Tips For Managing Being A Parent And A Nurse

Last updated on May 5th, 2024 at 01:46 pm

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Being a nurse is a demanding professional responsibility on its own. Add to that the duty of being a parent, and you have a recipe for stress, mismanagement, and burnout. Still, it can also be a matter of perspective. 

Combining parenthood and nursing is among the greatest sacrifices one can make for another. The physical, emotional,and psychological pressures that come with both these responsibilities can sometimes take their toll on you too. Both of the roles you are fulfilling are no less than superhero duties, and there hasn’t been a more prolific depiction of two special individuals in one body. 

However, being a parent and a nurse can demand extensive effort. If you feel you are struggling, here are some tips that can help:

1. Pick family nursing as a specialty 

Family nursing is a leading specialty in the field and is also in demand. Besides the advantages of job security, greater earning potential, and more autonomy in providing various healthcare services, being an FNP while you are a parent can be a blessing in disguise. The advantages of being a family nurse transfer to your own children in various ways. 

For starters, since your primary care responsibilities involve working with infants and senior citizens, you can provide immediate care for your kids. This way, you can potentially save on healthcare expenses and avoid taking your kids to the ER.Other than that, you expose them to opportunities for picking up your personality traits, including compassion, empathy, and a desire to help people live healthier lives.

2. Discuss your situation with other parent nurses

There is no one better to offer advice than the person going through the same circumstances. Someone sharing your experiences will have sympathy and understanding for you, and if you ask them, they won’t turn you down at all. The most stressful time for you is definitely going to be pregnancy and the early years of your child, which is why this is the right moment to get advice. 

Even if you are planning to have children, it is best to discuss the ground realities with your colleagues. It gives you perspective about what to expect and whether you are ready for it or not. Coming from peers who have gone through the experience of becoming a parent while serving as a nurse, you understand things that you can do better along the way. 

3. Remember that children will remain demanding no matter how old they get

Many people believe that as children grow, they need their parents less and less. That, however, is not true. At least until the kids are college-going age and eventually move out, they will need you around from time to time. So, if you are counting on the fact that once your children go to school, you can resume work full-time without any hindrances, you may be wrong. 

In this regard, seasoned nurses who have been through the process of parenthood advise going with the flow. Every phase of the journey is a learning stage, and breaking the normal stream of work will only throw you off your game. In such a situation, it is best to take advantage of the flexible hours yournursing career offers rather than taking off work completely. 

4. Make it a norm to celebrate holidays on other days

You are a nurse, and you will be working on most holidays. This means that Christmas and Thanksgiving won’t be the same in your family as they are in other households. As odd as this sounds, it is something that comes with the job, and you will have to instill an understanding among your children, especially regarding why you may not be home on holidays. 

It is important not to skip the holiday completely, though. Make sure that even if it is the day before or after, you reenact the celebration, whether it is Christmas or Thanksgiving. In most cases, your kids won’t even notice because as long as there are candies and presents involved, nothing else matters. You can still enjoy the moments to cherish with your family while not compromising your professional responsibilities toward patients. 

5. The organization is the most critical component

Raising children and nursing have a lot in common, but the biggest factor by far is the unexpectedness that comes with both. From last-minute shift changes to sudden calls from home, a lot comes out of the blue. It is, therefore, important that you organize as best as possible for the dual roles you are playing, i.e., being a parent and a nurse simultaneously. 

May is usually the time when school-going children have a lot of plays and parties. There may also be sports events or extracurricular activities your kids would want you to attend. A pro-tip, therefore, is to prepare in advance to take off during this time. Maintain a digital calendar to keep track of the important dates.

6. Get ready to appreciate some hidden benefits of scrubs 

While this may seem like an underrated tip, you will notice how crucial it is when the time comes. There will come a time when you will need to head out to the clinic or hospital in your pajamas. This is when you realize the true beauty of scrubs as they help you cover those flowery, baggy, and sometimes ice-cream-stained clothes. Even when you regret becoming a nurse and a parent at the same time, think of the scrubs to lighten your mood and smile through it. You can just head out in them for errands.

Conclusion

No one ever said that being a parent and a nurse are easy jobs,even when considered separately. Put them together, and you literally feel like getting through the eye of a storm. Still, you will learn that it is rewarding and well worth it. All you need to do is carefully consider your choice and follow the above-mentioned tips to streamline life for yourself and your children. 

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