advice for solo mama, new adrn student?

[esokitty]

Hi friends!

I'm hoping someone can offer me some advice specific to my situation.

I am a 32 year old single mom to a 2.5 year old and a 3 month old. :redbeathe

I have always excelled in school, although have lacked focus and direction. I have my B.A. in Anthropology.

I have always desired to find a fulfilling application which actually helps people, and after having 2 babies using certified nurse midwives, i think my calling might be in that direction. Ive looked into Frontier online for my CNM, and can do that with an Associates and 1 year experience as an RN.

My plan currently is to pursue my ADRN through NH tech. I made this decision after their priority deadline, and unti yesterday was planning on taking 2009-2010 to do all my corequisites - A&P 1 and 2, Micro, Intro Psych, Human Growth ad Dev, computer applications as I was on the waiting list, leaving just my Nursing classes, labs and clinicals for years 2 and 3.

Yesterday I got called that a spot had opened up for the full time program if I wanted.

This would mean semester 1 would be A&P1, intro psych, Nursing I and 8 hours clinical.

It will be difficult, if not impossible for me to arrange childcare for this fulltime schedule, as well as difficult to leave my babies for this much time all at once, right away.

I'm also concerened about burning out or being overwhealmed, although the thought of being profitable and employable in 2 years not 3 is very appealing.

I'm leaning towards delaying the nursing portion until 2010.

What would you do? Advice from anyone with similar circumstances thats been there done that would be much appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

[nohika]

I would honestly recommend delaying the nursing portion, especially with two (fairly) young children. The full-time nursing program in itself is supposed to be incredibly intensive, and to take A&P and all the other pre-reqs at the same time would definitely be an incredible challenge. I haven't taken them yet myself (I'm pre-nursing, just starting) but have heard several horror stories about A&P. Plus, you utilize a lot of the information (especially physiology) in NS.

My advice? Wait a year, and take the pre-reqs. Spend some time with your babies. =) Having the corequisites done beforehand would be a benefit to you.

Another option, if your program isn't year-round or there's no specific time they need to be finished (besides before the program), take them during the summer. If you don't have any nursing classes, shoving everything in there when you're not taking nursing classes.

Best of luck with whatever you choose, and congrats on getting accepted!

[gillytook]

I just completed my ADN. For myself there was no way I could have taken core classes along with my nursing classes and my son was a teenager. All of your nursing classes depend on the information you learn in A&P, psych, micro and some of the other core classes. If I was in your shoes I would wait, work on your core classess and let your children get a little older.

[Adams_Mommy_07]

i too already have a b.a., was very successful in my undergraduate program, and will be going for an adn followed by bsn and msn immediately thereafter--and i have a 2 year old and i just recently underwent a separation from my soon-to-be-official ex! i work full-time as well... i did my co-reqs and pre-reqs (for both the adn and bsn before starting the adn program i personally would delay the nursing portion simply because those classes help prepare you to be a better nursing student. moreover, it is really easier on you to not wear yourself thin with heavy science courses and nursing courses.

[Nepenthe Sea]

I have 3 1/2 yr. old twins, and I would say: get the pre-reqs out of the way first! I took my first nursing classes last semester (no clinicals) and also took A&P II. I am not kidding you when I say I spent more time studying for A&P than I did for the Intro and Skills classes. ALOT more time. You will need a strong foundation in science when you start the nursing classes. There were people in NS that hadn't had A&P or Microbiology and they struggled more than the rest of us. Focus on your sciences (and math, if you haven't taken it yet) and that will make the nursing classes that much easier. Especially if you have clinicals.

Taking a year to be with your baby is not a bad idea, either, as suggested by a previous poster...

[ab215]

Even though my school required no pre-reqs to apply, I did all online while I was pregnant until my daughter turned one. I wanted to lighten my load because I knew it would be hard with the baby. So when I started nursing school I only had to do the nursing and clinicals..it was a breeze.

[AOx1]

Also, keep an eye out for someone you like and trust in your prereqs who might be in a similar situation. Two of the students I teach are both young single moms and they take turns watching each others' children while they other studies. For example, each Saturday and Sunday, one take the children for 6 hours while the other studies and does things like errands. This allows each of them time to rapidly accomplish needed tasks, allowing them to focus on their children later. They met in prereqs also. They have become great friends.