Being a Nurse and Mother in Ontario?

[JuliWB]

Hello Ladies:

I'm contemplating a career change and am looking into acquiring an RPN (Registered Practical Nurse) diploma in Ontario. I'm looking for some candid views on what it is like to work as a nurse and having a family. I have a 1 year old and am planning on growing my family. Any thoughts and suggestions are appreciated. It would be great to get input from both recent grads/moms and senior nurses/moms.

Thank you very much!!!

[ajaxgirl]

Oh boy! I got accepted into a RPN program for January intake! What to do now? I've never been so torn over anything. I guess I should mention that I would have to work at least part-time (20-24hrs) if I don't go to school. So whether I'm in school or not, I will be away from my little one. My course load will be a little lighter because I will receive transfer credits for at least 6 courses (possibly 7). After some soul searching it really comes down two issues that are holding me back:

1) Should I do school now (with one child) or later after I had more kids and when they are in school?

2) Is nursing really right for me? I'm attracted to nursing for many, many reasons but my biggest worry is that I have the wrong idea of what it's like to be a nurse. I've been researching nursing school and the nursing profession for nearly 2 years now. Unfortunately it seems that you don't really know what a job is really like until you have worked in it. I already have a diploma in a field that I didn't enjoy working in.

I guess I should be happy about having the opportunity. It's just about figuring out when the right time is.

Thanks for your input so far. You all have been very helpful.

Can you do the program part time?

Do you have a supportive husband?