Getting Cold Feet

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jan 1, 2005

I think your husband is realizing what a committment this is going to be from his standpoint. You need to have a heart to heart and ask "do I have your unconditional support 100%" because nursing school is a family commitment where all make sacrifices.

Life is not ideal, otherwise you'd be going to RN school without having to work and no kids or worries. We play the hand we're dealt. If you really want to be a nurse and are highly motivated you can do this.

Good luck to you!

nursemike, ASN, RN · Jan 1, 2005

If I had known what I was getting into, I might not have gotten into it! It is hard, especially if you have to juggle other commitments. But it is worth it, too. Based on myself and many of my classmates, you'll probably feel like giving up, at some point. But once you get through that, it's great.

Working full time and going to school doesn't sound practical. Can you work part time? That's hard enough. But others have done it, so apparently it can be done.

I just secured a job for after graduation, and whenever I think too hard about that, I get queasy. But I got queasy before starting the job I have now, before taking my first pre-req courses, and before starting the nursing program.

I'm even a little queasy about starting my final semester--it's Maternity and Peds, and I'm a 48 yr old bachelor, and I don't know nothin' 'bout birthin' no babies. But it has been worth every bit of it, and I'm so glad I didn't let my anxiety talk me out of this.

nursesue06 · Jan 1, 2005

Follow your heart...If you truly want this, you will find a way. You may have to hold on with your hands AND your feet, but the rewards are endless. I just finished my first semester and have two children and am a newly wed. There are some days when I am so overwhelmed that I feel like I am not going to make it, but then there are the days when I feel like I am just where I am meant to be. I have sacrificed a lot, but am determined. Your husband will follow your lead on this..if you are in doubt and you are both scared, he may steer that path. If you are excited and positive, he will be too! Hang in there!

Suzanne

Chel · Jan 1, 2005

Don't think about the next three years. Just concentrate on the classes you're taking at the time. If you want something bad enough, you'll find a way to make it happen...there's always a way. Going through it with a friend makes it a lot easier. I know it did for me.

Best of luck.

Chel

alintanurse · Jan 2, 2005

I start school Jan. 10 and I am very scared. I am a mother of a two year old and a wife. I have NO clue on how I am going to make it through the next three years. Lots of prayers will be said. My husband made the comment that he wished I went to school before we had a baby. ( hindsight is always 20/20). Then wished our son was older before I went back to school. He did not mention this back in Oct. when I decided to go back or before I filled out all the papers to go back to school and financial aid. Now I am thinking should I wait or just jump in and hold on. Oh I forgot to mention I still have to try and keep a full time job. Please give me some advice. Thanks.
I also wanted to say, a friend and I are going to school together. So at least there will be someone who is going through it also close by me. She also has kids.

fancydreams--I was also a mom and married when I decided to become a nurse. My husband divorced me halfway through but that didn't stop me because I had invested too much and now needed it more than ever. I went for state aid and the hospital where i was doing my externship hired me partime.I was able to barely pay my bills between the aid,child support and partime pay,I was able to keep my scholarship money. It was not easy but I guess my point is--if you want it bad enough you can make it happen. Your husband will be thrilled when you finally become a nurse,but remember that nursing is a difficult field--that's one of the reasons there is a nursing shortage! GOOD LUCK!!!!

allnurses Guide · Jan 2, 2005

If I had known what I was getting into, I might not have gotten into it! It is hard, especially if you have to juggle other commitments. But it is worth it, too. Based on myself and many of my classmates, you'll probably feel like giving up, at some point. But once you get through that, it's great******************************
I agree with this .. if I had known what I was getting into I would not have done it. :) It is a strange dichotomy . . . I would not have chosen to go to nursing school but am glad I am a nurse and have a way to make a living.
It was very difficult, I did not work full-time or even part-time while in school except for the occasional day in a local doc's office.
My kids were all in school full-time then. I have a three year old now. I know I couldn't do it - I feel guilty enough when he asks me the night before I work "mommy do you work tomorrow?" I only work part-time but it is still difficult. Working full-time and going to school full-time would be really hard on him and me.
If you don't have the full support of your husband, if he is having second thoughts, you need to have a heart to heart with him. He isn't being a bad husband, this is hard on him too.
Of course he is right in a way . . .we should all have done this before we got married and had kids.
But, like Tweety said, you play the hand you are dealt.
Good luck and best wishes,
steph

SarasotaRN2b · Jan 2, 2005

Are you going first for the prereqs or will you be starting an RN program right away? If you are doing the prereqs, maybe taking one or two classes while working won't seem as overwhelming. Otherwise, if you need to go to school fulltime, starting the nursing courses right away, I would not work full-time.

Also, just take one day at a time. No use worrying about three years down the line...just take each day as it comes.

Kris

Dixiecup · Jan 2, 2005

I can't believe I'm posting this much. I usually just read and I'm too chicken to post. I've been reading for about a year!!Anyway----

You Can Do It! I worked a full time job, a part time job, Had a husband , a 14 year old and a two year old plus I taught aerobics at my local gym two nights a week.

You just have to set priorities. There are small things you can give up that will help even if you think it won't. I was a clean house fanatic, not a teaspoon of dirt in my house. My towels were folded perfectly and set in a perfect stack. I knew I had reached my limit when I took the towels out of the dryer, threw them in the clothes basket and said 'there they are if you need one'. I've never folded towels the same way since!

If you want it bad enough you will survive. I know it's easier said than done, but most of us have really been there so wer'e not just blowing smoke! :smokin: