Any mothers who are nursing students? How hard is it to balance the two?

JBMmom, MSN, NP · Oct 5, 2011

I do think it's largely about attitude. I work full time and I've got three kids at home. My husband is home with them, so that's a huge help to getting things done. People will tell you it's so hard, you'll be so tired, etc, etc. But, you just do what you have to do and get through it. And remember, for everyone on here that tells you they haven't had a free second in three years or whatever, you're reading their post on a message board. I don't think they logged on just to write to you and then logged off, so there's clearly time for whatever things you prioritize. I'm surfing around while watching Phineas and Ferb with my kids, so it's combination kid time and me time. Am I currently the most attentive, well rested, well studied mom out there? Nope, but we're surviving.

kalyani · Oct 5, 2011

I've seen LOTS of women in my class who are mothers do it, so it can be done! Not sure how they pull it off, but anything is possible if it's what you really want. Good luck! :up:

AstronomyNerd86 · Oct 6, 2011

My husband and I have our 3 kids (ages 3-5-7) and then I have a stepson who lives 3 hours away from us who we have to get (and are required to do ALL driving ourselves) every other weekend. It is hectic, busy, and sometimes a little overwhelming. My husband got laid off from his job a month prior to me starting the program. Thankfully we get unemployment and what's left over from my grants to get us by, but it's still hard. I try to look at it on the bright side as in, he gets to stay home with the kids and do my typical role, while I get the chance to attend school and have as much time alone at home studying. Just try stay focused and motivated. There are times when I wonder if this is all really worth it, then I look at how my husband is unemployed and how hard things are and it motivates me to bust my butt so we never have to be in this situation again once I graduate! :)

EveRose · Oct 6, 2011

If you already have limited time to study, limited support available from your husband, and you stress easily the two year program would be the way to go. Nursing school is light years more stressful than your pre req's and double the study time but it is totally doable with kids. My husband is an OTR truck driver, we have 3 kids (9, 6 &6) with all their activities, minimal support from family and I've maintained a 4.0 into my second year. Now I don't go to bed till 11:00, my house looks like I should get federal disaster aid and my friends have forgotten what I look like. But it's only temporary, best advice is to let go of the little things, get organized and set a schedule. Best of luck! :loveya:

sunny0009 · Oct 6, 2011

I am in my last semester of an Accelerated program. I have 3 kids under 10. My best advice is to go in with the knowledge that something will have to give. My house isn't always perfect, I have become happy with B's, dinner is often take out...but I would rather spend my very limited free time with my kids and husband than scrubbing floors......

olliesmommy1005 · Oct 7, 2011

It can be done! And I absolutely agree that "something has to give". I have two kiddos (one just turned 4 and my second will be 2 in a week and a half). My husband is supportive, but works full time so he's not always around to pick up/drop off kids at daycare. Luckily I have a fellow parent from daycare who helps my clinical mornings and will take my kids to school for me. My house is a mess, I study when I can (usually at my PT job which luckily I can study at) and I am in a constant battle with the "laundry monster" at my house!

I'll be done in May.....my house will be clean then!

jazziphat · Oct 7, 2011

You can do it! I am in an accelerated program, I have a three year old, no car, live in Tampa but work parttime in Orlando. My current semester is 22 credit hours PLUS lab and clinical....I keep reminding myself that this is temporary :)

keepmovingrn · Oct 8, 2011

((((((BIG HUGS))))))))) to all of the mother's who are in RN school and managing it all at home.

Keep pushing forward!!

nichole_byr78 · Oct 9, 2011

I graduated last December. I'm a single parent with a 5 y/o. Nursing school is stressful and takes all of your time. I would definately suggested not doing the accerated program. I had a 4.0 GPA while I was doing my pre reqs. But that was all out the window when I started the nursing program. There was lots of women in my class who had kids and we all made it threw the program. Some tips:

1. My teachers told us the first day of class, "if you have a husband and/or kids, kiss them good bye and tell them you'll see them in two years".

And it was true. I would cry sometimes because I never got to spend time with my son. Even when I did, all I could think about was, "I need to be studying!"

2. If you have a job you most likely will not be able to keep it by your last year. With classes, labs, clinicals, case studies, and studying. There's really not much time to fit in working.

3. Your house will stay a mess.

4. If you don't do well with stress. You will after this! Nursing school is constant stress. But it prepares you for the real deal. Nothing is more stressful than knowing that you have peoples' lives in your hand.

5. FAMILY, FAMILY FAMILY!!!! You are going to need them!

6. Just remember, it will end. It will seem like it's taking forever. Just hand in there.

Oneday you will be graduating and off to work 15 hour days with no lunch break, holding your bladder for 10 hours, wipping dirty bottoms, sore feet and back, bad coffee, IV pumps that always beep, never ending meds to give, talkative pts that keep you in the room forever (and they always have the hottest room on the floor!), and so much more!

And I love every minute of it!!!! :)