Upcoming Grad - Baby now or later?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Hello,

I will graduate with my BSN in December 2016, and I plan on taking the nclex right after. However, my husband and I were thinking about having a child before I begin working as an RN. I want to work in an inpatient psychiatric facility here, and I'm worried about being pregnant around some of the more violent and combative patients. My plan would be to have the child after I pass my nclex, and then apply for an RN job a few months later.

My main concern: will I have trouble getting a job, anywhere as an RN, if I wait to apply until a few months after I get my license? Would that look bad?

Thank you so much.

---

Dear Baby or Work,

It will not look bad in the sense that anyone would think any less of you, but it will be much harder to land a nursing job with no experience 1-2 years after you graduate with your license.

If you have your sights set on a Residency Program, you would be eligible perhaps for some, but ineligible for others. Some only accept RNs who have been out of school 6 months or less. Be sure and contact the hospitals in your area, because each one has its own eligibility criteria.

How many nurses in the current and previous graduating classes are getting jobs? Researching the job situation in your geographic area will help you and your husband make your decisions.

There is also a disadvantage in graduating and then not using your skills for some time. It's best to put what you've learned to practice as soon as you can.

Having said that, the desire to start a family is very strong and only you and your husband can make that call as to when is the right time.

Best and warm wishes,

Nurse Beth