3x12s or 5x8s? Currently night shift L&D, but thinking of moving to OB/GYN practice. New mom, and I feel exhausted and absent from my child’s life, especially weekends/holidays. What are your experiences and opinions?
The truth… understand your life at the moment, been there, always tired, trying to stay positive! If I could go back I would opt for the 5X8,s days to be home and awake for part of the day. Money is never enough so MAKE it work for tour family you could always go back if/when your children are older!!
I'm a mom of a 23yr old and a 10yr old. I was not a nurse while I was raising my first. In the last 2 yrs I've left the hospital and then hospice nurse case manager jobs for the reason that I only have 7 yrs left with my youngest and I don't want to miss out. We're all much happier with me working 8x5 schedule and I love a good clinic work culture. There's something about those evening week hours of bedtime routine with a baby and elementary age child that is really special, you just can't get back. Wishing you the best! What I value most is work-life balance.
if your primary concern is being present and energetic for your child, transitioning to an OB/GYN practice with 5x8s could provide a better balance, even if it means less time off during the week.
Time with your littles and family are important. There is always going to be mom guilt no matter what role you are in but if you are feeling exhausted and not present, then you definitely consider options that are more conducive to your current life now. There will be time to go back to L&D later when your child is older but you will never get this time back. You could also talk with your current management team and see if there’s options for different working patterns so you could continue in this role with maybe better suitable hours. If you are wanting to stay in the same field, I think OB/GYN would be a great place to transition to.
Depends on your needs. I prefer 5 days of 8 hour shifts so that I can spend with family part of the day. If you have 3 12 hour shifts that can be even better
Especially if you need more time at home. 12 hours make for a longer day as well. 12 hour shifts can be pointless if you have day on day off situation. You sleep alot of your day away if your are fatigued from work. The problem is not the days. The problem is the shift: nights.
It's a transition to go from 3 12's to 5 8's. Just realizing that you will be at work every day of the week and you will not have a day off to do what you need during the week. Although it's ideal to get off of nights to have a "normal" life. I moved to clinic because that's what worked for my family situation; they were my priority. It just takes some creative scheduling to find time for errands that you would normally do when you have your days off. Family is worth the change as well as your sleep, you get weekends and holidays off too 😉
Been an RN grad. 1985 worked entire career in hospital bedside nursing med surgery pediatrics last 10 years in icu health care has changed drastically but patient care will always be front line for me. Retired now.
