Being a Mom vs. a Nurse. How do you handle it?

Nurses Stress 101

Published

  1. how do you feel you are currently balancing work with family?

    • 1
      Spend more time at work than with family
    • 2
      Spend more time with family than at work
    • 1
      Spend equal time with family and work
    • 1
      I don't have children

5 members have participated

Specializes in Med-Surg.

Since graduating nursing school 5 years ago, I've had no problem with finding a position in med-surg, but I can't seem to get ahead on the career path. I had my first child earlier than planned (a wonderful oops), and although I love my kids I find it really difficult to juggle working full-time and being there for them like I want to. So, I have been per diem for a couple years, only working a couple times a month and staying home with the kiddos during the week. Since my youngest has recently turned 2, I now have him in daycare and am working part-time hours. But now I don't have enough hours for the 2,000 minimum clinical hours to get my certification which I'm really bummed out about. I feel like my career is in limbo. Want to get my BSN but I need to wait for the kids to grow up a bit since it's my husband that's going to school right now to further his career. Both parents going to school and working would just be to much strain for the family. Oh, how the rest of the world doesn't know the sacrifices of a mother....I will just have to enjoy my children while they are so young. They will never be this little and cute again!

0 Votes
Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

I'm in a similar position...I desire part time work so I can be there for my kids, but of need to accumulate a certain number of full time hours to be eligible for certain programs.

I don't know the answers, but I've tried to leave it in Gods hands not to give me more than I can handle.

I was able to find a day care that my son enjoys going to, which alleviates *some* of my self inflicted mommy-guilt. My youngest son is quite a bit older than yours, he's 9, now.

I try to tell myself that if I have to go full time in order to get myself where I want to be, which is in a higher pay per hour position that will allow me to work part time, that the period of time I'll have to go full time is only for a short period.

If my kids were younger, I might consider holding off until they were at least in school all day. But I'm not saying that's what you should do.

Sacrificing career advancement and personal satisfaction is not without risks.

Good luck to you whichever path you choose.

0 Votes
Specializes in LTC, med/surg, hospice.

What is your ultimate goal?

I am dropping from full time to per diem to finish my BSN quickly and have more time at home. I have 2 children. My main goal is to get my education squared away and I also want to enjoy life.

0 Votes
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