ACNP and motherhood

glea1022 · Jun 20, 2007

While I'm not done with NP school yet, I am working full-time (40+ hours per week) and have two kids (4 y.o. and 2 y.o.). I decided a long time ago that day care was going to have to be a necessary "evil" (believe me, I'd rather them not have to go at all either). It has turned out to be an absoute blessing. Both of my girls have gone since they were 10-12 weeks old and it's just part of the routine to them. Their social skills are great, and, for my oldest, it's like preschool. They go to an actual day care center (not a home babysitter), and so there is a curriculum, activities, etc. Meals etc. are provided, the kids pre-k and up go on field trips. When I pick them up, they are obviously having a good time. I think that when the time comes for them to start school, we won't have too much trouble with the transition because they are used to not being home everyday. (Mom might have more trouble than the kids--my babies aren't babies anymore! Waaah! ).

In addition, I have a really supportive husband. He's usually able to pick the girls up from daycare (and even the occasional drop-off) if I can't due to school or work conflict. At any rate, I know the kids are in good hands regardless. Believe me, I wish with all my heart and soul that I could be a stay-at-home Mom, hanging out with my little ones all day. But there's just no way that will ever happen (not possible to live on hubby's salary--middle school teachers don't get paid enough), so I content myself with the idea that my kids are in good hands, they are learning and growing well, and won't likely be scarred for life by going to day care.

It comes down to the fact that you have to evaluate your personal situation and values, and determine what you can live with (regardless of what field you work in--you'll have the same issues as a bedside RN). The other thing is, "what you can live with" may change as time goes by. For instance, when I first went back to work (as a bedside RN) after my oldest was born, I worked Fri-Sat-Sun, 12hr shifts. My daughter (10wks old) only went to daycare on Fridays. That worked for about 6 months before hubby and I decided we missed being able to see each other once in a while. By then, I was comfortable with the daycare and not as averse to her going more frequently. Now they both go 5 days a week (except in the summer, when hubby keeps them home).

CaseAlum · Jun 20, 2007

Thanks for the post. I'm wondering if anyone has heard of PRN NP jobs?? What about not working as an NP for a few years.... will it be difficult to get back into the job market after not working for a few years to raise a family?? I feel like I want it all.... education, career, and family. I just hope it's possible. Thanks

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Jun 21, 2007

I've never seen PRN NP jobs at least here where I am. There are a few part-time job openings that pop up every now and then, mostly in specialty practices. Putting your NP job on hold after graduation can be an option as long as you keep working as an RN - I guess that will keep you abreast of what's going on in the field. But the question is for how long can you put the NP job on hold? You will have to recertify after a certain amount of years (5 for ANCC, state rules vary) and you will have to show that you have actual hours worked as an NP to recertify with all the NP certification boards. How about look for a job full time and then ease your way out into a part-time position later once you've been there for a while. The only reason why I suggest this is that when you hire in to an NP position, you will likely need full time hours to be able to learn the ropes and be comfortable in the role. Once you get used to it, then you can ask your employer if they will let you work part-time and maybe hire another person to help. In our group, we have an NP who hired in full time for a year and is now working part-time to study for the DNP and devote time to family.

core0 · Jun 21, 2007

I've never seen PRN NP jobs at least here where I am. There are a few part-time job openings that pop up every now and then, mostly in specialty practices. Putting your NP job on hold after graduation can be an option as long as you keep working as an RN - I guess that will keep you abreast of what's going on in the field. But the question is for how long can you put the NP job on hold? You will have to recertify after a certain amount of years (5 for ANCC, state rules vary) and you will have to show that you have actual hours worked as an NP to recertify with all the NP certification boards. How about look for a job full time and then ease your way out into a part-time position later once you've been there for a while. The only reason why I suggest this is that when you hire in to an NP position, you will likely need full time hours to be able to learn the ropes and be comfortable in the role. Once you get used to it, then you can ask your employer if they will let you work part-time and maybe hire another person to help. In our group, we have an NP who hired in full time for a year and is now working part-time to study for the DNP and devote time to family.

If you have an FNP you can get a job with one of the minute clinic type jobs. Those are part time and full time. Not a good job for a new grad though.

David Carpenter, PA-C

NurseRogers · Jun 21, 2007

I know there are opportunities for FNPs to do part-time. I will be hoping to do part-time as an FNP when I finish in 12/2008 (man that seems like so far away).

Natasha

carachel2 · Jun 25, 2007

I'm in an FNP program and have completed a few clinicals where I have met FNP's who have more flexible schedules. Granted, some of them are NOT exciting and thrilling and all that jazz, but I will trade all that out in a heartbeat so I can be at DD's end of the school year party and not have to put her in daycamp ALL summer. I think the flexibility diminishes as you go more towards acute care, but there are plenty of flexible and part-time positions in FNP.

The most recent experience was with a derm NP who rounded at local nursing homes. Again, like I said, not exciting and thrilling but she made her OWN schedule, worked when SHE wanted to and she was making pretty good $$ (the equivalent of 80-90K if she put in full-time hours).

Trauma Columnist · Jun 25, 2007

I work in a large nephrology practice with 15 MDs, 3 PAs, 3 FNPs, 1 ACNP and me (CNS). The NPs and me manage the day to day life of the dialysis patients - 700 of them. We have much flexibilty in our jobs: if we have an appt, we just work around it - come in earlier, stay later, work a little on Saturday, whatever it takes. One of our FNPs works three days a week because she has kids that need daycare. She started as full-time and then slowly worked into part-time. That is what I see in my area....no part-time jobs per se, but some things can be worked into.

Good luck...and 12/08 isn't that far off!