NHS Mums- what's the best thing to do?

[twirlsandwhirls]

Hello-

Any NHS mums here? I’ve worked in the NHS for almost ten years. After I had my little one I went back at 31 hours. The hours killed me and the constant driving back and forth to the grandparents for childcare so I took another job.

So my new job is going to be 22.5 hours and working from home. The money is quite a bit less and we are now going to put our little one in nursery one day a week and then he will just go to his grandparents for one day too. My other half looks after our little one on one of the days. It won’t leave me a lot for saving but won’t be using much petrol anymore.

So now I’ve seen another NHS job which is 30 hours. I know I shouldn’t get hung up on pay but dropping to three days in a private company is really bugging me. I’m also worried about lack of social interaction with colleagues. My new job is more flexible around my baby because let’s face it the NHS isn’t always.

So I’m stuck. Do I stick with this new job or go for a another NHS job at 30 hours.

As someone who left the NHS to work in private, doing NHS services, I’d say go back to the NHS.
Our mileage is less, our sick pay is significantly less, our pension less, very few pay rises, and there’s no where for my career to progress.

The NHS is great for benefits and (generally speaking) treats it’s staff well, but I thought you said 31 hours killed you Will the additional day mean you have to use additional paid childcare?

I may have misunderstood but you say working 30 hours in the NHS killed you, now you're wondering if you should work 30 hours in the NHS?

First few years with your child is very precious especially for the children. Perhaps in a few years time you can go back to longer hours. Now your mental health comes first. Those jobs will always be available.

So basically 31 hours killed me because we were back and forth to my in-laws three days if the week (clocking 50 miles ) a day for childcare.

We've now decided to put out child in to nursery so will only be going to the in-laws one day a week.

If I go back at 30 hours I would put my child in nursery for two days, one day I would look after him, one day my partner does and one day at grandparents.

In terms of pay- I would be paying out for nursery and would be earning the same salary I am in my new job. So essentially paying another day in nursery when he could just stay at home with me.

But- I'm worried about lack of social interaction. I know money comes and goes and I know this time is so precious with my little one.

I just feel so conflicted

What side of the NHS were you? I think it's different for clinical staff.

I'm a manager and have a toddler. I think it very much depends on your manager but my work is incredibly flexible and our Workforce dept are very keen to continue hybrid working for work life balance.

The NHS has great policies like sickness, special leave etc. I like working for the NHS, although it does have it's stresses like any other job.

I'm clinical. And was on the top band of band 6. In my new job it's equivalent to a band 5.

Hi, I have an idea -
If your clinical, have you thought about bank shifts/agency shifts to top up your wage?
It would be perfectly flexible to you, and you can completely fit it around child care? :)

Does your new job allow you to keep your registration? I would second the idea of bank work - that way you can choose your shifts.

Hi

My new jobs allows me to keep my registration as far as I can see because even though I won't be seeing patients face to face I will be assessing and treating via telephone/virtual clinics.

I have agreed to stay on as NHSP but I've been told it's all if there is enough money in the budget for me to work there.

Where I work we don’t use bands. I’d be a 6 in the NHS but I’m just a nurse here, and my manager is a grade above me, yet she’d be an 8 in the NHS.