Is it possible to go through fnp program online and have newborn and toddler?

Mhsrnbsn · Jul 7, 2016

I'm in an FNP online school, I am married, I have no children... BUT... I have a marvelous support system. And it sounds like you do too. I have a girl in my class who went into labor the night of one of our tests... And she took her test while in labor! And she's doing very well so far in our program...I truly believe if YOU believe in yourself and have the correct support you will do just fine... But let me tell you the cold reality of FNP school. It is rigorous!

*you will not do well if you are not self motivated and disciplined- I easily spend 40+ hours in a week studying. And researching. It's a second full time job!

*prepare for a lack of a social life, I spent my Fourth of July writing papers while hearing fireworks. Because I really just can't waste a lot of time.

*your house will be messy, because you just won't have the time you thought you would.

I am not trying to dissuade you, and the case may be different for you, if you are fortunate enough to be a human sponge and seeing or hearing things once sticks to you like glue, you'll do FANTASTIC! But if you are like me and learn through repetition, you need to prepare to spend a lot of time studying and not doing much else. Just remember it's beneficial to your ENTIRE family if you succeed, so if you go for it give it your all! If you find you can afford to drop to part time, you may want to consider that option as well. Best of luck to you and congrats on the new bundle of joy that will be coming to your life!

staceym · Jul 8, 2016

I think you can totally do it if you really want to! Graduate school will certainly always be there if you want a little more "selfish" time with your babies (and who would blame you!). Just like everyone else mentioned, it sounds like you have a wonderful support system so it's really your decision. Let us know how things go!

Barnstormin' PMHNP · Jul 8, 2016

All the previous posters have great advice.

I just finished my grad program and have been in school for the past 6 years. I have 4 children who are just finishing high school and some are in college. No matter what age your kids are you are going to miss out on many things. Babies need you, but man, teenagers need you as much if not more, so it doesn't really matter what age they are, it matters if YOU can handle it.

Your children will benefit from a mom with a higher salary, better quality of life (depending on your job of course) and a lot of time during school age to go to all those functions. Quality, not quantity is what matters with kids.

lynn1027 · Jul 8, 2016

I had a baby half way through grad school. Would I recommend it? No. Can it be done? Yes. It's difficult and you will have to make sacrifices, but you can do it. Takes great time management skills and a lot of family support. Congratulations!!

Milso · Jul 8, 2016

OP, I can relate to you! I am almost 6 months pregnant with my first child. I start NP school in September (part time) and will deliver in November. I found out I was accepted to NP school AND pregnant all during the same week back in March. Although I know it will be difficult, I decided to pursue school. It will set my family up for a better life in the future and allow me to have more career opportunities.

Like others said, you have to do what is best for your family.

sweetp · Jul 8, 2016

Hello Everyone New NPs and future NPs,

I am also going to start the online FNP program with the University of Cincinnati. I also have a toddler almost 3 years old. She will however be at school from 8:30-2:30pm which I think will give me enough time to study, read, and do research. I hope....

If anyone wants to stay in touch, please let me know.

Best of luck to all of you in your future profession.

tfnp · Jul 9, 2016

I started my FNP program with a 1 year old, 3 month old twins, a 6 year old, and a 7 year old. I had many problems where I did not have a great support system. I managed to maintain a 3.9 GPA. I graduated and I am do glad that I stuck with it. You can do whatever you put your mind to. It was not always easy, but I did it for myself and my children. Remember, time passes whether you are in school or not. I didn't want to look back and think that I could be a nurse practioner by now if I had just stuck with it.

allnurses Guide · Jul 9, 2016

The question really shouldn't be if it is possible or not; just about anything is possible. The real question is whether it is best for you and your family. You are making a big investment in yourself both in your time and financially. You want to be able to get the most of that experience, just like you want to get the most of your family experience. There are big sacrifices on either side, but your baby won't be a baby forever, and NP programs are probably going to be around for a little while.

I think this is realistic advice.

Can it be done? Yes. Without any effect on your relationship with your husband, kids, home life, etc? Mostly likely not.

Give this some careful thought. Babies aren't babies for very long and all of a sudden they are teenagers and then out the door.

Best wishes!

allnurses Guide · Jul 9, 2016

I would add, make sure you have shadowed some NPs are are completely sure that it's what you want. Only do it if you have a passion for the role, don't do it for money or pride or "just because".

lauramark09 · Jul 10, 2016

Hi! yes you can do it...is it easy, no-but possible. I recommend going part time if you can, at least at first as you adjust to having 2 children. (take more classes if you can before the newborn arrives-I wish I would have done this but didn't!).

I have been going part time (over 3 years) and have a 3 yo and a 13 month old-I was working FT until my first child turned 1 year and then stayed at home. I have a busy husband who isn't around to help out much (and is not excited about me going to school at all and reminds me on a weekly to monthly basis) and my family is 1500 miles away. The key is to do school work when they nap and unfortunately sometime tv is my toddlers best friend for 30 min to 1 hr! (it is hard for me to read/school work at night after they go to bed because I just want to veg because I am tired)...don't sweat the small stuff, my house is clean and tidy but not as much as it use to be. When you do clinical time make sure you have good caregivers. I finish in October and plan to work part time after I graduate. I do not regret doing school, yes I wish I had more time to study but I don't-I am doing very well in school but I don't feel fluent. I don't think my kids will remember that mommy was going to school a year or two from now...so I do not feel that it affects young children, I am still here for them and we have fun (that is my main job).

APRNFNPtobe · Jul 20, 2016

I began a part-time FNP program (5 consecutive semesters) in JAN 2015, with a 11 month old and 8 months pregnant with my second child. I managed to give birth 1 months later and continue going to class without any problems. I got pregnant again in October of 2015 with my third and gave birth in June of 2016. Three of the five semesters, I had to complete clinicals. By the grace of God and the support of my husband and family, I will be graduating in 2 weeks with my MSN, FNP. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it. It will be difficult at times, but NOT IMPOSSIBLE.