[ERINCAJK]

I am new here and am looking for some honest info!!
I am 29 years old and considering going back to school to become an RN. I graduated with a degree in Math 7 years ago and am now a stay at home mom. I am really interested in nursing but am worried about the time that it would take away from being with my kids. Is it true that you have to work outrageous hours, tons of overtime and most holidays? This is something I really want to do but don't want to leave my kids short changed in the process. I would love to work in Pediatrics (possibly NICU) but would only want to work part time ( for a while anyway). Would that be possible? Help!!! I truly want to be a nurse but am worried about my time with my kids!!!!

[LatteGuzzler]

Outrageous hours and holidays are definitely part of the package unless you find a niche that excludes these (office nursing, ambulatory elective surgery, etc.) "Tons" of overtime? Well, usually, that's by choice. I would examine exactly what it is that really interests you about nursing and decide if that balances out the sacrifices. Any work can take time from kids. The advantage in nursing is that there is more flexibility, both shift wise and hours worked per week, to actually make it more an advantageous situation than non-nursing "9-5" work. Part-time work is easily available. Talk to nurses in a variety of work and personal situations and question them about what concerns you. Read about nursing. Educate yourself so you can make an informed decision...and don't forget to examine your heart- the answer may be there, too.

[kittykash]

Do you have a supportive husband? Because going back to school while you have a family is a hardship. Your kids are used to "you" doing for them. And being away at school and clinicals is one thing, but doing all the paperwork at home that school and clinicals require is something else. Not to mention the studying. It's very stressful. I did it, but I couldn't have done it without the love and support of my husband. That was the easy part. I got a hospital nursing job. I work 12 hour shifts. There is no mandatory overtime, but every day off, I get a call from my nurse manager or the nursing supervisor. I have learned to let the answering machine get it, but sometimes they "get" you by leaving a simple message that they need to discuss a schedule change or that they need to talk with you. As soon as they get you on the phone, they'll tell you who called in sick and why (a little guilt) and how short the floor is and how helpful it would be if you could come it. So, an 80-hr paycheck always seems to turn into 90+ hours. Also, 12-hr shifts are demanding. First, you have to be there before the chickens crow (we have to be in report at 0645) and don't get to leave until at least 1930. That means, your husband will be getting the kids up for school, picking them up in the afternoon, getting supper started, doing homework with them and sometimes, getting them in the bed--all before you see them once for the day. It's hard. Hospital nursing is hard. There are a lot of other choices out there. The "primo" jobs are hard to come by. Usually it's by the death of the employee and then it's filled internally. I'm still waiting myself. Good luck on your decision. Kittykash =^..^=

[dstudent]

Good luck and all the best for your future in any cases.
Like they say
"When the going get's tough, the tough get's going"

[researchrabbit]

Family friendly jobs are out there, but you have to look for them.

Part time may be an answer for you if you are able to say "NO" when you are called for extra time.

School will definitely take away a lot of your time while you are in it; my kids and I used to do our homework together every night when I was in school...that was our family time.