About to graduate..to start a family or find a job?

tachybradyRN · Aug 12, 2008

If it were me, I would get established in my career first and then, two or three years down the road, start trying to conceive. Of course, this is an intensely personal decision that only YOU can make.

Creamsoda, ASN, RN · Aug 12, 2008

If it were me, I would work abit first, to get some experience, and also to qualify for mat leave. Not sure how long you guys get mat. leave for, but in Canada we get 1 year. So obviously I would want to get paid for it. I would work for at least a few months to a year, then by the time you get pregnant, your not totally new to nursing so it will be easier on you when you get back. Its proably most important to solidify that knowledge you aquired as soon as you can because your going to forget alot. But thats just what I would do, and circumstances can change.

NurseyBaby'05, BSN, RN · Aug 12, 2008

If you will be starting out working full-time, I would wait at least six months before getting pregnant. If you will be part-time, I would wait a year. Nursing school can't hold a candle to what a nurse actually does. You will learn the most as a nurse when you first start working.

No pregnancy is without risk of complications and coming back after any langthy leave (six weeks or longer) is a lot easier if you have significant experience under your belt. Six months to a year will fly by and when you would come back from leave, you will regain your bearings much sooner.

Pinkster · Aug 12, 2008

If it were me, I would work abit first, to get some experience, and also to qualify for mat leave. Not sure how long you guys get mat. leave for, but in Canada we get 1 year. .

That's it I'm going to Canada! A year off for Maternity leave!

..back on point. I'm debating this as well when I get out of NS, because I then want to continue my education and get work experience, where do I fit another baby in there lol?But yea I think Since you have a choice you should try working a bit, establish your career if you plan on working after the baby. That way if you do take an extended time off for the new addition, you will have years of experience of nursing under your belt and much more marketable.

no one has answered if new grads are hired part-time, I'm curious to know if there are a lot of part-time new grad positions available too.

scribblerpnp · Aug 12, 2008

As a new grad, I was hired per diem. I pretty much wrote my own schedule (because I was in grad school at the time). I didn't get any benefits, but I only worked 8 hours a week. During summer breaks from school I worked about 32 hours per week.\

So I would say part time is totally doable. My orientation was 40 hours per week for six weeks, which was in the summer so it worked fine with my school schedule.

iamhere · Aug 12, 2008

I think working and putting off the baby till later. I haven't started my nursing career yet ( just about to start nursing school!) but I have read many posts on here. The ones that took time off seem to have a hard time finding a job and now new grads are having a rough time also. I would get my foot in the door, work a bit then have another baby. My lil input :nuke:

futurecnm · Aug 12, 2008

work first to establish yourself and gain experience and seniority. I see you are only 30 so you have lots of time to have babies. I am 34 and will work at least a year before/if I have a 3rd child. I want to have paid time off and feel like I've gotten good experience as a RN. If you have a baby and take time off first you will have lost a lot of your skills and won't be as attractive as a new hire.

RNKPCE · Aug 13, 2008

ditto the working first. It will be hard to retain what you learned in nursing school if you wait 3 years. Also what you learned in nsg school and the maybe more important education you get the first year on the job are the foundations to continue in nursing.

I waited 3 years before I had my first child then I went part time

becembrie · Aug 13, 2008

I agree with the others. Work a year or two and then have another child. The first couple of years are such a learning experience. As much as you learn in school, the experience you gain during your first nursing job is really amazing. You shouldn't put that off.

I know that there are part time and per diem positions being offered to new grads in my area. I'd imagine there must be some in your area as well.

Good luck to you.

CNM2B · Aug 13, 2008

I thought I'd just put my two cents in because it is different from the others. I graduated with my BSN 2 years ago. I was 33 and newly married. We decided to start a family right away and I put off finding a job. I knew it was risky, but it was worth the risk for me. My daughter is now 19 months old and I just finished my orientation last week as a "new grad." I work part-time nights (2 twelve hour shifts per week) and it is PERFECT for our little family. Jobs are harder to come by these days, but I'm glad with my decision to wait and have my daughter. The skills and knowledge of nursing school have come back to me without a problem.

Good luck with your decision!

Vegas RN, MBA · Aug 13, 2008

If it were me, I'd tell the facility thanks, but you made a mistake and would rather care for your own family, and quit. I'd then promptly get pregnant and be a stay-at-home Mom until my children were 18, up and out. There's nothing better than caring for your own children instead of patients.

You're obviously a kind, caring person, and I'm sure your children would benefit from learning your morals and values instead of some paid babysitter's opinions. Plus, they'll have your undivided attention instead of battling with 12-20 other children for a stranger's attention.

You can go back to nursing when you have empty nest syndrome at 54. That's still young for a nurse, and you'll have all your experiences to bring with you to your job. You may even want to go into pediatrics! :wink2: