Already stressed...need advice!

[Hopeful in Ohio]

I apologize in advance if this is long. I have many things on my mind and could really use some advice. I'm 26 and have been married for 6 years to my wonderful and supportive husband. No kids yet (unless you count the cats who think they are people :chuckle.) Anyhow, I have always wanted to go into nursing, but was afraid about making a career change. I always felt obligated to obtain a business degree and stick with the field I am in. I am 1/2 way though my courses for a degree in business finance and it hit me...I hate it! The classes are boring, and I can not see myself working in this field for the next 40 years. I decided to do what I want to do ~ nursing. I begin my pre-req's in a few weeks. I should be accepted into the Fall 06' program, which is a weekend program. Here's where I start to stress. Clinicals are held every other weekend for 7 hours on Friday and 12 hours each on Sat and Sun. Since they are ever other weekend, I would still have plenty of time to study. I work full-time, and unless we hit the lottery, lol, I have to keep working. I know that I'm not the only one in work/school category, and I am just curious as to how others handle their work schedule, plus school and family. Has anyone gone through a clinical program like the one I described?

Again, I am sorry this is so long, but I would really appreciate any feedback / advice.

Thanks for taking the time to read this,

Kelly

[snowfreeze, BSN, RN]

I worked two jobs while I went to school for pre-reqs. Unit clerk in busy ER on Friday and Saturday nights (11pm to 7am) and as an agency nurse aid. I was also finishing paramedic school. I worked as a paramedic while I went to nursing school, one 24 hour shift every Saturday and nursing school 4 days a week. None of my jobs allowed me time to study but all the jobs were in the health field so I was learning while I worked in a sense. Many times I worked a night shift, went home showered then went to classes. I drank a lot of coffee and my body held up with 4 to 6 hours of sleep. I was 35 when I graduated from nursing school.

If this is what you really want then you can do it. keep me posted on how things are going. GOOD LUCK!!!!