Puppy and nursing school?

NuggetRN · Oct 2, 2014

My dog birthed six puppies which I helped care for during nursing school! Of course I still lived with my mom so that helped. Then I moved out with two of them three months later, and got married in the middle of a semester. But I am also a little bit insane, and I wouldn't suggest it for everyone!

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Oct 2, 2014

Have you thought about getting fish? An aquarium requires some maintenance but NOTHING like a puppy does, and they are sooooo relaxing to watch. I like the white noise that the filter and airstones (those bubble) make, too. Some fish are easier to care for than others--you can ask at the store for recommendations.

Otherwise, the main things to remember if you decide to get fish, is 1) add fish to your new tank slowly to let the water chemistry acclimate. 2) Don't overfeed, and do a partial water change every few weeks to keep ammonia levels down. 3) you'll get healthier fish and fewer casualties from a well-kept aquarium store vs. the big box pet shops.

GingerRN17 · Oct 2, 2014

Puppies are a LOT of work. A LOT. House training, chewing, needing attention, digging, tearing up stuff, needing to go outside every hour at first...if you want a dog, get an older dog. We just adopt senior dogs, and they are so much easier (usually already house broken, trained, not hyper). Less work means less anxiety to me. :)

vumblevee · Oct 2, 2014

My cat's purring relaxes me. :) I've always been a dog lover. Went to a shelter and saw this beautiful cat looking at me. So I played with her in a little room, and you know how they say cats choose their owners? She jumped on my lap and started purring. She's a purr machine. It was love at first site. Instead of adopting a dog, I adopted a cat. :3

glencoco · Oct 9, 2014

No I don't think that's a good idea. Getting a puppy is another responsibility you don't have time for as a nursing student. Working out or yoga or something else might be a better way to relieve stress