How many students work full time have a family, etc.

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Feb 9, 2004

Are you going to be starting the pre-req's are are you in nursing school?

Either way, we have lots of moms (myself included) here as well as those who work full time and everything in between!

Marilyn

RedSox33RN · Feb 9, 2004

I don't work full-time, but part-time at home. I'm married with 4 kids. I decided not to apply to nursing school until I had most of my pre-req's done. I've been slowly, slowly working toward that, and hope to hear soon if I was accepted.

Best of luck to you! I've wanted this badly too, since my 1st child was a baby. When I *finally* started taking courses, don't you know I found out I was pregnant with my 4th. So it all got put on hold -- again -- but now I'm finally ready.

CaterpillarGirl · Feb 9, 2004

I'm a single mom to a very precocious (aren't they all?) 4 year old. I work part time, and go to school full time. Right now I'm taking online classes, but will begin on campus courses in fall when she starts Kindergarten.

It's tough, especially since she doesn't REALLY understand why I have to study so much. I try to get it all done after she's gone to sleep, but sometimes there's just so much material that it leaks into the next day. I do try my best to take breaks often so i can play with her, though.

I'm also hoping to get enough in financial aid next year so that I only have to work 10-15 hours a week. This is pretty feasible, especially if I max out my student loans (which I have EVERY intention on doing).

Anyway, I know I rambled a bit, but just know that it can be done. The whole "where there's a will, there's a way" thing. :)

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Feb 9, 2004

They almost need a sticky for students with families on this board.

alexillytom · Feb 9, 2004

I also work full-time, have 3 young children, and am taking 3 classes this semester. I must say, I was happy to see this thread. I have been feeling kind of overwhelmed lately and almost dropped a class. Fortunately or unfortunately,(I haven't quite decided which yet) I was unable to drop one without losing all of the money I paid for that course. As most of you may understand, I am in no position to lose a few hundred dollars.

So, what do you do to alleviate(sp?) some of the stress that being students, moms, employees, and spouses bring?

Achoo!, LPN · Feb 9, 2004

I am taking pre-req's right now, and may actually have a year in between with no classes at all since the waiting list is so long. I work part- time and have 2 young boys. I couldn't see working full- time and doing it all. I have a hard enough time getting to where I need to be on time, let alone finding time to study. Parents laugh at me when they see me trying to read my A&P book during my sons loud wrestling practice LOL.

Best of luck to you!

Carolanne · Feb 9, 2004

I have two teens and a husband and work at home. I've turned a 2 year program into 4. I did the pre-reqs one at a time, didn't bite off more than I could chew. I worked the courses around my family, not the other way around. Causes a lot less stress around the house that way! I did mornings, evenings, summer courses, whatever worked with our schedules. It is possible, just takes a little planning, that's all. Good luck!!

klone, MSN, RN · Feb 9, 2004

I'm married, have two children (6 and 3) and work part-time at home, as well as have a home business. I'm also do volunteer work, and lead monthly support meetings, which takes up additional time. I'm not sure how I'll do it, but I'll manage.

tabinmn · Feb 9, 2004

I am also a working mother( 25hrs per wk) while taking 16-21 credits w/ 3 children. My children are at the ages they are very involved w/sports and social groups. I am not only busy w/school, kids as well as work that it just seems to happpen. I almost feel the busier I am the better. Ofcourse the only thing that fails is HOUSE WORK!! Oh well someday it will get cought up.

Tabinmn

purplekath · Feb 9, 2004

I think Nursing is one of those professions that a lot of people come to when they have all kind of responsibilities - particularly family ones. Our instructor warned us against attempting it with a fulltime job, but on the other hand, I know a lot of people do it with the help of all kinds of good study strategies.

I have two kids and know that my studying style is different than it would be if I had no kids and nothing else to do. For example, having to study in smaller blocks (as small as 10 mins...to just go over one concept).

Making the most of time and energy seems to make all the difference. For example:

* Save housework and errands for when your brain needs a rest - don't try to do that stuff before you study or you will never get to study.

* Read your textbooks on the bus or train on the way to work. Or on the treadmill/stairmaster as you exercise.

* Read onto audio tapes (reading out loud is still reading so it's not a waste of time), and replay the tapes while you are in the car, or cooking dinner etc.

* Keep the kids to a firm bedtime or retire-to-bedroom time so you have a firm study time after dinner.

* Break assignments down into smaller pieces - eg: For an essay...write outline, work out reading/reference list, visit library, write one para at a time, have a "thinking day", fine tune etc.

* Aim for passes rather than high distinctions if it means the difference between dropping subjects or keeping them.

nursecompassion · Feb 9, 2004

HELLO,

In the same boat too...I have finished my prereqs and by fall quarter when my nursing program starts I will also have finished my general education requirements.

I am also married with two boys 5 and 1, and recently found out that I am expecting my third the first week of nursing!

However, I am not putting it off any longer. I am going to be in school mon-fri, not all day though and then work 12's on Fridays and Saturdays.

mon,wed 10-1:30

tue 8-12

thu 8-3

fri 8-12 (clinicals)

Good luck to you. Just keep your confidence and believe in yourself and look too your family for inspiration!

jules