Single mom w/toddler - 8s?

[pinkRN_2006]

Hello Allnurses! It's been a long time since I've posted and I've come back for some advice :)

I am a single mom with a 14 month old son. His father only sees our son twice a month (every other weekend). He also lives about 200 miles away. I've been an RN for 8 years with various experience in areas like PCU, telemetry, ER, and case management. I am currently working 12 hour day shift position on a mother baby unit (post partum). At first, I thought this would be ideal since I would only work my three 12s and be off but now I'm beginning to get tired of being away 14+ hours a day and I am commuting 30-40 min one way. I was thinking of switching back to 8 hour shifts. Any other single nurse mom advice? Any other areas where 8s would work? I've thought of public health, school nurse, and case management. I've been a CM for work comp and that was more than 8 hours a day... more like 10-12 M-F!

Luckily, I have a babysitter who can watch him two or three times a week for about 6 hours (half the shift) then my parents pick him up and look after my son till I get home at night. Anyway, thanks for reading and any advice would be great! Thank you!

[Atl-Murse]

Whatever you choose you would be gone from your baby for hours each day you work. It's called bringing home the bacon. 5 8s means I would be gone 10 to 12 hours a day, 5 days a week ! ( factor in traffic from hell) No way Jose would I swap 12s for 8s. No a chance.

[Sour Lemon]

I've heard of some eight hour shifts available in behavioral health and in SNFs. I've been tempted!

I have a toddler and work 1-2 days per diem. Having complete control over my schedule helps me feel less exhausted, somehow. I also live a pretty scaled back life style- about half of what I can afford. I do have a husband in the home, though ...can't imagine doing it on my own. Hopefully you're getting good financial support for your child. If so, I think scaling back is probably the best strategy. I like my time with my son more than the "things" that my co-workers spend their money on. I know not everyone is lucky enough to have those sorts of options, though.