New Grad and Job search advice for single mom

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Hi, I have a question that maybe some of you can shed some light on. I recently graduated from an RN program and took my NCLEX in June of this year. I'm a single mom and need to look for a job that will not include night time shifts (impossible, I know). It's a really tough market out there especially since I have no healthcare experience and I'm in my late forties. I'd be willing to work nights if I had coverage for my 13 year old daughter at night. However, since nurses work rotating shifts, it's almost next to impossible to find help. I've become so discouraged I've decided to take classes toward my BSN and volunteer at the hospital when what I really want to be doing is getting some experience. Any advice?

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I got a day shift position. There are places with evening shifts too. Just be honest when interviewing that you need child care

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Rehab.

Not all employers require rotating shifts. Keep looking and be honest about what you're looking for.

I've had three jobs as a nurse...the first two were straight days and now I work straight evenings, with every other weekend at both jobs. I've never had to rotate shifts and for me, that would be a deal-breaker.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I'd be willing to work nights if I had coverage for my 13 year old daughter at night.

Your 13-year-old daughter still requires a babysitter at night? Does she have special needs or some type of developmental disability?

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Your 13-year-old daughter still requires a babysitter at night?

It's more for supervision. Trust me, people think their kids need close supervision as toddlers/school aged.

Until you have teenagers you have no idea of the trouble they can get into just to be "accepted" at school. They sneak out, they experiment with sex, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, you name it.

I know the internet is full of people who say "I raised my kids right, they wouldn't do that". Well, you never know what your child husband, friend will do.

Better safe than a dead/stoned/ addicted/pregnant teenager.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I think it's great that you are taking classes toward your BSN and volunteering. Volunteering is experience. I understand why you want a day shift position. Brush up your resume and highlight your clinical experiences as well as what you have learned from your previous job experiences. When I started out on my job hunt, someone I know who used to manage a med-surg unit recommended that I get ACLS certification and join a professional organization. He said managers like to see that on a resume. It may be worth it to take an EMT course and get some experience there if you want to work ED.

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Amen Fiona59, you got it! My daughter is a good kid, however, at 13 I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving her overnight by herself; she's simply just too young and I know she wouldn't be comfortable with it either. As for Lev's comment, I think you are right about the ACLS certification - also, I joined the ANA and will seek some help with adjusting my resume.

Even volunteering is proving to be a challenge at some of the hospitals though. It's a riot - I feel like I need a doctorate in Arts & Crafts to be able to get in and on top of that, they want a full year's commitment. I'm trying to stay positive but I feel at times like the wind has been knocked out of my sails. I had NO idea it would be this much of a challenge....

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