Working Mothers: What is your work schedule?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical, Pediatrics.

I am considering getting my CNA certification because I have to work while in nursing school. I am married with a 19 month old and I was just wanted to an idea of work schedules that those with children and in school are doing. Any info is appreciated!

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Specializes in Wound Care.

I'm a single mom so its a little harder for me plus im in LVN school full time during the day. My schedule will be 12 hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (36 hours total) 7pm-7am. This allows me to put my daughter to bed go to work and be back by the time she wakes up. My boyfriend would watch her at nigh while I'm at work (he works graveyard too but is off on Saturdays and Sundays) Fridays when hes working I would hire a sitter. (Spend time interviewing them if you dont have one...I found 3 great nursing students willing to do it for $50 a night...they get to study or sleep and get paid. I get a non-crazy person to watch my daughter and this is a double plus as they are already finger printed and have tb results since its required for the nursing program) plus my place has camera ;). Monday-Friday I would be in school 7am-3pm and shes in daycare during those times. I discovered that mental health pays the BEST (between $14-$16 an hour in CA after shift differental) and working nights its usually pretty dead which would give you tons of down time to study.

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical, Pediatrics.

Thank you so much! My husband and I are currently working as teachers and are schedule is working. I am applying to a part time program that would allow me to work full time. However, by the time I would leave class, I wouldn't get home until 11:30pm(the school is an hour away). I don't see myself trying to get up at 5am to teach after probably going to bed at 12am

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Specializes in Wound Care.

oh yeah thats tough. I was lucky enough to be able to do the CNA program full time during the day without working. Have you checked with the redcross? I know they have a Saturday and Sunday only program here in CA. They might do the same in your area. It was Saturdays and Sundays from 7am-3pm for 10 weeks I think. But that would allow you to continue to work your teaching job full time. That was my plan had I been able to find a full time job but the job market is so bad in California I couldn't find a job for the life of me. But in the end I guess it was just gods way of saying forget the job...finish the school. I'll get you thought.

I completed my CNA about a month ago and now I start a 10 month LVN program in two weeks! Then after that on to my LVN-RN bridge program. My goal is to have my BSN by 2015

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical, Pediatrics.

I can find a CNA program to get certified in my area that can do on the weekends . I am just wondering what kind of work schedule has worked for others going to school and has a family. I just think in the long road, it might be better if I find a job that is full time but not too demanding.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I currently have a job that is M-F 8-2, no weekends or holidays..However, I have a toddler and baby #2 on the way and I'm trying to decide if I should go back to working 12hour shifts.. I can work per diem since I don't need benefits and make a little more money only working 2-3days a week. The trade off is some weekends and holidays (although I can pick my schedule) along with the chaos and stress of floor nursing! I really don't know what's best for my family?! I get home by 3pm now and have most of the afternoon at home, but would it be better to have more days off?? Each have their pros and cons and I need daycare either way.... It's stressing me out! Any advice?! What do you prefer as a mom?

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical, Pediatrics.
I currently have a job that is M-F 8-2, no weekends or holidays..However, I have a toddler and baby #2 on the way and I'm trying to decide if I should go back to working 12hour shifts.. I can work per diem since I don't need benefits and make a little more money only working 2-3days a week. The trade off is some weekends and holidays (although I can pick my schedule) along with the chaos and stress of floor nursing! I really don't know what's best for my family?! I get home by 3pm now and have most of the afternoon at home, but would it be better to have more days off?? Each have their pros and cons and I need daycare either way.... It's stressing me out! Any advice?! What do you prefer as a mom?

The M-F 8-2 sounds like a job that I am looking for. What do you think you can handle with the new baby coming?

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I work as a PCT in the hospital 2 nights a week 7p-7:30a. I pick up more hours when I'm not in school. I start the RN program this fall :) I have 5 kids ages 9, 8, 7, 3 1/2, and 1 1/2.

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I'm a single mom so its a little harder for me plus im in LVN school full time during the day. My schedule will be 12 hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (36 hours total) 7pm-7am. This allows me to put my daughter to bed go to work and be back by the time she wakes up. My boyfriend would watch her at nigh while I'm at work (he works graveyard too but is off on Saturdays and Sundays) Fridays when hes working I would hire a sitter. (Spend time interviewing them if you dont have one...I found 3 great nursing students willing to do it for $50 a night...they get to study or sleep and get paid. I get a non-crazy person to watch my daughter and this is a double plus as they are already finger printed and have tb results since its required for the nursing program) plus my place has camera ;). Monday-Friday I would be in school 7am-3pm and shes in daycare during those times. I discovered that mental health pays the BEST (between $14-$16 an hour in CA after shift differental) and working nights its usually pretty dead which would give you tons of down time to study.

Finger printing is not done here in Massachusetts. Background, CORI, SORIs are done here.

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