Night Shift RN ~ Married to 24 hour Shift Fire Fighter ~ Schedule Options

Hello~ I currently work three 12 hour night shifts (7p-7a) per week, and they vary. My husband works 24 hour shifts (12p-12p) and then has 48 hrs off, so he works every 3rd day. This means that the days he works changes every week. We don't have kids yet, but are trying to get pregnant. The problem is, if both of us are at work at the same time, no one is at home AT NIGHT to be with the kids. Does anyone out there have a similar schedule issue with kids, and how do you make it work? I am trying to switch to Part-Time (two 12 hr night shifts). But PRN is not an option. Day shift is also not an option. Thanks!!!
Similar situation, haven't tried to get pregnant yet, but will soon, if hubby gets offered permanent position. However, I work nights, husband works typical day schedule, office job. Even so, childcare would be an issue since while my schedule is set, it varies each week. So, my plan is to go PRN or part-time if hubby is hired or hopefully get offered a day shift position (takes a couple of years to get on days in my unit, so almost there). I personally don't want to pay for childcare or use it, especially when they're that young, infants.So, that is our only option, and it seems to be the case with you, as well, unless you have family that can watch your baby at night or can afford a nanny who will stay overnight. If not, you have 2 choices. 1). Wait to get pregnant or 2). Wait until you have day shift as an option or can afford to go part-time. Since you said you are trying to go part-time, that's probably your best bet. Best of luck to you! Nursing really isn't great for family life, especially bedside nursing while pregnant. I still enjoy nursing, don't get me wrong, but the only way bedside nursing is family friendly is if you can afford to be PRN or part-time.
Thanks for the response! We've looked into the nanny thing... because day care is not open the hours we would need. However, we wouldn't want to pay a full-time nanny... and it's hard to tell a part-time nanny a set schedule when it changes every single week. We also don't have family near-by to help. I think I will probably switch to part-time (two 12 hr shifts) per week, and just schedule myself opposite of my husband. He will be at home to watch the baby/kids if I need to sleep after a shift. Plus we wouldn't have to pay for childcare or a nanny, which would make up for me switching to part-time. It may not be ideal... but we would get 2 to 3 days per week with the whole family together... that's actually probably the same or more than most 9 to 5 workers. I just really hope my job is willing to work with my schedule in order for me to work opposite shifts with my husband!
If your management on your unit is good and wants to retain employees, they will work with you. Especially if you are senior staff or have been there for at least a year. They would much rather keep you than have you transfer to a different unit. You owe them no explanation either. Best of luck to you!I'm in a similar situation, and as soon as we can afford it, I'll be going part time to start our family . Economy is rough, and hubby is trying to find permanent work. At least he does have a job in his field, just not a permanent one yet.
Upon my clinicals I met a school nurse who had a fire fighter for a husband. She quit her hospital job and became a school nurse b/c there were some holidays like Christmas where her kids had neither parent at home. I don't know how you feel about pediatrics, but that worked best for her.
It seems to be a common situation - marriages between nurses & firefighters or police officers. I know that there is some overnight 'day care' services in larger cities. In one instance, an acquaintance (nurse) actually started one when she wanted a stay-at-home job to cope with a difficult family situation... very successful. I also know of a couple of hospitals that provide on-site child care for night shifters.... smart, if you ask me! But this is certainly not common. You are smart to plan ahead & do what is best for your family. Best wishes for a creative solution so you can begin working on that baby!
I worked when he didn't.....sometimes we just passed each other in the doorway......we made the sacrifice because we didn't want to have the kids in childcare. It's what worked for us.
Quote from JennypennyBsnUpon my clinicals I met a school nurse who had a fire fighter for a husband. She quit her hospital job and became a school nurse b/c there were some holidays like Christmas where her kids had neither parent at home. I don't know how you feel about pediatrics, but that worked best for her.
Quote from HouTx I know that there is some overnight 'day care' services in larger cities. I also know of a couple of hospitals that provide on-site child care for night shifters.... smart, if you ask me! But this is certainly not common.
Quote from Esme12I worked when he didn't.....sometimes we just passed each other in the doorway......we made the sacrifice because we didn't want to have the kids in childcare. It's what worked for us.
I too have a fire fighter partner, who has a rotating shift. he works 2 days 2 nights then has 4 days of. I work earlys lates and nights. The way I coped with 4 children is to pretend I was a single parent and organize child care around my shifts. You have to look forward and request well in advance to make sure either I or my partner was home at night. My children have grown up now and they have children. My advice to you is to prioritise your children, they grow up but work will always be there. Communicate with your boss, and reduce your hours if you need to. I had a great day care mum- I,ve never used a centre- who was willing to provide overnight care, although I never needed it.
Quote from Esme12I worked when he didn't.....sometimes we just passed each other in the doorway......we made the sacrifice because we didn't want to have the kids in childcare. It's what worked for us.