Any SAHM's with small kids doing pre-nursing classes?

Irene joy · May 31, 2006

I started with pre-requs when my son was 4 and daughter was 18 months, It has been two years since then and I only have 2 more classes to go, all sciences done, just on line pych and on line eng101. I only took one class at a time because I wanted to minablize the impact on my family and get straight A's . I'ts worked, I have a 4.0 and look forward to applying next year. If your not in a huge rush to get into the program and you have the time, It's a nice way to go . Good luck!

bookworm1 · May 31, 2006

I am finishing my prereq's now. I have been in school for 2 years full-time, including the condensed summer classes. I have 5 kids between the ages 13 and 5 years of age and have never used daycare. I survived the past 2 years with a newly acquired taste for coffee (hated even the smell of it before school!), very late night cram sessions, as many on-line classes as my school offered, and friends in each class to help me study. We also scrimped and purchased a laptop for my own use for school (and other

uses ) that allows me to 'hide' when I am in dire need. I am a night owl by nature, so that helps. I have done well with a 3.9 GPA and I am suppose to start the program in Jan. It can be done! I also fostered other children up until a few months ago when we relinquished our license. My house work HAS suffered, but I don't think my family has. Good Luck!

nursecher · May 31, 2006

I have been going to school for a year now and have two more classes to take for pre-req's and I am done! I have taken 2-3 classes at a time and have a 3.5 GPA. I am hoping to start school in Jan (waiting on letter). The program is 16 months long. In all it will have taken me 3 years to complete school. Not so bad I guess. For me, I could not take one course at a time I need to get through school and start earning a paycheck. My hubby is very supportive but I don't think we could have lasted 5-6 years with me in school.

I have a 4 year old and a 21 month old. I go to school in the evening and have taken courses online. As someone else said, I have also developed a coffee addiction. It is stressful but if you want it bad enough you can do it! Also, this forum is a great sorce of info and support.

Staric · Jun 1, 2006

I have two children, 5 and 2 and I started my pre-reqs about a year and half ago, I actually work a fulltime job as well. I am lucky that My husband works a rotating schedule nothing M-F 8-5, so his days off are during the week, which helped with the kids. I was able to take my classes on line. I studied at night, early in the morning, at lunch time, during dinner, while the kids where at pre-school and nap time. You can squeeze it in when you can. I had art projects for my 5 year old so she could sit with me while I read or did homework. As far as housework- NOPE, all left to the hubby. The house gets messy, your meals are no longer as healthy as they could be and usually later than you would eat- BUt it is all worth it! I am done with my pre-reqs and "waiting" to hear when I can start.. Good luck to you!

MIKelly · Jun 1, 2006

I have four children ages 2, 4, and 6 (twin 2 yr olds). I've been taking online classes (nutrition, english and psych) and will have to take my first class actually on campus this month (comparative religions). I do think my family has suffered a little, mostly my 6 yr old. My house is a disaster but it was before school too (I think!). I will have to find childcare to cover when my husband is out of town for work, that's not going to be fun. If I actually get into the nursing program I'm applying to, then childcare is going to be a nightmare. I figure if I actually get in, then it will work out somehow (my school has a new accelerated pilot program where the nursing students have lecture on Thursday and Friday nights and clinicals on the weekends; I hope that they continue this because it would mean my husband could watch our kids and I'd rarely need a sitter)! I do my assignments with a notebook in my lap while I watch my kids run around outside. Or I stay up late and try to get inspired when the house is quiet. I've got a 3.9 GPA right now, so taking the classes one at a time has really helped me focus and do well. I never had a schedule or routine so I can't give you any advice there. I would take my homework to my daughter's dance studio while they had lessons and sit and work on it to kill time, that helped a bit! I can't wait to see what it's like to be on campus 8 hours a week for this upcoming course. I think I'm going to feel like I'm on vacation while I'm there :).

RENAISSANCE RN · Jun 1, 2006

hi, in ns now but I did the classes that I could online. there is more work, but you can use the time when naps come and etc. good luck in your endeavors.

luvmy2girls · Jun 1, 2006

I started my pre reqs a year and a half ago when my daughters were 4 months and 2.

I did start out slow with only one class at a time and I have done everything online so far. It was really hard for me to take that first step and take the first class since I have been out of high school for over 10 years. Also, my husband is in the military and he is always gone. So essentially I have had to juggle schoolwork and taking care of my small kids on my own.

It has been hard, but worth it.

We live across the country from all of our family and we live on one income, so online courses have been amazing. Honestly, I wouldn't have been able to go back to school without them. I finish up AP 2 this summer and I shoudl find out if I start the local nursing program in the next 2 weeks.

Good luck with everything. You will find a way to do it. Like previous posters have mentioned....Coffee is a lifesaver. Also, since you have small kids you are used to living off very little sleep. That has really helped me.

Check out www.EduKan.com

they offer a great variety of online courses.

reese19 · Jun 1, 2006

I have two boys (ages 3 and 1). I have a degree in journalism, but have been at home with my boys for a year and a half now. Before that, I worked in several areas of the communications field, but never felt fulfilled and certainly never got paid anything worthwhile! So it seemed like the best thing for me was to take a new direction. My sisters and many of my inlaws are nurses, and they all love it. So after much thought and prayer, I have decided to pursue that route, too!

Anyway, I am starting my first pre-req classes toward my ADN in January 2007. I'm not sure what classes I will take in January. I think I'm going to try to start off taking two classes. There are a few pre-req classes that I won't have to take because I took them while getting my other degree. I think I'll probably take Intro-Chemistry and Anatomy when I start. And there's also a 1-credit Orientation that I'll try to squeeze in.

My husband and I are in the process of trying to iron out childcare issues, etc. That is our main issue - childcare. Right now, we've decided that I will probably take a couple of night classes beginning in January. Then, the following fall when our oldest is in preschool all day, I will add day classes. Hopefully by then, we will be able to arrange some part-time childcare for our youngest. Also, my mom will be retired, so maybe she can help some. She lives a good 45 minutes away, so it is hard for her to help all the time, not to mention she's the busiest retired person I know!

Anyway, I am glad this thread was posted. I have wanted to get to know others in my "boat" -- deciding to go back to school, but also have young children. I have worries that I will "miss out" on a lot of my children's young lives if I'm in school, but from reading many of your posts, it seems like it CAN be done while keeping family life in tact. I love being at home with my boys, but I also realize that the time will come when they will be in school all day, and eventually will go off to college. It just seems like a good idea for me to pursue something that will not only bring in more money to our household (which we do need), but also will fulfill me personally, aside from motherhood.

I know it will be hard many times, but I am determined to provide a better life for my kids, and also a rewarding lifetime career for myself ... something that I can be proud of. My previous career always left me struggling, not only financially, but also emotionally -- I was always thinking that there has to be more out there for me ... there has to be other ways I can touch the lives of others.

Anyway, I'm open to any advice and suggestions regarding combining school and motherhood! Best wishes to you all, and God bless! You are all an encouragement to me!

embradsmom · Jun 1, 2006

Hi! I am a stay at home mom with a 5yr old and 2 yr old. I started my pre-req's about a year ago after about ten years being away from college. I have been taking two classes at a time, one online and one on campus. My mother-in-law watches my kids while I am at school 2 days a week. On-line classes are so convenient. I think taking only as many classes as you can handle is the best way to go. Even if you only take one class at a time. I am anxious to get into the program but, only A's are going to get me there. I might be able to take more classes a semester an apply earlier but, not be able to pull all A's and wind up being put on a wait list or having to reapply the next semester. If you take on too much you might have trouble balancing everything and your grades as well as the family might suffer too. Also, like some other folks have said my house is a mess while I am in school. Oh well, instead of using the time to straighten I study and spend time with the kids. So far I have gotten A's in my classes. In fact, my A&P1 grade was 99.3 for the semester! So, my best advice is to take it one semester at a time. Also, get help when you need it!!

Good luck, Lisa

AmericanChai · Jun 1, 2006

Thanks so much for all of your replies! You are all amazing and inspiring. :)

I just met with an advisor today and found out I only need 5 classes. One I already took but she thinks I should take it again since I will need that info to succeed in the next class. I also found out today that all of the classes can be taken on-line if I want! So I'm probably looking at about 2 years of classes and 1 year wait to get into nursing school. By then my 2 and 5 year olds will be 5 and 8. Wow that seems like it's going to take forever. On the other hand, the older my kids are, the easier it will be to do well in full time nursing school, right?

L&D_2b · Jun 1, 2006

Hi! I am about to take my first pre-nursing class (just one to start) in the fall. I already have a degree in something else, but it's been 10 years since I got out of college. I just need to take some pre-req's to qualify for nursing school. I would love to hear from other SAHM's of small children and know how you manage your class/study time, the kids and housework. Can you share your schedules with me? Is it possible to take more than one class per semester without the use of babysitters? Thanks!

Another SAHM here. My kids are 10, 6, 3 and 9 weeks. I, too, also have a previous degree, which helped me out of all but the science prerequisites.

I have been taking my sciences online. They transfer to the local cc just fine for me, so I'm doing it that way.

How do I get the work done? I utilize all naptimes as my study times. I don't work well at night (since I'm tired as soon as they go to bed), so I get up before them and study. I don't leave anything go until the last minute. And I use flash cards, print outs, etc, like you wouldn't believe. I stare at them when I'm loading the dishwasher, folding the laundry, etc. Believe me, it works.

Since I only need 3 more science classes, I only take one a semester. I don't think I could handle more than two classes a semester anyway with four kids at home.

And, like many have said already, develop a coffee addiction:chuckle I prefer cinnamon vanilla creme coffeemate in my cup!

And lastly, when things get tough, I just remember this saying "You only see the obstacles when you've stopped focusing on your goal". It works!