Starting out and over

[SingleMomRN2B]

Hi,

I have been lurking for a while now but now finally joined now that I am registered for my first class (pre-req). Woohoo! I am SO excited! Anyway, I will soon (ok I already am) be a single mom to an autistic 4 year old and a 2 year old (not autistic). He claims that he will help out and stay here while I go to classes at night until I get this done. It will be 2 years before I actually enter the nursing program. But I was a SAHM and now find myself with no qualifications and no job. I am thinking of being a CNA until then but I think that most newbies have to work night shifts don't they? Or is it possible that I could get day shift so I don't have to worry about daycare? How do other single mom new nurses handle this? When I first applied to college things were fine between us and I was going to work 3 days a week 7pm-7am and sleep when the kids were in school. Now he's decided he made a mistake becoming a father (nice huh?). So I can't really count on him to watch the kids other than every other weekend when courts say it. Is there such a thing as night time care? Or having someone come to my house while my kids sleep and getting them off to school in the morning? My Autistic son requires more care as he is in the public school so any day care would need transportation to and from the school. I am NOT giving up my dreams just because HE decided that he doesn't like this life he made for himself. Sorry for the rant but to me not pursuing nursing is not an option.

[twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN]

There is such a thing as night time day care, but its very VERY expensive from what I hear.

Have you looked into day care vouchers or public assistance? I was married so I can't speak for the single mom part, but when I entered school I had a 1 1/2 year old and 5 month old twins. They stayed with their grandmother until I saw grandma fall through a chair with my own two eyes and couldnt' get up. I knew they wouldn't be safe with her if that happened again (she wasn't keeping up with toddlers before this anyway), so I applyed for day care vouchers which paid for almost everything and WIC.

Keep yourself strong and stay in school hunny, your kids need to see you complete school and see you as a strong woman (which you seem to be). Keep up the good work

[Antikigirl, ASN, RN]

I moved in with my parents to help, and I was a single mom of one. This allowed me to not have to work during RN school and have my son taken care of while I was in classes.

I also took many online or video courses while in school so that I could get my little one down to sleep and then study at nights. That was VERY helpful! Did my math that way and let me tell you...it was great to rewind my teacher! LOL!

A relative willing to help would certainly be your best bet...or even one of his relatives that is reliable?

I know it is a catch 22, but it is very wise to consider your priorities in life generally. Yes, being a nurse would certainly make you able to care for your children, however...children are a top priority, and this will come and become complications later on, especially during nursing school. To be a nurse one must really know themselves and their situation very realistically...and my advice, children themselves are always top...and nursing is below that. Being a nurse is good, being a mother is the best! Just something I had to come to realistic terms with myself :).

Good luck with your situation and I hope that motherhood and school balance out wonderfully for you :)!