Can I ask to work exclusively day shifts?

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I am going to start my nursing program in the fall. I know down the road I will be applying for my first nursing job, but I am a single mom. Normally, I wouldn't be picky about my work schedule, and I would just take what I can get-- especially on a new job. But my daughter will be about 3 when that time roles around, and I highly doubt I can work night shifts, 3p-3a, 7p-7a, or have a crazy schedule where I have a night shift and then a day shift.... Can I ask for exclusively day shifts since I am a single mom? I don't care what days during the week I get. I don't want to come off like I think I'm entitled to day shifts... What can I do?

P.S. I know a lot of single moms do work night shifts, but I don't have the support system to do so.

Specializes in Acute Rehab & Med/Surg.

I've seen most moms (single or not) work night shift bc it works out better. But some will try to switch to day shift, kids helped them get the switch, although they were in a rotation type deal. Someone had to leave or go perdiem on days for the night shift person to get the now available day shift. And then someone had to be trained on nights to fill their spot. Unless you specifically applied for a day shift is doubt you'd get as well as most new nurses end up on the night shift at first.

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Really? Sorry, but as a single mom of a special needs child, I don't feel sorry for you. I work nights so I'm paying my dues for a day shift position. As far as " no support system" that is a crock. It has taken me years, but I have back ups to my back up childcare. My son and I even live with my parents so that he doesn't have to live out of a suitcase when I have to go to work. It is not a very ideal situation for my social life, but it is not about that. It is about my child and what is best for him. I suggest you start humbling yourself now, think about your child, and start building a support system for caring for that child.

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It's crazy hearing all this talk about how hard it is to find the job you want, and how the field is saturated it makes me glad that I live in Massachusetts, there is always tons and tons of jobs for all shifts, per diem part time full time with excellent pay and benefits. Even as a first year Nursing Student and CNA with no experience I was able to land a job in an Acute Rehab Hospital in my home town, which was constructed in 2014 brand new everything, and I'm pretty much guaranteed a job after I graduate and pass my NCLEX. The jobs are out there, I guess it just depends on the location. Right now where I work we have a 7a-7pm, 7p-7a, 3-11's all currently open for RNs and even more for PCTs

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Specializes in Mother/Baby.

I haven't read all the posts here, but maybe my unit is just really nice. I was hired as a CNA for my dream hospital in a neuro surgery recovery unit on night shifts with NO experience (and no, I didn't "know someone"), and I work exclusively night shifts since that's what I interviewed for. I could have gotten days (I was given the choice during my interview for neuro and when I interviewed for cardiac as well), but I told my manager that my nursing school would be days, so nights would work best. I have never gotten the impression on my unit that one has to pay their dues for a day shift. None of us night shifters even want it! I don't think you're asking for special treatment at all. You have a child and are entering into nursing school. That is life, and that is what you are working with. Don't let some of the replies ere discourage you. Keep looking, and you'll find the right place for you! :)

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I'm straight out of nursing school as of February and I passed Nclex 1st week of March and got a job in a nursing home March 30th on the day shift only 6:30-3PM and I work every other weekend. So, yes it's an option as far as LPN'S, not sure about RN'S though. Good Luck!!!!!!

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Really? Sorry, but as a single mom of a special needs child, I don't feel sorry for you. I work nights so I'm paying my dues for a day shift position. As far as " no support system" that is a crock. It has taken me years, but I have back ups to my back up childcare. My son and I even live with my parents so that he doesn't have to live out of a suitcase when I have to go to work. It is not a very ideal situation for my social life, but it is not about that. It is about my child and what is best for him. I suggest you start humbling yourself now, think about your child, and start building a support system for caring for that child.

I wasn't asking for a pity party. I wanted to know what was realistic as a new grad, and why-ideally- I would like day shifts. I don't need to be humbled because I don't feel entitled to day shifts. I think about my child in every aspect of my life which is why I'm asking about work schedules two years ahead of the game. But yes you are right, I need to start building a support system. I wish you the best of luck in attaining a day shift position as soon as possible.

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This is a bunch of bull. Kassiahpg can get a job full time dayshift almost anywhere. There is plenty of job offers in dayshift that will accommodate to your way of life. As a matter of fact, there are places where people rather work night shift because the pay is always better, this goes for experienced and non experienced nurses, lvn's and cna's. Why are people always negative and melodramatic?

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What I would do if I was a single parent is look for a complementary roommate situation where you work opposite of each other and share childcare or a boarder who would provide childcare in exchange.

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Yes! Absolutely you can ask to work day shift! I have been a nurse for 7 yrs and I only work day shift, from day one! This is my advice I give anyone going into the medical field, you have to be aggressive to get what you truly want! Go in with a smile & dont be afraid to tell managers what you need. Nurses get stuck because they choose to be stuck, dont let bitter nurses sway you from getting what you want and deserve. I started on med/surg day shift. I now work in interventional radiology & just recently accepted a fluoroscopy lab position with the federal gov. I LOVE my job, im not bitter & I am happy. I go after what I want & I have never ever been turned down for the jobs in which I apply for & interview for. Please be very positive & confident! Thats the key! Btw my new salary exceeds the nurses I worked w/ that have been in it for 15+ yrs.. (For 7 yrs in I have worked my butt off to become very marketable) Its all in confidence & drive!! Best of luck!

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I'm disappointed, though not at all surprised, at all of the negative responses to your question. I received similar responses when I had discussions with my nursing school classmates and various staff members I met during clinicals about this very same issue. Most of them said that there was no way that a new grad RN would be able to secure a position solely on day shift. I'm not a single mom, however my spouse is disabled, and I really wanted (and continue to want) to spend as much time with our child as possible. One of our instructors told me about a position in the OR at the local hospital, I applied, and I was hired. As a new grad. On day shift. I work Monday-Friday 7-3 with 24-32 hours of call (depending on staffing levels) each 6-week scheduling block (I do my call on weekends). It is absolutely possible to find a position that is strictly day shift; you just have to find the right place for you. And before everyone jumps in, I live in a smallish/midsize city, and this was true in MY area, but obviously is not necessarily true everywhere. All of the individuals that I spoke to swore that this particular hospital, a level 1 trauma center, would not and did not hire new grads for the OR. Not only did they hire me, but I've worked there for a year, and they continue to hire new grads on a consistent basis. The truth is that I was prepared to exhaust all possibilities to find the position that worked for me and my family, and I wouldn't let anyone tell you that you can't. Feel free to send me a message if you would like more feedback.

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Specializes in ICU, trauma.

I can see where you're coming from, Well kind of i don't have any kids lol. But i'm a new grad and one of the jobs i applied for me was strictly days. They had a mixed staff of 12's and 8's, the 8's consisted of 7-3/3-11. But also 5 days a week.:no: I turned it down, not for the hours but for better opportunities. But i have had a mostly positive job search with a lot of great opportunities. My best advice is to literally apply to everything!! It says you need 2 years experience? Apply! the worst they can tell you is no. Best of luck :)

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Specializes in ICU, trauma.
I'm disappointed, though not at all surprised, at all of the negative responses to your question. I received similar responses when I had discussions with my nursing school classmates and various staff members I met during clinicals about this very same issue. Most of them said that there was no way that a new grad RN would be able to secure a position solely on day shift. I'm not a single mom, however my spouse is disabled, and I really wanted (and continue to want) to spend as much time with our child as possible. One of our instructors told me about a position in the OR at the local hospital, I applied, and I was hired. As a new grad. On day shift. I work Monday-Friday 7-3 with 24-32 hours of call (depending on staffing levels) each 6-week scheduling block (I do my call on weekends). It is absolutely possible to find a position that is strictly day shift; you just have to find the right place for you. And before everyone jumps in, I live in a smallish/midsize city, and this was true in MY area, but obviously is not necessarily true everywhere. All of the individuals that I spoke to swore that this particular hospital, a level 1 trauma center, would not and did not hire new grads for the OR. Not only did they hire me, but I've worked there for a year, and they continue to hire new grads on a consistent basis. The truth is that I was prepared to exhaust all possibilities to find the position that worked for me and my family, and I wouldn't let anyone tell you that you can't. Feel free to send me a message if you would like more feedback.

Yes absolutely. Lots of places "say" they don't hire new grads. I applied for an ICU position at a trauma center here and in the interview the nurse manager straight up told me they don't like to hire new grads...I start next monday ;)

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