Career Path Obstacles - Need Advice

[KristinWW]

I was accepted into an accelerated program, and due to graduate in May, 2005. However, I have two small children, both of whom have slight developmental delays (yes I despise those words too).

They manage with school but it is because I am there to "supervise" instructors and offer advice and/or assistance when needed. I have been feeling tremendous guilt about figuratively leaving them for one year as I enter clinicals, and now a new curve ball has been thrown.

I was lied to by the schools department's regarding clinical locations and discovered that I may have to travel 1 1/2 hour for clinicial sites. I very clearly asked them about clinical locations before I paid entry fees, and was assured the locations would always be within my county. Now I found they are not and cannont assure me that they will be.

I am now contemplating applying for other programs. I dread going through this process once again, and also having to graduate at least a year later, but what else can I do? Would you suck it up and drive the extra distance (the school's answer was "so what" when I questioned it) or would you apply elsewhere? If I'm being a prima donna regarding the driving, let me know! My kids have been through the ringer with the schools and I'm afraid to leave primary responsibility for them to other family members, even for one year. Help!

[LeesieBug]

I think that's something you have to decide, knowing yourself and your circumstances.

Personally, I would rather take longer for school and be more available for my children (which is what I chose to do). I make sure I remember that they are still priority numero uno because it's easy, sometimes, to get caught up in the HURRY AND FINISH mentality regarding school. A long time ago, someone told me to enjoy the process of BECOMING a nurse, which I couldn't do if my schedule was making me nuts.

To be honest, I would look for another school simply because they have shown a lack of concern for the students by misrepresenting ( or maybe even flat out lying) about clinical locations, and also by their response when you tried to discuss the issue.

Good luck with the decision.

[J. B.]

When faced with new or unexpected obsticals to achieving ones goals and dreams one must face a decision.

They are decisions that only you can make.

sometimes we have setbacks and sometimes we step forward during these delemia's but in the end they all come back to your goals and what is most important to you.

Once you make your decision stick to it dont look back or second guess yourself. You have been throan a curve as to what was going to be expected. It really doent matter at this point if it was intentional or not...it has happened. What ever your decision becomes remember not to let the curve discourage you from achomplishing your dream. Never let anyone or thing (circumstance deter you from that future joy and satisfaction.

But once you decide then go with it with all your heart and passion. You must know without a doubt that you will reach your goal.

I believe in your abilities to make it happen what ever direction you choose.

JB

[LeesieBug]

Never let anyone or thing (circumstance deter you from that future joy and satisfaction.

EXCEPT the welfare of your children.

[Agnus]

I would try to discuss the reasons for my concerns with the school and ask if something can be worked out.

Unforutnately nursing school is the most demanding program you are likely to enter. It REQUIRES that FAMILIES pull together and sacrafice. It means the student cannot keep up their usual family duties they must let go of some responsibilites and delegate or abanden them.

This makes it really tought for people like you. I am being honest, not trying to discourage.

Then there is ALWAYS some very unexpected event that takes place in (it seems) ever nursing student's life while in school that threatens her completion or at least makes it even more difficult if that is conceivable.

I applaud you. I also sense you would be a good nurse. I also believe that things happen as they do for a reason. Maby this is your cue not to do this at this time OR it is a test and demonstration of the challenges you will face and it prepairing you for what is ahead.

Only you can deside which, if eithier, it is.

You might consider an LPN/LVN program these programs are shorter and after you can get your RN though Excelsior College or another distance leaning program where you can do your course work around your other obligations at your own time.

[KristinWW]

First, thanks for all the replies! Second, I'm not giving up, just switching to another school!

I only chose this school because they had an accelerated program, but is it really worth 1 1/2 hours of drive time each way, smarmy attitudes, and $20,000 in the whole? The other programs are through state schools for which my employer will pay. They are also all within 1/2 hour of my home. The only issue was no accelerated program but, as that school likes to phrase, so what :) I'll graduate a year later. I just hope I get into one program with my lousy GPA from my first bachelors. Do you think having all the pre and co-reqs complete will work in my favor?

[KristinWW]

Originally posted by Agnus

I would try to discuss the reasons for my concerns with the school and ask if something can be worked out.

Unforutnately nursing school is the most demanding program you are likely to enter. It REQUIRES that FAMILIES pull together and sacrafice. It means the student cannot keep up their usual family duties they must let go of some responsibilites and delegate or abanden them.

I agree and do have a family pulling for me and with me! However, it's unreasonable of the school to lure me under false pretenses. One of their caustic remarks to me was "you aren't driving the furthest." That's the equivalent of it's ok because you are burning in a lesser h@$$. C'mon now!

[J. B.]

and recognize sacrifice and courage. They are capable of understanding. The sacrifices I made while they were young have taught them a very valuable lesson. It also is how I provide for them now.

I was under the impression you are doing this for your children as much as for yourself.

Now if the children's child care is an unsafe one (of course).

Dont be foolish

and I am sure you are not KristinWW

JB