Family Life and Nursing

xokw, BSN, RN · Apr 28, 2016

Hello everyone,
I am currently a working RPN, bridging in the BScN program, and I'm near the finish line. I'm in my mid 20s, and while I love the idea of acuity and the excitement of working in critical nursing areas, I would like to have a family of my own one day. The nurses I have worked with have missed holidays, family events, etc., by working 12 hour shifts in hospitals. I have no kids/obligations, so I don't mind any of the shifts I get, however, in the long run, I do wonder if shift work will be worth it regarding family.
Am I right for thinking like this now? My mind has been wandering to Public Health ever since I got the opportunity to have a community placement last semester, and it seems more "family friendly", for a lack of better terms. Or even working in an area of nursing that doesn't require 12 hour shift work (OR, for example).
If anyone has had any experience in Public Health, or any other comments regarding my statements, I'd love to hear your perspectives. Thank you!

FYI, I don't think there's anything wrong with the way you are thinking.

I am in the same position (RPN, full time BScN student), and my future job prospects will likely never include the hospital setting. This is solely because of my own personal preferences (which include a dislike for shift work, 12 hour shifts, and other aspects of working in a hospital). Many nurses and other people have this view that the only "real" nurses are the ones who work in the hospital, but I think that's crazy. We NEED nurses elsewhere, and I think it's completely okay to go after those positions! It's a great big nursing world out there and the hospital is just a small part of it :)

theRPN2b · Apr 28, 2016

If you like the hospital setting, there is the OR,day surgery,hospital clinics that do 8-hour shifts (but you may have to put in some time working on an in patient unit before you obtain a position in those)

Fiona59 · Apr 28, 2016

OR nurses are required to be on for a certain number shifts per month, you need good back up childcare if yo are called over the weekend or ar 0200.

Day surgery in my region takes 10+ years of seniority to get an interview. Outpatients clinics? I have 15 years in, and can't get an interview.

Look at dialysis, outpatient, you'd have a chance there

RPNtoRN · Apr 29, 2016

I'm also a full time BScN bridging student and a single mom. I've just started shift work at a nursing home, and it's going to be really tricky. I have a babysitter and back ups available, but I do feel guilty leaving my daughter so much. I would much prefer a 9 to 5 type schedule, although I'm sure I'm many years away from that.

I'm also interested in public health, or even a clinic setting. I know I'd make more in a hospital, but that's not really a priority at this point.

On the other hand, kids adapt well, and working 12s means more days off, which may be more beneficial for a work/family balance than a typical Monday to Friday job.

dishes, BSN, RN · Apr 29, 2016

Most public health job openings receive a glut of qualified applicants, the applicants often have experience with marginalized and vulnerable people in their community. Some have volunteered in soup kitchens, youth drop in centers or newcomer centers, some have worked in aids hospices, in addictions or in sexual health centers. If you want to be a competetive applicant, suggest you volunteer with non-profit organizations in your community.

RPNtoRN · Apr 29, 2016

That's great to know, dishes. Thanks for the insight :)

dishes, BSN, RN · Apr 29, 2016

@RPNtoRN and dreams91, if either of you do decide to volunteer with a non-profit organization, charityvillage com is a good resource for volunteer and job postings.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Apr 30, 2016

Unit manager and educator positions are often Mon-Friday but these positions require a minimum of 3-5 years of experience usually.

Something to work towards if you prefer these hours.

dayandnight · Apr 30, 2016

It's quite hard to balance the work-life as a nurse. I personally don't have much time to spend with family after changing career from residential care (8 hr shift day and eve rotating) to 12 hr hospital shifts that requires day and night shift rotation. I found many nurses missing holidays or precious days with family. If I had family I'd gain experiences prior and try to get a clinic job or even a part time job in other units that require rotating shifts. Part time is hard to get where I am because of the flexibility and that everybody would like to have that kind of lifestyle