Daycare for nurses?

[Mommynurse811, ASN]

Looking for some advice about daycare options. I work 0300 to 1530 three days a week (not consistently the same days), and my husband works 0600 to 1400 (again, not consistently the same days each week). I know there will inevitably be days that we both have to work. Between our parents and siblings, I think we can usually have a sitter for our little man; however, I'm worried that there may come a time when we won't have anyone. My hospital does not offer daycare options, although I wish it did! I come back from maternity leave in a few weeks, so just looking into back up plans! 

Has anyone had experience with using a daycare that caters to odd schedules? 

Thanks! 

[SarHat17, ASN, RN]

I only have heard of a very few childcare facilities that are open outside of "normal" hours in my area. (Normal = 6a-630p-ish) Which is kind of crazy, since there are so many healthcare employees working overnight, etc; you'd think there would be a niche for daycare specifically catering to that!

Personally, I would be pretty leery about using an overnight facility (or even using a childcare facility during the day) that I don't use regularly and often. I'm physically at my child's daycare usually for drop off/pick up and recognize/am recognized by the employees at the facility. I would have safety concerns over leaving my child with people that I/they don't see or interact with often.

If your work hours are not able to change, it might work to use a facility that opens at 6a, and your husband will handle the afternoon/early evening with the baby, since I'm assuming you will need to either nap when you get home, or go to bed earlier in the evening. Also, consider using that facility 2-3 days a week, whether you both are working or not. (Kind of like a parent's-day-out type of thing. Baby gets well-cared for, and you/both of you have a day for Dr appts, go to the movies, just catch up on house/yardwork that is challenging with the baby home, etc.)

An in-home situation might be something more comfortable/flexible for your situation. (I've never used an in-home, so I don't have any experience there.) Otherwise, I'd say to communicate all the details to your family who will handle childcare; would you be dropping the baby off at 230a or 6p the night before, for example? Have a few different layers of backup during these times as well, just in case!