[enfermeraSG]

Okay, thought I would start this thread and hopefully all you current and past mommy/students will share your best hints with the rest of us! I start the nursing program this fall; I can't even begin to imagine how hard it will be with my 3 kids and working full-time. That is why I want to find as many shortcuts as possible to keep my house in order among a thousand other things. For example: A friend told me she bought paper plates, etc for those nights when every second counted. I personally love the disinfecting wipes (my fave is my own store's brand, it's soapier) for the bathroom. I've went in to brush my teeth in the morning and wiped down the whole bathroom in 5 mins! (except the tub/shower) SG

[FutureNurse2005]

we plan to stock up on quick and easy meal ideas....lasagnes, shepards pies, tacos/fajitas etc.

Also, we will be giving our kids chores. The more they can help, the better!

hth!

[hypnotic_nurse]

If you cook on Sunday or Saturday, make 2-4 times the amount you usuallly would, and freeze it in portions big enough to feed your family (works especially well for soups or casseroles). It's still homecooked food, but you just heat it in the microwave on those days when it's all too much.

Have a set study time after dinner every night at which EVERYONE studies (or reads if they don't have anything to study -- make it for 30 minutes to an hour depending on the ages of your children). We did ours around the kitchen table, and it was very pleasant family time.

[nicolesrn2B]

I also work full time, have two step-children (full time) and go to school in the evenings....here are some of my tips...
If you have time in the am before work - brown hamburger or bread your pork chops, or do whatever you can for dinner in the am - if you can - have hubby finish it up for you.
Buy plenty of paper plates, plastic cups are a GREAT thing with kids in the house (mine go through at least 6 cups a day!), plastic forks, etc.
A lot of my chores (aka..second job) got done in the am - I would put a load of laundry in, start browning burger while I dust the house, burger would be done, so I would get ready for work - done with that, the laundry would be done, put that in the dryer, and start a load of dishes in the dishwasher...you get the idea.
Weekends are a great time to make up to your family for the quicky dinners during the week, if you start to feel guilty like i did!! And most importantly - take some time for yourself - it's easy to get caught up in your job, kids, and schoolwork and forget about yourself - even if it's just sneaking off to a park to sit for a half hour and read a magazine or just relax. Good luck to you!

[ganeese]

Originally Posted by nicolesrn2B

If you have time in the am before work - brown hamburger or bread your pork chops, or do whatever you can for dinner in the am - if you can - have hubby finish it up for you.

I do this myself except I don't do it in the morning. I usually do it the day I buy groceries. I grill chicken, make hamburger pattys, brown growned meat. With that done, at meal time I just pull whatever meat out of the frig and quickly make a meal. I use the growned meat for tacos, burritos, pizza. The hamburger pattys can be used to make regular hamburgers, or I top the pattys with steak sauce or gravy and serve with veggies. The grilled chicken is really good sliced up for fajitas or just served with mashed potatos and salad. I think this is very easy, much cheaper than fast food, and taste tons better.

[dave1117]

Not to start a sexes war here but we are busy too...

I own a business, have two teenagers, a wife who is a head nurse manager and I am an officer with my local volunteer firedepartment, plus have many hoobys.

I tell all of the mommies in my classes to stop worrying so much about it. The time will come. Wake up early to study. Your mind is clear, the house is quite and the coffee tastes better at 5am. You would be amased at how much better you study and retain info at that time of day. It does take a little bit of getting used to. Find a quite place to eat lunch and study more.

Dinner is easy. There are so many things to cook in 20 minutes or less if you venture to try. There are cook books abound for the "cook on the run" etc...

And like I tell all of my female cohorts...stop worrying so much for pete's sake...

Seriously though, they all tell me that guys tend to deal with the stress of a nursing program better because our maternal instinct doesn't excist and because of that we are able to cope a bit better. Maybe...

All I know is it is hard and a lot of work and if you go into it stressed out it can only get worse. Take a deap breath, you'll be graduating before you know it.

Good luck, dave

[Jen2]

I don't have children, but I agree on stocking up. I make sure I have enough personal hygeine products to last me an entire semester like deodorant, tooth paste, lotion, etc.. I do this just because not only do these little things get expensive but when you have to shell out $500 for books it takes quite a few things off your grocery list. Not to mention there is nothing worse than running out of deodorant and you didn't realize that you forgot it until it's time to leave the house.

[StudentNurseInWNY]

Great ideas here. I particularly like the family study time, cooking ahead of time and having kids do more chores. I am giving laundry and dishwashing lessons this weekend to my 11 and 13 y/o kids. When it gets really crazy, I have to prioritize.

[StudentNurseInWNY]

Originally Posted by Jen2

I don't have children, but I agree on stocking up. I make sure I have enough personal hygeine products to last me an entire semester like deodorant, tooth paste, lotion, etc.. I do this just because not only do these little things get expensive but when you have to shell out $500 for books it takes quite a few things off your grocery list. Not to mention there is nothing worse than running out of deodorant and you didn't realize that you forgot it until it's time to leave the house.

Good idea! I don't know if I can purchase a whole semester's worth at once, but stocking up some can't hurt - especially when I find items on sale. And I hear ya on paying for those books!!!

[SCmomof3]

Great thread!! I have three kids too, though I don't work, I do volunteer a lot at church and of course run the kids all over town .

Originally Posted by hypnotic_nurse

Have a set study time after dinner every night at which EVERYONE studies (or reads if they don't have anything to study -- make it for 30 minutes to an hour depending on the ages of your children). We did ours around the kitchen table, and it was very pleasant family time.

Love this idea! Thanks!