Is a 3/12 hr shift PCA with 6 kids doable?

[Ummsantos]

I am 37 and a medical assistant with 6 kids. I love my babies (15-4 yr) but I want to provide a better life for them. I was thinking of switching from traditional 8-5 clinic job to night duty 3/12 a week. I also want to go back to school part-time to become an RN. Am I crazy? Is this doable?

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

It may be possible, or it may be insanity. A lot of it would depend on the support system you have in place to help you out.

Keep in mind that 12-hour shifts are rarely 12 hours. They're usually 12.5 hours in order to accommodate a lunch break. And it's usually closer to 13 hours or more by the time you are able to leave. Then factor in commuting and time to sleep, and you'll find you may not have as much free time for the family as you'd hope. And 6 kids is a LOT of family. That's where your support system can make or break it for you.

At least with working nights, you can sleep while the elder kids are in school. But what about the 4 year old and any others too young for school?

Also most, if not all, pre-licensure RN programs are full-time. That's something else to work into the equation.