[Setantawife]

My department is undergoing alot of chaos right now. We had one person leave for another co. last week, another one is going on indefinite maternity leave in April, another person just lost her son and still has not resumed normal working hours, so I have to cover her duties as lunch/break relief, and my supervisor who I assist with 40% off her work is taking a week and a half off the end of march/first week in April.

So.... here I am, newly licensed and waiting for the call!!!
I have discussed this with my boss, and he said I can take whatever time I need to do, because as the only one without kids, I have always had to cover for everyone, and am always there, punctual and focused, I feel that I have earned the right to have this time, but I can only imagine the nightmare it will be if I get a placement the day before my supervisor takes her vacation! I know she is panicked about that, but she understands.

I am feeling so guilty though, especially since this is not traditional and unexpected like pregnancy, and everyone has nine months to prepare, and I am paranoid that people think that since I am choosing to do this, I should wait until things are more stable at work.
My dh(who is very work oriented) says that he can stay home with the child while I go to work, his job is very easygoing about this process, but I want to be home with the child for those initial days.

Any input/advice?