Initially when I decided I wanted to pursue a career in nursing my family (husband and sons) were ecstatic! I was finally about to embark upon a career that was totally fulfilling and I felt I would be living in my purpose. All through the registration period and even when I picked up my books, everyone was excited. Even my 77 year old grandmother was excited!
School started in January and 13 credit hours begin. At this point I made a serious attempt to try to find a balance, but my husband stated, "don't worry about it, you just study"
Fast forward to today....NOW. My mom is even on board, my brothers fully support my decision. We live in Mississippi so the closest family is more than 2 hours away. I have a son about to graduate High School in May, who plays varsity basketball, works a job and takes college classes on Saturday and 2 more sons (ages 13 and 9) who are athletically involved. They all understand "mommy won't always be there" because she is trying to work really hard to become a nurse. I have to give it to them though, my boys are a tremendous help. The oldest one even runs errands for me (those that he can when he isn't at school) while I study. My husband however; has dropped the ball tremendously. He lags behind in EVERYTHING. He doesn't even volunteer to take the kids where they need to go anymore when it was established in the beginning that this was the plan. I break the rhythm in studying to handle things and when I do, he gets upset after he CLEARLY makes it known that he really doesn't want to. Keep this in mind I FULLY supported him in college (19 years ago) and the CE even today! When I dedicate myself to something, I ALWAYS have to stop because of him. I don't understand! I realize I may not be able to attend full-time in the remaining semester because I have no support. How can I take care of my kids, balance their activities and go to school with a full-time course load so I can finish in May?!
You are not alone in the "family support" area or lack thereof. I'm a dad, married with 2 kids. It's a constant battle to get study time. Just go through it, it won't be easy but you and the family will survive. Thankfully I got 6 months left to get my BSN and it's a journey I started in 2008. Allnurses is a great support group. Hang in there.
ArrowRN, BSN, RN
4 Articles; 1,153 Posts
You are not alone in the "family support" area or lack thereof. I'm a dad, married with 2 kids. It's a constant battle to get study time. Just go through it, it won't be easy but you and the family will survive. Thankfully I got 6 months left to get my BSN and it's a journey I started in 2008. Allnurses is a great support group. Hang in there.