If you have a family...

[OBplease]

Ok, I got it. I have asked this question a couple of different ways, since I have been a member and I give way too much information, leading to not a lot of response. I have figured out what is really sticking out to me between the main two programs, I feel I will get into, and why.

Basically, I want to know...If you have a family, would you prefer...

> a program that last 10 weeks longer, including a summer and a half (where summer child care is needed), but only 3 days a week, no weekend or night clinicals, 1 hour drive time 1 day, 20 minute drive time 2 days, OR...

> a program with no summers, but can have weekend or evening clinicals, 3 days first two semesters, 4 days second two semesters, 45 min drive time for 1-4 days of the week, some clinicals being 20 min. drive time?

Both programs end at the same time, both will end in RN. Thanks!

[SwampCat, BSN]

I'd take the second choice. I have a very supportive husband and he will gladly do everything for the kids on the weekends while I'd be at clinical. And it would take a lot for me to give up my summer with my kids. I've been a sahm for 8 years now and I count down the days until summer vacation so we can go on day trips and picnics and all that other fun stuff we do in the few short months of summer vacation.

I'm okay with not being with the kids if my husband is. I understand that some people have to resort to daycare, but I hope and pray that my kids will be grown and have never set foot in a daycare. They will come first until they are old enough to fend for themselves.

ETA:

I don't know of you stay home now, but do remember if your program is when they are at school you'll have to figure something out for when they are sick. That's often something that is overlooked.

[Nighthawke30]

I think it really depends on your support system and how much your SO is willing to do. My wife is very supportive and is a stay at home mom, so I'd also choose the second option

[OBplease]

My parents would be the sick child care or emergency pick ups. School kids would be in after school care, for up to an hour or two maybe a day or two out of the week, which would be right by the school. Weekend or evening care would be DH. He has his own small business, five minutes from home and has occasionally taken older children to work and can leave if needed, occasionally. He is off every night at 6 or earlier and can go in early to adjust getting off earlier, on days that I would be later (week day clinical). Although, right now, he is the one who takes the kids to school, just because I am a SAHM and he is going right by there at the appropriate time.

However....I have one that will be almost 4 at the time I will start and will require care for the first year and will be in school after that. Although, if I did the second option and only needed care for her 1 or 2 days during the week (because DH would have her for weekend and evening clinicals), my parents would be willing to do that. However, she is already used to going to a great parents day out preschool program for five hours, two days a week and I would still want to maintain some type of interaction and activities for her.