Need some advice...

Nurses Career Support

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Hi,

I am a 36 y/o mom of three teens (17,15,14). I have a home daycare and just enrolled at our local comm coll for pre-nursing studies. I would have to go to nursing school in the evening and I am shooting for Nurse Midwife (CNM).

I am hoping that bc I work at home I'll have a couple of hours during nap time to get some extra studying done etc etc.

Has anyone been in about the same situation as myself? Or can anyone offer any info on going to NS in the evenings vs days or on being a CNM? etc etc

Thanks so much

Katie

Well, I don't have a daycare center in house, but I do have 7 yo twins and a 5 yo at home. I am currently in my last semester of NS and will turn 40 in April. I currently go to school on Wednesdays and Thursdays 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 pm, and have all day clinicals on Tuesdays 0630 a.m-4:30 p.m. My school also offers us night clinicals and weekend clinicals (but not all schools do this).

If you are depending on trying to get the majority of your studying done at naptime, I think you will find that this will not be enough time for you to get all the information in that you need. Even pre-req's like A&P and Micro take alot of time to get through because there is just so much information.

However, never say never, because I find that people who really want something usually find a way to get it. I personally can't effectively study while my children are screaming my name, fighting with each other, or crying (for whatever reason it is now!!! Usually because they don't like to share). Knowing this I usually get up at 0400 in the morning and/or study after they go to bed. Its tough, but I WANT THIS REALLY BAD!!

Good Luck, I'm sure you will find a way to incorporate school to fit your needs.

Specializes in ER, ICU, Education.

Katie1973,

First I commend you for making the decision to go to NS! You already have some idea what it is to nurse from you personal and work experience. Now you can take it to the next level and get paid for it.

Many of us had children and most had jobs going through school. You will quickly find that many of your class mates are in the same boat. Actually, I think it makes you a better student and later a better nurse. Because you really wanted to do it and you had to over come significant obstacles to achieve it. We always value the things we had to work hard to get.

You're the only one who can work out your schedule and if you want it bad enough you will find a way to make it work. Be prepared for long nights of studying, stressful times, and moments when you might wonder if it is worth it ... but I promise it will be worth it.

Use whatever resources are available for "non traditional" students. Be it a writing center, returning to school classes, studying techniques, counseling, etc.... If friends and family offer assistance, take them up on it. Don't be too proud because there will be times when a helping hand will be most welcome.

Good luck!

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