Considering a career in nursing

[qantrell3]

Ever since I had my first daughter with the help of an AMAZING labor and delivery nurse, I knew I wanted to do something that involved pregnancy and birthing. Although I felt like becoming an L&D nurse would be a great and exciting career that fit with my interests, I wasn't sure it would fit my needs to be able to be home for my children.

I have two children ages 3 and 9 months, and given that I want to be home, obviously I can't pursue anything right now. But I know that getting into and completing a nursing program is a long hard process and therefore, if it IS something I want to pursue, I wanted to start researching now.

So the scenario that I could eventually see myself working in if I do decide to pursue this is to either work 2 or three night shifts a week, or try and find a hospital that has more flexible shift hours, that, once my children are both in school full time, would still allow me to be home with them when they are home.

Are these goals incompatible with a career in nursing? I really think I want to do this. But I am just not sure how I can accomplish everything.

[nursinghumor]

Depends on what types of nursing you want to do and where you want to do it.

Most nurses start out in hospitals where the shiftwork isn't the most flexible. Many parents choose to work just weekends or nightshift to accommodate. That's one benefit of nursing is that they need nurses 24 hours/day, 7 days a week so as long as you work full time, you can usually choose mornings, evening, or night as it fits into your childcare schedule.

I'm in the same boat as a work at home father. My wife works in the ICU three 12 hours shifts a week and carries benefits. I work on her days off and take care of our three year old daughter when my wife is on.

So I'd say you could fit work into your lifestyle, schedule.

Do apply for nursing school early and to several schools. Many students are being turned away or put on waiting lists due to a shortage of nursing faculty and available nursing slots.

You may find these articles helpful in making your decision.

Nurses' Views of the Nursing Profession.
http://www.nursefriendly.com/views

Wish you the best of luck!

Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.4nursing.com