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Nurses Career Support

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Hello, I am currently about to enter my final semester of nursing school and so I am beginning to think about life outside of nursing school.

So this is my dilemma...

When I first began my prerequisites for nursing school, I was single and had every intention of working full time after the completion of school. But now, I am marrying a military man, and I do not know where the next 7 years will take me. I would really like to start a family as soon as possible, but I would like to stay home while my children are little, or at least work PRN. However, with my husband-to-be beginning his military career, it is almost impossible for me to get a year of nursing required to go PRN as soon as possible. I plan on trying to start on my year as soon as I graduate, but it is unlikely I will be able to complete more than 6 months in my first position. I really want a family, but I don't want to throw away all this hard work and not get the experience and a job years down the road.

The other issue I am having, is that I would really like to be in acute care, so to get a year in acute care might take several to complete and I would really like to begin having children in 2 years.

I just want some advice on family planning with nursing...

Did anyone stay home with their children after nursing school?

How long did you wait to go back?

How did it affect your career?

Has anyone graduated from school and then waited several years before beginning work with negative or positive effects?

Any input would really be appreciated!!! Thank you!

Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

I just want to provide some reassurance.

Most areas of the country that house military installations are very "military friendly", which means that they provide special consideration for military dependents. Employers in those areas understand the challenges associated with being a military spouse, including the mandatory relocations that are required. You won't be considered a 'job hopper'. If the post/base has a hospital or clinic, you may also want to apply for a job there.

I have no child planning wisdom for you. Your situation will be different due to potential for unaccompanied deployments - during which you will essentially become a single parent. So this puts you into a different category than many of us. I hope some other military spouses will chime in and help you figure this out.

Thank you so much for replying! I really hope we get stationed somewhere military friendly like you said!! Thank you again!

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