer you guidance and advice along with potential job leads.
Reach out to old contacts, as well. Emails or LinkedIn messages can help you get in touch with them. Let them know you’re looking to return to work and ask if they can offer any advice or referrals.
Conferences, industry events, and webinars can also help you meet people in your field. These gatherings can help you learn about the latest trends. You can talk to them about what's been going on in the industry since you left.
Professional organizations and local healthcare groups also provide valuable networking opportunities. Joining them will help you enhance your job search and gain insights into potential career paths.
7. Brush Up on Technology Skills
Healthcare technology evolves rapidly. Odds are that the tools and systems you used before your maternity break have been upgraded or replaced. Familiarize yourself with technologies relevant to your specialty.
Many hospitals, for instance, are adopting electronic health records to store patients’ medical history. Doctors access those records and make recommendations based on them.
Imagine going back to the hospital, not knowing how to use the new EHR system. How will you access patient information? This would hinder your efficiency and confidence in your role.
Take online courses or workshops where you can learn how to use the latest healthcare technologies and software. If you have the option, try to get hands-on practice with the systems and tools used in your specialty.
EHR systems aside, acquaint yourself with any relevant software or tools that have become standard in your specialty.
If you’re a pharmacist, for example, you may need to learn new medication management platforms. But if you’re a nurse, you may need to brush up on patient monitoring systems.
8. Consider a Phased Return to Work
Working full-time after a long break can be challenging. A new survey has found that a whopping 94% of young mothers feel nervous about getting back to work post maternity leave. That is why you must consider a phased return to work. It will make the transition smoother and much easier.
Instead of jumping straight into a full-time role, a phased return will allow you to increase your work hours and responsibilities gradually.
Discuss this option with potential employers to know if they are okay with this method. Ask them if you can begin working with part-time hours or a reduced workload and ramp up slowly as you adjust to the new routine.
9. Prepare for the Interview Process
The interview process can be nerve-wracking, especially if it’s been a while since your last one.
Practice common interview questions, particularly those related to your maternity break. Employers may ask why you took time off and how you stayed engaged with your profession during that period. Answer it honestly and frame your time off positively—focus on the skills and perspectives you gained.
Don’t forget to prepare questions for your interviewer. Ask about the organization’s support for work-life balance or professional development opportunities. These questions will show you’re thoughtful about your role in the company.
10. Explore Childcare Options Well in Advance
The biggest concern for working mothers? Finding reliable childcare. That, trust us, isn’t easy.
Your childcare options are plentiful. Some options, according to ChildCare.gov, include childcare centers, family child care homes, and informal in-home child care.
While you’re free to choose any, informal in-home child care will be a better option. Your child will remain at home, and a nanny or babysitter can take care of them.
Platforms like Care.com and UrbanSitter can help you find a nanny or a babysitter. Just make sure you hire an experienced individual. Conduct a background check as well for your little one’s safety.
Consider backup options, too. Children can get sick, or plans can fall through. Having a reliable backup, like a family member or a trusted neighbor, can save you from last-minute scrambles.
It’s not easy to rejoin the workforce after a long maternity leave. In fact, it’s challenging. But the strategies discussed here can help you smoothly transition back into your career with confidence and set you up for success.
Your return to work can stir up a range of emotions—from excitement to guilt to anxiety. Rest easy; it’s nothing out of the ordinary. Acknowledge them.
Last of all, don’t try tackling everything at once. Take things one day at a time. Before you even know it, you’ll be back in the swing of things, making a meaningful impact in the healthcare field.
