Night shift and mom RN's...will it be ok???

Juliett777 · Mar 27, 2011

I think its great that you have a supportive spouse! THAT will help the most in my opinion. I have a 1 YO and wrok 12hr NOC's, its not bad at all, I like it better than any other shift. Good luck

NCRNMDM, ASN, RN · Mar 27, 2011

I just got accepted into a nursing program that begins in the fall of 2011, however, from before I was born until just last year, my mom worked nightshift at our local hospital. She said that it worked out better for her that way, and it really did. My dad was really supportive, and he worked dayshift, so he was always at home at night while she was at work. Her mother, my grandmother, was retired and was able to pick me up from school so that she could sleep until 3:00 PM. As soon as I got in the car, I would call and wake her up; by the time I got home she was awake and ready for the day. After I got home, she would help me with homework, do any chores she needed to do around the house, and she even cooked dinner nearly every night. With a supportive husband and child care, you should be fine working nights!

slipperz30 · Mar 27, 2011

hi there!!! your lucky that you have a job not lucky me.. ive been a rn 2 years ago but still no job.. can you help me where can i find a hospital near sm fairview where i can apply for a volunteer nurse.. tnx

evolvingrn, BSN, RN · Mar 27, 2011

It's not so bad, i could move to a different shift but there are things i would give up..... I love being able to pick my kids up at school every day, When kids are sick its not a crisis...because im home anyway they can just sleep with me ect....there are definite advantages with having tons of days off . I switched to twelves. i still like it but i do miss out here and there. The one thing I would push for is a set schedule and multiple days off in a row. Good luck

LTV950rn · Mar 27, 2011

Hi there! I'm a mom of a 3 year old and just recently starting doing night shifts when I got my new job last month. My husband is supportive, although he has said he "misses" me while sleeping. My 3 year old is just starting to get used to it. I would give these tips: make sure you have childcare during the day because you need to sleep. I have known some nurses who work at night while their spouse works during the day and stay home with their kids. I don't know how they do that! (looks like you have that already, so no issue there!) Make sure you allow time for rest while the kids are gone so that you can be awake and available in the evening for dinner, bathtime, etc. Also, put that phone on vibrate or silent! Expect it will take your body some time to get used to it. (mine still is adjusting!) Good luck and hope you like it! I do private duty and really enjoy working nights in this setting.

Chin up · Mar 27, 2011

I did it for years and years and years! Hubby did not like sleeping alone, but my kids always had one us at all times. I got to drop off, pick them out. Go to all their activities, volunteer as room mom, was my daughters daisy leader, met with non working friends. I loved it. But did gain weight, mess up my sleep rhythm and developed swing shift disorder. But even with the cons...it was worth it. Go for it, just don't do it longer than you have too. Peace!

rockabye · Mar 27, 2011

My co-workers with kids claim to see their family more with the 12-hour night-shifts than working days. On day-shift you leave for work before your kids are awake and by the time you come home past 7pm, the kids are generally getting ready for bed. If you work nights, you can come home and may see your kids off to school, or at least have dinner with them around 5pm before heading to your night-shift.

rnmi2004 · Mar 27, 2011

I also have a supportive husband (and awesome kids) so it works out well. I see my kids more working nights. We eat dinner together as a family every night, I can help them with their homework, etc. It will be OK!

My co-worker has an incredibly insensitive husband who does not get that she needs to sleep during the day. None of us can understand it. He will wake her up for the stupidest stuff. For her, it isn't working out so well. She's considering switching to days, even though she'd rather stay on nights.

wife&mommyRN · Mar 27, 2011

I think it depends on the mom, spouse, & kids. There are many benefits, it works great for us bc I can sleep during the day while the kids r in school & I'm am able to pick the kids up from school everyday, attend field trips, make dinner, & homework time. So far its been fine, but now I'm feeling different now that summer is in the future, idk how old ur children r, but mine r school age & will have the summers off & r now looking into sports, so on that note days would b more beneficial as far as family time & activities.

Best of Luck :)

Chin up · Mar 27, 2011

I think it depends on the mom, spouse, & kids. There are many benefits, it works great for us bc I can sleep during the day while the kids r in school & I'm am able to pick the kids up from school everyday, attend field trips, make dinner, & homework time. So far its been fine, but now I'm feeling different now that summer is in the future, idk how old ur children r, but mine r school age & will have the summers off & r now looking into sports, so on that note days would b more beneficial as far as family time & activities.
Best of Luck :)

Thats where Camp comes in...

rjmobern · Mar 27, 2011

I have been I night nurse for almost 7 years and I have a 3yo daughter. Me working nights works out for us. We have discussed changing shifts but I would not get to see me little girl at all if I did. The way it works now, when I get home from work I get her dressed and hubby takes her to sitter then I pick her up at 4 in the afternoon and get to spend 2hrs with her before I go to work. I hope this helps, having good child care and supportive hubby helps big time!!! Good Luck!!!