Grace,

First, I’m going to refer you to our Legal Resources to get
answers about your rights under the Family Medical Leave Act and your legal
rights with your employer.  You may have protections under FMLA and ADA from a Federal viewpoint and depending on your state of
residence, also State law.

Before figuring out your next career step, keep in mind that
(1) your heath comes first,  and (2)
access to health care coverage is very critical for you.  Don’t loose it.

One of the questions you should find out is whether your
doctor can release you for part time work or full time work and what you think
you are capable of.  After a year’s
absence, I would suggest  part time might
be advisable so you can ease back into the workload.

As to whether your employer or you are responsible for
finding you a job, you are always better taking control of your career rather
than leaving it in

Where can your nursing knowledge be helpful without being
hands-on?   Could it be as part of a tele-support service
for parents calling in?  Could it be in
the insurance coordination office?  Could
it be helping coordinate services with the caregivers?   Explore what roles exist within your current
employer?

Outside of your current employer, I know that when I
recruited for HMOs and insurance companies, we valued the services of nurses
who wanted to step away from the shift and weekend work. There are also some
health care agencies that might benefit from your knowledge.  Is there an internal role at a Visiting
Nurses Association, for instance? Talk to a temporary recruiting firm that
might be able to give you ideas of the roles that might exist.

Good Luck.  I hope
this is helpful.

Margot