Managing shift work

[knoxnurse236]

I have been a nurse for a year. My husband is a sheriff's deputy. We both work shifts and it's hard especially when our shifts end up being opposite. I work 12 hours in a 2/3 rotating split. His also changes every so often. Sometimes it seems impossible to have regular family time. It worries me because we don't even have kids yet and yeah it is HARD. How do those of you with both spouses working in shifts manage your family time and make it work. I would love some advice or tips.

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

This is a thorny problem for lots of nurses. Many of us are drawn to others in helping professions - respiratory therapists, paramedics, law enforcement officers, fire fighters... and other nurses. The ones I know in this situation will make trades in their schedules to give more time off together. Others take advantage of the opposition and save a bundle on child care. Have you asked around to see if any of your coworkers would be willing to make some trades, mutually beneficial of course, so that you can spend more time with your husband?