Mom, FT Night Shift With Nursing School?

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What are some opinions about night shift CNA work while attending nursing school and being a mother? I'm sure others have accomplished this. I have a 10 month old son and a full time job. I am unsure what I am getting myself into in a way but I am doing it. I am taking College courses now too. My mind is made up and I am going to make it! I was just curious to know some things that helped other moms through this. Seeking advice and positivity to keep me motivated!

Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Float Pool/Stepdown.

As long as you have support watching the little one then it can be done. I worked full time often with overtime and went to school full time and graduated with a 3.8/4.0. It can be done.

I worked night shift and mainly on weekends so I could go to school and clinical a during the week.

Did you limit your hours of sleep, i have help but im not sure if it will be all that help when im home. Right now i still am the main caretaker for the baby when im home..we are kind of against daycare thats why i went to night shift.

Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Float Pool/Stepdown.

Didn't limit it persay, just slept when I could, did homework/studying instead if needed, and worked instead if I needed. Not saying it was healthy but my body became acclimated to the overdrive and it all paid off nicely once I graduated. Keep your eye on the prize!

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Moved to our Student forum for more replies.

Oh trust me! I am :sneaky::nailbiting::bookworm:

Wow. I WOULD NOT suggest doing that.

not suggest doing what?

I WOULD NOT suggest working nights, ESPECIALLY full time, while in nursing school. I had a friend who did that, except that she did not have any kids and the only way she got though that semester was because she had a lot of 1-1's and could use that time in work to study. This semester she has switched to per diem.

I have talked to my boss, I am trying to finish paying my car off. If i can stay full time ill be able to get more money to pay towards my program through the grant if i feel i need to work less they will help me with letting me go to part time, thank god! The nurse ahead of education said it will benefit me more to work at least 1 day a week..

I second another poster, I would not suggest being full time, with a child/children, and taking nursing. It CAN be done, but those that make it with these demands on them the entire time are few and far between. I worked part time and have no children and found it very difficult. I'd suggest working on someone to care for your child and speak with your boss about cutting back on your hours in the future if you need to. Options are good. The material can be challenging, but the real difficulty with nursing school for me was how much was expected within such a short time, the competing demands (and the constant frustration of never knowing what was going to change at any given moment.. prepared me very well for working in a chaotic environment, let me tell you). A LOT of people failed or quit our nursing program because they had way too much on their plate. I was offered full time jobs with my employer but turned them down due to being a student (I worked 20-25 hrs a week on average), and knowing that more might just be enough to sink me. My grades were very good, but it's unrelenting... it wears on you. Good for you for being determined, but I highly suggest making some contingency plans now.

Thanks, i was trying to watch everything. I completely agree with having back-up plans. And i do, thanks for letting me know how it went for you. Were you in class everyday all day or did you have half days and such?

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