Having children while getting education

Nurses General Nursing

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I posted this in another forum, but meant to post it here. Sorry. :)

I just wanted to get some perspective from those that have already been through nursing school and are already working in the field. I'm going to start nursing school next year, but I'm considering getting pregnant this year and having a baby before I enter into the program. My reasons for this are more medical, as I'm not a spring chicken, and would like to add a child into our family before fertility issues come into play. So my question is, is it possible to go through nursing school with a infant/toddler? Would I just be inviting failure? I want to be realistic as to whether I would be able to successful complete my schooling. Also, if I were to wait and get pregnant the last year of nursing school or even after I graduate, how hard is it to leave the field for a year and then go back to work? I need to make a decision as to what is more important? Having a child or getting my degree... it's a tough choice. Any personal experiences would be great! TIA

I have 2 kids (11 & 13 y.o.) when I started my nursing program. It was really hard and they were so old already. Although, it may be easier for you if you have a partner (I am a single mom). It's definitely do-able but there will be times you will feel sooo tired, guilt, frustrated but it will also be very rewarding if you can work it all out. Good luck on whatever you decide to do.

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I graduated Summa Cum Laude, #1 in my BSN nursing program. I started the program when my twins were less than 1 year old, one of them being severely special needs due to preterm birth at 25 weeks gestation. Yes, it can be done. :)

My nursing instructors were very accomodating. I was called from daycare because my child had a low grade temp and had to be sent home at the same time I had a test. I brought her to school and my instructor allowed me to sit in her office and take the test with my child with me. There were 2 other women in my class who were pregnant and had babies during nursing school, as well. If you show you are serious about your education, your teachers will respect that.

My children attended daycare, but a college schedule left plenty of gaps for me to spend time with them. I also had off during the summer (with a few exceptions), so never felt I was missing out on their growing up. They loved Daycare, loved socializing with other little kids their age. The other babies/toddlers were also very inquisitive about my "special needs" daughter, making it a wonderful experience for all involved. Don't listen to people who make ridiculous statements like the earlier one in this post.

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Thank you all for your comments and for sharing your personal experiences. I feel much better knowing that if we do decide to add to our family, I can still continue my education and that all my hard work up until this point won't be in vain. To answer some of your questions, yes I have already been accepted into the program, I'll start next rotation. Thankfully I have a very supportive husband who is very helpful with the daily chores and helps with our daughter. I also have a great support system with our extended families, if we ever need them. Now to leap or not leap... lol! :wink2:

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people have been doing it for a long time now. i don't see a problem with it. the positive side is that by the time you finish school your children won't remember you not being there.

you are entitled to your career, your family and an education. as human beings we adapt and evolve and time continuosly changes. what was proper in the 50's and 60's do not apply anymore in the millenium and you no longer have to sacrifice one for the other.

suggesting that one shouldn't have children because you have goals surrounding that, is pretty prehistoric (i hope no one takes offense as it's just my 2cents^_^) not that it applies to the op's situation but things don't always work out the way that you plan and children are often in the mix. you decide on something and then at 35-40 years old the plan isn't working any more (ex: divorce, disaster, cost of living) and you find yourself starting over again with a family. it happens, and people get through it as well do the children.

good luck with everything!

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Specializes in GI.

I'm not taking nursing classes yet, but am taking an A&P course in the evenings. I am currently 14 weeks pregnant. I will officially start nursing school in the spring. I also have a 13 month old. This is doable for me because 1) I don't work, 2)I'm only taking one class a semester (I have a BS in Biology so a lot of my pre-reqs are taken care of. I will only be taking nursing classes) and 3) my classes are in the evening. Your situation may be different, but lots of women have been pregnant during school and have other children. Good luck!

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Specializes in School Nursing.

just make sure you always have back-up people to help you out in a pinch. your instructors will not be sympathetic towards your situation, ie...kids sick....no sitter. good luck in what ever you do !

praiser :heartbeat

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
Heads up: your opinion IS attacking people. It's ridiculous to post something so offensive and expect no one to take issue.

Yes but this is an open forum and I really don't see how someone sharing an opinion that differs from ours, yes I agree with you that while it isn't something I would personally reccomend it is possible, doesn't make it an attack. This isn't directed to the OP here but it wears me out when people only post a question with the desire to get cyber hugs and a cheerleading squad. The beauty of an open forum is getting differing opinions, imo, and frankly whenever I have such a strong reaction to a poster I look within myself and usually that is where the issue lies.

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Thanks Jules, I am glad someone understands my point of view - agree with it or not. I never said daycare leaders are heartless people. I just believe that if YOU birth the child, then it behooves the child that YOU are the one raising him. kids needs their mommies constantly when they're young and developing... which is the MOST important part of your child's life. Having someone else raise your child is not being an effective parent. NO ONE can replace a mommy.

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I think it was close minded and rude.

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I am also offended by the above comment, I myself have a 3 yr old and a 5 yr old plus I work 20 hrs a week and am commuting 3 hrs a day to and from school and I am managing to get a good grade in my first semester of nursing school. I am getting my degree to better myself and to provide for my children in the long run. And my kids are not neglected, they understand that mommy has to study. If you REALLY want to be a nurse, you will find ways and adjust your life accordingly to achieve your goals. Follow your heart.

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A THREE year old understands that mommy has to study? Are you kidding me? A three year old does not understand why mommy is spending time studying instead of time with him. I understand that people go into nursing to "better themselves." But in my opinion, there are some things that should be put first - such as young children. Just my opinion again, but I think one can not be an effective parent while working and going to school. Where is the time with your child? Parenting takes place when you're with your child - not putting him into institutionalized daycare.

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Accusing working mothers of "shipping their kids off to daycare" and "having someone else raise their children" is absolutely an attack. I'm not going to pretend otherwise.

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