Night shifts hard with family

[RN_Amanda]

Hi! I am a new grad that was a LPN before I became an RN. Well, I have recently started in the NICU, which I feel is my passion, but I am working nights. Well, my baby as well as my husband are not appreciating me working nights. Everytime I leave for work I am almost in tears. My manager says she cannot let me go to days because she cannot switch anyone right now, and there are already others that want to go to days that have been waiting 6 months (at least). She also will not let me go to part time because I am a new grad and do not have the experience. Well, I am in this dilemma to find a day job and enjoy my baby and family or do nights in the job I love but let my family suffer. My husband says not to worry that I will be able to do the NICU sometime, and I have the rest of my life to do the NICU if that is what I want. I have a interview with a peds home health. I am wondering if I do this until later if I will still have a chance in the NICU in the future?

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

Well, my manager says that I cannot do PT because I am a new grad and the only way for me to get experience is to work FT. yeah I agree that those with seniority should get days first but she could have at least let me do PT. I told her if I could not do one or the other I wouldhave to pursue other options. It makes me sad, but I have to put my family first

That doesn't make any sense - part time vs. full time isn't that much of a difference when it comes to learning your job but it means a great deal to you, your baby and your husband.

There have been many articles written recently about how companies are working hard to accomodate working mothers and being more flexible is one. Making room for part-time workers or job sharing. It is the way of the future - your manager just hasn't seen the light. Or Human Resources. Maybe if more women spoke up things would change where you work too.

Even if you signed on for full time when you started, LIFE happens. Things can change. That doesn't make you a bad employee.

This frustrates me . . .

steph

[RN_Amanda]

Thanks Stevielynn for understanding.

I never said I thought that I should be switched to days ahead of others, but I just cannot wait that long right now. My manager assured me that this would not negatively affect any future hire ons and she understands my life situation right now. I interviewed for peds home health yesterday and am excited about that. Anyways, my manager told me that she understands how NICU is my passion and with their future growth she is sure I can come back when it better suites my family.

I know the hours away are the same working days vs nights, but there is something different about being away from my baby all night then all day.

[BBFRN, BSN, PhD]

I know the hours away are the same working days vs nights, but there is something different about being away from my baby all night then all day.

I found this to be true- especially if you you're trying to stay awake all day taking care of baby after working all night. I found I was much more alert and available to my baby once I went to days. Good luck to you.

[kitty29]

Well, I dont want to put blame on my hubby. yes, he does struggle some with the baby at night, but he did say that I could do what I wanted, and he would work through it. However, me and my baby are so close, we even sleep together. And when I miss her at night I also have to sleep through the day with her at home which is hard to do. I am not saying that others cannot do it, I just am not ready to give up that time that we have together at night. I know how fast she has already grown, I am just afraid I will regret missing out while she is so little.

I understand....you sound like a sweet mommy!! :)