Mom's of small kids

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How do you all manage 12 hour shifts with small kids? I am applying to an accelerated BSN program and hope to begin by next summer. I have a 2 year old son and I am already beginning to feel guilty for having to be away from him for so long during the day. My husband currently works 10 hour shifts 6 days a week so my little one will be away from both of his parents for just about the entire day on most days. We don't have family nearby to help with picking him from daycare. Any suggestions? I really want to go into nursing ASAP but I don't want my son to have to suffer in the process.

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, M/S.

I have 2 girls, ages 4 and 8. All I can say is it has been a long struggle. I have turned down jobs twice b/c of concerns about not being able to find or afford childcare. I have had to relocate back to where my sister lives so she can help out. I had a SAHM neighbor that was literally like an angel to me as she was always willing to watch them and was quite flexible but she abruptly moved away.

I live in a rural area and there is a shortage of day cares and none that stay open past 6pm. Also they want a set schedule and do nurses get a set schedule??? Good luck with that.

Sorry for venting - I hope you have better luck

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I did it by working opposite shifts and days (PRN). Did it for years, on NOC/weekends. Usually you will have to end up sacrificing something; work or your kids. It's hard to have it all. We were military, so NONE of our family members could help. Barter day care with friends, if you can. You do for them, they for you. Try to work opposite from your husband or s/o.....

I remember during my 4th semester (the hardest one) my husband was in the Middle East and my daycare provider/best friend moved to Germany. I had to send my (then) 3 year old son out of state with relatives cause my clinicals were 6am to 6pm and no daycare open that long.

Point is, I made it work. It takes creativity.

It won't be easy. But you can work it out.

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Specializes in Inpatient Oncology/Public Health.

I have a 6 and 2 year old. I don't do 12s. I do 3 8s, weekend overnights with a nice differential. Weekend track which is 2 12s on the weekend pays even better. I basically work opposite my husband so one of us is typically doing the care. We use one day of daycare a week so I can sleep after my Thursday shift. I like 8s because I'm still there for dinner/bedtime.

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