Baby and school?

amoLucia · Dec 8, 2016

Go for it!

If you're really interested, just do it. As you've prob read here, many have gone on to school and jobs carrying a much heavier load and they've succeeded. It will take planning and dedication and perseverance.

The one issue that will always come up regardless (be it school or a job) will be that of childcare. You will need a good plan A, plan B and a plan C. But it can be done.

Good luck.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Dec 8, 2016

Nursing school is VERY competitive. I am an excellent student, but I cannot imagine succeeded while taking care of a 5 year old and a newborn.

Your mileage may vary.

julesjameson3333 · Dec 8, 2016

I suppose if it becomes too overwhelming I can switch to part time. However, being in my early thirties I would like to finish sooner than later.

Shookclays, ASN, BSN, CNA, RN · Dec 8, 2016

My cousin became pregnant at 19 with her first child and when she found out she immediately enrolled in the local LPN program at the time. She then bridged LPN-RN(Associates) and continued to get her BSN. During this time she had two more kids and was a single mother. She is now 32 yrs old and a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

Id say go for it but you will have to have a lot of endurance and will power.

Personally, I would make plans to have another baby after I become an RN. But if I end up with an "oopsy doopsy" pregnancy then that's fine and dandy too. My spouse and I would just have to change our schedule a bit after the baby is born. :)

Good luck on your decision!

AliNajaCat · Dec 8, 2016

I went to grad school with a newborn. It can certainly be done, especially when the first is already potty trained and in preschool or first grade and the dad knows how to care for his own child too.

julesjameson3333 · Dec 8, 2016

@Shookclays

Wow! See I can't imagine being a single mom. I guess sometimes you don't really know what you're capable of until you try. Kudos to your cousin..

Yeah, I see what you're saying about waiting until after you get your RN, but it seems there never is really a convenient time to have a baby because I would want to start working upon receiving my RN.

You see my thought process was to get pregnant while in school because school might be a tad more flexible than work with the option of taking as many classes online as possible. Then by the time baby two is in kindergarten or VPK entering the workforce again. Also I am thirty three so I feel time is a ticking to have anymore children.

julesjameson3333 · Dec 8, 2016

@AliNajaCat

Exactly! My husband is a great dad and that definitely helps!

cleback · Dec 8, 2016

I would say it depends on the school too. My nursing school friends and I would joke that we signed our lives away when we entered nursing school. The faculty really expected us to be ok with changes to the semester schedule, sometimes as little as a week in advance. It was hard enough with work.. I don't know how I would've done it with childcare. That being said, if you have a fairly good memory and study habits, the school itself would be manageable.

Trauma Columnist · Dec 8, 2016

Moved to prenursing

emily34812 · Dec 8, 2016

I don't believe it is impossible, but it sure will be difficult. You will need excellent grades in your pre-requisites to get into a nursing program, and the classes won't be too easy. While you may be able to handle a newborn during the pre-requisites, you also have to think about the actual nursing school part. Nursing school will take 2.5-4 years to complete if you go full time. Clinicals are long and frequent, and the schedule is often not very flexible. Unless you have an excellent support system/source of childcare I would consider waiting to have the baby.

jjmm RN,BSN · Dec 8, 2016

I did an accelerated BSN with a 1 and 2 year old. You can do it, just mentally prepare yourself..You will need good organization, support and long term high stress tolerance..but its possible!