Nursing Student & Being A Father

[e_mac682]

So how do you make it work being a father, current sole provider, and being a nursing student? Any advice from others who have been there and done that?

[2bNurseGregFocker]

I love reading you guys stories. I'm In that predicament now. I have 3 children 11,10, and 10 month old. I'm the provider in the home and will have to either quit working or go part time. I start fall 2017 and I'm lost in what I should do about extra money. I know there are loans but I would prefer grants. Any suggestions

[barcode120x, RN, NP]

I love reading you guys stories. I'm In that predicament now. I have 3 children 11,10, and 10 month old. I'm the provider in the home and will have to either quit working or go part time. I start fall 2017 and I'm lost in what I should do about extra money. I know there are loans but I would prefer grants. Any suggestions

I don't have a family of my own (I'm too young lolz) but you have to think about the risks versus benefits. Assuming you have not even started school yet, you will spend 1-2 years doing general education. If you are going for ADN, then that will be another 2 or so years, another 4 if you are going for your BSN straight away. If you plan on going to school full time and quitting work, you are looking to go to school 2-6 years depending on how quickly you get into school. Not only that, you have to spend on the supplies for nursing school, take a few months (if you need) to study for nclex, pass your nclex, and then the next hardest part comes last. Finding a job. So you may be looking to spend 2-6 years for school alone with no income (if you quit work) or low income (if you go part time assuming your part time job doesn't offer much money). Next will be the months after getting your license trying to find a job. Now that doesn't include the expenses of raising 3 kids and a spouse/gf (if you have one). Not only that you also need money for those rainy days because life sucks sometimes. I'm in NO way trying to push you away from nursing, but you just have to be careful since you said you are currently the main provider.

If a part time job can't sustain, you definitely need to go for loans. Look up and apply for grants and scholarships. Maybe moving in with relatives is a possible option. It will definitely help save money on housing and utility bills.

It also depends on your passion and determination to become a nurse. My former classmate was in his mid 40's, had a wife and 2 kids and he was the sole provider. He worked full time as a psych tech at one of the toughest mental facilities here in Southern California and went to nursing school. He passed with flying colors. Mad respect for him. If he can do it, so can you. But I do have to say he looked "dead" every day and he was stressed for 2 years straight. Not very good for your health at his age, but he made it.