Anyone become a nurse with "family schedule" as one primary motivation? LONG!

[briga]

I'm seriously considering applying to a nursing program and would really appreciate the opinions of others.

My question: Did any of you decide on nursing as a career - with your family's schedule as one of your major motivations?

My background: Have a BS in computer science, with a GPA of 3.8; obtained while in school full time and working one full time job and one part time job. I'm stating this just to show why I feel comfortable that I can do the course work. I've never really had to study as long as I paid attention in class. I'll be able to complete the nursing program without working - although I do have two little boys now -- who definitely equal at least one outside job!

I have a small amount of experience caring for others who are ill. My mom had a stroke a few years back, and I was her primary caregiver for a long time. Nothing like being a nurse I'm sure, but hopefully helpful.

I've spent some time shadowing nurses and CRNAs, so I do have some idea of what they do.

To the point: At this point in my children's life, I don't feel I can give them the type of Mom I want them to have while working 50-60 hours per week in IT. Which is really necessary right now. So many IT positions are being outsourced outside the US currently, it takes a great deal of commitment just to keep a job. Part time positions in my specific area just are not available. I could do software consulting, but that requires travel generally. I can afford to quit work for a while to go back to school - but I don't see any point in getting higher degrees in a field that I don't think I can go back to. Sooo, I've begun to consider nursing as an alternative.

I've seen so many posts on this forum from individuals who work 3 12-hour days / nights / weekends, etc. Do any of you have small children? How does a schedule such as this work in with your family life? Did you choose this field primarily because of your family life? Is it possible to be a successful, happy nurse (and mom) without that "calling" I've read so much about??

Sorry this is so long! Thanks in advance to anyone who responds.

[SmilingBluEyes]

Yes I did this with the specific purpose in mind of being home more and working less. I admit readily to NOT being so much "called" to nursing, but having financial and career motivators, instead. And I still make a very good nurse with very little risk of burnout cause I only work one or two shifts a week.

And so I am doing what I set out to do 10 years ago when I returned to school I am a prior enlisted military person...went to school on GI BILL. Now, I homeschool my two kids while working perdiem night shift on weekends. My dh is military, so even more necessary is a shift that works around HIS SCHEDULE......

Yes you can make it work IF you set up your finances right, are willing to settle for less house, less car, less material stuff. It works great and I am so lucky to be home with the kids like I am. I don't want to miss a thing with them. They grow up WAY too fast. So I say GO FOR IT!!!! I did and it's working out GREAT! If you have more questions or need advice, please PM me.

[gypsyatheart]

I agree with Deb! Very similar story, with a few variations, of course! I have small children, and I love the flexibility of being able to work per diem and do my own scheduling. I, too, work my schedule around my DH's and only work 1 or 2 shifts/wk. This is a very good field for flexibility and especially, if you are not stuck on having a traditional Mon-Fri work week, 8-5. Actually, I think that would kill me! Yuck! I love my job, what I do, plus I love even more being off for 4 or 5 days in a row!

My motto: I work to live, not live to work! LOL :) Good luck!

[christinemj]

My motivation was similar to the above posts. I also have small children (3 of them with one on the way) and we are a homeschooling family. Having been a stay at home mom for a number of years, I decided that IF I was going to back into the workforce, I might at well do so in a field that would provide me the greatest flexibility of schedule.

I didn't have that "calling" either. It was just the most logical decision. I was a bio/chem major in college, so I've always had a propensity for science. Nursing seemed to fit the bill to satisfy all of my "needs".....financially, time-wise, and most of all... the need for brain stimulation!