Good idea or not?

Nurses General Nursing

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In your opinion would it be a good idea to leave a Mon-Fri 8 hr job to work 12 hr weekends on med-surg at the hospital in order to babysit my baby grandson during the week? I'm not sure I could get the 8 hr job back in five years when he goes to school. On one hand, I would absolutely love watching him every day. I did it all summer (school nurse hours) when I was off. On the other, it would basically be like working two jobs and I'm getting older and more tired. As he gets older and begins crawling then walking it will be a lot harder.

Has anyone babysat their grandkid(s) full time and ended up regretting starting that or wished they could just be the fun grandma and not the full time care giver? Is it better to just keep the job I have now so once he starts school I can be there when he's off? My daughter is having trouble finding good consistent child care. I thought that may be a solution but I just have mixed feelings about it. Short term it sounds great but long term I don't know and I don't want to job hop any more than necessary. Any advice appreciated!

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

Welcome to AN.com, TinyDancer!

I believe if one is having mixed feelings, or lost, they should follow the old advice of staying where they are.

school nurse

These people may be able to give you a more sound perspective:

https://allnurses.com/school-nurses/

Good luck!

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Only you can make the choice but after being full time caregiver to my nephew and working on the weekend I can tell you it is exhausting.

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I think when you do it everyday, it becomes a job. You need to enjoy keeping your grandson instead of "working." And if you do have several years to work after he goes it school, there is that chance of having to settle for a nursing job you don't enjoy. Good luck to you and your daughter!

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Thank you all for your advice! I think you're right about staying put. I was letting my emotions get in the way and clouding what I bet my gut is trying to tell me. Thanks for giving me some perspective!

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Specializes in Travel, Home Health, Med-Surg.

I think that would be a very tough schedule. You really would not have a day off and you said you are already tired now. I watched my first grandchild when he was a baby (I was already working 12's so just part time) and it does get much harder when they start crawling and walking, putting them in/out of the corificeat. It was exhausting and I didn't last long so went from part time to just every now and then. It is your choice but I would seriously think about it. Med surg is hard and as time goes on it will only get harder. From one Grandma to another I wish you well and hope it all works out!

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
I believe if one is having mixed feelings, or lost, they should follow the old advice of staying where they are.!

This.

And I know you want to help your daughter...but you also have to consider how things are going to impact you and take care of yourself first before you take care of others. Just like in the airline safety instructions. You can't stretch yourself so thin putting other's needs first that you neglect your own and make yourself miserable as a result.

Best of luck whatever you decide!

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Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.
I know you want to help your daughter...but you also have to consider how things are going to impact you and take care of yourself first before you take care of others.

This.

You paid your "mom" dues. She is the mom now and you get to graduate to "fun grandma". Be supportive, give love and an unlimited supply of cookies, but remember to enjoy your time as your own. You deserve it.

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Scooters, crawlers, toddlers, and preschoolers are exhausting even when you're the parent! They require *constant* interaction/supervision. After doing that for 5 days straight, you'll be just about past the point of ready for a break - - - but instead you'll be headed to the hospital for 12 hour weekend shifts :eek:

It's your decision and we can't/shouldn't tell you what to do.

Don't do it. ;)

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You could work weekends and have the baby for 2 or 3 days a week. I don't know the situation with your daughter and if she has a husband or not, etc but I'd help her out as much as you can. The relationship with your grandkids will be lifelong and the "jobs" we have can be fleeting. I used to do 16's on weekends at places that had 8 hour shifts. You can always look around and see what options you have in your area.

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I don't know which choice would be best, but I do wish you the best.

I can't say I agree with the poster above who said it's just essentially your daughter's problem and you should just be the fun Grandma. That sounds pretty cold to me.

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Thanks for all your advice. I didn't find any advice cold. I understood what she was saying but I will still plan to help out as much as possible. I have lots of days off where I do help and sometimes in the evenings when needed. Her husband only has weekends off but she does have help from the other side of the family part time as well. I asked everyone in the family and my youngest son who is still in high school asked me to please not do it. He said I'm always stressed and grouchy when I work at the hospital. LOL! I am wanting to jump in there and solve all the problems like you do when they are young but I think I need to let them figure this one out like I did when I was in their shoes many years ago.

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