Advice Please

[amylc]

Hello. I'm new here and am beginning my nursing program this fall. I have to take general and advanced A&P and microbiology and then I can start my clinicals. My question is how do you work and juggle a family? I have 3 small children (4 1/2 yrs., 3 yrs and 1 yr) which will be in school by the time I'm done with school. If I have to work 3 12s, we will probably have to get a nanny just to drive them to school and pick them up. I don't even know if nannys do this! Can anyone help? Hmmm.... maybe my family will be better off if I find a boring part time job that I can do while they are in school.

[gr8rnpjt, RN]

Those boring part time daylight type jobs usually require some experience. I worked steady nights when my oldest kids were little. I slept in the day when they were at school. That may be an option for you. Good luck in school.

[mackron]

Going to nursing school, working full time, and raising a family all at the same time is really tough!! I know, I was there not so long a go. If your family is very helpful and understanding they may be able to lend you some time. I worked night shfit and tried to work on the weekends. This way I could some what be with the kids during the week when not in class. My in-laws helped out as much as possible when I had to work or attend class during the week. They even took the kids so I could sleep. I know you can work out some sort of system. I even placed my children in a YMCA program. It kept them active and gave me some study time while sitting with them. Be creative!! Good Luck!!

[TazziRN, RN]

Yes, you can find a nanny to take/pick up kids from school! Even daycare providers will do that; the one I have goes to the grade school and walks the kindergartners back to her house.

As for working, if you can afford to cut back to part time, I would strongly suggest that. Nursing school is hard enough with a full time job; throw small kids into the mix and you're asking for sheer exhaustion.