I am starting my pre-reqs this fall toward my ADN. I have a previous BA, so I will only have to take six pre-req classes before applying to clinicals. The thing is, while I am very excited about going back to school, I am also having emotional issues about leaving my kids. I have two little boys, ages 3 and 1. For a year and a half, I've been a stay-at-home mom; but we really need an additional income, and I want a career that is stable, secure, rewarding and pays well. That's where nursing comes in!
I keep telling myself that I am going back to school not only for myself, but also for my family. I know it will benefit my little boys, too. Right now, we live paycheck to paycheck, and we are really outgrowing our 2-bedroom townhome. If we don't add an income to our family, I don't see things changing.
Is anyone else also going into nursing not only for themselves, but also to improve life for their children/family members? This is going to be a driving force for me while I'm in school -- my little boys. I don't want to leave them to focus on school, and yet it is imperitive that I DO, for their sakes.
I think I am also feeling guilty that I desire to go back to school for my own sake, you know? My other degree and jobs thereafter were not fulfilling, nor did they pay worth anything. I feel excited about getting into a field that allows me to help people and be paid decently at the same time. I also just feel like I need to do this for myself. But for some reason, as a mom, that desire makes me feel guilty. I just hope my little boys don't think they are not enough for me or that I've "left" them to be at school, you know? That's not true, but nursing is also FOR them because I can make their lives better in the long run.... oh, I guess I'm rambling! It's just the "mom" in me trying to talk things out. Any input? Thanks!
I am in exactly the same boat! I will be starting a evening program- 3 nights a week and next year also clinicals every other weekend. I have 2 kids - a 6yr old starting first grade this year- so when I get him off the bus, I have 30 minutes to see him before my school starts. And a 3yr old. It might not be so bad if I didn't have to hand them off to a babysitter for 2-3 hours before my husband gets home ( another huge stressor for me- I've been a stay at home Mommy for my children's whole lives now and never used a sitter other than grandmom really)
So I have definate issues of feeling like I am abandoning them - even though this is something I must do for their futures as well as my own.
I too know it's the right thing to do - but it will be hard.
So let's raise our glasses and toast to ourselves for the next few years ahead- we can do it, and when we are done it will be all worthwhile.
You are not alone in feeling guilty. I just had a baby on July 3rd, and I am going back to work this week. I have three other small children ranging from 2-4 and I am a full time (online) student. I am very busy and I feel TERRIBLE about the time away from my children but I know this is the best for my family. I've found that it is the quality of the time not quantity that makes the biggest difference. Not to say that I am am happy about leaving my newborn in daycare all day- but kids need things to survive and those things cost money. Also, the stress that comes with having one income and hardly making ends meet is not good for the kids, either. They can sense the tensions in the household.
i will b e starting my pre-req's in the fall and i have a four year old and a 10 year old. I have been lucky enough to be able to stay home with my kids for most of there life. My 10 year old will start back to school in about 2 weeks so the only one i have to worry about is my 4 year old little girl. She won't be starting school till next fall. My plan is to take all my fall classes online then come spring i will be putting her in preschool and going to classes twice a week and get a part time job to pay for her preschool cause we don't have the extra money.
My only problem is what am i gonna do with her come fall to keep her busy while i'm doing my school work online. I was thinking about getting her some preschool books to work with so that she can work while i'm working in the morning for a few hours then when her brother gets home from school and after dinner i can finish the rest of my work.
This is my plan so far.....I'll let you know how that works out.
In any case i don't feel to bad about not being home for my kids because i have been there so much and now i feel like i need to do something with my life. I don't wanna still be sitting at home years after my kids are in school and not doing anything with my life. So this way i will be in school when they are in school so i will still have plenty of time for them.
I am so glad that I came upon this thread! It has given me the encouragment that I need. I have all my pre-reqs done and was actually accepted into the nursing program in 2004, but then I found out was pregnant and was way too sick to even think about starting nursing school. I have been a stay-at-home mom since then and now that my marriage is going down the toilet, I realized that nursing is what I need to get back too. I wasn't feeling confident enough that I could go to school and still raise two kids... but my confidence is returning... we have to just remember to look at our angels face and tell ourselves that we are doing it for them.:redpinkhe
Wow, the support is awesome. I too have 3 kids, 12,7,5. I worked as a phlebotomist for 9 yrs, and last july quit to go back to school. I was happy with my job, but like everyone else...more money calls! I need to better myself for my family. I have great support from my family. My kids are not always happy when I have to leave for class, but they are very excited that I will be a nurse when I am done. In January I can petition for my clinicals. I'm hoping that my family will be as supportive during that time when things get tough. Keep your head up high. We are good role-models for our kids. They will always remember how hard you had to work to give them what they need. Good Luck!
evbella
74 Posts
I am in exactly the same boat! I will be starting a evening program- 3 nights a week and next year also clinicals every other weekend. I have 2 kids - a 6yr old starting first grade this year- so when I get him off the bus, I have 30 minutes to see him before my school starts. And a 3yr old. It might not be so bad if I didn't have to hand them off to a babysitter for 2-3 hours before my husband gets home ( another huge stressor for me- I've been a stay at home Mommy for my children's whole lives now and never used a sitter other than grandmom really)
So I have definate issues of feeling like I am abandoning them - even though this is something I must do for their futures as well as my own.
I too know it's the right thing to do - but it will be hard.
So let's raise our glasses and toast to ourselves for the next few years ahead- we can do it, and when we are done it will be all worthwhile.
Carol