Stay at home mom- Back to school?

[NursePaigey]

Hi all,

Not sure if this is the best place to post this, so forgive me if it's not appropriate here. Just thought current APNs would have a good perspective on this.

I'm an RN who is currently a full time SAHM to 2 little boys. I left my job a little over 2 years ago when my oldest was born. Our plan was always for me to start back PRN or part-time once the kids were a little older to get my feet wet again. My youngest is just 4 months and has some health issues, and me and DH had discussed me starting something up next year once our baby was older and his medical issues had stabilized.

Lately I've been thinking about going back to school next year for my FNP rather than going back to work. I feel like this is a golden opportunity since we already are in a groove of me not working. I worry that if I start back at an RN job I will likely lose my desire/momentum to pursue an advanced degree because of juggling responsibilities at home and work. So I guess my questions are as follows:

a) I worry that the grad programs I'm considering might look down on me being home the last two years rather than at the bedside? Several of my NP friends have reassured me that this is likely a non-issue since the skillset learned in NP school is so different from bedside nursing. I've been away 2 years and feel a bit rusty, but not TOTALLY rusty. :-)

b) Do you all feel that there is any negative to not working as an RN during an NP program? I feel like this would be ideal, to be able to focus completely on my studies, but maybe you all have a different perspective.

Any other thoughts/advice are welcome.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Moved to Student NP forum

[NursePaigey]

Sorry! Contemplated putting there in the first place. Apologies.

[Guest603994]

Well I can't speak for your first question, but I can for the second. Two years ago I applied and was accepted to Yale's post grad FNP. I declined in order to start my family and was just accepted to Duke and Montana State's DNP/FNP programs for this Fall. One thing they ALL mentioned in their interviews is that they recommend not working during these programs. I'm lucky that I've been on maternity leave the last 6 months and plan to not work before Fall classes start. I can't even imagine how difficult that would be to juggle work, little ones and prepare for this program - many do it, I'm just not that skilled

As far as maybe adding my two-cents to your first question, I imagine doing a per diem position while you're applying to these programs would add enough to your resume and also show that you're able to manage family life with professional commitments, even if you don't continue with that position once in school. Good luck!

[angielocks]

Hello! So what happened with your career since writing this post? I'm in a similar position but 4 years post-working. I would really like to do an FNP program but not sure how competitive I am.