**I am posting this here as well as the AN Central Family and Parenting section**

I am in such a quandry this morning.

I am due to be induced on July 12th with our first child. I am currently on a break from my ADN-MSN Nursing Education program. I am due to start back up with the MSN portion of my program in Septemberish.

Last night I was talking with my husband about work options. Originally I was going to go back to work end of August as a 0.6 working two twelves a week. My MIL has offered to nanny for us, but she isn't retiring until Feb from her current position.

I would love to be able to focus solely on Emma and my classes (currently have a 3.84 GPA and would love to maintain), however I don't know if backing away from nursing at this point is wise considering I am trying to get networked into our education department at work (have already talked to the CNO about working with new grads, however talk is just that, talk).

The remainder of my program would likely take me over a year to complete, which means I would most likely have to recert to maintain my RN.

I am at a loss. Part of me loves the idea, part of me hates it.

Has anyone gone through anything similar?

With your first baby, its such a special time. I was fortunate to stay home 2 years when my first son was born. (I wasn't a nurse).

I would stay home if financially possible or work one 12 hour/2 8hr shifts per week just to keep your foot in the door.

Good luck.