First job since baby

[BobbieG]

Hi all, just to curious to see if anyone here is/was in a similar situation, and how you handled it.

My baby is almost a year old now, and I've been home with him since he was born. I left my last job where I was for 5+ years (my only job since becoming a PA) because my husband and I moved to another town toward the end of my pregnancy last year. Previous job was at a teaching hospital, so the other PAs and I only worked on the floor and office/clinic, while the residents were in the OR. I am now looking to go back to work and recently interviewed with a small community hospital nearby. No residents, only PAs covering the OR, floor, and ICU. Quite different from the last job and that's what attracted me to it! This new job is looking to double their team of PAs and are hiring new grads as well as experienced candidates. They are understanding of my situation and are willing to train since I have little OR experience. It sounds like an incredible opportunity, only the schedule will be a bit of a challenge. It includes day and night shifts as well as 24 hr call.

 

I'm interested in hearing any stories of how others balanced family life and work with similar hours. Will have to bring the little one to day care as grandparents are working. Hubby is on board with anything I decide. He works in an office M-F, 9-5.

Thanks!

[charlottew]

I think if you have a very supportive and helpful husband it can work. I work a similar sort of schedule, but my kids are older. I have colleagues who are new or newish moms - the ones with good husband/grandparent support can swing it, whereas the ones without good spousal support end up leaving because the hours are too difficult.

 

On the plus side, if they are 12 hr shifts (?with occasional 24's) then you are just working three times per week, which will help.

 

good luck however you decide

[BobbieG]

Thanks so much for your response, Charlotte. I'm happy to hear that it can be done with the support. I'm fortunate to have a very supportive husband and parents/in-laws who help as much as they can. Ideally, I would take a part time or per diem right now but I need the training.

And yes it will be 12 hr shifts with the occasional 24. I'm more worried about shifting myself from days to nights. But anyway, I pretty much kissed sleep goodbye once the little guy came! ;)

[charlottew]

yep, shifting between nights and days is difficult on the constitution. Be careful on your drives home after the night shift!

 

When my kids (born less than 2 years apart) were small, I was working a high intensity (but days, in an office) job. Those 4 years of my life, I literally remember very little of them, because I was chronically sleep-deprived and 'in a fog' most of the time. Still managed to function, however!

 

Hang in there, I'm sure you will figure out a path that works for you, your family and your career.

[KMD16]

Hi all, just to curious to see if anyone here is/was in a similar situation, and how you handled it.

My baby is almost a year old now, and I've been home with him since he was born. I left my last job where I was for 5+ years (my only job since becoming a PA) because my husband and I moved to another town toward the end of my pregnancy last year. Previous job was at a teaching hospital, so the other PAs and I only worked on the floor and office/clinic, while the residents were in the OR. I am now looking to go back to work and recently interviewed with a small community hospital nearby. No residents, only PAs covering the OR, floor, and ICU. Quite different from the last job and that's what attracted me to it! This new job is looking to double their team of PAs and are hiring new grads as well as experienced candidates. They are understanding of my situation and are willing to train since I have little OR experience. It sounds like an incredible opportunity, only the schedule will be a bit of a challenge. It includes day and night shifts as well as 24 hr call.

 

I'm interested in hearing any stories of how others balanced family life and work with similar hours. Will have to bring the little one to day care as grandparents are working. Hubby is on board with anything I decide. He works in an office M-F, 9-5.

Thanks!

 

In your shoes. Will start out  working in family medicine. Learn your medicine again and then move up to Sub-speciality. Have you consider doing urgent care? The setting you described above is great and not so great. A great opportunity indeed! 

 

Longer hours and been on call can takes it tolls. You have a little one and your husband also work M-F 9-5. I think one of you must cut down to half-time in order for this to work. You'll be gone most days and your husband will be as well. 

 

Not trying to sound discouraging but I'm a parent myself with 3 little one. It's a tough balance. Remember: Neither a Nanny non your parents will raise your kids. Balancing professional life and family life is tougher. It's doable. 

 

Good luck. 

[BobbieG]

Charlotte that's what I'm afraid of! Being able to physically function. The first month after he was born was already a fog because of no sleep! But of course like you said, it's still manageable.

Thank you, kmd16. Hear you loud and clear. I've been applying to other specialties as well with steadier hrs. This surgery job is my first choice but I'd still love to spend as much time as I can with the little one while he's still little.

[ajnelson]

I work in the ED. All 12 hour shifts, typically 3 days a week. I have a 6mo old that I'm pretty much raising on my own (dad completely bailed on me 4.5 months ago) and the only help I have is his parents. I just moved to this area last year and this is a new job for me.

It is difficult at times, but I have daycare to cover most hours I work. I've come across a few people to help out here and there as needed. Make sure you have some help so you can get sleep. Don't feel guilty about paying for daycare or someone to come into the house to help you so you do get sleep.

Please PM me if I can help in any way, or if you just need to vent! There are some rough days with shift work and a baby, but, it can be done!

And on the bright side, I get tons of down time to spend with my little guy!

[BobbieG]

I appreciate it, aj! I'm sorry to hear about your baby's dad but glad you are pulling through. Your child will appreciate it very much! I know what you mean about the guilty feeling about day care. It's going to be hard to put him in, but I was already so lucky to be able to take the year off to be with him.