When to plan a pregnancy

[JessicaRN2008]

I need advice from fellow nurses! I am a new graduate RN and am just about to be starting my new job! I have a 2 and a half year old son and am beginning to get a "baby itch" again! I started nursing school when my son was 15 weeks old. It was difficult to make it through a challenging nursing program and clinicals with a small baby. But, I made it all the way through school, without every repeating a semester. I am so proud of this accomplishment and right after May graduation, my fiance of 3 years and I got married! So, now I am about to start to work as a new RN and wondering if it would be TOO much on me right now to start trying to get pregnant? My shift will be a 4pm-12midnight M-F which I really think is a good shift for me. What do you think?? Good time, or bad?

[texas2007, BSN, RN]

I would consider whether or not you will need some income during your FMLA leave. My hospital does not pay for maternity leave, you have to use your PTO and holiday hours and of course it takes a bit of time to accrue these to a reasonable amount. Good luck to you!

[JessicaRN2008]

I have really been considering that. My facility does not offer paid leave either. I really had not thought about that until the past few days. I was in a dream world i guess, and "assuming" most places offered paid maternity leave. HA! Anyway, I think we will be holding off a little while because of that very reason. My husband can "cover" us but still doesn't make great money,so I like to have a little cushion, ya know? Thanks for the advice! :)