Can I be a full time MOM and full time RN???

Nurse_ · Oct 27, 2012

Congratulations!

You can certainly do both. There are a lot nursing facets that doesn't require 12-hour shifts.Nursing has been a female dominated profession, RNs had managed to raise children and innovate the field of nursing.

RNmomof3boys · Oct 27, 2012

Congrats!!! That is awesome (for the baby and upcoming graduation)!!! Absolutely! I work 3 12-hour shifts a week and still spend a lot of time with my boys. I actually love going to work for a while. I work nights and am now trying not to work 3 12's in a row. That is a bit much. But it works out. If you work in a larger area, you may be able to find a hospital that has a daycare and that way you can spend your lunch breaks with your little one. Or if you are breast feeding (instead of pumping) going and feeding your little one. Good luck!

melmarie23, MSN, RN · Oct 28, 2012

I now work two 12h shifts a week (part time) after working two, per diem jobs where I was pulling full time (or more) hours. I first started working when my first was 14w old, became pregnant with our second when our first was almost 10 months (yes we are insane, lol) and it was then that I quit one per diem in favor of the other. Then I had the option to go part time and snagged it.

What I love about nursing, especially beside, is that you have the option of working full time (even say, as a per diem) and only be away from home a few days a week. So yes, it is possible I'd say, to do both.

Don't be afraid to get creative.

Though FYI: while on orientation, you really wont have an option as to what shifts and how many shifts a week you work. You are at the mercy of your preceptors schedule. But after that its much more manageable.

nrsang97, BSN, RN · Oct 28, 2012

After orientation you can do your own schedule. During orientation you follow your preceptor's schedule. I have a 3y/o and work 3 nights a week 12 hours. It is managable. You can do it.

Congrats on the new little one and upcoming graduation.

Morganalefey · Oct 28, 2012

Yes, you can!

I have an 8y/o, a 7y/o and a 4.5y/o (yes, they are all very close in age) and I currently work 3, 8 hr shifts a week. Next year when my little one starts full time school I will probably work full time, 3, 12 hr shifts. You get more time w/family that way!

Congrats on the new baby and graduation!

RNperdiem, RN · Oct 28, 2012

Most of my co-workers come back to work full time after having a baby. I found that leaving the kids with their Dad for a whole day shift was good parental training for him. He is not a man that "babysits" his kids(he hates that term).

Most of the nurses I work with use family for childcare.

I am unusual in that I am primarily a stay-at-home mom, and I work per diem part of every weekend. This arrangement works for my family. Of course to get were I am, I did work full-time for 4 years before children, so my skills were sharp, I was experienced, and I qualified for a per diem job.

A new grad has fewer options. If you want to continue in nursing, you will need to put in enough full time work upfront before you qualify for per diem work, part time or weekend option plans(do they still exist?).

LilRedRN1973 · Oct 29, 2012

You can definitely do it....I have been a nurse since my two older ones were 8 and 5 years old; then I had a baby in 2007. I started out working night shifts, three 12-hour shifts and occasionally did four and five of those a week (I do NOT recommend that; it about killed me and I became rather self destructive). I did leave nursing for about a year when I had to straighten myself out (I'm a recovering addict/alcoholic). But I've been working again full time since 2009 after surrendering my license and earning it back. I juggle 40 hours a week at work (with about an hour commute time each day), then about 8 hours throughout the week at AA meetings and nurse support group. I also have to deal with my husband's schedule, which is Sun-Wed night shift (4:30pm to 4:30am). Is it easy? No. But we manage and it makes me value my time with the kiddos that much more. And the older kids have learned some skills around the house they will need as they transition into adulthood (they are now 16 and 13).

It's much easier doing this than when I was in nursing school full time with a 3 year old and a 6 year old, working two 12-hour night shifts, and a husband who was again working night shift Sun-Wed. Husband and I saw each other every other Wednesday night....no joke. I like to kid around and say that's why we are still married; because we aren't in each other faces all the time. Good luck with your little one and it will be difficult at first. I don't think anything could ever be more difficult for me than checking into rehab while my little one was learning to walk. But we got through that and now, he's an energetic little 5 year old who keeps me on my toes when I'm home! :sarcastic:

jk82 · May 31, 2013

I currently have a job that is M-F 8-2, no weekends or holidays..However, I have a toddler and baby #2 on the way and I'm trying to decide if I should go back to working 12hour shifts.. I can work per diem since I don't need benefits and make a little more money only working 2-3days a week. The trade off is some weekends and holidays (although I can pick my schedule) along with the chaos and stress of floor nursing! I really don't know what's best for my family?! I get home by 3pm now and have most of the afternoon at home, but would it be better to have more days off?? Each have their pros and cons and I need daycare either way.... It's stressing me out! Any advice?! What do you prefer as a mom?