Baby due 3 months after graduation

[msn-np2021]

I graduate from AGPCNP program in June and just found out I will be having a baby in early October. 

My school has recruiters beginning in March/April and I planned to explore job market pre-graduation, but now Im not so sure.  Another challenge is that I live in California and my husband, toddler and I are planning to move out of state as soon as I graduate (June). Our original plan was to determine his work opportunities and go to that location, unless I get a great new grad job prior to graduation, then we would go to that location.... but now this plan doesnt seem to make as much sense. 

I know that Ca can take a long time for licensure, compounded by the fact that as soon as I get licensed I will need to transfer my license to a new state... so Im assuming I won't be licensed until Oct/Nov. (hoping I can test before my due date ?).

My questions:

1. Has anyone experienced a similar timeline?

2. Is it a huge concern that there will be a gap from graduation to my first job as an NP (honestly I prob won't be able to start applying until Feb 2022 since time with my newborn is very important to me). Any materials to keep me "in the loop" during that interim?

3. We are prioritizing moving to Chicago/Milwaukee/Minneapolis area, any idea of how long to transfer a license in these cities?

4. Any advice?

**please no negative comments. I know I will be fine and am confident in my ability to succeed. Id just like any input from others that have similar experience or advice that may be helpful. 

Thank you!

 

 

 

[ThePMHNP]

Congrats on the new baby!! Im a psych NP and I would say don't worry too much about the gap. For NP jobs most employers don't want you to start until you are credentialed which takes about 3 months. So if you're looking to start in Feb, realistically you'd look for jobs in Nov, which would narrow your unemployment gap. With COVID I'd say more employers would be more understanding about gaps.

Also remember you have your whole life to work but time with your baby is limited and precious! Best of luck! :)

[msn-np2021]

On 1/19/2021 at 6:53 AM, ThePMHNP said:

Congrats on the new baby!! Im a psych NP and I would say don't worry too much about the gap. For NP jobs most employers don't want you to start until you are credentialed which takes about 3 months. So if you're looking to start in Feb, realistically you'd look for jobs in Nov, which would narrow your unemployment gap. With COVID I'd say more employers would be more understanding about gaps.

Also remember you have your whole life to work but time with your baby is limited and precious! Best of luck! ?

Thank you for this perspective!!