Advice Needed...How to survive nursing school and parenthood at the same time!

bethg5 · Apr 27, 2006

Hello, I am also in a similar situation so I would love to hear anyones advice on this matter. I have a 12, 6 and 3 yr old and my husband works from 6 pm to 6 am 6-7 days a week. I always say I feel like a single mom that gets a paycheck in the mail. LOL We just transfered to Michigan with his work so we have no family what so ever here. I am stressing about how I will make it through the program. I have noticed that the women that work in the college daycare have been wonderful about giving me encouragement that I can handle it and helping me figure out different daycare scenarios, so that I have backup.

Imafloat, BSN, RN · Apr 27, 2006

You can do it! You just have to be organized. I am in the home stretch and while it hasn't always been easy it is completely doable. I have a large family and my husband has an hour commute each way to his job. I have also maintained excellent grades. Take advantage of times when there are no tests of papers due and make menu plans, shop, and clean. I usually get most of my cleaning done when I am supposed to be studying for a test, I am a big procrastinator. There are usually 3 or 4 weeks at the end of each semester where I am at my wits end, everything is coming due, I have finals to study for, and that is when the kids are usually in some sort of crisis. Just when I think I can't handle it anymore the semester is over and I can take a deep breath and get caught up again. Keep telling yourself and your husband that this is not permanent, it is doable. Take one day, one step at a time, one semester at a time. Just keep your eye on the prize and you will make it to the finish line.

Lisa CCU RN, RN · Apr 27, 2006

I've made it this first semester with 16 hours, clinicals, skills test, etc. I have two children 3 and 5 and no husband or family around, so it can be done.

The house has never been messier, the kids eat ravioli a little too often, and I've cried twice, but I'm almost done with only finals to go.

I've got a great job lined up for this summer as an extern on a cardiac floor, so, I guess it'll be alright. I've got all A's and B's and I even managed to keep all my hair.

You can do it. :monkeydance: :balloons: :monkeydance:

A&E4ME · Apr 27, 2006

I'm really interested in any tips or suggestions too. I'm starting my pre-reqs this summer and I have two very young children. We have NO family around here and my husband works quite a bit too. I'm just a teeny bit nervous here!! :lol2:

SunshineBaby · Apr 27, 2006

You can definitely survive nursing school with children. However, you have to work a little harder than your childless counterparts. I just finished my junior year in nursing school in a very tough BSN program and I have a 3 year old little girl. My best advice would be to rely on family or friends to help you out if they're available. If somone offers to watch your kids so you can have a few hours to study, take them up on the offer. Also, realize that nursing school is a big committment that requires your focus and time. At my school, you don't get a choice in any of your schedule. My first semester was 18 credit hours, including skills, pharmacology, concepts, and med/surg 1 plus clinicals. I had to get by on 4 hours of sleep a night due to projects and care plans. In my opinion, the first semester was the hardest. Just getting used to that type of workload was hard. However, it can be done. And just keep in mind...you're doing this for yourself, family, and children. That keeps me going through hard times. Good luck to you all and congrats on getting in to nursing school!:balloons:

Beary-nice · Apr 27, 2006

I have two girls, one is 3 the other is 12 but with ADHD and her maturity is lacking in areas cannot leave her with the 3 year old or her home alone. I go to school part time. I could have been done in a year with the nursing school part, but opted for my sanity. My husband works 50+ hours a week, I work every other weekend. I know I can safely handle 8 credit hours but have made it through 10 okay. I know there are others that take 16 plus and have like a half dozen kids and somehow they make it through and do quite well. I would take heed from a couple posters above who mentioned organization and living with a house that is a little messier etc. I am fortunate to have family and occasional day care. I don't know how I would do it, but people do and like I said, they do very well. Hang in there and take care.

Lfransis · Apr 27, 2006

I have 3 mths left of a 12mth LVN program w/ no family, husband offshore and a six year old.

My biggest tip is ROUTINE BEDTIME.

Study after dinner, bath, kids in bed; even if if means getting a little less sleep. Or if you are a AM person, get up befor the kids.

and

Forget the housework. Do what you can and don't let the messy house distract you from your studies. I designate a small area desk as my "clean spot" This helps.

Oh yeah, get a calendar.

You can do it.

Best of luck.

shannonibellen · Apr 28, 2006

Ohhh boy, This one is the most commonly asked question where ever I go. When I do my clinicals or preceporship everyone says "you have three kids? OMG, how do you do it?". My answer is always the same " I dont know how". I am 29, my husband sides houses for a living so he is gone from dawn till dusk. My children are 6,8 and 11 and I struggle everyday. I cry a lot and I am always broke because I cannot do everything with the kids and school and work. I find that my biggest problem is financial and my greatest benefit is a great friend that I made while doing my pre-reqs. I have been going for almost three years now full-time and I graduate May 26th (whoo whoa). I would not take any of it back, it was the best thing I ever did! My advise is just do it...suck up all of the bad times and look toward the future!

3kidsmom · Apr 28, 2006

Hi,

Like the other posters said, it is doable. I am in my first year of a 2 year program and I have three children, 6, 5, and 3. My husband works long hours and my mom babysits while I am in school. Luckily my kids are in bed no later than 8pm so I study when they go to bed. I also find that I can not stay up to late at night (my age is showing!) so I do better getting up at 4:30 or 5 and studying when everyone is asleep. You just need to find what works for you.

Some days I don't know how I do it, but it is possible. I have realized that I have to let some things go (like keeping the house spotless), some things are just more important.

Good luck- you can do it!

Kate

chiynadol · Apr 28, 2006

I start nursing school May 23rd, and what I have found that works for me while taking pre-reqs (I have a 5 & 3 year old & married) is to stock up on paper plates,cups, forks, knives, and spoons, cut down on all the meal preparations,we eat hot dogs, grill cheeses, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, spagetti-o's, tuna fish, oddles of noodles, lots of fruits, can vegatables, etc. anything I can put together fast, saves alot of time, I save the cleaning and laundry for the weekend. I hope I am able to keep this same plan when I start.

firstyearstudent · Apr 28, 2006

Coffee!