OK, I know that for the most part, I have NOTHING to complain about related to my work schedule. Many working mom's across the country would die to only work three days a week, and get to spend four days with their baby, but I'm still going to gripe just a little bit. =)
I may only work three days a week, but they're three 12-hr shifts... which really, are about 14-hr shifts. I leave the house around 6AM, because at MUSC, you can't just drive straight to the hospital and get out of your car and walk into work... that would be too easy! I have to drive to a sketchy gravel parking lot, get on a bus, which resembles a prison bus since no one talks to each other and it's a silent ride at 6:20 in the morning, and take a 10 minute ride to the hospital, then get out and up to my unit, and still have time to write down all 4 of my patients information by 7AM. I work a 12 and 1/2 hr shift until 7:30 PM, only getting a half hour lunch break, which is never usually a break either. I mean, my nursing phone rings at least 2 times on average during those 30 minutes... someone needs pain medicine, or repositioned, or someone just vomited, oh the joys of nursing, all while you're trying to shove food in your face quickly and get back at it. Then after I've reported off to the night shift nurse, it's back to the bus ride to the parking lot, and on my way home. So, usually I'm pulling in the garage around 8PM, Alli's already asleep, and Mr. Mom is finishing up dinner for us. So needless to say, if I work a couple days in a row, I could go days without even seeing Alli awake, since she doesn't wake up for a feeding in the middle of the night anymore.
This morning, I got the phone call every nurse loves... low census, would you like the day off? Why yes, that would be wonderful! After the fun-filled trip to Charlotte this weekend, I was excited to just have a relaxing day with Alli Ru, and we'll only have to take her to daycare twice this week. All morning we've had so much fun, playing, laughing, talking.. it just made me realize how much I LOVE her. I know this is an obvious one, but I think I grow more and more in love with her each day. I love watching her grow, watching her learn new things, and just LOVE hearing her laugh. It made me realize that what I'd love more than anything is to be able to be a stay at home mom. I know financially we just couldn't do it, which makes me sad, but every girl can dream. If I could stay home and have all my time with her, plan play dates, go to Gymboree, etc etc... I'd be thrilled. I especially can't wait until we have more baby(s??) someday... then I'd reallllly love being a stay at home mom. Come ON lottery, let's win a whole bunch of money so Mommy B can do what she never realized she'd absolutely love to do... stay at home and have and raise babies :o)
I hear ya! I am so spoiled with working 2 days a week, and one of those days Eric stays home with the girls. But I feel so blessed to have stayed home with Molly for over two years, she is truly my best friend :) Hooray for days at home!!
ReplyDeleteYay for the day off! And I can only imagine how much those work days must stink, but I bet all of your patients appreciate how hard you work for them :)
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