Being a stay-at-home mom and an RN?

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Hi everyone! I'm having kind of a hard time right now with my career choice, and just need to hear about others who might be in or used to be in the same situation. I'm an RN, and I graduated nursing school in '02. I worked almost a year (med/surg) and then had my first son. I wanted to stay home with him as much as possible, so I started working just one day per week. I felt like that gave me the best of both worlds-- being with him most of the time, but still being in the nursing field a little bit. So now I have 2 sons, and I am continuing to work one day/week (now doing hospice admissions) which works well for me and my family... BUT... it's so hard knowing that I STILL don't have that much experience, and I haven't been able to get started in the specialties I'm interested in because I only want to work one day a week, and most places aren't going to hire and train someone who only wants to work minimal hours like that. I still think I'm making the right decision by staying home with my sons, but it's hard to know what I'm missing out on in my nursing career! Anyone else out there in a similar situation? I do want to start working more hours once my kids are in school, but that's still a few years away (they're little, ages 3 and 16 months!).

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Yep btdt. I have homeschooled my kids, even, and been a nurse. I work perdiem, meaning "as needed". And I work only when my dh or a friend is able to care for the kids. This arrangement has worked for me for over 7 years, when my daughter was born. Would not do it any other way.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

PS: welcome to allnurses.com!

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This time will pass so quickly, you will be glad for what you did. You are professionally still very much in the game by working one day a week. I know it would be hard to start in a new clinical area doing just one day a week. When you are ready, I think a potential employer will value your experience. Hopefully, life will bring you many good things professionally in the future. Right now, you are more focused on the great things in life that family has brought your way. I think it would be much harder to be totally out of the workforce for for say 5-10 years. Still, I know even then many employers would be very pleased to have you. Have fun w/ your kids!

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Thanks so much for the words of encouragement! Even though these are the things I tell myself practically every day, it's nice to hear it from an outside source!

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Yes, I also have 2 sons and work one day a week. Thank goodness! I get well paid as an ICU nurse per diem. The nurses know me from before I had kids, and I have been there full time 3 years, and per diem for 4.

I would also like to change speciality, and have accepted that that will not change until I work full time again. So I enjoy my blessings.

Even if you wait until your kids are almost grown to go full time and explore your options in nursing, you still have many, many years left until you retire (or fall apart).

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Hi everyone! I'm having kind of a hard time right now with my career choice, and just need to hear about others who might be in or used to be in the same situation. I'm an RN, and I graduated nursing school in '02. I worked almost a year (med/surg) and then had my first son. I wanted to stay home with him as much as possible, so I started working just one day per week. I felt like that gave me the best of both worlds-- being with him most of the time, but still being in the nursing field a little bit. So now I have 2 sons, and I am continuing to work one day/week (now doing hospice admissions) which works well for me and my family... BUT... it's so hard knowing that I STILL don't have that much experience, and I haven't been able to get started in the specialties I'm interested in because I only want to work one day a week, and most places aren't going to hire and train someone who only wants to work minimal hours like that. I still think I'm making the right decision by staying home with my sons, but it's hard to know what I'm missing out on in my nursing career! Anyone else out there in a similar situation? I do want to start working more hours once my kids are in school, but that's still a few years away (they're little, ages 3 and 16 months!).

I think you are doing great. Being a mother is the hardest and most important job in the world. It is good that you are raising your children and not dumping them off in day care for someone else to raise. I also agree with you that when they start school then you can work whenever they are in school.

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

I work weekends for the same reason, Fri & Sat night. A lot of nurses I work with do it that way for that reason too. There are many of us out there who sympathize with you! While I am working DH has our son. I'm off during the week. Hard on our social life but it works for us for now. Best of luck to you.

P.S. They are little only once. Enjoy them now!! :)

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Specializes in OB, ICU, ER, MS,.

One of the really beautiful things about nursing is the flexibility. I work casual. In our hospital that means that I am fill in. Because we are a small rural hospital and I have experience in many areas through the years..I fill in each week... sometimes one night, sometimes two. It allows me to be there for my kids after school and for their sports activities. Plus the day care isn't as spendy. I have 5 children aged 2-14 and for the last 16 years I've worked part time or casual. It hasn't hurt my career at all. I feel like I am doing the best for both. I don't have insurance, but my husband does.

I empathize with you about changing areas, but I have done that and stayed full time through orientation then gone back to the part time. Many hospitals are glad to get the help and will work with you.

Good luck.

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Another option might be to work nights, or part-time nights. I am home when my kids are home (school-aged now); I don't miss work for snow days or holidays or school vacations, etc. I go to work three 12's a week so I miss dinner with them three nights a week, which isn't a problem; Daddy spends that time with them. I'm usually home before the bus comes in the morning. And working full time means I am missing very little waking hours of theirs, which was important to me.

Perhaps part time, working just the nocs (11-7), two or three days a week would be better for you. Yes, you'd need to sleep around the kids' daytime schedule, but it might work out for you. Catch up on sleep when Daddy's home for a few hours. :)

Goodluck!

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That is wonderful! One of the reasons I am getting into nursing is the flexibility. I have a 5 year old and a 1 year old and I would give up anything for them. What ever works best for you, I say go for it and good luck to you!!!!!!!

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Specializes in ER , clinic, and Home Health.

Hi! I was so happy to see that I was not alone. I just recently quit nursing to stay at home with my son and lately I have been feeling useless. I know that having the opportunity to stay at home with my son is a dream come true, but I feel like I am missing out on learning and staying up to date with medicine! I would love to work PRN but it is so hard to find a employer to hire you just for one day a week, and its also hard to find a sitter. Just wanted to let you know that I know how you feel! Thanks!

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