Student, mom, wife... In that order

OldDude · Dec 17, 2015

I graduated from nursing school when I was 42, my #2 child was born my first semester of nursing school. The challenge of nursing school is simply enduring all the silly, non-nursing, tasks, assignments, projects, and the like. Anyone of average intelligence can pass the courses. Obviously you're capable. Just remember you learn very little about nursing in nursing school so try not to get frustrated. Your goal there is to get that paper, your license, so you can enter the field, and then the learning begins. Best of luck.

Andreany9 · Dec 17, 2015

Okay I can work with that... Thank you!

Jolie, BSN · Dec 17, 2015

Please re-consider your priorities (as listed in your title.) Your husband is an adult. He can handle less attention temporarily, but please always keep your kids first, no matter what...school, work, friends, social situations, etc.

There is a thread in this forum titled, "A Student's Confession." It will help to explain my stance.

Good luck to you and your family.

Trauma Columnist · Dec 18, 2015

Moved to General Nursing Student

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Dec 18, 2015

Please re-consider your priorities (as listed in your title.) Your husband is an adult. He can handle less attention temporarily, but please always keep your kids first, no matter what...school, work, friends, social situations, etc.
There is a thread in this forum titled, "A Student's Confession." It will help to explain my stance.
Good luck to you and your family.

This 1000X!! Your family is always first. If you let your relationships go while in school, they will continue to detiorate after and you will lose them.

Find your balance. You have a great gpa, great. Pretty much all nursing students do. The work in nursing school will be much more difficult. You will need to be organized. Lots of planning. It's how I get through. I have several planners.

I turn 40 next week. I start my final semester in January. It's been a long and tough road. I never wanted to give up so much as did this past semester. Not because of school, but because life outside of school was rough. I didn't know how I was going to make it some weeks. My instructor this past semester sent me an email telling me that a lesser person would have crumbled and that I did great despite it all. That was all I needed to hear to keep going.

I see so many people who come in here saying they left corporate America to pursue their "dream" of becoming a nurse. I would say 75% of them end up dropping out because they had no idea what nursing is about or aren't prepared for school. Many feel like they are neglecting their families.

Keep your priorities straight. Know what's important and you will make it through. Don't get burned out on school. Your husband is important. He is your partner in life and is supporting your venture. Don't ignore him!!! Hopefully he is your best friend. Good Luck!!

BeachsideRN, ASN · Dec 18, 2015

This 1000X!! Your family is always first. If you let your relationships go while in school, they will continue to detiorate after and you will lose them.
Find your balance. You have a great gpa, great. Pretty much all nursing students do. The work in nursing school will be much more difficult. You will need to be organized. Lots of planning. It's how I get through. I have several planners.
I turn 40 next week. I start my final semester in January. It's been a long and tough road. I never wanted to give up so much as did this past semester. Not because of school, but because life outside of school was rough. I didn't know how I was going to make it some weeks. My instructor this past semester sent me an email telling me that a lesser person would have crumbled and that I did great despite it all. That was all I needed to hear to keep going.
I see so many people who come in here saying they left corporate America to pursue their "dream" of becoming a nurse. I would say 75% of them end up dropping out because they had no idea what nursing is about or aren't prepared for school. Many feel like they are neglecting their families.
Keep your priorities straight. Know what's important and you will make it through. Don't get burned out on school. Your husband is important. He is your partner in life and is supporting your venture. Don't ignore him!!! Hopefully he is your best friend. Good Luck!!

I echo both of these posters. My family comes first. Yes, sometimes I have to study during "family time" or I have to stay home while my husband takes the toddler somewhere to play (our in laws are nearby). But I always make time for my family. I am willing to get B's in. It sing school if that means another hour with my family - luckily that thought process alone has taken so much of my stress away that I am actually learning more at have gotten all As and only 1 B (by less than 0.5 points) in nursing school. My husband and child keep me going. They are my biggest cheerleaders.

BeachsideRN, ASN · Dec 18, 2015

Organization is key.

Andreany9 · Dec 18, 2015

Let me clarify... My family is always first... But I definitely have to shut off and turn down certain things to stay organized and focused on my school success. This is a major priority for my future. So, for the next couple years, priorities are shifted but No one is deprived! I promise:) kids are loved and given attention... Husband is also.

Thanks for your comments. I will definitely remember to stay positive and believe I can get through it even when times are tough. As I expect they will be. I'm looking for motivation and the belief that as crazy as life is, I can do this! I got this! Just need some support from fellow moms, nurses, wives...

onon2rn, I am happy you've persevered this far since you've had to deal with stresses outside of school! Keep it up! And thank you for your comments.

And yes, My husband is my best friend and without him this would be a much more difficult journey.

A

devorahna · Dec 18, 2015

I am 31, but I have a 5 year old and a 2 year old. And i just left a career in teaching after 8 years (and an msed!) I am super excited to be taking prerequisites right now and I am applying to nursing school now. I know its going to be tough....but I think it will also be great! For me it will only be 1 year (accelerated bachelors) so I know I can do it!

Andreany9 · Dec 18, 2015

That's great! I guess we can accomplish anything we set our hearts and mind on!

Good luck to you!

kkbb, BSN, RN · Dec 18, 2015

I am 38, with a 8 year old and a 2 year old. It can be hard some days to balance it. Some of the other students will tell me that they don't know how I do it with kids (I currently have a 4.0). The thing is, my family keeps me centered. I can't imagine doing this while in a new or unstable relationship. My husband and kids keep me human in all this. Thank goodness for them, because they have kept me going when I just want to say I give up. They are the best cheerleaders I could ask for.