Banner Nurse Fellows Program + Kids=Is it possible?

Cursed Irishman · Mar 26, 2008

I personally have no children. However, in my co-hort it seems I am the exception, rather than the rule. It seems as if having at least 2 kids was a requirement, as most of my contemporaries have numerous kids (one even has 5 kids and his wife is in another cohort).

bonitamiaRN · Mar 26, 2008

I applied and got an interview. I am almost 40 with 3 kids ages 5-9yo (hubby is supportive). If I get in, I am gonna make it work.

MonkeysMama · Mar 26, 2008

This is making me feel soo much more confident. I appreciate everyone's support...this is such a hard decision for me and I have thought about it for so long. My husband's company is not doing well with the recession and we have had to file bankruptcy. I have tried soo hard to find a job with the degree I already have, but the entry-level salary I would be making would barely cover a good daycare.

With this being said, please e-mail me if you have experience in this program while being a parent, or know someone who is going through this program as a parent. I received a PM that really made me feel guilty about this decision. As a parent, you already have enough guilt to deal with. I wish I could wait to go to nursing school when my children are in school, but sometimes you do not have a choice...you do what you believe is best for your family.

Again, thank you to everyone so far for their supportive responses and I look forward to reading more. :)

Amburgerz12 · Mar 26, 2008

Wow I can't believe someone sent you a PM to make you feel guilty about going back to school. Yes, it may take time away from your children, but its only two years at the most. Also, you are setting a good example for your children, by going after your dreams and goals. I personally do not have any kids, so I couldn't even imagine being in your place. But I think if this is what you want and you believe it is the best thing for you, then it shouldn't matter what everyone else thinks.

bonitamiaRN · Mar 26, 2008

Wow I can't believe someone sent you a PM to make you feel guilty about going back to school. Yes, it may take time away from your children, but its only two years at the most. Also, you are setting a good example for your children, by going after your dreams and goals. I personally do not have any kids, so I couldn't even imagine being in your place. But I think if this is what you want and you believe it is the best thing for you, then it shouldn't matter what everyone else thinks.

I have to agree with Amburgerz. It's only a short time in your kids life that you will be trying to balance it all with that much intensity. When you are done, you will make good money and be in the position to flex your schedule in a way that further benefits your family. Don't let other's negativity get to you, do what's best for you and yours. If God brings you to it, he will bring you through it. Trust and believe.

Knit1Purl2 · Mar 26, 2008

wow i can't believe someone sent you a pm to make you feel guilty about going back to school. yes, it may take time away from your children, but its only two years at the most. also, you are setting a good example for your children, by going after your dreams and goals. i personally do not have any kids, so i couldn't even imagine being in your place. but i think if this is what you want and you believe it is the best thing for you, then it shouldn't matter what everyone else thinks.

wow, i agree with amburgerz, how could someone pm you and make you feel guilty, unless it was your husband. :lol2: i think you stated the main point, your husband is supportive, go for it. i am an older mom and we are not finished having children:yeah:. my husband is in an unstable market, real estate :uhoh3: but he is in agreement with me, go for it! i have taken all my prereqs through rio and i am taking 8 hours this semester towards fulfilling the prereqs for asu and grand canyon, admidst all of the craziness that comes with raising a family and keeping my sanity. we all have dreams and we are taking the route that's best for each of us, don't be discouraged, you can work it out.

good luck in your decision. this board's positiveness and wealth of knowledge outweighs the negativism.

MsBruiser · Mar 27, 2008

Lots of people do it with kids. But realize the difficulty. You will need IRON-CLAD daycare arrangements. Sometimes, you literally cannot miss one day of clinicals. If you have a BK, will you have the money to pay for the daycare? Or will your family help. Also realize your spouse must know you will be in your own little planet for 14 months. Most days you will get home and then study for several hours. It is tough. I did it...but others couldn't.

MonkeysMama · Mar 27, 2008

Thank you for sharing your experience. Luckily the Bankruptcy worked in our favor. My husband has his own production business and we had a lot of credit card debt because a client did not pay us. Now we have a significant amount of extra money because we are not having to pay for cc's. Also, he works from home and if we have a babysitting emergency he can stay with the kiddo's. I really feel it is going to work out and I appreciate everyone sharing their experience.

Thank you!