23 weeks pregnant and considering going back to uni while on Maternity Leave????

[missvicki]

HI all,

As heading states i'm pregnant with my first child, already got a degree in psychology but only got a 2:2 and since graduating 2 years ago haven't managed to get a job even remotley related. Currently working as a community care assistant but hours are severely lacking but also there aren't any job prospects with current company and i am unhappy to not be doing something i'm trained/intrested in. This is why i have been considering applying to do a mental health nursing degree.

My questions to you are is there anyone on mums net currently doing such a course and how much time does it take with uni, placements and course work ect? and how likely am i going to be able to manage with a 4 month old baby (how old little one will be when the cousre starts)? I have already done the reasearch into child care etc and i would qualify for fininacal help, although finances in general would be greatly decreased and i would probably need to work part ime aswell. Are there people out there that have done this sucessfully??

I'm so unhappy with present circumstances, wanted to sort this out before pregnancy but had a pleasant surprise. Just want other peoples views and stories so as to help me make a decision!

hi there,

Not sure if i can offer much advice ! I started a part time course when DS was about 6 months old, and am thoroughly enjoying it. I'm away from him about 3 weekends a month.

TBH, I find it great to be able to exercise my brain and work towards a future.

By 4 mths, you should be established enough in a routine to be able to cope with a part time course. The only difficulty I find, is that when DS hit 6 months, his naps reduced to 20 mins twice daily, which scuppered my studying time. I couldn't study in the evening, as had to cook & also he wouldn't settle at all.

However, now he's 10 mths and crawling, he's back to napping 2 hours daily, which equals more study time for me.
If the hours aren't too bad, and you have a supportive DH who will help out with childcare so you can attend Uni, study etc, then i would say go for it !

Best of luck to you

This is the problem, i have been told a nursing degree is very intensive. This is why i'm concerned i may not be able to juggle everything.

I have got a very supportive DH but he works full time and also attends college one day a week. As i type i'm starting to think this is a silly idea!

Missvivki, I think it would be best to find out first if the University you are planning to go too actually offers part time.
If not, a fulltime course, I believe means 4 1/2-5days a week at Uni or at Placement....on top of that all the extra study,. homestudy you are supposed to do aswell...so...it might be a bit work intensive, especially with a very young Baby, etc...!
Motherhood does effect everyone very differently, some people find it easier then others...so, that might be worth considering...

If it's full time, then you might be best waiting until baby is born if that's a possibility ? and waiting to see how you feel you could cope once baby is here.

believe me, it turns yourlife well and truly upside down - and i have a relatively easygoing baby !