Any nursing students with small kids?

peachshan, BSN, RN · Jun 29, 2012

I have a 1 year old and I am getting ready to take some prerequisites in the Fall. I currently teach but I have always wanted to be a nurse. I am praying that I stay determined to start and finish the program!

NyLALove · Jun 30, 2012

I will admit, I have moments of panic. For example, last night I lost hours of sleep worrying about my first semester back in school. Then I have moments where I think about my son and once again I am motivated to pursue this dream, not only for myself and for those who I will care for .. but also to provide my son with the best.

I know this will be a challenge but I've never been a stranger to challenges. In the end, I know every worry, every stressful moment, even every tear (because I KNOW there will be some!) will be worth it..

tmnursingstudent · Jul 1, 2012

I want to thank everyone, you've all helped me out so much. I really feel better about going to school this fall as a pre-nursing student:). I just have to stay organized and stay positive. And pray lol. :lol2:

mnewbaker · Jul 4, 2012

Wow! What an encouraging thread! :) I have a 5 year old (almost 6 in Sept) and an 18 month old, both girls. I'll be starting my nursing pre-reqs (again) in the fall! I attempted once before when I was 17, after I had my oldest daughter. Obviously, maturity level alone...I just wasn't ready, not to even mention that she has chronic neutropenia and a pancreas enzyme deficiency and we spent A LOT of time in and out of hospitals, and the outpatient cancer clinic was practically our second home.

However, 5 years later, I am sad I wasn't this motivated before! I think about this day and night. I've dreamed my entire life of being a nurse and finally pursuing this is worth every struggle I KNOW is to come.

My sister is an LPN and she told me about a girl in her class. She found out she was pregnant about 2 months into the program, went without missing her entire pregnancy, had her baby by c-section on friday and was back to school on monday... all with 2 other children at home under 5.

If SHE can do it..... WE CAN!

MoniqueS · Jul 4, 2012

I have two children 7 and 9. I am starting nursing classes in the Fall. You can do it, you just have to make studying a priority. If I have a big exam, one of my children might miss boy scouts but its all for the better good. I can't do everything but I did get through pre-nursing classes with good grades and still spent quality time with my kids. Besides, knowing MOM is studying hard is a good example to kids.

:)

lvnreadyforrn · Jul 4, 2012

You guys are such great inspirations. I am a single mother of a 3 yr old and I am a LVN. I have no family support because alot of my family is in different places. So it is seriously hard for me to even complete my prereqs. I know that this will be for the best but it is still a very difficult journey for me. I can't even imagine how it will be when I actually get in a program!!! I know I will have to find strength from God and push through!!! If I can do it (with no help), anybody can!!!

Good luck future nurses!!! :nurse:

bunnyfungo · Jul 10, 2012

I just found this thread and it's great to know there are others out there! I have a daughter who will be 8 weeks tomorrow and 2 stepsons ages 7 and 9. I'm crazy enough that I'm going to start taking my prereqs this summer quarter, which starts tomorrow! Luckily the boys are old enough that they can mostly take care of themselves. And my daughter is young enough that I'm mostly just sitting around reading anyway (have to do something while you breastfeed). I'm wishing everyone luck! Hopefully we'll all do great and we'll be great inspirations for our kids!!

ejm123 · Jul 10, 2012

I have a four year old. I work in the am and go to class in the evening. Meaning I see him in the mornings for a few hours and at night when I get home. He goes to daycare and my parents watch him until I'm out of class. It's very hard especially when I have weekends that I have to study. He will go to his sitters Saturday and come home Sunday so I can study. It's very emotionally hard on me I feel like I fail as a mom but then I remind myself why I am doing this and it ALL for him. To provide a great life for him. To be someone he can look up to. I'm three weeks away from my pinning and I can't wait to give my speech and for him to see me up there in front of everyone - he will say "that's my mommy!!" my journey isn't over I plan to fast track my RN next year but it's more online and one 12 hour clinical day on the weekend. If you have children my advice do what you think is best - in the end the reward will be a pay off. To provide and have more time with your children.

Good luck!

Cherry02 · Jul 10, 2012

I agree, awesome thread! This was definitely super motivating!

I have 2 kids, 3.5 and 7.5 years old...and starting an ABSN program next month. It is scary, but exciting at the same time. Having kids definitely helps with my motivation. Failure is not an option for me!

Anyway, glad I found this thread. Wishing everyone the best of luck!

RNnme3j · Jul 10, 2012

We mothers have to make sure we have a good support team in place! I have three children: 9, 2 & 1!! And everyday I look into their faces it reassures me that completing nursing school is A MUST. It’s just my husband & I against the world. My institute will be paying for the childcare (thankful for that) I have private agency helping with the cost of supplies & books. Prayer changes everything...Luckily, everything it just falling into place that how I know this has to be done. Anything is manageable!! Hang in there ladies...lets do it for the children (yayyy) :bow: MOMS & NURSES ROCK

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jul 10, 2012

You will need family support, and plenty of it. You need to know you have someone reliable ALWAYS to look after a sick child, one who is home from school/preschool for any reason, and during school breaks. You need to know there is someone to get them to and from school for the times when your labs or clinical assignments aren't at the times you prefer to have them. Unfortunately, while you can often set up your classes to fit your home life, it isn't always so and frequently offsite clinicals, labs and study groups DON'T fit into the pre-determined plan you've made for yourself and your family.

I had two small children when I started school (and finished 3.5 years later, they were still pretty young!). This meant my husband went to work late one day a week so he could get them where they had to go in the mornings when I had an early class or clinical. He also came home early one day each week for the same reason. I had a wonderful neighbor who would grab a child off the bus a couple of afternoons a week during semesters that needed it, and even came over early a couple of mornings in the course of the semester to do the reverse when something just HAD to give and no one else could be there. And, on top of that, a set of in-laws who also juggled schedules so that I could get to classes and requirements without an absence.

All of this is possible, obviously; I've just laid out what I did. But make sure you DO set up contingencies for those times you absolutely positively have to be somewhere and CAN'T NOT GO--because that's the day Junior will come down with the snots or the bus will be late or school will dismiss early.

And once you've done all that....switch gears and learn to study on the fly :)

fcasteele10 · Jul 31, 2012

I'm also a mother of two small boys, 3 yrs old and 8 months old!!! VERY encouraging to read these comments bc I too am applying to an ABSN program next fall here in town. I have been out of school with my first degree for going on two yrs now and have decided to reroute. Finishing up my last degree with my son was challenging but I had help with his father, however we now have added to our family and I work part time already so it's been kind of scary to say the least. I kno they will be my motivation 100% it's just I don't want to get overwhelmed and give up when I know my capabilities.....HARD? Yes Ive heard but that's my drive to know that I'm pushing myself and not making a better living for my family. Love the support here ?