Feeling guilty about starting school with 4 yr old.

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Hi,

I have an interview tomorrow for a graduate nursing program. If I get accepted I'd start in May or August 2013 and it's 15 months long.

It's an entry-level graduate program, but I would graduate with a MSN degree. I still have to take Micro, Chem, and A&P II this fall and next spring.

I'm having doubts about doing the school thing and missing out on my dd's life. We do need the money. DH thinks I should be an LVN or something first and work my way up. But I'm 41 and would like to use our 3 frozen embryos from an IVF cycle. DD is an only child. Plus I want my own money!

Should I push school back? Start as an MA, LVN, or just for it?? I have a BA already.

Thanks.

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If you really want it, go for it! I go to school and I have four daughters 9 and under. Yes, you will have to sacrifice time with your child, but why don't you try to take night classes for your remaining pre-req's, or even online classes? If your dedicated, then anything is achievable!

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Go For it. If you want it you have to take it and in the long run your daughter will be proud that you did

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I think its reassuring to know that it is the quality of time we spend with our children and not the quantity that matters the most. That's how I look at now that I am back in school. Yes, I spend some part of my day outside the home, but when I am home, I am spending quality time with my little guy. I think you should go back for the masters program. I am also a returning student and am trying to get though school and plan my family. It's a tricky balance.

Many good wishes to you!

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I started my LPN schooling about 2 months after my youngest turned 5. It was a 15 month long M-F 8hr/day course, no traditional college breaks and days off. I graduated and started working as an LPN. I've been an LPN for 4 years now. I started back on the LPN to RN bridge and last year and I'll graduate with my ADN in May 2013 and I plan on getting my BSN.

Honestly, I was still able to be actively involved in her life. Of course, I had to give up 'control' of the house (bills, shopping, cooking etc) to the hubby, and to my surprise everyone survived no worse for the wear :) My daughter vaguely remembers me being in school and doesn't remember me missing anything at all.

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I think you should go for it. Especially if you are thinking about having more children and need the financial stability. There will never be a "right" or "perfect" time. Also your child is 4, won't they be in school once the actual program starts?

I have a bachelors as well, and I'm in LPN school. I can't say anything bad about the LPN route, but eventually I'll have to go back to school. So even if you go LPN now, that will take between 10-18 months. At that rate, you may as well go for the MSN. I went the LPN route because of finances, but this route isn't ideal. If you do the LPN and decide to go back to school, you will be missing out on your children's life again at some point.

I would say just to get it over with now. Make the sacrifice and then move on with your other goals. Good luck!

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Thanks ladies for all your great advise! The interview went well. Of course I'm hard on myself too, constantly thinking of things I did or said wrong. I should find something out in 1-2 weeks. I really like the school. I'm sending my thank you note tomorrow.

I will go for it if they accept me, and if they don't I'll try to get into another MSN program. Someone told me that sometimes you can be afraid of success too. I never hear that before and it's SO true.

Good luck to all of you and I'll let you know either way what happens.

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Hi Ladies,

I told you that I'd get back to you with what happened with my interview. I got accepted to the MSN program! I'll start in Aug. 2013. It's an accelerated 15 month track, but I'm excited to start.

Thank you for all of the encouraging advise.

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i am 34 with 4 kids 15, 12, 9, & 2. for the next 3 years i will be missing out on their lives. so i know how you feel. however in the long run when i finish; my oldest will be going to college (which i can help my husband pay for). i will be able to help provide for my family then, and save for retirement. it's a scarfice that will set us up forever. i your husband won't be complaining when you start making your own money. as mates we agree to disagree, but sometimes you have to stand up as a wife and do what's best for the family.

congrats you will do well hun.... :w00t:

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Specializes in CMSRN, hospice.

Congrats on getting accepted - what a great accomplishment! 15 months and you will accomplish even more. You will be so proud of yourself, and I know your family will be too. They will appreciate the hard work you do and the example you set. As someone above said, quality time over quantity of time. Good luck, babyrowe!

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Thank you! Those are great words to say. Fearless_leader, I'm proud that you are pursuing your goals to with 4 children! You are my role model. Good luck and never give up. Neither will I!

We CAN do it!!

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

That's such a personal decision, but please don't feel guilty if you do decide to go back to school. I have a 2 year old and a 10 month old and they are my main motivation to get through school and start a career.

15 months really isn't that long. I mean, assuming you aren't currently licensed, it would take you at least that long just to get your LVN. If the MSN is your end goal, I say do it now!

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