How do you handle night shift with young kids?

Misslady113 · Dec 2, 2009

Wow. Thats going to be pretty exhausting. At least for me it would. I have worked 11-7 before and always have the hubby take care of the kids in the day while I sleep or my mom watch them. I have come home to them before with no help and I just didn't have the energy for it at ALL! I am a night owl too, but the work as a CNA is more exhausting then staying home up all night. You will be pooped when you come home, not get any sleep, have to take care of small children, and then go back to work the next night??!! If I didn't have any help I would probably try to get them into school or a sitter. That way I can sleep in the day while they are away. :heartbeat

dee78 · Dec 2, 2009

I worked 11-7 when my girls were toddlers. It was not easy. I did come home and sleep for a few hours before my parents went to work. Then I'd lock us in downstairs where they couldn't get hurt, turned on PBS, got them a sippy cup, and took a nap. It wasn't the best situation but I did what I had to do. I was also going to school in the evenings so I couldn't sleep before work some nights. But on nonschool nights I would try to get in a good nap before work.

I worked that for 6 months and then convinced my supervisor that I was needed from 6p-2a, that gave me a chance to get some uninterrupted sleep before they got home. I had no evenings off at all but I was more rested.

snuffyRN · Dec 2, 2009

I did it for 4+ years (as a CNA) from the time my kids were infants til my daughter started school! It isn't easy but with good supportive hubby you can do it! My hubby kept the kids up late til after I'd already gone to work. When I got home in the morning we'd meet at the door him leaving for work. I'd sleep until my daughter woke up usually 10 or so we'd ge up eat breakfast, play have lunch and take a nap together. I alway lined up juice and snacks for her on the head board and have us locked in the bedroom. if she woke up I'd turn on cartoons for her to catch an extra half hour or so! And always got a nap in the evening. I never worked more then 3 days in a row Or I'd be the walking dead! I won't say it was easy because it wasn't but we had decieded we didn't want our kids in daycare and It worked great for us!

jaytori220 · Dec 3, 2009

Wow thanks Snuffy! My sister said that if she could do then I could! Mind you shes 20 years my senior and her kids are older now but she did it when her kids were young. I had an interview today. For 2 positions that are available. A PT and a FT both 11pm-7am. I plan on coming home in the morning and getting a 2-3 hours in before hubby goes to work at either 9 or 10am. Then nap with them during their nap time which sometimes I get lucky and they sleep for 2-3 hours and sometimes longer and then some days hubby gets home at 5pm and some days 6pm. So I can get a few hours in there. Then sleep alot on the days hubby has off which is Sunday and Mondays. I think it will take time to get used to but I think I can definatly do it. Im very scared tho cause when I went to do my interview all the nurses looked mean... :sniff: Not one smiled at me and I got "looks". Altho the nurse that interviewed me was great! I waiting on the call. Hopefully tomorrow.

dee78 · Dec 3, 2009

Good luck!!

snuffyRN · Dec 3, 2009

Sounds like you have a good plan! It will take some getting use to but you can do it! Nice that you hubby goes to work a bit later that will help! Good luck hope you get the job!

jaytori220 · Dec 3, 2009

I was offered the part time position and accepted! Im excited! Not sure when I start as I still am waiting for Human Resources to call me and get things figured out.

snuffyRN · Dec 3, 2009

CONGRATS!!!! It'll be a challenge but you'll be great!