Balancing Nurse Practitioner School/Career and Motherhood

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Hi all! I am currently applying to direct entry NP programs and am seeking advice from those who went to school with small children. I have a 1.5 year old son and a wonderful husband, who fully supports my desire to pursue this career. As much as I believe this is the right route for me, I worry that I will become an absent mother with no time for my family. That is my biggest fear. I would love to hear from people who went through the program with kids. Were you able to strike a balance and still have time for family during and after school, or are my concerns valid? Also, how difficult is it to find part-time work as a new grad?

I loved reading all the positive stories. I start my FNP in August and have 3 kids (13, 7 and 2). I have a very supportive husband and we discussed when would be the best time. Basically it's a better to get it done now and over with kind of deal

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Specializes in Critical Care.

It seems as if I wrote this thread lol.. I have a 20 month old, a supportive fianc'e, a full time job and i just got accepted into JU's AG-ACNP program (Part time) - So it will take me an extra year to finish when comparing it to the full time program. Anyway, I am nervous as well, even though I chose the part time route. On the other hand, i do think that now is the best time to go to school because at this age they are too young to remember everything. I always remind myself that at least i won't be missing any soccer or baseball games yet, and have him realize it. My son also goes to day care 4 days a week, but i think when i officially start school in August, i will enroll him 5 days a week so i can have an extra study day. A lot of people are in the same boat. It feels bitter sweet now. When were in our programs i'm sure it will feel debilitating, but as long as you prepare yourself for the sacrifices then everything will be okay and fall into place. You got this! We got this!

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What are your plans for work when your start your program part time? I have a 20 month old son too and hoping to start my FNP program Fall 2017. I currently work 0.8 and will try to continue that and do school part time until clinicals start to pick up more. I work in the OR so there not a lot of schedule flexibility since most of our scheduled cases are between 7-5. This thread has been very inspiring!!!

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Specializes in ICU, Triage, Home Health, primary care FNP.

Mom with 3 and 5 year old here stating NP program in the summer. Another question is, how are you guys budgeting school, mortgage, kid expenses? Work par time and go to school part time? Unfortunately, my supportive spouse doesn't make enough to financially support all of this. I make half of our household income so it would be a big financial strain for us.

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.
Mom with 3 and 5 year old here stating NP program in the summer. Another question is, how are you guys budgeting school, mortgage, kid expenses? Work par time and go to school part time? Unfortunately, my supportive spouse doesn't make enough to financially support all of this. I make half of our household income so it would be a big financial strain for us.

Student loans. Not ideal, but I dropped to 3/4 time at work and used loans to make up the difference. I'm the primary breadwinner so I viewed it as a temporary investment.

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