Single Mom Advice Needed

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0Hi all,

I'm feeling stuck and really unsure what to do - and have been for some time now.

Situation: I'm an RN and single mom to a 13 month old. My maternity leave's ended and I'm unsure how to proceed regarding work/ job search in Alberta.

Background: I was a FT LTC RN on the coast until I got pregnant and went on leave. My shifts were 0650-1500 rotating 4 on, 2 off. I graduated 4 years ago and had some trouble landing work initially; I've mostly done LTC, private duty nursing for a family, and some private flu clinics. While on mat leave my significant other and I broke up. Due to the extreme lack of childcare where I was, especially early mornings and weekends, I was completely unable to go back to work despite searching all year. Even if I had found childcare, I couldn't have afforded it (min $950/month up to $2000) along with the high cost of living on the coast and no child support. I've had no choice but to move back with my parents in Alberta until I figure out my next move.

Assessment: Current research indicates that AB, especially the larger cities, is a very hard job market. If I'm honest with myself, I don't have a lot of desirable experience for hirers. Financially and with my current child care situation, I have approximately 2 months to find work . Relistically, I can only really work days being a single mom to a 1 year old who earliest will have care from 0630 to latest 1800 (although daycare only allows for a total of 10 hours). While family will occasionally be able to cover the odd time and help as much as possible, they won't always be available for regularly scheduled childcare. I'd be more than willing to relocate to a small/ rural area but then the issue of child care is still paramount. I'm also willing to consider jobs outside of nursing but it would need to be day hours and pay approx. LPN wages.

Recommendations?: Does anyone please have any advice???? Do I need to leave nursing for the time being in favour of a 9-5 job?

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I would suggest a job 8-4pm or something like that.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I don't know how things work in Canada, but how is it you are not getting child support and what do you need to do to fix that??

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I am a single mom myself, and an RN. I work from home doing insurance reviews. There are many companies that hire in this capacity. I would look into that. A physician office would have better hours for you, or an insurance company office position could work as well.

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Thanks, appreciate the support - I'll try all of that. Unfortunately not in a great job market presently.

(not.done.yet- I've tried for CS twice now but both times my ex makes things so horrible/ takes me to court for custody that I've realized it's not worth it. I can't handle the stress of continued custody battles and fighting, not to mention the tens of thousands court costs :( He agreed to let me move as soon as I offered to drop the CS application - so as unfair and hard as it is, I've realized my baby's and my freedom are worth more in the long run. Might try again one day though)

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Hi, you can do this! I,know,it is overwhelming but give yourself time to find something that works. Look for resort areas or hospitals with attached daycares. In the US Las Vegas has some all hours daycares, and I also found extended hour daycare when I was in your situation in Albuquerque. I was able to work 3, 12's in a row and have 4 days off with my baby. I don't know the situation in Canada, but just keep applying and keep looking for options. It is tough, but you will be able to do it! I'm so sorry that life has thrown you this curveball.

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Thanks so much unknownjulie and everyone for the support :)

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