Start Nursing School or start family first?

Fiona59 · Feb 11, 2005

There are two other threads on this topic that are current.

PhoenixGirl · Feb 11, 2005

Honestly, I do think age is a factor for you because you are already 35. SO if it was me I would try to get pg and start prereqs online. I have done all my prereqs online through having a baby in Nov 03 and through his first year of life. Now I am ready to start nursing school in a few weeks!

Good luck,

Rebecca

maria456 · Feb 11, 2005

Yes, unfortunately, my age is a factor... :sniff: And that clock is ticking loud and clear...

Thanks Rebecca for your input. :) And good luck in school!

mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 11, 2005

There is a current active thread on the General Nursing board....but I'll add my .02 here. I would choose 1 or the other but not try and do both at the same time. Both are invaulable life experiences that really need to be done sepeartly if nothing more than to save your sanity. Now with that being said....you could always work on your pre-reqs while you are trying to get preg. and get those done which is going to mean less classes while in the actual nursing program (depending on how your school works). Believe me when I say, that will save you more sanity in nursing school that anything else. Not that can't be done, but actually having a baby while in nursing school usually doesn't work out. I know several that have had to drop out (one just recently and she only had 4 months left of school) because of complications with her pregnancy.

I know it's a tough choice and I wish you the best of luck!!!

graciesmommy · Feb 28, 2005

Hi Maria,

I was in the same situation you are, except a little younger. I just got married, and we were deciding whether to go to school/have a baby first. Well, at 31, I got pg with Gracie. I took sociology online when I was pg with her. Now, this year, I'm taking a&p1 & 2. I will be going to school f/t in the rn program this Sept. Gracie will be 1 years old. (she's 10 months now). I'll be 34 when I'm done, then my dh & I will have another baby...(we want 2). I am so glad I did it this way, wouldn't trade my goochy-goo for anything, plus it gives me a great reason to try my best at school! Good luck to you.

I'm 34 going on 35 this year and contemplating some BIG decisions.... going back to school for nursing AND starting a family. Dunno what to do. I think I may delay nursing school til fall06 and try for baby #1 asap. And then try for baby #2 after I finish school. I'm not sure though... :uhoh3:

Any advice? Has anyone here been in a similar situation?

bioniclewoman · Feb 28, 2005

There are two other threads on this topic that are current.

Where are they?

hospitalstaph · Mar 1, 2005

Hi, view may not be very popular in this "you can do and have it all" time. But, women's bodies become less fertile with age, sorry to say. This is a factor that you may want to consider. However, schools admit "older" students all the time. You can absolutly have it all, just not all at once:)

Tracy

Kaseyrn2b · Mar 2, 2005

Hey there:

I know just how you are feeling! I had been back and too about nursing school and another baby...this was about 8/01. I had a then 3 yr old and we knew we wanted #2 sooner than later but I thought I'd just get thru school and then go for #2. Then 9/11 happened ( I was in an NA pgm at the time) It really made me pause and realize I wanted to be relaxed and enjoy being home w/ my DD and I was very ready for another baby. I had my son in '03 and now I am SLOWLY getting thru pre-reqs. I plan on starting clinicals sometime in his 4th year. I feel much more relaxed now. I feel like my family is complete and now I don't have to worry about taking time off for babies. Most of my classes from my BA degree are too old, but its OK. This way I am taking one class at a time. It gives me a sense of working towards my goal, but also I enjoy and put most of my energy into my little guy ( at 22 mos he's a ball of energy!) and DD. Playgroups, storytimes and all that good stuff. Plus, my DD is nearly 7, and I am in her class a lot...class mom this year ( yes, I am a big nerd :) Anyway, just wanted to give my support. Nursing school isn't going anywhere, and many students are 'older'. I am 31, and one of the 'younger' older students. Good luck and hope this helps!!