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What RN schedule works best for your work/life balance?

I'm currently working on prereqs for nursing school, planning to start nursing school full time when my youngest child starts Kindergarten. For all you parent RNs, what kind of schedule do you find works best for you to balance work and family life? #Spring25

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Lisa’s Answer

Hi, Great question. I work in an outpatient surgery center. My kids are grown but there are some good options for you. I work 4-10 hour shifts with no weekends, holidays or call. It will give you a lot of flexibility. We self schedule so you can pick your days off. This works well and provides flexibility. I also worked in a pediatric office, also no weekends or holidays. The downside of that is it is usually 5 days a week and the pay isn't as good as hospital. Good luck, I know you will find something that works for you.
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Susana’s Answer

Hello Lindsay,
That’s a great question—and kudos to you for planning ahead! Many parent RNs have found these schedules most family-friendly:

Three 12-hour Shifts (Full-Time, Hospital)
Pros: You get 4 days off per week, which is great for appointments, school events, and errands.

Cons: Long days can be exhausting, especially with young kids.

Parent Tip: Try to group shifts together (e.g., Sun-Mon-Tue) so you maximize rest days.

Weekend Option/Night Shift
Pros: Working nights or weekends means your home during the day with your kids, and sometimes you get pay differentials.

Cons: Sleep can be tricky, and it may strain family/social time.

Parent Tip: Tag-team with your partner or childcare for daytime rest.

Part-Time or PRN (As Needed)
Pros: Flexibility to choose shifts and scale back when needed.

Cons: Fewer benefits, and sometimes unpredictable hours.

Parent Tip: This is a great option during school breaks or if you have another steady income.

Clinic or School Nurse Hours
Pros: Typically, 8-5, no weekends/holidays. Aligns with school schedules.

Cons: May not offer as much variety or excitement as hospital work.

Parent Tip: A great long-term goal for stability once you’ve gained some bedside experience.

What works best often depends on your support system, energy level, and goals. Many RNs start with 12s in the hospital and shift to more flexible roles once they’ve gained experience. You’re on a smart track by syncing your schooling with your child’s schedule—

Good luck in Spring '25!
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Carmen’s Answer

There are several great options available, depending on your situation. When my sons were young, I worked 8-hour night shifts. I'd put them to bed, take a nap, and then head to work. Their dad got them off to school, and I slept until they returned home. This setup worked best for us, but it does require another adult at home. I worked every other weekend, which was required, but it allowed me to have both some weekends and weekdays off for scheduling medical appointments, birthday parties, and such.

Later, I switched to a weekend option, working three 12-hour night shifts on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We still didn't need childcare, and I received night and weekend pay, which was a bonus. The downside was missing some weekend activities with the family, but I could spend time with them during the school week for sports, homework, appointments, Scouts, etc.

These are the schedules I used when my sons were school-aged, and they worked well for us. However, there are other options to consider. Some colleagues chose primary care / ambulatory nursing, working Monday to Friday with weekends and most federal holidays off. This schedule aligns pretty well with school calendars, though you'll need to plan for summers and school breaks.

I hope this information helps! Best of luck in school and finding the schedule that works best for you and your family!
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