Being a parent while in nursing school

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in OB, Cardiac.

Hi,

My husband & I may be expecting a baby, we'll have to wait & find out for certain. I figured if I was pregnant I would delay nursing school by a year. Then, by the time I started nursing school the baby would be a year old. I was just wondering if anyone had personal experience w/ having babies & being in school? How hard is it? Also, was the financial situation managable(my husband & I are both in college right now). Thanks!:confused:

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Specializes in ICU, CCU, Trauma, neuro, Geriatrics.

I was pregnant during the first year of nursing school, I had a c-section in August after that first year so I could not attend school the second year. I finished school the following year. I graduated in 1992, put my youngest daughter in day care as a very young child so I could finish nursing school. She is 15 now and not much different than the other kids.

Anything can be accomplished if that is what you have set as your goal.

I divorced after nursing school but I had that as a plan prior to entering class. I took 3 kids with me. I told my ex that if things didnt improve I would leave with the kids. He obviously didnt believe me or that is what he wanted and was too weak to make that move himself.

I admire couples that make the decision for one to continue their education and both work towards that with unique short term goals. Little parties along the way to celebrate.

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Specializes in Oncology, Med-Surg, ED.

My son was 2 when I started.

It is hard, I know women who have been able to do it with a "baby" baby, and they relied very heavilly on their family for child care.If you have a solid support system, it is do-able (but difficult). If you have no support system, I personally would wait if I had the choice.

Just my 2 cents.

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Specializes in Ortho/Neuro.

Congrats! I am a second year nursing student, I have a 3 1/2 year old daughter and I also work 24 hours a week. It makes nursing school a little harder, but yes, it is manageable. My husband is not a college student, but he works two jobs to support us right now. I feel like I never have enough time to spend with her. Some days she is at daycare for 10 hours then we come home and I make dinner and set her up watching a movie while I do homework. The TV has been her constant companion. I feel guilty for letting her watch so much TV, but then again...this is very important. When I do have extra time, during breaks and the rare afternoon that I don't have much to do I will spend quality time with her. We had the best summer just hanging out together Right now it's been all about the quality of time, not the quantity. I know my daughter is older, but we make it ok. I have maintained a 3.8 GPA throughout nursing school, and while we don't live in a great apartment, out little one does us just fine for now. We don't have a lot of money for extras, but we get by. The thought of doubling my income come June after graduation is enough to help me keep my eye on the goal right now! I wish you luck with everything!

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