I need to hear from single moms, like me...

Foxfour · Feb 4, 2005

I wasn't a single mom so to speak, but I had a husband who worked 60-65 hours/week. I have one daughter who was 11y/o when I started nursing school. The closest family member lived 7 hours away, so as far as getting her to and from school, I was it. The nursing school I was at was very good about working around request. They would ask us in advance to put our request in writing (do you perfer M and W or T and Th). Also 95% of the time I was out of school before she would get out of school. Somehow it just always seemed to work out.

As far as finances go, I can't give you any advice other than just apply for as much financial assistance as you can before you go.

I had a dream to be a nurse ever since I was a little girl. I don't regret going to nursing school one bit. As a matter of fact, I'm a little upset with myself for waiting as long as I did. If it's something you want, then you should go for it. It will all be worth it in the end, and it will go by so fast.

hypnotic_nurse · Feb 5, 2005

My kids were 8 and 12 when I started nursing school right after a yucky divorce (the kind that involves victim's protective orders) and an 8 hour drive away from my family. I also worked full time throughout school. Yes, it was awful and yes, I'm very, very glad I did it! (and it must not have been too bad since my now-19 year old daughter is in nursing school). Best of luck to you!

emsboss · Feb 5, 2005

Debbie...As you check into things about school...The best advice I can give about financing is simply this...PELL GRANTS...Other types of grants are out there also, such as HEAP. The financial aid folks will help you with that part.

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Feb 5, 2005

Everyone of us was scared and unsure when we started school. I had 2 children, ages 7 and 9, a sick husband, a mother-in-law issue, and had to make a dime look like a dollar. BUT, I did it and so can you. Talk to the Dean of Nursing, speak to the financial officer, there are ways to get the money and there are ways to set your schedule up so you can do it. Good Luck, we will pray that your dream comes true. P.S. I don't know which school you are looking at but UC is the most expensive around, I know women who went to Tech and carpooled, and to Marshall and carpooled, Just wanted to give you something else to think about. :balloons:

sweetyjen · Feb 5, 2005

Hi! I am a single mom of a 2 year old and I am in my last semester of nursing school! It has been SO hard, but it has gotten easier the further along I got. It was soooo very hard in the beginning and then we just learned to adjust to things and now I am so glad I did it. Needless to say, I am in debt big time because I took out the max on student loans. But if there's one thing to go in debt for, it's education. I did get pell grants and other scholarships and grants. I actually don't have to work very often. I live in a town 1 1/2 hrs away from any family or friends at all, but I have managed by making a few friends down here that can help out from time to time if needed. I have rarely needed help honestly. It may seem impossible at first, but you just have to set your eye on the goal and sacrifice some things. You just have to have the mindset that you CAN and WILL do it. It can be done!!! Good luck!!!

Jen

bhamlpn · Feb 5, 2005

yes, I hear you. Just go for it is all anyone with ambition and a dream to live life to the fullest can tell you. I so much admire all of you who knew exactly what you wanted to do from childhood. I am an LPN, still not knowing for sure if this is what I want. All I know is that I care about people, and I love stability. I will never have to worry about not having a steady income. Only you can decide what is best for you. I may be young, but had to grow up quick. I am 27 and have a 8 1/2 yr. old. I went back to school when my daughter was a toddler, while dealing with an abusive spouse; not to be seeking pity, but just stating if you want something enough, it's yours.

Now I am contemplating going back for my rn(don't want to pay rent for the rest of my life, living in a 1 bdr. apt), but it's difficult when no family is around me here and I work full time, not to mention there will be alot less quality time with my daughter. Hopefully an online course program will be my salvation.

The only way I was able to go back to school was with the assistance of the gov't. Don't feel ashamed at all- when you start receiving your well-earned pay checks- you, in turn, will be helping others go back to school as well.

Hope this helped maybe atleast a little. I'd like to hear more from single mom's alike. Good luck to you, and best wishes for you and your family's future.

bhamlpn :)

Hi everyone, this is my first post after alot of lurking. I can't seem to find what I want to know in previous posts.
I live in Charleston, WV and have decided to go back to school, with two children, ages 9 and 13.
I really need to hear about some of you who have suffered in the past juggling school, finances and family. I'm starting to feel like I can't do this, and I'm getting scared of going back to school. I'm starting to think I must be insane to even attempt nursing school.
(I have to take "pre-nursing" at State)
We're going to be poor for a couple of years, but it IS do-able, isn't it?
I'm ashamed to say this, but I know I will need government assistance, too.
Please tell me you went through this too. I want this so bad.
Thanks so much,
Debbie

Debbie1972 · Feb 10, 2005

When I read everyone's replies, including the PM, I teared up and had to hold back the crying. Thank you for your encouragment, and I am so glad to hear that you guys have been able to "do it".

babyblue113 · Feb 11, 2005

Hello everyone:

Im a single mom also who has always had nursing as a career in the back of my mind. I have been a legal secretary for 8 years but its really time for me to do something with my life that Im happy about.

I have a 3 year old son and Im really nervous about if I'll be able to complete nursing school. Ive been thinking about getting a job as a secretary in a medical setting just to get some type of medical experience. I want to attend school full time but not sure if its possible since I have to provide for me and my son and then I think about having a daycare provider for my son while I am at school AND while I'm at work, it sounds like a lot of time away from my son. I really want to get into this field - but not sure if there will EVER be a perfect time to do so expecially when you are a parent. Any advice?

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Feb 12, 2005

You will never know what is available until you go to the source and find out. By this I mean make an appointment with the Dean of the School of Nursing and go talk with her, get her input, get her insight, and advice. I know there is money and loans, I know there are schools that have some day-care close. One girl just opened one in Marmet and is looking for more clients. I don't know where you are but there are options in every area. One thing I do know, you have to take at least 1 year of classes before you can get into nursing, they want to take the best and the brightest, so be prepared to hear that no matter which school you want to attend. I do know that University of Charleston and Mountain State University are on the expensive side, but higher education comes at a price. I wish you luck and hope you can attain your dream.