Toddlers and babes....

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Just curious...Those of you that have kids not in school yet, what kinds of jobs are you doing? And, those whose kids are now older, what did you do? Part-time or full-time, child care or one parent at home with them while the other works? Hospital or something else? Days, nights, evenings, weekends?

I'm working 10-12 hr shifts Sat and Sun every weekend with occasional extras thru the week if husband not working. Kids are 3 (tomorrow) and 10 months, just wondering if I should try and get the kids into day care maybe a couple of days a week so that we can spend time all together at the weekends as a family??

Must admit, do like the fact that one of us is always home with them, but do worry sometimes that we really don't spend enough time together as a family...

Any thoughts?

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

That is easy! Labor/Delivery/ GYN... PER DIEM!!!!!!! I love it. I have a 3 year old at home and a 9 year old in school. I plan to work this way til my kids are much older. (not just til they are in school cause they STILL need me at home even when at school). This works for me, because I work around my husband's schedule (he is in the Air Force) and I get time and a half when they call me in. I hope one day to return to part time or full time work when he retires (in about 4 years)...but til then... It works great for me!

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Specializes in Hospice/Homehealth/Homecare.

When my kids were little, I used to work 12 hour shifts nights. That way I was able to be home with the kids, was able to nap when they did and only had to work 3 days a week. We managed pretty well and my exhusband was able to have 1:1 time with the kids once in a while during the time I napped. The pay tended to be better too (in Rhode Island) because nobody wanted to work 12 hour night shifts. Another alternative is agency nursing that pays well but has no benefits. The good things about it is you make your own hours and only work when you want to. Another thing to think about (Idon't know if they have this in your area) is to check daycare centers. Many hire nurses and allow their children to attend with them for free. This was available in Rhode Island a few years ago but I don't know if that is the case now or in your area. Whatever you choose, remember that your number one priority in life is your family and that your children may someday have to take care of you and will remember this period in their lives to judge how to deal with that obstacle. Just a thought.

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Specializes in Community Health Nurse.

Working perdiem staff for a hospital, or working agency worked best for me when my children were still minors, that way I got to schedule my hours around the children so I could still be at home as much as possible. Whatever works for you and your family, go with that plan. :)

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I work 5 days a week, 8-12 hour shifts (lots of OT) my husband stays at home with the kids and does all the housework. It really is a mutual decision, each of us went with our strengths and learned to live without a few convienences.

I think if at all possible one parent should be at home. although I also know it is not possible all the time. That is where family members may be helpful.

One of my children, the oldest was in daycare most of his toddler and preschool years. He loves the fact that he can come home directly after school.

Rambling...Sorry!:D

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I'm in the boat with you Bright Eyes! I have a 30 month old and a 9 month old.

I work weekends only and I miss my husband! I put my 30 month old in daycare part time so I could do things around the house.

I agree, pool or agency. I'm ready to move on.

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