CRNA school with a young child?

[smhRN89]

Hello all!

I am a female nurse in my late 20s. My dream has been to advance my nursing practice by becoming a CRNA. However, I have a child who will be an infant/toddler during my time in CRNA school. I was hoping to hear from some current or former CRNA students their opinion regarding the manageability of having a young child during CRNA school. My husband is a nurse as well and the plan would be for him to work full time while I am in school. We have great support from both of our families who live nearby. Thanks in advance for any feedback!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Moved to SRNA forum

[pttl7119]

I've spoken to several CRNAs who went to school while they have young children. the answer seem to be the same: as long as you have a good support system that will watch your child, you should be fine. Just know that you will feel tremendous mommy guilt for missing out on a lot of their events during the years you're in school, but it will pay off. I also have a young child, so I had the same concern. But since your child is going to be a toddler, more likely than not, he/she will not remember you being gone for school anyways. Just make sure your family is 100% on board when you're not "fully there" for them for the few years while you're in school.

[Lzbrn20]

I have 2 children( ages 2 and 6) and have worked through this question myself. My family is 100% on board. My mom works Monday- Friday but she has promised to watch the kids every weekend so I can study and work per diem. My husband works 3 12hr shifts so he is home more than half the week. My mother in-law doesn't work and has promised to take on bus duty and babysit the little when I am in class. We also talked her into moving 2 blocks away, eventually she will be living with us so its in everyone's best interest that I do well.