single moms and working late

I have a young child started school this year. I work 12 hours shift days- so the 12 hours turn into getting home at 10 pm sometimes- then picking her up at the babysitters. I try not to work three in a row for this reason- that would be three night in a row where she is getting to bed late than waking up at 6 am to be dropped off again at the babysitters to do it all over again. I have had my current job for 15 years- but have seriously thought about looking for another with short hours in the evening for this reason. I am tired of the fact that I am the only one responsible for her and the only single mom on the floor not being taken into consideration when the schedule is out. Instead of me complaining, I just do what is left on the schedule. The one who does the most complaining is the one young 21 year old without children without school committments. how do other single moms work such late hours? Does it ever make you upset that nursing jobs do not take into consideration single parents?
I can understand your concern for the welfare of your child -- and you may well decide that you need to switch jobs at this point in your life for the sake of your family committments. However, I would be careful about assuming that people with husbands (and/or childless people) should make sacrifices for your personal life.Regardless of the choices we have made in life regarding marriage, children, educational level, etc., most of us have personal lives and personal needs that need to be considered as we make decisions about our careers. The childless person may have elderly parents that need care ... or a disabled sibling, etc. Another person may have some health problems that need to be considered, etc. etc. etc.That's what career planning is all about -- assessing your personal situation, your talents, your interests, and your personal preferences and making choices about your career that are right for you as you go through the different stages of your life and the different stages of your career.Maybe this is the time to do a serious self-assessment so that you can either decide to move on or decide to stay and work things out within the confines of where you are.Good luck to you, whichever you decide.llg
i won't work 12's for the exact reason that you stated. i feel horrible getting home late and putting my daughter to bed even later. occasionally i will work no more that 2 12's in a week and even then i think it is too much. just like llg said, you need to reassess your family life/obligations. nurses do it all the time, which is why the flexibility makes it worthwhile. try finding a nursing job that offers 8 hour shifts. you may have to work more days, but at least you will feel better, and your child will have a regular schedule.
Quote from firetopaz I have a young child started school this year. I work 12 hours shift days- so the 12 hours turn into getting home at 10 pm sometimes- then picking her up at the babysitters. I try not to work three in a row for this reason- that would be three night in a row where she is getting to bed late than waking up at 6 am to be dropped off again at the babysitters to do it all over again. I have had my current job for 15 years- but have seriously thought about looking for another with short hours in the evening for this reason. I am tired of the fact that I am the only one responsible for her and the only single mom on the floor not being taken into consideration when the schedule is out. Instead of me complaining, I just do what is left on the schedule. The one who does the most complaining is the one young 21 year old without children without school committments. how do other single moms work such late hours? Does it ever make you upset that nursing jobs do not take into consideration single parents?
Do you live far away? 12 hour shifts and you get home at 10pm?? is this a 7a-7p shift? wow. thats just really long after a shift. could you work night shift? then you would only miss her for the few hours from when you leave til bedtime and first thing in the morning. are those 3 days worth it to you to have 4 days off? you could work 7a-3p but only have 2 days off. or is there somewhere else in the hospital you'd be willing to work? or somewhere closer? i doubt too many will be sympathetic to your single parent status in schedule considerations-using the "i have a kid" leverage to get a better schedule doesn't usually go over well, at all. good luck-i know its hard to leave what you're used to. how old is your child-what does she/he think?
Single mom status shouldn't give you extra privledges, but having been there 15 YEARS should count for something.
Quote from firetopaz I have a young child started school this year. I work 12 hours shift days- so the 12 hours turn into getting home at 10 pm sometimes- then picking her up at the babysitters. I try not to work three in a row for this reason- that would be three night in a row where she is getting to bed late than waking up at 6 am to be dropped off again at the babysitters to do it all over again. I have had my current job for 15 years- but have seriously thought about looking for another with short hours in the evening for this reason. I am tired of the fact that I am the only one responsible for her and the only single mom on the floor not being taken into consideration when the schedule is out. Instead of me complaining, I just do what is left on the schedule. The one who does the most complaining is the one young 21 year old without children without school committments. how do other single moms work such late hours? Does it ever make you upset that nursing jobs do not take into consideration single parents?
Don't you think your being a bit harsh?! This society is no way set up to support single mothers which is a disgrace. Everyone should have the right to work and not struggle to make shifts due to disadvantages. Why are people so against single mothers?? Surely it's better they work instead of sucking the system!! An then they get grief for trying to be a mum and provide! What if your partner died or was a complete ass hole and left you? Would you expect a little support perhaps. We all make decisions in life that may have negative effects in the future but I don't see why the NHS can't accept people come from all different backgrounds and may need flexible hours! It's not easy just to give up your career because you find yourself against a brick wall with childcare, are you suggesting she leaves her job? There's nothing you an do other than nursing wig that degree. She is trapped.
Quote from VesuvianWhy are people so against single mothers??
Quote from vesuviandon't you think your being a bit harsh?! this society is no way set up to support single mothers which is a disgrace. everyone should have the right to work and not struggle to make shifts due to disadvantages. why are people so against single mothers?? surely it's better they work instead of sucking the system!! an then they get grief for trying to be a mum and provide! what if your partner died or was a complete ass hole and left you? would you expect a little support perhaps. we all make decisions in life that may have negative effects in the future but i don't see why the nhs can't accept people come from all different backgrounds and may need flexible hours! it's not easy just to give up your career because you find yourself against a brick wall with childcare, are you suggesting she leaves her job? there's nothing you an do other than nursing wig that degree. she is trapped.
Don't you just love it when someone ressurects an ancient thread like this? The OP probably moved on years ago.
Quote from llgdon't you just love it when someone ressurects an ancient thread like this? the op probably moved on years ago.
I think this thread will remain relevant until something is done about it!! And if you read what she said properly, it states she has been nursing for at least 15 years and her child goes to a babysitter so is probably quite little, therefore had a child after becoming a nurse!!! Also you have no sympathy for her when she mentions the 21 years olds....again she says she never complains and just gets on with it. Its the 21year olds that are moaning. I think nurses are just bitter, without real reason half the time.