Nursing School with 2 children!

LobotRN, BSN, RN · Jan 15, 2012

I second what everyone else here has said. There are a ton of good study tips in this thread and great insight into the time commitment and how to prioritize your life. On that note, becoming a nurse will probably always rank up there in the top five or ten events of your lifetime! And right up there along with it will be your first job and years as a new RN. Everyone who goes through it has to develop a strong sense of conviction so that he/she can advocate for their patients and for themselves. You are the one who can and should advocate for yourself, your livelihood, your children.

If your BF is truly dragging you down, you have set ground rules, he continues to try and drag you down, then this sounds like one of many many many times in nursing school, as a new grad nurse, and as a nurse forever where you must advocate for what you know needs to happen and not feel guilty. You will not have time to nurse his insecurities. For example, if you spend 2 hours in a long conversation about how, no, you are not trying to "shop around" during clinicals and the reason your hair is up and your makeup is on is because the school has a standard of appearance when at the hospital, well then you've just spent two hours that could have been used to review, plan, prepare, rest, recharge, play w the kids, sleep, study. Ask yourself if what you are doing right now is the best thing you can do for where you want to be.....

You are making a great commitment. This is not a sacrifice on your family's part, but a commitment and team effort on everyone's part to see mom make it through and succeed. Anyone trying to tell you different or that you are somehow hurting them or being selfish has clearly indicated that they don't understand "team" and can only focus on themselves.

Before you go to the big game, consider what you must advocate for and figure out who you want on your bench. I sincerely hope you can build a team with a great a great coach (sig other), trainers (study partners), and cheerleaders (kids, family, parents).

RNoneday? · Jan 15, 2012

I am feeling the same way! My kids are older but I amworking ft and going to school ft. It can be done. My advice would be to start slow...pace yourself with one or two classes so you can see how you can work your schedule. When a class is harder - like anatomy - take just one! I am learning the hard way on this one! GOOD LUCK to you!

RNoneday? · Jan 15, 2012

HELP!!!! I need suggestions on HOW to study anatomy and physiology!! What works and what doesnt? I dont have time for trial and error with family, work and school. This class seems very intense and I have 3 other classes at same time! Your insight is very appreciatedand needed!

PS - I am so PROUD of all of us for making the sacrafices needed to obtain our education. I KNOW it will be worth it in the end - sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel is DIM but it is encouraging to see all of you that MADE IT!!!!

patricia0809 · Jan 15, 2012

I'm in my second semester now and I have two boys age 1 and 2. I have classes Mondays, Tuesdays, and clinicals Wednesdays. I study whenever I can, for example when they are asleep, when my husband come home from work and when my parents are willing watch them. It's very difficult but you can do it! My family has been a blessing when it comes to watching my boys and giving me my study time. Use all the resource you have! Good luck on your journey!!!

SunshineDaisy, ASN, RN · Jan 16, 2012

I ditto the others as well!

I am in starting my 2nd semester of NS in a week. I have 2 kids, 6.5 and 4. I had no family around to help, just me, my hubby and my awesome sitter. My first semester I was able to pick my classes mostly, so took as many later classes as I could so we didn't have to pay a lot for daycare. This semester I wasn't really able to pick, so we moved my niece in with us to help out during my early morning clinicals. I won't lie, there is a but of sacrificing with the family time, but I try my best to make up for it on the weekends and during breaks. I know my kids don't understand right now, but it will be so worth it in the end. I also know that they will understand eventually the sacrifices we made to make their lives better.

Jazzi_CNA · Jan 20, 2012

I just want to thank all of you for the words of encouragement. Unfortunately my family doesnt want to help me anymore. I will have to drop out of my prerequisite course for nursing. I am so upset, it feels like everytime i am ready to do something the people tyat promise help alway let me down.

Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2012

I'm sorry, Jazzi.

Jazzi_CNA · Jan 20, 2012

I've tried so hard to convince him that i really love him, but he only wants me to himself. Crying is all i can do. He is my children father but yet a dead weight.

Jazzi_CNA · Jan 20, 2012

Im 22 with a 4 year old son and a 1 year old daughter. I want the best for them.

momin96,98,99 · Jan 20, 2012

My ex sounds much like your boyfriend, he was upset to learn that I wanted to go to college yet changed his mind when he learned what could be earned.... i wanted to do this because I love nursing.

Look at all the options available, you will be amazed at how much help is really out there. I had no family nearby, began a divorce just prior to finding out i was accepted into the nursing program- I was scared as to how I would do this, I had never taken a full load of classes and felt that maybe I would not be able to do this on my own. Everything just seemed to work out, and looking back what helped was not looking at the end result but what I had to complete within that week, month or quarter. Just taking it one day at a time.

Take care of yourself and your children, talk to other women, talk to groups such as STAND, abuse happens in many forms, whether it physical, emotional, or psychological. Help is available.

Your dreams can be realized don't give up!!

allnurses Guide · Jan 20, 2012

Why did your family decide not to help anymore?

lperez127 · Aug 30, 2019

Hey Jazzi,

I know this thread was a long time ago, but I was just wondering if the nursing program worked out for you with smaller kids. I am currently going to start school with a 5 and 1 year old.