Calling all you Mama Nursing Students (UConn CEIN/BS)! I need your help...

[CTMama_AJ]

Hi Mama Nurse Student Friends! I am currently a full time working mom with a 10 month old son. I am strongly considering a second career in nursing. I am looking at the UConn CEIN/BS program and want to apply. However, I AM HAVING SO MUCH ANXIETY ABOUT IT. I know it is a one year intensive program and so I just am so nervous about doing well while having to juggle mommy-hood. Also, I don't think working while in the program is even feasible so having to support our family on just my husband's income makes me second guess this decision. Any Mama's do it and live to tell the tale? Looking for any and all advice I can get. I am so excited about the prospect of becoming a nurse but so hesitant that it will too much to handle.

Also, after you went into nursing, was it hard for you mamas to make time for families? Would love some insight into having a family and balancing a career in nursing as well. Thank you!!

[andrea3434]

I am in my third semester of a 5 semester BSN program. I have three children ages 9, 7 and 3. I was a stay at home mom before going back to school so I don't have experience working full time with children. I think since you would be transitioning from work to school it wouldn't be as difficult. I assume your child is already in daycare?

I am very fortunate in that my husband makes enough money to support our family. I decided to go back to school because i want my own independence and to contribute financially to my family.

It is tough but I don't think it is that bad. I try to do all studying and school work during the day so that I can devote myself to family time once I'm home (not to mention I'm too exhausted to study after the kids go to bed!) You just have to be good at time management and find ways to study that work for you.

[Eglute]

Hi,

I am full time working mom with 5yo. I started taking prerequisites when he was 2yo. Two nights per week we get home at 9PM (our dad works 5PM- 1AM, so he is watched by providers in their house). It's hard, mostly because he can't get my attention, however, at the same time, he learned to be quiet and keep himself busy. He doesn't like to be alone so he comes to my room and while I study, he reads the books. I think things will be easier while in program because I will get to be at home more. Now I feel like I am constantly running (I work 8AM -5PM).

If accepted, I am not planning to work, unless I can find something flexible. I know it will be hard financially but the idea of the future after keeps me very optimistic. I stopped buying things I don't need and will do my best to save as much money as I can this year. I hope student loans will cover the cost of the program and we are thinking to open credit card with promotional 0%APR at the end of this year, before I quit my job.

I had anxiety last year, before making the decision. But we agreed with my husband that we should go for it, especially after I took all the classes and spend all my free time studying. I think we wouldn't be the first moms doing it, and lucky for us, we have husbands' support. Things are even harder for single moms!