Shift Adjustments at Work

When considering childcare options such as daycare or nannies, it’s essential to align your work schedule to facilitate seamless coordination. Here are some strategies for adjusting your shifts at work to accommodate childcare arrangements:

Request more rigid shifts. If you are opting for daycare or hiring a nanny, consider requesting more rigidity in your shift schedule to make it easier to schedule childcare. This could involve requesting the same schedule every week or asking for consistent days off each week.

Explore nocturnist roles. If you have nighttime help available, transitioning to a nocturnist role can automatically add a degree of regularity to your schedule and may even decrease your number of required hours. Night shifts often follow a more predictable pattern, making it easier to coordinate childcare during the day.

Bolus your shifts. If you have out-of-town family or friends coming to help with childcare, bolusing your shifts each month can be useful. Concentrate your shifts into specific blocks of time, allowing you to maximize the support from your family while minimizing the number of days they need to assist each month.

Reduce hours during early months. During the early months of parenthood, consider reducing your clinical hours as you adjust to parenthood. Have this conversation with leadership early to ensure adequate coverage should you choose to reduce your hours or take extended leave.

Explore remote work opportunities. If you’re able to supplement your income with telemedicine or remote work opportunities, consider a more remote work schedule on a temporary basis.

Finding suitable childcare as an emergency physician with irregular shift schedules requires creativity, flexibility, and careful planning. Remember to prioritize clear communication, reliability, and consistency when selecting childcare arrangements, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support from colleagues, friends, and community resources. With careful consideration and proactive planning, managing childcare alongside a career in emergency medicine is achievable.

Dr. Grossman is an associate program director for the emergency medicine residency at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

Dr. Haimowitz is a clinical instructor for the emergency medicine ultrasound department at New York Presbyterian Queens.

Dr. Soo is the associate medical director at Illinois Emergency Medicine Specialists in Chicago, Ill.