I was just recently accepted to an Accelerated BSN program for January 2011. I'm moving about 5.5 hours away from my immediate and extended family, which is heartbreaking because we're all so close, but I am more than excited for my life to start AND to be on my own. I should be making a deal with a landlord, sometime in the next few weeks, on an apartment that allows dogs and cats. I was thinking that I would adopt a small to medium sized older dog from a shelter that has been housebroken and up to date on his/her shots. I know that I will have long hours during the day, (so I'd have to make sure I come home during lunch or put the dog in daycare), but I'd like a companion to have around. Are there nursing students or current nurses who have or have had a dog while in nursing school? How did it work out for you?
I have to agree that a new (young) animal probably isn't the best choice for now. I, personally, would never own a cat so an older dog could work for you.
I adopted a lab puppy in May at 6 weeks, she's now 6 months. I started nursing school in August, but spent the entire summer with her- no work or school. I had time to train her and lots of playtime. I often find myself taking breaks from studying to play with her when she decides to sit in my lap or bring me toys. =D
I moved away from all my friends to go to school so this little pup is literally my best friend. Lame, but true.
When clinicals starts for me in a couple of weeks, I'll definitely have guilt issues, I'm sure.
Another piece of advice, if you do decide to get a dog, it would be better to get it either before you move or well after you are settled. If before, it would have time to adjust to you and your normal schedule. Getting a dog while in the process of moving/unpacking is just insanity for you/the animal and isn't fair to either of you.
I think it's a no brainer, if you want to adopt a dog then please do. A life with you no matter how little time you can spend with it beats a cage all day long or being put down. Dogs understand more than you think and they do wait patiently for you to return from your responsibilities. All you'd need is a dog walker if you're going to be gone over 10 hours. The dog will be company for you as well as a loyal companion and you will have saved a life.
I'm in nursing school now and have a large dog. I've had his since he was a puppy, and he's now three. I go to school 5 days a week and work 15-20 hours also. I don't find it so bad, you just have to find the time for it. I come home on Tuesdays and Thursdays between classes to walk him and the other days I'm home within 8 hours of leaving so it's okay. But when I am home, I make sure he gets LONG walks and I usually take him to the dog park once a day so he can burn off all his energy and get the exercise and socialization he needs. Tuesdays and Thursdays are really the only bad days for him since I'm gone from 7:30am to 9:30pm, other than that period where I come home between classes. I always leave the radio on for him because apparently the voices make him feel less lonely. But it's not so bad really... I mean as long as you can make the time to walk him often enough to do his business, give him the exercise he needs, and keep him company when you ARE there, I think it's fine. He hasn't shown any changes at all since I started school and when I'm home all day like on Sundays, all he does is sleep anyway, other than when I take him out so I'm sure that's all he does when I'm gone too. You'll be fine, really. Especially if you get an older dog. Either way, good luck!
As I am typing this right now, I am staring at my little baby girl Lola a French Bulldog, and could NEVER imagine how my life would be without her in it. I got her right when I lost my job and started my nursing education. She has gotten me through so much with her companionship and loyalty. She is family pet for my husband and I and when his son comes to visit. The only concern I have is there health. Just this past Saturday, my Lola had a seizure and she had one Sunday, so today my husband took her and had bloodwork done and should know the results by Wednesday. So I am just hoping that all goes well and she is ok, because I lack the time and excessive thousands to pay the vet bills. That would be my only main concern. Good Luck!!
Ha, my wife and I got a french bulldog a couple weeks before I started an absn program. He was house trained and everything. He's awesome, get a dog. it will make you take study breaks and chill with him.
The expenses related to owning a pet can put a big hole in your wallet. My boyfriend and I rescued a nine year old cat, though, with the intention that she was going back home with mommy in a month or two. Well that never happened and now she is part of the family. Being older she sleeps a lot but is still really active and can be pretty annoying when I am doing my homework (demands attention, crawling all over my computer/book, jumping on me/sitting on my hands), but in the end I'd say she is worth it. I feel bad for not being more engaging with her.
I don't like dogs, so take what I say with a grain of salt, but I really don't think you'd have the time to properly care for a dog. I would image they require a lot of individualized attention that you just couldn't give him/her. Also imagine if the dog got sick: vet bills can be over $1,000
I just don't see how being in nursing school is supposed to mean you give up things that make you happy. I still have time for my pets and my boyfriend...in that order. It's just about balance and I also work about 25 hours a week. Yes,I go without sleep sometimes but it's totally worth it. Get yourself a dog if that will make your life better.
"do wait patiently for you to return from your responsibilities."
Maybe. I worked at animal control, we got a lot of dogs that did not.
Some dogs will have seperation anxiety issues anyway. Some will be okay if you provide them with the exercise and interaction they need. Do not pick a border collie, aussie, or working strain of any other herding breed or field strain of any sporting breed. Gratefullness will not trump the need for tons of exercise.
Also, do your own research. Some rescues are wonderful but some are willing to go with a-home-any-home, often at the expense of finding a good match. This is a bigger problem if you are looking for a small dog with few issues.
Op, you might do the first semester before deciding. It is hard to know just how time consuming nursing school will be for you.
Nothing is better than a study break in the backyard playing fetch with your dog. Or going on a run with them. They are great pets, but like they have said, I would avoid against getting a new dog. The only reason I got one is that my gf is home when Im not to take care of the dog.
And dont get cats. Cats are the spawn of satan.
People who have no idea what cats are like and yet still spout off about them are the spawn of satan.
It's just about balance and I also work about 25 hours a week. Yes,I go without sleep sometimes but it's totally worth it. Get yourself a dog if that will make your life better.
Spikey9001, BSN, RN
337 Posts
You could always buy two birds... They're much easier to take care of than dogs and cats combined.
Just make sure to give it fresh water everyday and a bowl of seeds for the week and you'll do fine.