Do families HAVE to suffer while in school?

jenac · Aug 19, 2004

As everyone has said- having a supportive partner and family willing to chip in makes all the differnce. As one of the first posters said- some of those horror stories come from people who aren't so lucky in their choices. Some of us saw nursing school as a way to better our lives, in more than one aspect. Is it difficult, yes. But not impossible. You'll do just fine if you work hard enough. Good luck.

jeepgirl, LPN, NP · Aug 20, 2004

I met and married my husband while i was in nursing school. i have a three year old, and i always made her a priority. while it was hard on me, and they supported me to great lengths, i don't feel that it "stressed" my relationships too badly. if anything it made us closer, as we learned to support each other.

MADDOG70, BSN · Aug 20, 2004

If your family is supportive you will be fine. Everyone has their ups and downs but you will be fine as long as you all want this. It is alot of work and you will miss some family gatherings but it is well worth it!!:)

I have read many threads about how rough nursing school has been on families and spouses...how relationships have suffered. Is there anyone out there with a story to tell of how their family did just fine while someone went through nursing school? I'm beginning in a couple of weeks and as an older student with a great family and great relationship with my husband, the horror stories are starting to worry me that going to school just might be a bad decision for my family...not me...but my family! thanks

carlalogan · Aug 20, 2004

I feel so encouraged! Thanks to all of you for your advice and good thoughts!

LPNtoBSNstudent, BSN, RN · Aug 20, 2004

It is definately a challenge but I'm sure you are up for it! If this is what you want and you have support, it will work itself out.

I am a mother of 3 (ages 18, 16 and 3), my husband has spent the last year in Iraq and I live an hour and a half away from the school. Things come up, kids get sick and adjustments have to be made. Have a back up plan for everything, think ahead to the 'just in case' scenarios and it will help you feel more comfortable with everything.

Also...sometimes you just have to put aside those books and enjoy your family! In my most difficult classes I would find that sometimes I would give it my absolute ALL studying for a particular test, and end up with a high B. But when I would back off and study enough to know I felt comfortable I still had time for my family and end up with a middle or low B. Big difference in the amount of time I spent but same darn grade yet I had time to enjoy my family. Study smarter not harder! BTW, I have a 3.4 gpa at this point and graduate in December with a BSN. Just create a balance in your life that you and everyone else can live with.

Good luck! I know you will do fine!

redwinggirlie · Aug 20, 2004

Didn't read all the posts. My first reaction is, was and will always be: If we don't do this now, when? Moms, for the most part, do many things. For the most part, many of those things revolve around several people. Go to school. We can enrich the lives of our families by personally teaching the value of education. Nope, it's not easy. Not easy to train people, aka: let them understand, that for a mere couple of years or so that yes, I love you, but now I need to study.

Do now instead of wondering later.

TexasPoodleMix · Aug 20, 2004

this thread reminds me... remember in middle school, everyone said how harrrrd jr. high is, remember jr. high how we dreaded hs because of algebra, etc. etc. I still TO THIS DAY remember my 2nd grade teacher saying how difficult middle school is bc we have to learn about nounds and verbs, subjects and predicates. LOL Same type thing, I guess. YOu can do anything !

CHATSDALE · Aug 20, 2004

older people always say that they remember the uphill climb part of their lives as the best part.... good luck with your family and your studies

elaydo · Aug 20, 2004

Take all those horror stories with a grain of salt. So many times throughout this process, I've heard "Watch out for 3rd semester, the instructors are ogres," or various other "opinions." Well, you'll come to find out that EVERYONE's interpretation of a particular situation is different. And that "ogre-instructor" just may turn out to be your favorite!!
Same goes for the "family horror stories." You've stated that you have a great relationship with your husband, and a great family. I'd bet that you will have no difficulties keeping it all together during nursing school. If you go into it with open lines of communication with your family, you'll probably fair quite well.
BTW - You can chalk me up as a "success story" if you'd like. Graduating in December, top grades, have a GN position all lined up... AND my relationship with my husband and family is intact. :) Oh, yes, and baby number 4 is due in September.
The point is... don't buy into all the "horror" stories. Yes, some relationships do not survive nursing school. But you have to think... would they have survived anyway??? Oftentimes, an individual is looking for an alternate route/new career/education before ending the rocky relationship anyway.
Nursing school is not "easy" by any stretch of the imagination...but if you have a secure relationship and supportive family to start with...it is DEFINITELY do-able!!
Good Luck!!

Just a thought -

as a 39 year old mother of 4, starting a two year RN program - I just wanted to let you know how valuable your thoughts and perspective are. Those of us who chose a career change around 40 truly appreciate your candor as well as your "success" story. It's very encouraging to know some people actually make it!!! :rolleyes: