juggling motherhood and nursing

I have two young children myself. I was working night shift full time and going to grad school when I had both of them. It was hard...and it still is. You have to do what is best for your family. That's why I love nursing so very much. It's really flexible.

I don't know your nursing specialty/background, but there are numerous flexible nursing positions that may prove good choices for you. There are more and more telecommuting nursing jobs now (where you work from home) such as call center/e-nurse (online healthcare support services), insurance case manager, etc. Just some thoughts.

I'm still trying to decide if nursing is the right career for me. I currently have a flexible job that pays well but is not fulfilling. I'm still here because it pays well and I have the flexibility to take care of my kids (1 and 16) but we're planning on having one more so I need to make sure my new career maintains both flexibility and salary. I want to be there for my kids, for sports, homework, afterschool activities, weekends. I'm willing to work hard as needed as long as I can take the time to be in their lives as needed as well. Can you give me an idea of a typical day/week? Also, when you're home do you feel like you've brought work home with you? Did you get your PNP?

I'm also interested in becoming an FNP but have heard from some nurses that other doctors and nurses don't give it the same respect as they would to a doctor because it doesn't have the same prestige as being a doctor, is that true?

It is very difficult to the best in both. I have found that in order to do one the best, the other is sacrificed albeit on a temporary level.

I concentrated on my children and put off going back to school until they got older. I was per diem for a long time and did minimal when it came to my career, and I mean just taking all mandatory stuff to keep my per diem status. Now that they are in middle school and more independent, I can go to these conferences, take classes, and really give time to my career--without sacrificing them. I am glad I chose my children though, because they are so supportive of me now and I know I won't have any lingering regrets.

Nursing is fulfilling but if you do not leave it at the door you will be emotionally drained. Yes it is flexible and everyone who posted in this thread said how they worked weekends or 12's all around the kids schedule - yes it is possible. BUT, who is with the kids when you are at work??? You can be with the kids and still work but who is with the kids when you do work?

Thanks for the responses. The priority will always be my children but I need to make sure that I pave the way as I raise them to have a career that pays enough to be worth it. I also want to be headed in a direction (even if it's at snail's pace) that will be something I am proud of, they are proud of their mom doing and that will be fulfilling, because they will eventually grow up and leave. I'm planning on working part-time (preferably not at all) while getting my RN. The MSN would be on-line and I would study nights while they sleep.
As far as who takes care of the kids while I work, it depends on my schedule. Both for financial and sanity reasons, I have to work regardless of the career I have. My youngest currently goes to daycare so that would not change unless I have a schedule where I am off or home during the week. If I work evenings then my husband would take care of her. The whole point of the flexibility would be to be with them more so for homework, sports and other activities that are a big part of their lives. In some ways, the little ones are easier. It's my oldest (16) that has given me a lot more to do this past year. There are school requirements, early release, get togethers, job responsibilities, doctor's appointments, orthodontist. The little one is happy to be at daycare playing with her friends and learning. The teen is the one that gets bored and NEEDS to see friends, which means I have to drive. Even more important is that the teen is a beautiful young girl that needs adult supervision, otherwise I'd have a long line of boys outside my door.