Third Shift VA Opportunity, but HUGE homelife change

[FreshRN41]

Im a recent grad with 7 months experience. I was very lucky to land a pretty sweet first shift .6 position upon graduation. I LOVE who I work with, but the 2 main drawbacks are 1. Its the weekend program (Saturdays and Sundays, 7-3, with only one weekend off per quarter, but I get a sweet $8 shift diff.) and 2. We are somewhat short staffed, which can pose a safety issue (its a Behavioral Health unit.) I curently don't earn much vacation, but I also have around 3 days off per week.

I've always wanted to work at the VA. My husband is a vet and has worked there several years. It is very hard to get in there, mostly because they barely post RN openings and no one ever leaves becausw the benefits cannot be beat.

I was just offered a full time 3rd shift BH position at the VA. It is slightly less pay but is full time. I've never worked 3rd shift before and am quite apprehensive as I HAVE A 5 WEEK OLD BABY and a 5 year old. Taking this position would completely alter my home life. My husband is very supportive, but says he isn't thrilled about having to tend to the infant solo 5 nights weekly. He will also be reaponsible for getting the kids ready in the morning, he will have to change his work schedule a bit to accommodate this. He does an excellent job on the weekends with the 5 year old, but adding anothee kid to the load will be alot (we dont get much family support btw.)

I feel if I don't take the VA job, I will be passing up a

Huge opportunity. I am nervous about 3rd shift and the effects on my family. I also am in process of getting my BSN, and feel like it would be very hard to complete *which is pretty much mandatory to move up at the VA (my current job pays the same for ADN.)

My husband is suggesting I tell my current boss, ask her for full time and a raise and see what happens.

Any advice on shift work, the VA, or insight would be greatly appreciated.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

Best wishes to you in your endevours. This is an amazing opportunity!! 3rd shift is the night shift, no?

I think that if you think about your routine--clothes, backpack, lunch packed everything ready to go in the am, then the kindergarten child can be ready, and get ready easily. I even would do cereal in a bowl with plastic wrap on it, and on the table--just add milk!

The 5 week old, challenging, but not unheard of. There will be a time when the baby WILL sleep through the night!!

Another thought is that if there's a local high school kid from your neighborhood who want to come and hang out after school for a few hours (and you can get some sleep!) it may be well worth it!

Good luck!!

[MissyWrite]

I know you said you were going to accept the offer, but just in case you haven't yet, I think you should reconsider. Unless you're destitute, don't do it. The VA will still be there in a couple of years.

Night shifts + sleep deprivation + 2 children + BSN school + not enough support + husband who isn't completely agreeable = ???

If you do go ahead with it, I wish you all the best.

[firstinfamily, RN]

Working nights and raising children, gee this does bring back memories. My children were closer together than yours, 2.5 years apart, my husband watched them when I was working. Regardless. WE kind of agreed on this early on and because of me working nights, we were able to keep our children out of day care which has been a huge benefit to them. Your husband will need to step up to the plate if you want this position. I would say it might be unlikely you would get onto day shift anytime soon. Usually the nurses with the most longevity get that opportunity first and there are usually not many offerings for day shift positions. You ultimately have to make the decision. I do believe your plate is a little full as having young children, working full-time and getting your BSN is a little over-kill. You must not have any time to yourself!!! I also would not use the leverage of the possible new employer against your current employer. You do not want to burn any bridges, in case you would ever need to return to the previous employer!!! Good LUck!!!

[firstinfamily, RN]

Working nights and raising children, gee this does bring back memories. My children were closer together than yours, 2.5 years apart, my husband watched them when I was working. Regardless. WE kind of agreed on this early on and because of me working nights, we were able to keep our children out of day care which has been a huge benefit to them. Your husband will need to step up to the plate if you want this position. I would say it might be unlikely you would get onto day shift anytime soon. Usually the nurses with the most longevity get that opportunity first and there are usually not many offerings for day shift positions. You ultimately have to make the decision. I do believe your plate is a little full as having young children, working full-time and getting your BSN is a little over-kill. You must not have any time to yourself!!! I also would not use the leverage of the possible new employer against your current employer. You do not want to burn any bridges, in case you would ever need to return to the previous employer!!! Good LUck!!!