Is it easier to juggle family as a nurse or a nursing student??

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Specializes in PACU, presurgical testing.

I'm finishing up my first year of a 2-year nursing program, and I can tell you I've never looked forward to a semester break more than this one! Do they TRY to kill you in nursing school, or is it just an extra feature? (wait, don't answer that yet; I have a bigger question coming...)

A fairly new grad told us at the beginning of our first clinical to hang in there, because it was easier to be an actual nurse than a nursing student. I've held onto that hope these many months, but I'm wondering if that's the case for people with young kids.

I have a 9 year old and a 6 year old, and while I have been blessed to attend most of their crucial events (some divine intervention on timing, I think), I am missing a lot of simple things when I go into my study and shut the door after dinner to do my work. Things like helping with their homework or helping them comb out their hair after a shower, reading a book to my younger daughter before bed, or just sitting with my big girl to talk. We are always together for dinner this semester, at least, but it's not a lot of time before I have to go off to study while my husband (who should get an award for his flexibility and cooking skills!) does all the "mom" stuff I used to do.

Anyway, I'm just wondering if this will really get any easier when I'm working. I know it depends on shifts and such, but at the end of the day when I'm done working, will I have the time and energy to be mom? I have not worked since my kids were born, so maybe school was a baptism by fire compared to "just" going back to work, but maybe my perception is way off base...

BTW, if you DO want to weigh in on the "does the nursing school actually try to kill the students" question, feel free...

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Specializes in pulm/cardiology pcu, surgical onc.

I think after nursing school you'll be surprised with all the free time you have once again. My kids were a few years older than yours are now but they were definitely happy to have Mom back after school was through. I always use me as an example to them now to finish college after high school instead of years later like I did.

Yes, you will be stressed with a new job and role but you will not have to take that home like you did with NS. Learn to leave all the BS at work and your home life will not be affected. If you work 12 hr shifts than you won't be available much on the days you work (depending on what shift you work) but you'll more than make up for it with the time you're there and present.

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Specializes in PACU, OR.

No, I won't tackle the "studenticide" question, but one thing I can tell you....with a helpful husband such as you have, juggling your family and your studies is easier than for those who have to carry the whole burden by themselves. Be very grateful for the support he is giving you! Mine was like a bear with a sore head throughout my training; by the time I wrote finals I was exhausted, and so disenchanted that I was unable to even summon up a smile when I heard I'd passed finals. Given the fact that he is such a treasure, I can only advise you not to allow yourself to miss out on too much of your kids' childhood. Believe me, you blink and it's gone!

The first two years after you qualify are likely to be the hardest. If you are living in an area where there is a glut of nurses, you will firstly battle to find a job, then when you do find one, you will have to accept the shifts you are offered, regardless of their convenience, or lack thereof. Once you have acquired some experience and a good reputation, it should be easier to be picky about which jobs you take. I was lucky in that the first job I landed in after graduation was PACU, and it didn't take long for me to realize that I'd found the perfect niche for me.

if I had to do it all again, I would train in theater immediately after graduation; in my country, that would qualify me to scrub or work in PACU, whichever I wanted to practice in. The hours are perfect for nurses with children, and the pay is better.

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Specializes in Geriatrics and Quality Improvement,.

Nursing School is setup to be hectic, stressful and time consuming, becuase when you get onto the floor as a Nurse, your shcedule is hectic, stressful and time consuming. Its a hack it or get out situation. You seem to have some organizational skills, and the ability to delegate work so you can acomplish goals. That should help you as a nurse. Kudos.

Next, I have a 10 and 5, and it is easier for me being a nurse than being a student.

many reasons- each my own, many challenges- each my own, but this is all IMHO.

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Both! Especially for single parents.

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It is less stressful on your family life when you finish school and start working. I won't say that it is less stressful for your personal journey. There will still be a huge learning curve in the transition into nursing, dealing with coworkers, politics, etc. But as stated before, if you can learn early on to leave work at work, there will be more time to be mom and wife.

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Specializes in Home Health Care.

Hands down.... Nursing school was more stressful for me, than working full time as a registered nurse.

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Specializes in neuro/ortho med surge 4.

Being a nurse is so much better than being a student. I can not stress that enough. Nursing is stressful but when you are at home the time is your own. Hang in there. All of the struggles of school will be worth it. I have to agree that the first year is hard. I cried a lot during the first year but it was still easier than school- sad to say. School is hard. That is why 50 percent of the class does not make it to graduation for one reason or another.

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Being a full-time nurse is easier for me than being a nursing student was. I worked full time & was in nursing school. Now I do my shift come home and relax. Not that being a nurse is a walk in the park but I had no illusions about the politics before coming in to this field.

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Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

Being a full time nurse is definitely much, much easier. Especially if you are able to opt for 12 hour shifts. Most nurses are. I am now working 12's, at a job that I love, and could not be happier. And, I have two young children.

Good luck!!!

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Specializes in NICU.

I feel that in some ways it is easier, in some harder. I routinely had weekends off as a student, while now I have to work every 2 out of 5. I also never missed a holiday while I was in school, but now I have to work every other one. When I work a 12 hour day shift I don't see my daughter at all. She's in bed when I leave for work, she's in bed when I get home. I work 4 days a week (2-12's, 2-8's), so I'm still pretty busy.

On the upside, I don't take my work home from me like I used to take school home. There aren't any evenings spent writing papers, or digging up research articles. When I'm home I actually get to have time with my family.

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Specializes in chemical dependency detox/psych.

Your first 1-2 years after nursing school are tremendously stressful. However, you do get to "be home" when you're home. No more research papers, worksheets, etc. You also will often have to work every other weekend and miss out on many holidays. So....in all honesty, I think that being a nurse was harder for the first 1-2 years. Now that I'm over that initial time-period, life is much better. I now work on a casual basis, so I choose to take all holidays off and work very few weekends.

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