Really starting to regret taking time out of work to be a sahm!!!

[Sennan]

Hi guy's can anyone please help me? I'm really starting to regret taking time out of work to become a sahm. I used to work for the N.H.S as a maternity care support worker. I gave up my job 10 years ago to become a sahm to my four children when we relocated to Cornwall from Worcester. My youngest daughter is now 9. Iv'e been ready to go back to work for the last 2 years but my local hospitals won't employ me because Iv'e not worked on a ward for 10 years and can't provide professional references. I have worked with babies and children from the age of 17 until I took a 10 year break. I loved my job so much. I have tried everything to get back into my old line of work. I trained as a maternity nurse last year with N.E.S.T who offer a work experience scheme, but most of their clients are London based. Working away from home is not an option as I can't leave my kids I just can't do it. Iv'e phoned my local hospital and birthing centre to inquire about voluntary work to no joy. It's just so frustrating as I'm just passed from one person to another and no one is able to give contact details of the person I need to speak to. Nanny agencies won't give me the time of day due to lack of professional references, the N.H.S won't give me the time of day due to lack of professional references and because Iv'e not worked for them for 10 years. I just feel like I'm hitting a brick wall all the time. All I need is chance to prove my self. Is there anyone on Mumsnet who works in maternity as a midwife, care support worker or volunteer in Cornwall or Devon who can please give me the name and details of someone I can talk to about volunteer work on maternity please. I don't know where else to turn for help and advice.

[Rockchick1984]

A friend of mine has just done a return to nursing course which was followed by a placement, have you looked into options like this? She got a job on the back of her performance on placement - although not in the exact field she wanted but it means she is getting ward experience and can look out for an ideal role when it comes up.

[Littleen]

Is there any chance of working in a private setting perhaps?

[Salbertina]

Doula?

[BranchingOut]

Have you breastfed? Could you become a volunteer bf peer supporter?
Got to go now, but if you are interested I can tell you a bit more.

[Nevercan]

Talk to your local NCT group who will have the right sort of connections