Being "Mom" and "Student"...

Nursing Students General Students

Published

Hi,

I am 29 years old, a mother of two young boys (ages 3 and 1), and I am starting nursing school in January 2007. I have a BA in journalism, but jobs are too hard to find in this field, and when I do find one, they pay terribly and I find them very unfulfilling. I have worn several hats in this field over the past 8 years, and none seemed to fit me nor fulfill me.

My sisters and several of my inlaws are nurses, and they all love it. So, after much thought and prayer, I have decided to go back to school.

The thing is, I have been a stay-at-home mom for a year and a half now. However, finances have been super tight, and we realize that it is important for us to have a second income in the future.

Even though I am truly excited about starting nursing school and beginning this chaper in my life, there is a part of me that is nervous about how this will affect me as a mother.

I realize that I will not have as much time with my boys. I think the main thing I am nervous about is the "guilt" associated with that. My husband says to think of it in terms of 'I am doing this FOR my boys' -- meaning that, I will be able to provide more for them in terms of money for college funds and other things in life ... this will "enhance" their lives, not "take away" from it.

I know of mothers who made it through nursing school and on to successfuly careers. I know it must have been hard on them in many ways, however. I was wondering if any of you have young children, or even older children, and how it affects you as a nursing student ... and also how you cope with juggling both motherhood and student?

I guess I just need some encouragement in this area. I love my little boys so much and I do love staying home with them ... It's just that, I also know that the time will come when they are not at home anymore ... when they are in school ... and I will need something else fulfilling ... I even think about when they go to college -- If I did not pursue my dreams of becoming a nurse NOW -- maybe I would regret it later when my sons are off at college and I wished I had done something to better myself and provide a significant income. You know?

And, there is also a part of me as an individual that wants to help others and make a difference in their lives. I have not really felt that in my time as a journalist -- I always felt like I had more to give. I rarely went home at the end of the day thinking, 'I really felt like I touched people's lives today and showed them the love of God.' I have just always felt like, surely there is something else out there for me.

Any words of wisdom, advice, encouragement, etc., is welcome. I am glad to have found this site.

Thanks,

Alli

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Onc/Hem, School/Community.
Hi,

The thing is, I have been a stay-at-home mom for a year and a half now. However, finances have been super tight, and we realize that it is important for us to have a second income in the future.

I was at home with my kids and had the same worries.

Even though I am truly excited about starting nursing school and beginning this chaper in my life, there is a part of me that is nervous about how this will affect me as a mother.

I started off with night classes or online classes. As my kids got older, I took on more credit hours.

I realize that I will not have as much time with my boys. I think the main thing I am nervous about is the "guilt" associated with that. My husband says to think of it in terms of 'I am doing this FOR my boys' -- meaning that, I will be able to provide more for them in terms of money for college funds and other things in life ... this will "enhance" their lives, not "take away" from it.

That is exactly how my hubby and I look at it. Additionally, I needed the self-fulfillment. If you husband if supportive of you and encourages you, it will help alot. For instance, I don't get any flack from my husband about cooking supper if I am busy studying for a final exam.

I know of mothers who made it through nursing school and on to successfuly careers. I know it must have been hard on them in many ways, however. I was wondering if any of you have young children, or even older children, and how it affects you as a nursing student ... and also how you cope with juggling both motherhood and student?

At first my son would ask me "Why do you have to be a nurse....why can't you just be my mommy"? Now, my kids can't wait to see what neat pictures my school books have in them. My daughter is so proud of me and loves to help me study for tests. It will be fine, just take it slow if you need to.

I guess I just need some encouragement in this area. I love my little boys so much and I do love staying home with them ... It's just that, I also know that the time will come when they are not at home anymore ... when they are in school ... and I will need something else fulfilling ... I even think about when they go to college -- If I did not pursue my dreams of becoming a nurse NOW -- maybe I would regret it later when my sons are off at college and I wished I had done something to better myself and provide a significant income. You know?

I felt exactly the same way.

And, there is also a part of me as an individual that wants to help others and make a difference in their lives. I have not really felt that in my time as a journalist -- I always felt like I had more to give. I rarely went home at the end of the day thinking, 'I really felt like I touched people's lives today and showed them the love of God.' I have just always felt like, surely there is something else out there for me.

Any words of wisdom, advice, encouragement, etc., is welcome. I am glad to have found this site.

Go for it!! You CAN have it all....just not ALL AT ONCE.

Thanks,

Alli

Hope this helps.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Same here.

If i dont' take advantage of these few years when dh has benefits i'm sure i'll never do it. My kids are 7 and 3. If i can make it thru prereq's one at a time mabye i'll be starting the ft program when the little one starts Kindergarten. I jsut want to keep her out of a day care SSOOOOOooooo bad. sniff.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardio/Tele.

Hello and welcome!

I can't give any advice "yet" because i haven't started the program.....I begin in the Fall (end of August). I have two children also.....my son is 6 and my daughter is 4 soon to be 5 in June. I am worried and unsure of how i will juggle the roles as: wife, mother, and nursing student.

I have read your post and I believe God has called you to do this (just as i believe He has me also). We will both do great as long as we keep the eyes of our heart on Him.

I am also 29 yrs. old and have been a stay at home mom so i can relate with your fears and worries but everything will work out if it is meant to be.....God Bless you reese19.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It is wonderful that your husband is giving you so much support and he's right. You are trying to provide a better life for the boys and that is nothing to feel guilty about. I have a 22 month old and it breaks my heart when I leave for school but I know inside this will be the best for him and for me also because I'm making myself a happier person by pursuing my goals and dreams. The journey may get tough at times but keep your eyes on the prize...you're going to succeed and your boys will thank you. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Onc/Hem, School/Community.
Same here.

If i dont' take advantage of these few years when dh has benefits i'm sure i'll never do it. My kids are 7 and 3. If i can make it thru prereq's one at a time mabye i'll be starting the ft program when the little one starts Kindergarten. I jsut want to keep her out of a day care SSOOOOOooooo bad. sniff.

Sounds like a great plan. That is what I did. I took one class at a time until my youngest went off to school. Then, I went part-time for a semester, built up to 3/4 the next.....then went full-time. It can be done.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Reese19, if this is something that you truly want with all of your heart you will find ways to make it work. I have been a SAHM for 11 years. My children are 11 and 5. During the last 2 1/2 years I have been going to school part time taking 2 or 3 classes at a time and 5 of my pre req. classes I took on line so that I could be home as much as possible. The only days that I ever actually went to a campus was on Tuesdays and Thursdays while my youngest was in mother's day out at my church from 8 a.m.-12.

I start full time this fall and I am terrified but I know I need to be flexible along with my family. I at times wonder if I can handle the pressure but I know that I will for three reasons. #1 I am doing this for MY SELF because "An educated woman has choices." #2 I want to be a positive role model for my children and nieces. #3 I will never again let fear keep me from doing something that I would like to do.

You can do this!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

One of my girlfriends in school has 5 kids, all little.

Believe me, you can do it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
One of my girlfriends in school has 5 kids, all little.

Believe me, you can do it.

It's people like that that make me feel inadequate!:bugeyes: LOL I can't even imagine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I can't either, truly.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have to admit that bieng a mother of three kids ages 13, 6 and 5 it has been difficult but what keeps me goin is what i will be able to provide them when they are older and need more help than what we did because of the cost of living is increasing. For the past 2 1/2 yrs i have been a full time student, worked full time and took care of my three children for a year of that i was a single mother. What has helped me is i have taken several classes online a semester or even what they call Hy-brid classes which is where most of the class is online and you only have to report to campus once a month. Also i make it a point that once my children are in bed at night then that is my study time. And having a supportive husband also helps quite a bit. I just married a man of my dreams last weekend that came into mine and my childrens life 3 yrs ago and has been their to pick up the pieces as a wonderful father when a parent is needed. So reese19 keep your chin up and go for your dreams. It will be worth it in the end. My oldest actuallhy helps me study by doing my flashcards with me and that also enhances her knowledge. You are more then welcome to im me or just respond if you are feeling down, there will be times but they are just temporary. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My kids were seven and eleven years old when I went back.Will you have to work as well?

One thing concerning school that you will have to watch is your study time.I found it helpful to make a plan each week and block out time in the calendar when I was going to study.Then I went back and wrote in the actual amount of time I spent really studying and that can really be an eye opener if you are honest with yourself.:nuke:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment