Night shift and single parenting

Specialties NICU

Published

Does anyone work this and if you did, how did you handle the schedule with child care?

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Does anyone work this and if you did, how did you handle the schedule with child care?

Let me tell you, I did it for over 3 yrs, but I ONLY trusted my mom to watch my kids at the time they were aged 12, 10, and 8yrs. Make your home a safe comfortable haven and see if you can't find a family member (mom may not always be available) to come and spend the night with your youngins!!!! That is the only way it worked for me!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was thorough in my pick for sitters!!!!

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Specializes in Emergency.

I worked night shift for 2 years as a single mom, and then another year as a single mom/travel nurse.

I would originally post an ad that i would be interviewing sitters on "the week of the 16th-22nd". Usually after that I had enough responses that I'd phone interview, then narrow it down and "house visit" at least 3 of the candidates. I chose a sitter from there. My son was too young to be in school at the time, so I didn't have to worry about before and after care.

I found it very difficult to find someone to come to my home. So I always ended up taking my son to their home. Fortunately I've had wonderful babysitters, and have even developed great lifelong friendships with them.

I thought it was very important to find a sitter that would "fit" with our family. Someone who's parenting style was similar to mine.

I always tried to work 3, 12's in a row. I'd drop my son off before work.........work, then go home and sleep for 5 hours...........then pick my son up....... have time with him for a while............ then drop him off at the sitter's again............ yes, working night shift for a single mom is NOT pretty, but it CAN work.

I wish you the best!!!

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Specializes in NICU.

Have work nights now for 4 years. I am very lucky though because my parents are able to watch my daughter for me. I think it works great because I am able to be there to take her to school in the morning and I pick her up everyday. I couldn't have done it all of these years without my family! Good luck!

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