Nursing and pregnancy

inwyte · Jul 19, 2005

Hi everyone! I just found this site and see that you guys give great advice so here's my situation. I am taking my prerequisites for nursing school now (have a BA in Psych & Communication) and am also expecting. I won't be taking any classes next spring when the baby is due (in Jan.) but hope to go back in the Fall and get through school. I am really scared about how this will all play out with a baby, but I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get there. I just really think this is a good career move for our future. My husband is in the Army and with all the moving around and living in the middle of nowhere, I think nursing is my best bet for a successful career, not to mention that I love the line of work. And I know it would be a fulfilling career to me instead of continuing to take ho-hum jobs that I'm not interested in that are low-paying anyway. So anyway, once I graduate and start working, I imagine we will want to have a second baby around then. I just read a thread about lifting restrictions as a nurse so my question is, what happens to you as a nurse if you get pregnant? Do you continue with your position, or do they put you on some sort of 'desk job' and do you get discriminated against? Also, for those of you who are moms, do you find nursing to be a good career path to have with small children at home? Are there a lot of part-time opportunities available? Once I finish school I think I would like to start in a part-time position to be home more often with my child. Also, what is the usual situation for part time jobs in hospital nursing? Is it usually all nights/weekends a couple times a week or are there day part time jobs? Sorry to ask so many questions, I am just new to all of this, nursing, pregnancy, etc. I'm a little overwhelmed! :) Thanks for any advice, positive or negative, in advance!!!

hello..when i had my first baby i was working in med-surg floor ,12 hours per shift..you are not discriminated on being pregnant but you also have to do your job..unless it is really risky you can have the doctor give you a certification of any lifting restrictions.but on my part i didnt ask for one as my co workers were pretty helpful although i also lift some..i took my maternity leave 2 weks before my due date so i was pretty clumsy while i was working and my co wrokers even laughed at my shoelaces being tied on the sides as thats the best thing that i could do..now im working agency nursing ,pregnant again with a 2 year old in tow..at least working with agency i can choose my own time although income wise it is verymuch unstable.you can work prn too in anyhosptial of your liking..right now im into dilemma too of what to do as i like my hours being an agency nurse pay is good if you have an assigment..but for weeks now i dont get any and im paying day care with or without any assignemtns so its hurting my budget..

hope this helps.

Chrissy82 · Jul 26, 2005

Hi everyone! I just found this site and see that you guys give great advice so here's my situation. I am taking my prerequisites for nursing school now (have a BA in Psych & Communication) and am also expecting. I won't be taking any classes next spring when the baby is due (in Jan.) but hope to go back in the Fall and get through school. I am really scared about how this will all play out with a baby, but I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get there. I just really think this is a good career move for our future. My husband is in the Army and with all the moving around and living in the middle of nowhere, I think nursing is my best bet for a successful career, not to mention that I love the line of work. And I know it would be a fulfilling career to me instead of continuing to take ho-hum jobs that I'm not interested in that are low-paying anyway. So anyway, once I graduate and start working, I imagine we will want to have a second baby around then. I just read a thread about lifting restrictions as a nurse so my question is, what happens to you as a nurse if you get pregnant? Do you continue with your position, or do they put you on some sort of 'desk job' and do you get discriminated against? Also, for those of you who are moms, do you find nursing to be a good career path to have with small children at home? Are there a lot of part-time opportunities available? Once I finish school I think I would like to start in a part-time position to be home more often with my child. Also, what is the usual situation for part time jobs in hospital nursing? Is it usually all nights/weekends a couple times a week or are there day part time jobs? Sorry to ask so many questions, I am just new to all of this, nursing, pregnancy, etc. I'm a little overwhelmed! :) Thanks for any advice, positive or negative, in advance!!!

One suggestion I have is that if you want to see what types of jobs/schedules are out there for nursing, look on the internet. I know our local hospitals here in Michigan have their own websites with job postings for all the different positions..I occassionally peruse for something I might be qualified to do while i'm going to school. It looks like there are a lot of different options out there as far as part time, full time, days, nights and all of that. I don't think it would be a problem finding a part time position.

I really think we are in the same boat. It's so hard to make these decisions...I've been asking anyone who will listen what their take on the situation is..mostly I get "you're young finish school, then start your family" That is hard to digest..after 3 years of marriage I'm just ready for a baby now..I'd like to have at least two and by the time i'm out of school i'll be 27 ..it just seems so far away to get started on a family. I just don't want to jeopardize my education or my chances for succeeding..I also think about being a new mom..I'm looking so very forward to it..I think it might be upset the lack of time that I can only imagine I would have going to nursing school and trying to work some to contribute to our family income.

elainebenes · Jul 26, 2005

One suggestion I have is that if you want to see what types of jobs/schedules are out there for nursing, look on the internet. I know our local hospitals here in Michigan have their own websites with job postings for all the different positions..I occassionally peruse for something I might be qualified to do while i'm going to school. It looks like there are a lot of different options out there as far as part time, full time, days, nights and all of that. I don't think it would be a problem finding a part time position.
I really think we are in the same boat. It's so hard to make these decisions...I've been asking anyone who will listen what their take on the situation is..mostly I get "you're young finish school, then start your family" That is hard to digest..after 3 years of marriage I'm just ready for a baby now..I'd like to have at least two and by the time i'm out of school i'll be 27 ..it just seems so far away to get started on a family. I just don't want to jeopardize my education or my chances for succeeding..I also think about being a new mom..I'm looking so very forward to it..I think it might be upset the lack of time that I can only imagine I would have going to nursing school and trying to work some to contribute to our family income.

Hey Chrissy, yeah we are in a very similar position. We are really going to be poor on one salary until I finish school but I know there is no way I can do baby, school and work all at once. I am going to take student loans out for school, and we may even go into debt a bit with the child care until I am done, but at least it shouldn't be a problem paying it back once I start working (hopefully!) I have been making budgets left and right trying to make it work for us. We have been married 3yrs too, so I know what you mean when you just know you are ready for that baby. But the baby will be my priority and if I have to put off school I will, but I am pretty sure I can make it through. If you really want to do this schooling, maybe just go for it. You can still do 3 kids at 27, no problem! My mom had my sisters and I at ages 28, 30, and 32 and I love the closeness we have. My plan is to have three that close also, but now with the whole nursing school thing I am back in the same position as you!!!! Oh well, it will all work out in the end either way. Good luck!