Pregnant during FNP school?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I am almost 26 years old, and in the first semester of a rigorous two year master's program to get my FNP. In the fall, I'm hoping to be able to drop my working status to part-time and then PRN once I start clinicals next summer- planning to graduate in May 2013. I'm really wanting to start a family within the next couple years. My dilemma is this: Would it be better to get pregnant (God willing) in the last semester of school and deliver shortly after graduation (when I am just in clinicals and not with a real job yet)? Or would it make more sense to wait until after graduation to start really trying? I'm afraid that if I were to wait, I would have a hard time finding a future employer who was willing to either hire a pregnant, new FNP or to keep my job for me if I become pregnant shortly after hire. I know that in some cases, NP jobs can be hard to come by and I don't want to be waiting around to start a family for nothing. My husband makes a decent salary, so I don't think that money would be an issue if I had to wait a few extra months to find a job after delivery. However, I would like to start working as soon as possible so that we could plan to move into a larger house. Any input is appreciated..and please be honest! thanks! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC , SDC and MDS certified (3.0).

As someone who is going to be a NP, I'm glad you feel it would be so easy to become pregnant. What I'm saying is Don't take for granted when you will get pregant. If I were you I would stop the birth control as early as I could to be able to finish the program on time. The rest will fall into place, In my area NP's are in high demand so getting a job shoudn't be an issue. Good Luck!!:redbeathe

Up Vote Up Vote ×

As far as getting pregnant just before starting work... just remember, not all places offer any type of maternity leave other than FMLA. And to be eligible for FMLA you have to have been employed by the current company for at least 1 year. If not, there is no guaranteed time off and no guarantee that your position would be held.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

biker nurse:

Being able to get pregnant is what I worry about. I don't have any health issues, but I know that doesn't mean anything. We are thinking about getting off the BC about 6 months before we actually want to really start trying and just being careful at that point.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

BUMP!! I am in the exact same situation. Starting FNP program this fall...graduate in 2014....27 years old....married...want kids....

I'm wondering what the typical benefits are for working in a private practice family medicine office for the FNP. Paid maternity leave???? I surely hope so.

(not really concerned with fertility issues right now, if I need to, I'll cross that bridge when I get there). My concern right now is time off and health benefits for NPs. We probably want to start trying a year after I graduate...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment