Re: Let's hear from all the nurses out there...

• twindlej member

  April 2015

  I worked 12 hour night shifts as a nursery nurse for the first 6 months of my DS life. I had been doing nights up to that point for 5 years, but after 6 months his nap schedule during the day changed and was never getting any sleep!! At that point I actually was able to take off from work for the next year. I currently work 3 12's a week with a 50 minute commute each way, as a pediatric private duty home nurse. I am 27 weeks with twins and it's getting really tough. After these munchkins come I will only have about 8 weeks of then back at it but never again on nights! I know several nurses who did it for years but it was definately not for me! Good luck!

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• mrsrep123 member

  May 2015

  Thanks @twindlej. I wish I had the luxury for trial and error but once a position is posted and you pass it up, another one may not come around again for years. I think I shall just opt for a day or evening shift, like my gut is telling me, when one arises.

  DS1 7/24/15

  DS2 5/7/17

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• hay1122 member

  May 2015

  RN here, but I don't have any experience working night shifts being pregnant or with a newborn.  I worked a few night shifts during the time DD was just under 2, but it was only a few months before a day/evening schedule was created for me.  I definitely could not care for a child coming off a night shift - DD was in day care while I slept.  The day before my shift was challenging because I didn't get enough rest ahead of time, maybe a short nap during her nap time.  It can be done, lots of nurses do it, you'll just have to figure out a routine.

  

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• stparrish member

  May 2015

  I'm an RN and a FTM. I work three nights and at 30 weeks it's killing me. My biggest concern is what to do about daycare and basically how I'm going to have any time with my baby and husband after I go back to work. We are still trying to figure out the logistics and budget.

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• akanini member

  May 2015

  I'm an RN, but I work during the day so I really don't have much advice. My hat goes off to those who work nights. It's just not for me.

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• jessieR358 member

  May 2015

  Coming over from the June15 board! I work days and every other weekend. It's a 1 hour commute each way. The drive is killing me at 31 weeks!! My mom, who works prn as a nurse, will watch the baby on the days that I work. I worked nights when I first started out and I was a zombie and sick all the time. I don't know how moms work nights and have small children!

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• mrsjones1012 member

  May 2015

  FTM and night nurse here. I'm fortunate enough to have enough family to watch her during the day so I can sleep. And if for some reason it changes or if they're unavailable that week, I'll just work husbands off days (he's dayshift) so he can be with her during my sleep time. I know not everyone's that fortunate so good luck! I work with lots of moms on nightshift who've done it with kids for years. Trial and error I suppose.

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