Too much on my plate?

amarilla, RN · Aug 24, 2008

I don't know what your hours or schedule will look like, but I'm a strong believer that we are all capable of great and incredible things when we want to get them done. I heard all about how keeping my job, pursuing a second degree, and maintaining all my non-profit commitments just wouldn't work while in nursing school.

If it's not working, that would be news to me.

If you have a supportive spouse, flexible hours and a strong commitment, I think you'll be just fine. Tired, maybe, but fine nonetheless. *chuckle.

Rock on and get it done!

Best,

Southern

Bortaz, MSN, RN · Aug 24, 2008

"You don't know how you look 'til you get yer picture took."

Aquamarine · Aug 24, 2008

Hi I started nursing school this fall full time and work full time as an LPN, Baylor option or weekend double shifts, I have 2 small kids at home and a spouse that works from home. Is this do-able, or am I just plain nuts?

I don't think working full time and going to school full time and then with a family...?/you are setting yourself up for failure. I work with a LPN with two grown kids, she had to work full time I guess but the company was paying her tuition with a pay back in years of service. she flunked out this past semester, so what good did that do her. she was so tired she was making mistakes also but lucky nothing serious. Now she quit, and I don't know how she will ever pay that money back. Here once you flunk, you don't get back in so easliy, depends on the school.It looks horrid on your transcript. You need to figure something else out.

I worked part time every night the first year, didn't sleep because I worked after school, did homework after work. sometimes staying up until time to take a shower and start off to school again. that was very difficult. the next year, I worked Sat. and Sunday only. It was less money but better for the study time and sleep. I actually slept every night.

It still was hard. when I had 3 weeks left I was driving home and almost fell asleep at the wheel, heading straight head on to a semi. that was it, I decided if my work didn't get done, it didn't...I almost quit. I was so tired. I told the instructors they stay up all night correcting, students stay up all night doing care plans...we are all in the hospital at 7am with paitient lives in our hands, even as instructors and students...and the point is????

Think this out carefully. You have to have a priority. If it is too much and you have to work then part time it...if the kids come first, then do that, if the money comes first...work, but think about what your goal is, short term and long term. Failing is a waste of time, waste of money, and puts you behind with getting back in.

It is all in what you want...but you can't want to reach the goals in 3-4 different areas. Yes we can do more than what we thought, we can reach high and do a little more...but within reason.

Maybe your husband can take over with the kids, help with the housework...but you still have to pitch in, and then trying to do two full time things. School is full time and then homework should be 3 hours a night. There wouldn't be enough time to sleep, remember extra time for projects, for test study time, etc...the care plans can take an entire sunday to do just one.

I would cut back on work and borrow, you can easily pay that back for a few years when you make more money, maybe work 6 days a week when you graduate just to pay back the loan.

Just think out all your options.

good luck...

Jules A, MSN · Aug 24, 2008

I don't know what your hours or schedule will look like, but I'm a strong believer that we are all capable of great and incredible things when we want to get them done. I heard all about how keeping my job, pursuing a second degree, and maintaining all my non-profit commitments just wouldn't work while in nursing school.
If it's not working, that would be news to me.
If you have a supportive spouse, flexible hours and a strong commitment, I think you'll be just fine. Tired, maybe, but fine nonetheless. *chuckle.
Rock on and get it done!
Best,
Southern

What a thoughtful response! I agree that we are capable of doing whatever we need to do. Many of my fellow students worked had families and were successful also.

If someone is a decent student I don't think there is a problem other than not having a life and being dog tired, lol. For someone that is a struggling student then it is definitely better to have more time to devote to studying. Wishing you the best whatever you decide.

Bicster · Aug 24, 2008

There are 10,000 other posts like this.

Everyone wants to be called nuts or crazy or whatever for taking the difficult route. In the end, we dont know you. No one can tell you if this is too much.

If you're bright, study hard and dont discourage easily you can probably do it.

georgygirl28 · Aug 26, 2008

Hi Fancy Face, I am an LPN 8 years now. I went to nursing school when my kids were small. I worked during the entire process. You can do it. My spouse was very supportive and helped me out when I needed time to do a care plan or study. I believe you need to stay very organized and plan ahead. I worked during the day and attended the evening LPN program. I would come home make a quick dinner for kids and off I went. YOU CAN DO IT! Your husband working from home is an plus. Make your needs known . Going back to school and getting your RN will help your whole family . I am currently doing the excelcior program. I wish you luck Georgy girl28