[spring05]

I am a single mother to a 3 year old. We live in an apartment by ourselves. Her dad lives out of state. I attend college full-time. I get through it because my parents live close so they can sit when I need it. If I didn't have my family here to help me I wouldn't be able to do well in school.

I think no matter what a persons situation is; having a strong support system is the most important. As long as you have that, there shouldn't be anything you can't do.

[Nurse2B2011]

I agree with Spring05. I also think we can do anything we set our minds too. I know when I went to college the first time around grades weren't that important to me. My how things change. The programs here are so competitive that not only do you need practically straight A's but you need experience in the health care field as well. Next summer I will be getting my CNA.

[Britt711]

Currently, I work full time, but that will change in Aug. I am not currently in college, but I will be starting full time in Aug. I took most of my gen eds when I graduated from high school, and at the time I had no idea what I wanted to do, but it helped me out now. I am taking a few pre nursing classes in the fall, and starting nursing school in Jan. Right now we have a family member who runs a day care in her home who watches my daughter, but when school starts and we go down to 1 income, we are going to try and find ways to not have to pay for day care. My mom and mother in law may be able to do it a few days which will really help financially. I know that sounds cheap, but I am really worried we are going to struggle financially. I know it will be worth it in the long run though!

[Hausfrau]

Thanks to everyone who posted a reply. I know when the time comes I will have to put my little on in daycare and I already feel guilty about it. I need to just remind myself that this is for her and our family.

[Hotflashn]

Originally Posted by Jul2bRN

to add to the situation is that I have just found out I am pregnant w/baby #3 due in Dec. So I will be entering the program 5 months pregnant and my parents do not know yet. I'm waiting till my first prenatel apt to make sure everything is fine before telling others. So far only my husband and this site know of the situation. I'm hoping for the most part I can continue on with my plan of being an RN without stopping for any period of time but I guess time will tell and as other SAHM's know it is already difficult managing your family as is without adding anymore to the mix. IF anyone has any advice for me please let me know. THANKS...

Congratulations, Jul2bRN! Oh those third babies are just like that! My third invited himself, at an equally (but different) inopportune time. It certainly created challenges, but he has brought so much to our lives and I am so glad he didn't wait for a time it was convenient for us - or it might not have ever happened. He knew better than us! Hang in there, it will all be just as it should.

It sounds like maybe you can have your baby at winter break and perhaps with good support and impeccable timing can get back to school for Spring semester, then have summer off. Or if you need to take a semester off, I think you may be able to jump back if the school you go to has fall and spring start-up. You might be able to join in with the next cohort.

In any case, I wish you well and many blessings for your baby and family. Take care.

[Jul2bRN]

Thanks Hotflashn,
I really needed that. I thought I was done having my babies but I guess God decided to grant me with one more. It's funny because I don't even know you but you always seem to there for me and the others on this site. Thank you for your words of encouragement and GOOD LUCK getting into that program. You really do have the heart of a nurse and will be great at it. I'm so happy I found this site. It's nice to be able to relate to others going through similar processes and bonding & stressing over what's to come next whether pre-reqs, exams, getting in, program, etc...

[Hotflashn]

Originally Posted by Jul2bRN

Thanks Hotflashn,
I really needed that. I thought I was done having my babies but I guess God decided to grant me with one more. It's funny because I don't even know you but you always seem to there for me and the others on this site. Thank you for your words of encouragement and GOOD LUCK getting into that program. You really do have the heart of a nurse and will be great at it. I'm so happy I found this site. It's nice to be able to relate to others going through similar processes and bonding & stressing over what's to come next whether pre-reqs, exams, getting in, program, etc...

Its my pleasure, Jul. I just remember telling my mom we were expecting our third (in 4 years) and her tone of her voice as she said, "Oh honey, I'm sorry." She really meant it in the most compassionate, loving way and I guess, truly, she was capturing my heart. I love my mom dearly, and she is super supportive, but what I needed at the time was not sympathy, but to be reminded that we were being BLESSED and entrusted with the most precious of gifts, not reminded of how sucky the timing was! It was not a tragedy ... a challenge perhaps, but beyond all, a blessing. A blessing we scarcely deserved. And that child has been a blessing since, and the greatest gift to us. He has been always his very own self ... less in our image than any of our others - more trying and more beautiful and more fiery and more perfect than we could have imagined. What I grew to learn about him was that he has had his own ways from the very beginning. From the start, he has been the comedian and peacemaker and "mirror" of our family. He will stand up and and ask, "Really?" in a way that always causes us to look a bit deeper.

I know that your baby will undoubtedly challenge you (they ALL do) but greater than that, will enrich your lives beyond anything that you could have imagined, and you will never look back. Except maybe to say, "Thank God!" So, I remind you (since you haven't gotten to tell many of those close to you) that you are blessed and lucky and though this may be a time of uncertainty, and chaos you had not budgeted for, it is more a time of great joy and celebration. Your baby is lucky too, to be a part of the miracle and love of your family. {{hugs}}

[Eilene]

with lots and lots of support!

I have 2 kids, age 4 (5 in 2 months) and 2.5. My girl will be starting school this fall (me too!) and my boy will still have a couple / few years before he goes but between myself, my husband, aunts, uncles and grandparents I have enough support to be sure my babies are always taken care of when I can't be the one there with them.

I do dread being a few years into it and the fact that the help I will need will increase then because I already feel like I'm going to be "dumping" my kids on my family. I just keep reminding myself that I want this and going back to school is a good thing. Moms deserve to have something more than just being a mom, right?

[Mommycakers]

I figure that I have been blessed already to of been able to be a SAHM for the past 10 years for my kids. We will survive the next two years while I make it through nursing school. My kids are 10, 8, 4, and 2. My 4 year old will just make the cut off for kindergarten so only my 2 year old will need to go to daycare. I am still not sure if I will put him in full time or only a few days a week. I will have to see what my schedule will be like before I make my decision. My husband can work from home or take a vacation day if the kids are sick so I shouldn't miss any school. I also have my dad who lives close by if I need him. My kids school also has an after school program so I will register them for that program and just use it if I need it.

The one adjustment we are going to have to make is to cut down on the kids and my husbands activities. My daughter is doing three sports this spring plus girl scouts, one son does t-ball and karate, one son does baseball, boy scouts and PT/OT therapy. My husband does basketball, soccer, boy scout leader, masters program, and exercises. The puppy goes to puppy class once a week. The baby is the only one who has no organized activities. I think each kid is only going to get to pick one sport or activity that they want to do. I think the kids will be fine it is going to be hard to change my husband. I am already warning him how he is going to have to cut back and he says it will all work out. I can't put the kids to bed (putting all 4 of them to bed is no easy task) if I have a big test and need to study while he has to run off to a game or boy scout meeting. We will just see I am sure we will figure out a good balance if we want nursing school to work.

[nursingisforme]

Hi
I am a SHM of a 2 year old & a 7 month old . I have worked as tech for years and have finally decided to go to school to become a nurse. In the fall I have to take 12 credits to get financial aid so I will take some online and the other in the evenigs when their dad gets home from work and as far as clinicals there is a CC that offers them in the evening as well. I know that it is going to be tough. but as the bible says " I can do ALL things thru Christ that strengthens me" This is and will be my mantra all thru nursing school and life. and if there are any believers out there you understand. So never give up. The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary