Stay at home mom after degree?

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Aug 13, 2015

It depends on where you live & how competitive jobs are. I got pregnant after being an LVN for 4 years. I have been a stay a home mom now for 14 months & do not regret a minute. I love my son to pieces & loved watching him grow. But now that he is old enough to be in daycare I am ready to go back to school to pursue my RN, again.

I would check out the job market. If it is hard to get a job & there aren't many RN positions, then I wouldn't be a SAHM. But if there are plenty & you know that won't change, then go for it! Would it be possible to look for a PRN job? That way you are still working.

Congrats! The days will fly by so cherish them!!

nrsang97, BSN, RN · Aug 13, 2015

You would need experience before working in a physician's office. You could work contingent that way you can work when you want. That is the option I would go with. Otherwise if you graduate nursing school, and then not work anywhere for 5 years it can be VERY difficult to get a job.

Cricket183, BSN, RN · Aug 13, 2015

I'm all for moms staying at home if they can and want to. I stayed at home with my boys until my youngest was in elementary school. I ran a licensed day care home and took prerequisite classes for my BSN in the evening (3-6 hours a semester as time allowed). Once my boys were in school I went to nursing school full time so I was in my early 30's when I became a RN. I have never regretted staying home.

Your situation is a little different, as is the job market for new grads. When I graduated, nursing jobs were plentiful with hiring bonuses and job incentives galore. That is no longer the case, it's very hard in some areas for new grads to get their foot in the door--especially if they desire to do hospital bedside care. Even more so if you are a "new" old grad, meaning you graduated a year or more ago but have no experience.

What about working once you pass NCLEX and then going prn once the baby arrives? That way you will have the immediate experience after graduation that is desirable and you will still be able to stay at home with your baby the majority of the time. Just a thought. One of the great things about nursing is the flexibility it affords.

By the way, Congratulations!

Trauma Columnist · Aug 14, 2015

Moved to more appropriate forum.

slauren · Aug 14, 2015

I agree with the other responses. It's great for you to stay home with your baby but I think career wise it would be good for you to at least work per diem somewhere just to have some nursing experience on your resume when you are ready to get your dream job. That way you can have contacts/references too. I think a lot of employers would wonder if you still have your nursing skills without the experience and being a few years out of nursing school. Good luck and congrats!

AnchoredRN · Aug 14, 2015

I was a HS English teacher before I got pregnant. Teaching wasn't for me, I became pregnant and I have been a SAHM for 2.5 years now. I start

Nursing school on Monday. I am so happy I had 2.5 years at home with my boy. I'm so sad to be leaving him but we have such an amazing bond now that I know it will be okay and he is young enough where he won't remember me being gone too much but he's old enough where he has a solid foundation.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Aug 14, 2015

I need to add, after my ex-best friend graduated from a BSN program she took a year off to have an elective surgery. She couldn't get a job anywhere because she was considered an "old" new grad. I would at least take a PRN job that way you have some experience when you want to want to get a full time job.

ajm16 · Aug 14, 2015

Thank you ladies, very good advice from all of you!!! I definitely have some things to think about. Working PRN once a week or so may be just what I need.

Wrench Party · Aug 14, 2015

You have plenty of time to get your license until the baby comes, then go with what the others have said- take up a per diem job. Flu season is coming up so that might be a good option with flu clinics.

SwampCat, BSN · Aug 14, 2015

I was a SAHM for 10 years and it was the hardest, most isolating thing I ever did (no family involved, but did join the cliquey-catty MOMS Club).

If it were me knowing now what it was like (and if I had my license then), I would work part time through the pregnancy, enjoy the 3 month FMLA and then go back part time. My sanity is worth it. I'll be the first to admit it, and I don't care what other people think, but I am a much better part time mom than a full time mom. I have more patience, more interest in doing what they want to do (ever play baby dolls with a 3 year old for 8 hours straight while raising an actual baby?), etc.

Totally not trying to dissuade you, I am more or less just thinking out loud. I know some people are born to be a parent and tend to their kids 24/7 but I learned quickly that wasn't me. This coming from the chick who wanted four kids and wanted to stay at home until the last one graduated. Then I had one and the world changed more than I could have ever imagined.

Whatever your decision, I hope you find it is the best for you and your family. It is certainly not an easy decision. Thankfully you are never really bound to what you choose. You can always go back to work (keep in touch with your networks, take other courses in the meantime) or you can always reduce hours or quit. Congrats on the pregnancy!

Ruby Vee, BSN · Aug 15, 2015

You may find it difficult to get a per diem position as a new grad. Even part time may be difficult. Another consideration is that you won't bel eligible for FMLA in the short time you'll be employed before your baby comes. On the other hand, if you don't work as a nurse now, you'll be an OLD, old grad in five years so you won't be hirable. As awful as the timing is for your family, I'd advise working full time now, coming back after your maternity leave and working at least 2 days a week -- if your manager will allow it. Or else be resolved that when you're ready to go to work in five years, you're going to have a very difficult time finding a job.