About to start 12 month ABSN

[saborger]

Hi, everyone. Im about to start a 12 month ABSN and I'm starting to freak out a little bit. I'm a 34 year old mom with a 2 year old and a 3 month old, my previous degree was in music, and I'm unsure if I'll be able to juggle it all. It's really important to me to continue a breastfeeding relationship with my daughter, but I also don't do well with sleep deprivation. I'm a hard worker, but school has never been easy for me - I have to work hard to maintain a B average. I guess I'm just looking for advice from people who've been in a similar situation. Especially if you're not a straight A student. I've had a few crying sessions today, and just need a little inspiration. Thanks for reading!

[Devon Rex, ADN, BSN]

Hello!

Kudos for considering nursing as a career. I must say that nursing school is difficult and rigorous. Your success depends not only on you, but also on your support system. Particularly having two very young children. My first gut feeling is to tell you, defer the nursing school until your children are a bit older... perhaps in Pre-K or Kinder. This will free up some of your time to dedicate to nursing school. My professors always told us from the beginning... DO NOT get married, divorced, nor get pregnant while on nursing school. It would be too much to handle and something will have to give. It is true.

I would caution you about getting into the ABSN at this time given the details you have provided. I would lean you more towards the ADN program and leave the BSN degree for later. The ADN program is the most difficult of the two and is where the highest stakes you will face. The BSN component expands your knowledge base of nursing services and skills... & will help you finding more jobs. However, a BSN without experience will not help you.

In my humble opinion, you should brake up your goal in stepping stones. Concentrate on one, study, and achieve it. Give yourself time to feel how you juggle family affairs, life, school, and support system. Then move on to the next goal when appropriate.

Remember, this is not a competition against anyone. You need to pace yourself according to your situation. Your determination and hard work will get you there eventually.

I went back to school at 37. Got my ADN at 43, now BSN at 46. My second career. It was extremely difficult for me, particularly because, I, like you, am not the "sharpest knife in the drawer". Also, my sister passed away and I had to raise 2 nephews during nursing school, but I made it! Life happens. Pace yourself.

God Bless!

[FutureNurseInfo]

Hi there! First, congrats! second, I am jealous!!!

In any event, I am 30 and I am currently taking my pre-reqs. Hopefully when I m done, I will apply to an accelerated BSN, and I will be 32 then!!! However, I have done an extensive research about the nursing schools and how hard they are to get into, and pass. But it is all doable! I guess it it easier for me since I am single and have no little kids. You do! So, I know it will be a long and hard journey for you. To give you an optimal advice I would need more info. But at this point, all I can say is, seek help from your family members. Family support is very important. They can help you with the kids, financially, whatnot. Also, as much as you would want to be an A student, try not to stress over As too much. As long as you do well enough to pass, be grateful! I have known some of the zealous people who would never settle for an A -, who are now on antidepressants all day long! Finally, get organized! That is, organize your personal life, as well as your school life. Prioritize! And, do not forget to relax: sleep, have a quiet walk in the park - do whatever it takes to keep a balance between your personal life and school.