Advice for a FT working mom looking to change careers

Nurses General Nursing

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I'm considering a career in nursing and I'm terrified. I'm a wife and mother of 2 in my late 20's and I have finally decided I would like a career not a job. I'm currently a legal secretary and I commute about 2 hrs away from home each way. I've been doing it for 10 years and I'm done. I have always wanted a career in the health field but never knew what I wanted to be until I had my children. Has anyone out there done this and still juggled a family and a FT job. I do have a meeting next week with an academic advisor who I'm sure will shed some light on everything but I would love to hear any postive stories out there. Thanks for taking the time to read this and sending some happy thoughts my way!

Stephanie

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Specializes in SNF.

Welcome!

If you want a career in nursing, I would encourage you to go for it. I am a single mom with 3 children. I started back to school 5 years ago (I was on a wait list to get into the nursing program for a year and a half) I have my LPN, and I'm in my 5th of 6 quarters to finish and test for my RN.

Its so doable! I'm driven to finish this, and my attitude toward my studies has been very positive with my children. They support me and respect the time I need to study. This has also reflected in the grades they have brought home!

I can tell you which grocery store has Top Ramen for 20/$1.00 this week, and we are all in serious need of a great vacation, but I know, it will be worth it! I reap the benefits just working as an LPN.

Oh, and by the way, I'm 44.

Best of luck to you!

Teresa

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Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for and good for you and your family. I'm anxious to get started.

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I've seen and experienced enough (at least in the world of nursing) to know that if you want to do it you WILL find a way.

Be prepared, though, because there are a lot of new habits you will have to learn and adapt to and it will be a big change for everyone involved. Once you work through it, though, everything will start rolling right along.

I am sure it is obvious there will be no keeping a day job while you are in nursing school, and especially not a job with a 4 hr. commute...that is horrible! Most all single mom's I knew in nursing school were on public assistance and pell grants. Don't hesitate to use this service, it is meant for people who are trying to get a foot up. And don't think you won't qualify.

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Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for and good for you and your family. I'm anxious to get started.

so you've already heard the downside? ok. Are you considering any other careers? If health care is the only thing that gets you rolling, then great, but if anything else gets your attention, do yourself right and look at it seriously. best of luck whatever you decide.

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