is it really that bad?

Chellyse · Apr 24, 2001

I read your post and wanted to send some encouragement.I also went to nursing school with a 2 year old and pregnant with my second child. I was blessed to have a family member keep my dtr and husband that was supportive (however at the time in the Navy out on deployment)

I strongly believe that you fufill your dream of becoming a nurse. I know that alot of what you read here is negative sometimes, but I also believe if you asked these same nurses why they stay in this profession they will be able to give you answers that will reinforce your decision to enter this career.

I know the Canadian system is somewhat different then in the USA, but there have been some institutions here that allow you to have flex- hours, onsite daycares,you have the option of Home health visits, hospice, agencies (you can dictate the days you would like to work)some nurses work in MD offices, clinics, school health (having the summer off with thier children)

flight nurses, telphonic triage nurses,

and many other speciality areas.

There are options available, and there are real problems. We need you so do not give up!

Even with all the workplace issues I face, I am still hanging in there, because I believe that I do make a difference in the lives of my patients, even if it is small and appears "not enough"(in my own mind at times)

I am doing something physically and spiritually each time I care for those patients.

So move forward, go to school and find that place you belong and contribute to this complicated profession called Nursing!!!

mommy2 · Apr 24, 2001

chellyse66 Thank-you soo much I actually got goosebumps reading your reply

Doc · Apr 24, 2001

Chellyse66 answered it well so I'll tackle it from a different perspective: nursing is a very challenging career and you will often find yourself overstretched, with or without family commitments. It is important to prepare yourself for these challenges.

However, don't forget many of the people who post here use this BB to vent and so if they have had a particularly hard day this will come out in their posts. We all experience difficulties, but the rewards of nursing are also great.

You will need to weigh up if the rewards outweigh the disadvantages. If you decide you then want to stick with nursing as a career then nothing will stop you and you will make it just fine.

Doc

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http://www.GreatNurse.com/

hoolahan, ASN, RN · Apr 24, 2001

Mommy2,

I am a mommy also, though my kids are now 12 1/2 and almost 14. I only wish I knew about home health nursing when I they were small!! My husband also worked shifts, his shift changed every week, so I got gray hairs worrying about how I would rotate shifts, etc..

Home health nursing has the flexibility many working mothers and fathers need. GO check out my site in the "About Home Health" section. It may be a good option for you.

In case my new signature with auto link doesn't work, here's the site www.geocities.com/vnarn_nj

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MargaretH....Home Health Nurse

[This message has been edited by hoolahan (edited April 24, 2001).]

PICCONE · Apr 24, 2001

I have encouragement and advice! First please consider going back and getting RN not LPN. The pay is better and you'll be able to do a lot more with it. There are many jobs in nursing that don't require weekends and holidays. RN's work in schools,offices,industry just to name a few that the hours are better. With the nursing shortage even hospitals will soon have to be more flexible with odd shifts and even split shifts if needed. Look at all your possibilities and then GO FOR IT!

Arlene Cowen RN

[email protected]

Zee_RN, BSN, RN · Apr 24, 2001

And if you don't have to work full-time, don't! My first RN job was in long-term care, working Friday & Monday 3-11 one week and then Sat. & Sun 3-11 the next. Worked out great with young kids. Long-term care does offer more predictable schedules than hospital nursing. Hospitals usually require rotating shifts.

If nursing is in your heart, go for it. Look for the schedule you want because family does come first.

nurs4kids · Apr 24, 2001

Mommy,

My family is my life. I too have two small kids, 1 & 2 yrs old. I'm not going to tell you nursing doesn't offer challenges when it comes to balancing family and work. With small kids, nursing does put a damper on holidays because, unless you have one of those wonderful M-F /holiday off jobs, you never know if you'll spend the holiday with your family or with someone else. How do I cope with it? When kids are small, time means nothing to them. My first child's Christmas was done at my and my husband's work convenience, ei; Santa came early. We were lucky enough to be off the second year (i put my foot down and refused to work it two years in a row). You can also work nights, and deny yourself sleep for holiday time with kids. Another way I cope with it is this: I work with kids, and I always remind myself that the kids in the hospital would also rather be home for Christmas. Nursing is a profession that requires sacrifice. Your family learns to sacrifice. I quit work after my second child because of the same things you're concerned about. After four months, I realized I was not cut out to be an at-home-mom and happily returned to work. Nursing teaches you that it's about quality time, not quantity. Yes, I cry weekly, on my way to work , especially when one of the kids cry as I leave. But I don't think that's specific to nursing, that's parenting in today's society. Also, something I've come to realize is that I do my kids and husband no good if I don't have something that is MINE. Nursing is mine, it is not directly related to family, it's my outlet. Nursing is more than a career, it is a passion. So, to answer your question, yes it is that bad, but it's worth it. I wouldn't trade nursing for any other career. My family is as rounded as the average, and my kids adapt to most any situation-which I think is due to the adverse sides of my job. Also, with no intent to knock the LPN's, but I agree with the previous post that recommended you to go to the RN program. You're no more a nurse with a RN, but it offers you much more flexibility with career opportunities(for scheduling, school nursing, etc). You can do it, you can balance family and nursing!!

Good luck, mommy!!!

JennieBSN · Apr 24, 2001

ATTENTION: PLEASE SEE THE TOPIC 'TO ALL THE STUDENTS I MAY HAVE FREAKED OUT' UNDER GENERAL NSG. DISCUSSION. THANK YOU.

Louie18 · Apr 25, 2001

YES IT IS THAT BAD!

So bad as a matter of fact that it is DANGEROUS to be hospitalized for anything today.

Yes it is.

Louie

CEN35 · Apr 25, 2001

Mommy,

well most places around here, don't want a new grad prn. Finish school, take a partime or fulltime position for a while. After your in it for 6 months, go prn and you can pick and choose your days and holidays etc.

You need to read kays thread on not meaning to scare new nurses. We just need to vent sometimes, and part of it is knowing how things are now, and knowing it's not going to get beetr in the near future, unless there is some weird mass enrollment rush into nursing programs across the country.

Rick