advise from RN needed

Karen20 · Jul 28, 2010

It is all possible. I am in my fourth year with three young children. Most of my clinicals have been days ( because the tutors and preceptors like days). I think in three years i have had to work 6 evening shifts 3-11. I will be an RN by next April, it is well worth it. It is possible to get day shifts all over the place--lots of staff like evenings because the majority of the physical work is done in the daytime. Evenings are quieter. However, I found evenings the MOST tiring with kids because as women we do not rest during the day but work all day and then have to work all evening. If you allow yourself to rest during the day you will be fine. I found I missed my family more during the evenings than the daytime. At least with days you will get to see your family every night. I have already been offered a casual position where I get to pick my shifts and I can buy into the benefit program if I want to. If you are a hard worker and have a good attitude the jobs will come to you--good luck--do it.

blessedw2&ahubby · Jul 30, 2010

Thanks! I do have a great work ethic and a very positive attitude so I think it will be great! Blessings!

Genista, BSN, RN · Aug 1, 2010

I am thinking about a career in nursing...these are my questions - Thanks for your help.
Questions
1. WHat do most of you do with young kids? I have 2 of them.
2. Do you feel like the schedual of 3-12 works well for a family?
3. Is it possible to get days when first starting out?
4. Will having a BS business degree help me in the hiring process?
5. Should I wait to start school or just jump in? (BC of the age of kids 1yr and 5 yr)
6. Are the 3-12 consecutive days T,W,TH?
7. How do holidays work?
8. I feel like I would enjoy a career in nuring - is there a way to tell for sure b4 I spend a ton of $$?

Hi there. I have 2 little ones also. I work evenings 8 hrs shift and we only need babysitter coverage for 4 hrs a few times/week as husband works day shift. I personally don't like 12 hr shifts, but some love them. The folks that love 12 hrs shift like coming into work less days, and say they can get more done in 12 hrs than 8. But for me 12 hrs is a long day, and I like having mornings free and to spend with the kids. Yes, you can get dayshift possibly when starting out. But more common is nights or evenings, as these are less popular and harder to fill (they pay a shift differential if that makes any difference...a slightly higher hourly wage). I would think a BS business degree would help if you seek a managerial position in healthcare. But for a "floor nurse" I think they will focus more on your nursing license and experiences. As for whether to go to school with two little ones...only you can decide that. I imagine you will need to take some pre-requisites in science even before you apply to nursing school, so you can test the waters on how that affects your family. As you know, the little ones are so precious when young and really it is hard to miss out on them.The 3 shifts of 12 hrs will vary according to who you work for. Some places do "self scheduling" where the staff can choose their days. Sometimes the management just designates your days and even changes them from time to time (which can be a real killer if you have kids in daycare on set days). Holidays generally work that you have to work a set # of days/year and we rotate volunteering for them...some folks actually like to work certain holidays because of the pay. I often volunteer Christmas eve or Thanksgiving myself, so I can have Christmas day off... ;-) As for checking out nursing before you invest the $$, I would arrange to "shadow" some nurses in various settings to get a feel for what they do. Interview some nurses also, and perhaps volunteer in a hospital. I did these things before I went to school. Good luck!!!