Nursing and Raising Kids

[Blondie24]

Just wondering how many people here have kids and how your job affects your child-rearing.

Once I finish nursing school and find a job, my husband and I want to start a family. As a new graduate, I know

I will most likely being working nights. My husband also works nights. I am just wondering how we will be able to raise a child (ie. who will babysit them while my husband and I work nights, etc). How do you get a child acclimated to a daytime routine when you have an opposite routine?

I would love to hear your stories, experiences, suggestions, etc.

[RNperdiem, RN]

My story is that I worked for a couple of years before having kids so I could have enough experience to go per diem and pick my own working hours.

My husband's job gives a better deal on the health insurance, so the benefits are tied with his job.

I don't work any nights. I do choose to work weekend days and the occasional weekday evening.

The children are taken care of by their Dad, so there is no need to pay for childcare. Other family lives in the area to provide backup childcare.

[StrwbryblndRN]

All I can say is it is doable. Just have to find your niche.

I will say one thing, I chose to work nights/weekends and many new grads are hired to work days. Unless you want to work nights, it is not always required to do so as a new grad.

I went to school while my kids were little. I found babysitters and used part time day care.

When I graduated my hubby had the kids on the weekends (when I worked) while he worked during the week. Worked out well.

I switch to a day schedule on my days off. Would not be easy if I did not work 3

12/,s in a row. I am a big time sleeper and do not find my hours of sleep are reduced by my schedule.

Again, it will work out. I spent many hours wondering how I was going to deal with overnight work, two small kids and a husband who worked 5 days aweek. It was way easier than I thought.