Nurse and Starting a Family

Wicked Wahine · Jun 12, 2008

Oh that is such baloney. No matter what you're doing in your life, children (especially the first one!) require major changes in routine and lifestyle. Everyone figures it out as they go along and you will too, I promise. I began working on my pre-reqs when my son was 18 months and finally started NS when he was 3.5. Absolutely no problem at all because he's in preschool and I study a lot after he goes to bed. There are tons of single working moms in my nursing program as well and while it's rough, they all seem to make it work too and if they can make it work, anyone can.

K10RN · Jun 12, 2008

You can do anything you put your mind to! I started LPN school when my daughter was 5 months old. I finished that in a year. I just finished RN school and she's now 4. It wasn't the easiest thing that I've ever done, but I knew that it had to be done. Be glad you have your husband there to support you. Maybe try to plan the birth to be during your summer vacation or winter break if you can plan it out. Good luck!

sam.icu · Jun 12, 2008

u know that u have to do ur best and put all what u got to make it thru life obstacles belive me dont think that ull fail just go for it and anyway taking care of pt is mush more diff:paw:

BlueEyedRN · Jun 12, 2008

My oldest was 2 when I started nursing school and I had a baby smack dab in the middle of my 2nd-to-last semester (not exactly planned that way). It's hard and you can't pamper yourself the way you want to, but it is definitely possible. The most important thing is that you have support. Follow your heart. Babies are always worth it.

Pinkster · Jun 13, 2008

If you want to have a baby, it would probably be easier to have it durring your pre-reqs that was you could take as many or as little classes until you get intno the parrenting mode and swing of your new life.

I would trype more, but my 21 month old is driving his trucks all over me.

Good luck!

nurserynurse55 · Jun 13, 2008

That's crazy. Nurses have babies all of the time. You can have a baby and work the off shift too. If you do not want the off shift then find a different type of nursing job. Besides, you will be in school in the morning and afternoon for the next few years, so you know what type of hours to espect. I am 17 weeks preggo with my second working midnights.

Good Luck with life, family and nursing.

LeavingTeaching4RN · Jun 14, 2008

Imekuria,

I'll be 28 this summer and my husband and I faced a similar delimna. We decided to wait until I finish nursing school. I know that many people are successful in school and raise children. However, I felt it wasn't the best timing and situation for me. And now, as I watch some of my classmates juggle babysitters, spending time with their children, and studying, I think I made the right decision for me. Good Luck with your decision and nursing school.

lmekuria · Jun 16, 2008

Thank you guys for all your advice. One more question. Will I be able to pick my hours starting off. I really don't want to work midnight shifts. I would prefer to do the regular hours specially with kids. Would that be unrealistic for a nurse starting off.

allnurses Guide · Jun 16, 2008

I live in a rural area where they are hurting for nurses so we can pretty much pick our shift.

However I don't think it works that way for other areas but I'll let other posters answer that question.

I've told my kids it is better to get your education prior to having kids. I was in my 3rd year of a Bachelor's in Social Work when I got pregnant. I quit school.

I had three kids when I decided to go back to school and study nursing. I waited until the youngest was in first grade so my going back to school would have the least effect on them and I'd be home when they were home for the most part. I was 38.

School is challenging - I agree with LeavingTeaching's post. I'd wait until I had my degree before having kids.

I'm also not a big believer of "following your heart" (emotion). . . .you need to use your head (logic). And ask yourself some questions.

How will you handle school and pregnancy? School and kids? School and sick kids? Do you have family nearby who can help out with child care (we had great help from grandma & grandpa)? Do you want to use day care (we didn't). What about expenses?

Don't just jump into this. Posting the question here is a good start.

My kids are 25, 23, 18 and 6 . .. .and I'll tell you, time flies. I work very part-time now and am enjoying my 6 year old because his siblings grew up way too fast.

I wish you the best.

steph

PurrRN · Jun 16, 2008

You should be aware that new grad don't normally get to pick just any shift they want. So to go in with the idea that you will get a day shift places you in an unrealistic postition.

HOWEVER (big caveat here), that doesn't mean that you won't find a day shift position for yourself. It just means there may not be alot to choose from.

I graduated in May, and my hospital offered me a day/evening position that I turned down because they couldn't guarentee the amount of evening shifts I'd be required to work.

3-11P doesn't work for my family and I didn't want to get caught up in "needs of the hospital" vs my children.

You will find that many new grads will have to accept any position offered just to get thier foot in the door.

Be aware that my imput also depends on the area of the country you are trying to find employment in. For myself, there are only 2 hospitals in a 70 mile area, so I don't have a lot of choices to be picky. Thank goodness they turned around and offered me a NOC position.

Good Luck,

Angela

Otessa, BSN, RN · Jun 16, 2008

Hello all,
I am 28yrs old trying to start nursing school. I have to take a few pre-req class that i have left which i belive is going to take me at least a year and a half before I can event start the nursing program. My dilema is that me and my husband want to have a baby within the next 2yrs I feel like by the time i finish my pre-reqs i will be with a kid and impossible to juggle a toddler and a nursing school.
Everyone I talk to seem to tell me to think twice before I do this because as a nurse I would be bound to work crazy hours and have no choice.
Please somone enlighten me!

There were three people in my class that had babies during nursing school. It was actually easier for them to have infants and toddlers during school because they weren't working weekends, nights, and holidays yet-after school this is pretty common (nights, weekends, holidays). Studying will be difficult and time management will be crucial for you. Good luck with your decision!