Published May 20, 2014
MCFielder
11 Posts
I took Anatomy and Chem100 together this semester (BIG mistake) while juggling taking care of my 8 month old baby as a single parent. it was just too much for me. I struggled the whole semester even though I tried so hard. I joined study groups with classmates and tried as much as possible to study but it was just ALOT of material and I couldnt handle it all. I got a 63 in Chem and Ill probably get a C in anatomy if I dont bomb the final. Im just so discouraged and wanting to give up and change my major because I cant handle it. I would love to be a nurse but being a single mom I dont have the time or energy to focus on school right now. Maybe I will go back when she is a bit older but for now im not able to give school the attention it needs and nursing school applicationts are so competitive.
NurseGirl525, ASN, RN
3,663 Posts
I would have never been able to do with an 8 month old. I waited until my son was older and in school already. I went to school while he is in school. Do you have a good support system in place? Is the baby's father in the picture at all? You always have to have back ups in place and take some time for yourself to study. Yes nursing school is very competitive and it is hard to get in. I think it should be as it is a difficult profession as a whole and you are responsible for people's lives everyday. Also I don't believe in study groups. Not a whole lot of studying generally gets done.
RunBabyRN
3,677 Posts
That's tough! I did it starting one class at a time when my son was an infant like that (I think about 5 months old at the time). I eased in slowly when I went back, but I also wasn't a single mom at the time. DO NOT throw in the towel. Take a deep breath, and reassess your options. What support do you have? Can you try going back one class at a time until your LO is a little older? Is there child care on campus? Do you have to work?
You'll definitely need to line all of this stuff up when it comes time for the program, as it is NOT for the faint of heart, and it takes A LOT of your time. Even being married and not working, I feel like I neglect my family. It's mom guilt to the nth degree!
Are there any resources on campus for students, like a learning center? You might be able to get some good guidance there. As you know, your GPA is SOOO important when it comes to applying to nursing school. It deserves your attention, and it's important to be realistic about what you can really do right now. There's no shame in waiting if that's what it takes, or going back slowly. Do what works for YOU and YOUR situation. I agree with Heathermaizey about study groups- I don't EVER do them if I can avoid it because so little gets done. Every now and then the ideas get shared, and people can explain things in a way that I understand, but it seems to be more of a way to get caught up on gossip and life than anything else.
her father is around but he is not reliable enough to depend on. the only people i have the help is my aunt who lives far from me. i am thinking of waiting until she is old enough for preschool then going back to finish my pre reqs. And I agree the study groups werent very helpful looking back.
That's tough! I did it starting one class at a time when my son was an infant like that (I think about 5 months old at the time). I eased in slowly when I went back, but I also wasn't a single mom at the time. DO NOT throw in the towel. Take a deep breath, and reassess your options. What support do you have? Can you try going back one class at a time until your LO is a little older? Is there child care on campus? Do you have to work?You'll definitely need to line all of this stuff up when it comes time for the program, as it is NOT for the faint of heart, and it takes A LOT of your time. Even being married and not working, I feel like I neglect my family. It's mom guilt to the nth degree!Are there any resources on campus for students, like a learning center? You might be able to get some good guidance there. As you know, your GPA is SOOO important when it comes to applying to nursing school. It deserves your attention, and it's important to be realistic about what you can really do right now. There's no shame in waiting if that's what it takes, or going back slowly. Do what works for YOU and YOUR situation. I agree with Heathermaizey about study groups- I don't EVER do them if I can avoid it because so little gets done. Every now and then the ideas get shared, and people can explain things in a way that I understand, but it seems to be more of a way to get caught up on gossip and life than anything else.
yeah i think taking anatomy and chem together was waaaaayyy too much for me. im signed up for developental psych this semester and i will do that. i am still unsure if i will return for fall. the only classes i have left to take are physio and micro. but now that I've failed chem i cant get into either class.
HOPEFULRNTOB
25 Posts
Don't throw the towel in just yet. If it is something that you really want you have to make the sacrifices. I agree with a previous poster try taking one class at a time. You can do it, just don't throw in the towel just yet. Take this time to self reflect and assess. You can and will do it. Good luck.
jlpn2004
17 Posts
Don't give up!!! If you don't get the grade you need with either class, take it again! Just one at time! Taking both of them at the same time and making it this far is an accomplishment in itself! With a beautiful baby girl to boot! Yes I agree child care would help even if it's just an allotted time of the day or week that you could Solely put to studying. Time management is the key! You can do it!! It might take ya little longer to complete your goal but at least you will have one!
giraffe4
51 Posts
I wouldn't have taken 2 biology classes together. It is already a lot with one, I couldn't imagine taking two plus an 8 month old. I wouldn't give up though. I would take it one step at time. What I've noticed with students around me, is that they are in a rush so they take as many as the hard classes first. (Well, I think biology classes have a lot of information so I consider it pretty hard). So my advice is again, take it one step at a time, do what you can do.
Enfermeira94
8 Posts
Hello !
I commend you for going to school at all with an 8 month old. You may just need to take it slow and just do one class at a time; dont get discouraged, we all go through that moment when we want to give up !
"take one step at a time" - Giraffe4