I am halfway through my ADN degree, I 'll be done winter 2019. I am planning on going straight into a BSN (a couple of months after I get my ADN). Since that takes about 3 years and then I plan on applying to CRNA school after that, which is about 3 more years. I want to conceive a baby around summer-time 2019. I will be about 20 years old. Being a relatively young mom is something I've always wanted. My limit on having a baby is 30 yrs of age (personal preference). If i want to get everything I want done in my career, I will be past 30 years of age or never really have the time to have kids. Me and my bf(soon to be husband) want 4 kids. I guess my question is, has anyone had a baby around this time? How'd they manage? How was it working as a full time RN and having a newborn?
Please keep the mean comments to yourself, I am asking for ADVICE not JUDGEMENT.
Keep in mind that most CRNA programs require some time in ICU; you may not get a job in ICU to start as some hiring managers are now reluctant to hire new grads for this reason. Take your time and enjoy all of it; school, work, and family. Good luck with your plans!
Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.
Congrats on all you've accomplished so far.
I think it is great to have goals and you have lots of them.
It's really hard to explain what it's like having a baby. It rocks your world.
I had my first at 22, got pregnant at 21. I had my next at age 24, then one at 26 and my last one at 28. I am now 42. No regrets whatsoever about having my kids in my 20s.
Raising 4 kids was the bomb diggity bestest time and also pretty exhausting. It was my full time job for a while.
I went to nursing school when the kids were teens.
There are lots of ways to start a career and a family. Lots of very good ways. I say, go ahead with your plans, and just be aware that becoming a mom will change you and you might change your mind about some stuff, and changing your mind is okay.
First of all, and I'm mean this very seriously , don't set up a rigid timeline for yourself then pin all your happiness on getting your own way.
Please. Don't.
Also, being a "relatively young mom" isn't all it's cracked up to be. I'm not sure why it's so important to you.
You can't assume you'll get the sweet-tempered, well adjusted, perfectly healthy child who fits in seamlessly into your plans. And you sure as hell cant assume they'll stay that way.
When you welcome a child into your life, you take responsibility for all the problems and imperfections they have. No matter what. I can't stress this enough. Your kiddo might have neediness you never imagined, and they have to come first befor your career.
Please, get your career started, and your wedding done before you have your kids.
I actually became pregnant at the start of an accelerated 1 year BSN program. I can assure you I didn't plan it this way, but life happens and my son was born right before I started my practicum! By the grace of God and an excellent support system, I was able to graduate and become an RN.
I think that it's excellent that you have such ambition, but please consider allowing some fluidity in your plans. I worked hospital jobs in both med/surg and critical care for 2 years. Many thought the 3 day a week work schedule worked great for family life, and for some it does, but it was a struggle for me. Especially my second job, I found myself so physically and emotionally exhausted that I couldn't be there for my son as much as I wanted to be. Thankfully my husband is wonderful, but he's a nurse as well. I couldn't depend on my mother to babysit anymore because my dad got very sick. The original plan was to go to NP school, but that has to go on the back burner for now as I continue to raise my family and pay off my student loans.
Anyway I'm not saying any of this to discourage you. I've finally found a job that works great for my work life balance and I am more emotionally present for my family. I don't regret how anything turned out. I learned so much in such little time! And I WILL go to NP school, just not when I planned and that's okay.
Children, actually life in general, are unpredictable. You'll drive yourself crazy trying to adhere to such a rigid schedule! Just take it one step at a time with your goals in mind. You can do it!
Thank you guys for all of your comments. There are a lot of mixed feelings here but nonetheless, there is very good advice. I talked to my boyfriend and we decided to go ahead and have the baby in about 2 years(GOD willing). I would've finished my ADN, and gotten a taste for the job environment full time. My boyfriend, will be settled in a gov IT job that pays very well that way (the job is already secured, he interns there and they love him), I can take a year off and take care of my baby then hop back in the saddle with nursing. I have a very strong support system,my parents know what we are working towards and are very supportive. As for me, since I will have to be on such a rigid and almost impossible schedule to be enrolled in a CRNA program before 2022, I will be picking up my BSN full time about a year after I have the baby and go from there. I realize things don't go as planned always but I'm a lady that has to have plans otherwise I feel like my life has no structure. Thank you all for your advice/comments. I will make sure to enjoy every step of the way.
I don't know...your plan sounds pretty intense. I know I have constant baby fever and have wanted a baby since I was 11. Now I'm 23 and still have the urge to have a baby, but I know it would be best for me and baby if I wait. I'm looking forward to having experience under my belt so that I can best support myself and baby, as well as advance my career. If you have to go out for maternity leave with a baby, being new, that's valuable time you're wasting. As a youngin myself, I'd say wait until you're an RN with a BSN. I can't imagine trying to navigate new grad life with a newborn. Perhaps try to work in a special care nursery or something? I get my baby fix and helps curb the fever. There's nothing like a baby who won't stop crying to twist my ovaries haha. I wish you luck!
It can be done! I was pregnant throughout nursing school having my first baby on last day of nursing one; and my second at end of nursing four. I had my 3rd/4th soon after all the time working full time. I will tell you it is exhausting and looking back not sure how I did it but it is possible. You are young and full of energy. Good luck and God Bless!
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Hoosier_RN, MSN
3,968 Posts
Keep in mind that most CRNA programs require some time in ICU; you may not get a job in ICU to start as some hiring managers are now reluctant to hire new grads for this reason. Take your time and enjoy all of it; school, work, and family. Good luck with your plans!