How did you find daycare to fit nursing hours?

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Hello everyone! I am new to the site. I graduate in May and have been offered a job. I am a single mama with 2 little boys. How in the heck do I find daycare for nursing hours? 12 hours shifts doesn't seem like it fits daycare hours. I do not have any family in the area and I have zero support. I start my job in July and have no idea how to begin. Also I rotate days and nights. PLEASE HELP!

P.S. I'll be working in Northern Virginia!!

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I can't answer that question, but I suggest seeing if you can ask other nurses in the area or your hospital what they do.

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any chance your hospital has an inhouse daycare? I've had problems with this myself in the past, and thats why I didnt consider nursing as a career option when I was a single mom. One thing that I have come across though while I was a single mom is homecare daycare centers where its like 1 lady taking care of kids with a license. Granted its not the same as a facility, but while the bad of that is that its generally more free play/less instruction the bonus is that they can be way more flexible because they are not paying for staff or leaving their homes. Just make sure to check them out really well and talk to their licensing agency and other parents.

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Yeah, that's the main issue that I will have as well. Home daycare is your best option. They aren't my favorite but you do what you have to do. Another possible option is to hire someone to come into your home to watch the child. Just make sure you screen well, you can use a nanny service or word of mouth from friends.

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Thoughout NS, I had to use a home daycare as well. My son is in elem. school, so for the majority of the day he was at school. I just had to find someone willing to take him in early and make sure he got to school. I don't have any family nearby either, but I did rely on my hubby, though.

There are private home daycares that offer around the clock childcare, you just have to look for them. Also, could look into hiring someone to come into your home.

I know most hospital jobs are 12 hour shifts, but have you looked at other options. Some hospitals offer flexible scheduling, job sharing, etc. Some departments have more conventional hours like the OR, cath lab, clinic, etc.

I feel for you. I will have a problem myself when I start my job. My husband has to be at work at 6:30 in the mornings an hour away, so he won't be much help in the mornings.

Good luck to you. :redbeathe

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