Baby Fever

[lynka1414]

Hello,

I am in my third semester of nursing school, I graduate May 2016. I currently do not work in healthcare but I have a bachelors in biology, if I were to switch and work as a cna it would be too much of a salary dip. My husband and I have been married for almost two years and want to start a family, but I don't know when the right time is. My husband says we can start trying in april but I don't want to complete a preceptor program and then go on maternity leave. I would almost rather get pregnant now, deliver in august. When do most new grads start working after graduation in may? I have heard that I need to start looking for jobs in Jan/February.

Thanks for your help!

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

Is there something in the water? We've had a ton of these threads recently!

The short answer is that many women have given birth at various times during nursing school or right as they are trying to get their first jobs. Some have had a baby on Friday, and been in clinicals or orientation on Monday. Some have planned it with their school breaks in mind, and have ended up having to drop out when they are put on bed rest, or if the baby comes early or has complications. It's very stressful, but yet, many of us have done it.

I did it, survived it, had to drop out for spring semester, started back in the fall, and graduated late. It was VERY HARD. But clearly doable. It absolutely requires that your baby's father be very supportive and flexible. Hopefully your place of employment can work with you if you need an extended absence. It helps to have extended family who can help out when there are schedule conflicts. If pressed for an answer, I wouldn't recommend doing it right as you are trying to break into the field, but this kind of decision is very personal.

All that said, there is rarely a "perfect" time to get pregnant. Something always has to give.