LPN's with small children.... question for you

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 17, 2007

Although I do not have children, I'm aware that it is extremely difficult to land day shifts as a new grad nurse. The vast majority of newbies are hired for night shifts, and the more experienced nurses with seniority tend to work days. If you remain at the same facility, make the nurse manager aware that you would like to transfer to day shift once a position becomes available.

Your job prospects will depend on your geographic area and the local market for nursing positions. In my area, I had a difficult time finding a PRN job because they wanted at least a few months of steady experience. However, I had an easy time finding permanent jobs for evening shift (that dreaded 3-11pm). Typically, PRN and agency jobs require some experience, because they are paying you a higher pay rate than the permanent staff nurses.

natrgrrl · Jul 17, 2007

I have 4 kids and will start LPN school in September. I have to find day care for a few hours a week for my youngest while I am in school. After I graduate I plan to do LPN to RN, but if I decide to work as LPN instead of going right into RN, I will look for a job working 2-3 12 hr shifts. That way, I will be home most days of the week with my kids.

I wouldn't worry now about getting pregnant later. There is never a good time to have kids. You just do the best you can with what you've got. I know that my cousin has been a nurse for 4 years and been pregnant twice. She didn't mention anything about having a hard time with her employer but she did have to take a few weeks off for nausea and vomiting early in her first pregnancy. She worked up until her last Dr. appointment with the first baby.

You'll do just fine. And besides, when you get through it (and you will get through it) you will be a great mentor for some new mom who is trying to figure out how to do the same thing!

Fiona59 · Jul 17, 2007

Here's my two bits worth.

We've had 2 pregnant nurses this year. They worked 12hr shifts. By their 6th month, they were on 8 hour shifts with a Dr. note covering the other 3.5 hours as "sick" time. They both left at the start of their 8th month. We have one year's mat. leave and we're already betting on if they'll come back.

PRN or casual lets you tell the facility which day and which shift you are available. Their is no guarantee of hours or usually their are no benefits.

PRN works fine if your husband has benefits and the wages aren't included in the family budget. I used to get a lot of hours but then there was always a dry spell right after Christmas. Some places require that you be available for a certain number of weekend and evening shifts. Bear in mind that the "casual" staff often wind up with the worst assignment on the floor, the isolation patients, demanding patient or the families from hell (the regular staff are usually burned out by these patients).

Any available extra hours are offered to the regular part time staff first and the least desirable shifts are offered to the "casual" staff which means lots of weekends, nights, and last minute call-ins on the day that a staff member calls in sick. This doesn't work unless you have very flexible family members providing childcare.

That's the reality of working prn.

nckdl · Jul 21, 2007

When I graduated from nursing school my children were 5, 3, 1. I worked almost two years on 2nd shift (2-10:30) first starting as casual which was 2 days a week and p/u shifts when needed then i went full time. Then when my middle child started school I only saw my kids one hour before school and it was really hard, so I went to night shift. After 6 months I couldn't handle it so I got a really great job on 1st shift, 12 hour days so I only work 3 days a week. I see a lot of pregnant nurses and some of them are contingent. I also work in a nursing home. Good luck.

Marisela01 · Jul 21, 2007

Hi...I'm a LVN in Texas with a 3 yr old, and it is tough balancing work + school and motherhood. I work in an ambulatory care environment, so basically I work day hrs 8-5 or 7/4:30 somedays, with weekends off. I use to work 16 hr doubles, but was getting to tired to do anything during the week, the commuter is absolutely correct, if you have experience than you have a better opportunity for day-shifts, but most new grads have to work the "Not soo desired shifts". :trout:

But nonetheless, anything can work as long as you make it work.

BigB · Jul 23, 2007

The 3 - 11 shift is the devil. Really, it is the worse shift if you have a family. I use to work it. You miss all the holiday dinners, family events, and after school activities your childeren might be in etc etc. You don't see your family during the most important hours (when they are awake!!) This shift can break up a family and I have seen divorces come from it. The shift is ok if you are single though.

I prefer to work the graveyard shift. I see me family a lot more. When I have enough time in to get am shift...I will go there.

Hi there, still thinking if this is the right career for me. I have a 5 year old and plan on having another in a year or two. How does your schedules fit in with your kids. Do you work 3-11 and not see them at night? Do you work a lot of holidays? I cant work the night shifts because my husband starts work at 4am so I would have to be home by then! Is this career not good for someone with small children? I know the first year after school I will need to get experience so whatever shift I get, I get, right? Can you do PRN as a grad? PRN means you pick the days, right? IF so, how steady is the money. How about being pregnant and nursing. Now that I think of it. I don’t think I have ever seen a nurse with a big baby bump! Is it okay to have a 12 hour shift standing all day and be pregnant?
Thanks for any help you can give!
-Clarsisa