Mommyhood and Grad School

I started grad school four years ago when my oldest was 2 at the time and my youngest was about 6 mos. I will graduate in a few weeks with my MSN as a FNP. I will admit, it was difficult at times - trying to write papers and study for exams is not easy when you have two children who are not independent. I did most of my school work late at night after the kids were sleeping, or during the day while they napped.

I also only worked per diem, since with school and such a young family, I needed a lot of time to get things done. I only picked up weekend night hours, and tried to work my schedule around when papers were due or when exams were being given.

I also needed to find a babysitter for when I had class/clinicals, since my husband worked during the day, and we didn't have family in the area. That would be one of my biggest suggestions - if you are going for a MSN where you need to do clinical hours, try figuring out what your babysitting options are now - you don't want to wait until the last minute to figure this out.

I must admit, having a very supportive husband was what made this doable for me. He would take the kids out if I needed time alone to get a paper written; he would leave work early or take the day off if I couldn't find a sitter for a day I needed to be on campus or at clinical; and he would provide encouragement when things seemed difficult. I can't thank him enough!

Best of luck to you - I'm sure you will be able to find a way to make it work.

FWIW, I have 3 kids ranging in age from 3 to 17. With planning, and a supportive spouse on your side, you can do it.

I'm starting this fall on a PT route (giving myself 3-5 years to complete), and have a 9-year-old, 2-year-old, and baby due in July. I have a very, very supportive husband - the only way I could personally do this without feeling the guilt so many of my coworkers think that I should feel because I'm 'neglecting' my kids. I disagree - I'm realistic and know that I need to work, and I want more from an education and career - this is the way to do that. My husband is a stay-at-home dad, and I work full-time; we're hoping that won't change, as it's the only way to make ends meet right now, and cover the student loans from my BAN and his AA - but it worked before, and that's when we both worked and went to school and had an active preschooler-kindergartner ... I also tended to do my homework before I left school, at night after my son was asleep, on days off, etc., so I would have family time be family time. I know it will be tough, but hopefully rewarding as well. I'm pretty driven, and stubborn, so that helps me keep the end goal in site. I will take it semester by semester. Good luck to you! Don't let 'others' tell you what's best for you and your family.

A girl in my grad school classes has seven children. I am constantly amazed at how she does that, plus work, plus study. Mums are incredible!

Randy Pausch lecture on time management (especially geared for grad students).

I also suggest using Google Calendar.

Hi! I was just accepted to an online MSN/NP Program. My daughter is 4 and I work full time. My husband has been supportive since the day I typed my Letter of Intent. I realize it will be difficult at times but why not go for it! I have heard from friends how they do not want to sacrifice their children and being home for family time. I felt as if I was being told my sacrifice is "selfish." I have heard them say..."the stress was not worth the balance in their families... " I have to agree...if it will be detrimental to their lives then of course, do not attempt such an endeavor...but I want to try and with the support of my husband and babysitter......I look forward to the late night studying! So I say! Go for it!

Don't ever feel guilty for getting that additional education, and moving up the career ladder. That's a woman thing- we all do it (or have done it) to a certain degree.

Maybe they're just afraid they'll fail, and they're rationalizing why they don't dare try to do what you're doing.

Most of my classmates are parents, as are most of my professors. Your kids will be proud of what you've accomplished in life, and will be more likely to obtain graduate education themselves when they grow older.

It is entirely possible to achieve a work/school/life balance in grad school. You will still be able to be a parent, and may even be more available emotionally when you're done, because your job might not be as stressful as bedside nursing.

I've been in school for most of my career (went from LPN-ASN-BSN, and now working on PhD). Every step I took allowed me to obtain less stressful but still rewarding jobs. I am much more laid back and available to my kids now than I was working my tail off to make ends meet as a LPN.