Need some support

tokmom, BSN, RN · Jul 4, 2013

Having holidays off with your kids would make it beneficial, but only if I could make it financially. It's the only thing keeping me from trying school nursing in the future. The pay sucks.

Morganalefey · Jul 4, 2013

This is a tough situation to be in! Is there anyway you can get a different PRN job? Maybe even just move floors in your hospital?

I, personally, wouldn't have accepted a school nurse job even a year ago b/c of having a little one at home. I took it b/c I knew my youngest was starting full-time Kindy this fall. I wasn't willing to work 5 days/week w/little ones at home. So, *I* probably would go back to the hospital if my kiddo's were your kids' ages. But that's what would be best for my family. I don't know what is best for yours!

Unfortunately, no job is perfect. You have to sacrifice somewhere!

Good luck, and keep us posted!

Nurse ABC · Jul 5, 2013

This is tough. Here are a couple things to consider... You say you love your job which is kind of rare in nursing. Also, there's a pretty good chance if you quit the school you may get used to the higher pay and not be able to afford to go back for a long time (esp when you really want to when your kids are in school). Plus you need to decide if you would rather see your kids every day for a few hours or all of the day for only a few days (and a few minutes the days you work.) Young kids do thrive on schedules but they are flexible as well. There are advantages to both. On one hand, it would be nice to be off during the week when your kids are in school so you can still be available to volunteer for class parties and field trips, dr appts, errands that you can run without kids, etc. However, it will also be a bummer to be working Christmas (and other holidays), miss after-school programs or sports at times, driving to work during snow days and finding child care those times, etc. While they are still really little would it be better to have a set schedule where they will see you every day from late afternoon on or will it be better knowing on certain days you work and on your days off you can spend the day with them? Also, remember how tired you are and when you've worked three 12's in a row ,how behind your housework, laundry, etc will be so one of your days off you will be playing catch up but you will be home. You will probably be less tired and stressed with school nursing but not making enough money is stressful. Are there regular full-time positions available where you get paid a yearly salary there? I don't know your husband's schedule or what you prefer-everyone's situations and feelings are different but maybe some of these questions will help you sort it all out. You're already working in a hospital now so you know what it's like. What does your husband think?

jk82 · Jul 10, 2013

Thanks for all the support, my husband wants me to do whatever I want and will make me happy . He agree's that routine is important, but so is paying the bills! I do think about the future and when my kids are in school, having their schedule is great but not being able to volunteer in their classrooms and go on field trips would be a bummer. I still have a lot to think about. Thanks:)

NutmeggeRN, BSN · Jul 12, 2013

Can you do school and per diem? I do that all year...prob 3-4 shifts per month in the school year and more in the summer. ( no kids. Hubby to deal with....)

jk82 · Jul 27, 2013

I'm only getting one 8 hr shift a week in my current contingent job, which isn't paying the bills! I know if I moved to the float pool I would get more $ and more hours, but the minimum requirements are 40hrs a month which is a lot if I'm at school M-F and then have to pick up those hours on the weekend...with an infant and toddler at home! :/ I know doing both will be way too much.