How does nursing affect you if you want to have a family later on in life?
Does nursing have a flexible schedule? Would I be able to manage both this career while also having a family? #nursing
3 answers
Laura’s Answer
Nursing has some of the most flexible schedules out there making it very accommodating for family life. As a new nurse you could start with whatever field or shift you wanted and then change to something different, if needed, when ready to begin a family. The possibilities for nurses are endless. There are so many different settings available such as hospitals, nursing homes, physician offices, schools, nursing homes, insurance companies, or even telecommuting from home. The fields and specialties are numerous. And shifts can range from days, evenings, nights, weekends or weekdays only, 8 or 12hrs or part-time as needed. I've personally worked 4, 8, and 12hr shifts, days, evenings, weekend option, and M-F only; in a nursing home, hospital, and for an insurance company.
It is most definitely a flexible career that can be managed while having a family.
Good luck!
Deb Pahl
Deb’s Answer
Great question! There are so many opportunities available along with unmet staffing needs within the Nursing field that you have more scheduling options than most professions! Depending on the schedule you think will best work for you when you are ready to have a family, you can sync your needs with the types of Nursing that offers the schedule you are looking for. There is even a weekend option 12 hour shift schedule that you can work 2 shifts on the weekend and get paid full time with full time benefits! Want to be home with family weekends, nights and holidays? Perhaps you might choose to work in a private or hospital provider office setting. Even before I had my own family, I was a single Foster Parent to many children!
http://careersinnursing.ca/new-nursing-and-students/career-options/career-flexibility
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Kathleen’s Answer
When my children were little I was able to work the evening nursing shift while my husband worked days. We did not have to have daycare expenses. Some places work 12 hour shifts so you have more days off during the week. Nursing is just like any other job for a working parent, you have to find what works for the family.