Q for those married with kids...

d2k2 · Sep 03, 2005, 11:00 PM

Hello,
I totally understand your concern. I am married with two children, ages 3 and 4. I have just begun my first semester in the Pre-ADN program. My plan of action is to take only as many courses as I feel I can handle right now. Because my accptance into Nursing School depends on my grades heavily, I figure if I overload myself I will never get in. Thus, if all goes well, I will graduate with an Associates in Nursing in 2010. Yeah, I know, 5 years for a 2 year degree. It will all pay off in the long run. I also quit my job as an administrative assistant to go back to school, so we are surviving on one income. Believe it or not, it seems like we are almost better than before because I'm not spending $$ on gas, to go food, etc. and am budgeting and doing things the cheap way. These are all things I "didn't have time for" before. So, I say just do it. If you are sure that this is what you want to do, I would jump right in, just remember to only take on what you can handle at once.

-Dana

Originally Posted by rainbowbrite

Hello to All!

I am 34 yo and about to have my first baby

Although I have a BS in Communications, I realized some time ago that I would LOVE to go back to school to become a nurse I have a few pre-reqs already under my belt.

I REALLY want to go back to school but I worry about:

* Will we be able to manage on one salary if I go to school full time?
* How tough is it going to be to go back with a baby at home?
* I am 34 and am considering having one more baby in the future... should I
do it before or after school?

Any of u in the same boat? How did you manage?

Thanks for reading!

*Fun2,RN* · Sep 03, 2005, 11:06 PM

Originally Posted by d2k2

I also quit my job as an administrative assistant to go back to school, so we are surviving on one income. Believe it or not, it seems like we are almost better than before because I'm not spending $$ on gas, to go food, etc. and am budgeting and doing things the cheap way. These are all things I "didn't have time for" before.

I remember watching a show, news or something where families would have a professional come in and determine how they could save money. Several of them were told that one of the two needed to quit their jobs. (Obviously, the lower paid one.)

The person went in and figured out gasoline cost, food, daycare, and all other expenses. Most of them realized it would be more beneficial financially to only have the main income coming in.

cmwallin · Sep 04, 2005, 10:01 PM

We're almost in the same boat

I am 34 as well and I also have a degree in Communications! I have a 2-yr-old. Nursing has been on my mind for years. I finally decided to start by taking one of the prereqs last quarter, phys. of human dev'p. Chemistry is next. My daughter is in the daycare/preschool at the community college I attend a few hours a day.
I think if you can wait at least 6 months to a year to start school, you should. The first few months with a baby are so intense. Then, if you decide to go to school, take it slow. There's no hurry unless you absolutely need to bring home $$. Money is very tight for us and we are having to reduce our spending. NO MORE LATTES! I sort of look at it as an investment for the future. From what I hear/read, nursing provides a good salary. You asked for advice. Take it from a mom with a 2-yr-old.. take it slow. Raising children is a lot of work. (good work, but a lot of it)

I would either wait until after nursing school to have a second and know that your children's ages will be far apart, or have a second baby relatively soon and just do a class here and there, taking it very slow. Look at the big picture and try not to be in a hurry. Enjoy your baby and best wishes on your birth!

Originally Posted by rainbowbrite

Hello to All!

I am 34 yo and about to have my first baby

Although I have a BS in Communications, I realized some time ago that I would LOVE to go back to school to become a nurse I have a few pre-reqs already under my belt.

I REALLY want to go back to school but I worry about:

* Will we be able to manage on one salary if I go to school full time?
* How tough is it going to be to go back with a baby at home?
* I am 34 and am considering having one more baby in the future... should I
do it before or after school?

Any of u in the same boat? How did you manage?

Thanks for reading!

rainbowbrite · Sep 13, 2005, 08:23 AM

THANKS for being so helpful!!!!

I truly appreciate your comments/advice.

marilynmom · Sep 13, 2005, 10:36 AM

I have 2 children as well, both girls (7 and 3 yrs old now). I started back to school when my youngest was 6 months old and still nursing. I took 14 hours my first semester, which everyone thought I was crazy to do, and made straight A's. So yes you can do it!

If your nervous, like everyone else said, just start with 1 or 2 classes and go from there. A lot of the cc have online classes for your basics which is really nice.

The good thing about Nursing is you can work full time, part time, temporary, agency, etc etc etc That is a big draw to a lot of mothers.

rainbowbrite · Sep 16, 2005, 02:37 PM

Thanks for the advice and for sharing with me your personal experiences.

You guys are an inspiration!!!

SMK1 · Sep 16, 2005, 03:15 PM

can you take just one or 2 eening classes at a time? This way you could be home with the baby and maybe even work partime if need be for financial reasons. I started with evening classes when my daughter was 2 yrs old. (i had a hard time leaving her). Then the next year i put her in the daycare/preschool on site at my college when she was 3. Kids are difficult because they don't let you study uninterrupted, however it is doable with a bit of organization. Sit down and plan out the budget, be sure to budget for gas. Find out if you can make it if you don't work. Apply for financial aid and student loans if necessary. (only do the student loans if you know you won't quit). Good luck.

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Q for those married with kids...

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