Advice for parents in nursing school

Nursing Students General Students

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Hello all!

I apologize if a similar topic has been posted on here before. Most I found were a few years old & some even closed. On Thursday I found out I have been accepted to my First choice Adn nursing program! I realize that getting in is just the tip of the iceberg but I'm in California where nursing programs are extremely impacted and competitive so I have to say I am feeling very thankful and blessed to have gotten into the program of my choice.

I have to admit that I am nervous as I am a mom to a 2 year old & am married. I have a great support system my mom and mother in law have whole heartedly agreed to help with my daughter while I'm at school and my husband is at work. I think my biggest fear is failing a class due to not being able to balance being a mom & student. My schools program has a reputation for being tough & some semesters even brutal. It's the norm for half of the class to graduate (15-20 out of 40). So I come asking for any advice as far as how to balance being a mom and student nurse or just any information you wish you knew before starting nursing school regarding academics etc.

Thank you in advance!

Hey there! I'm in the same boat as you. I have 3 kids (my youngest is 12 weeks) and I also work from home part time and an married. So I know your struggles. First off, congrats on getting into such a competitive program! It seems you have the work ethic to put your nose to the floor and get it done. Employ the kind offerings of your mom and MIL. My mom and aunt have been irreplaceable to my success while working towards nursing school. Just keep doing what you're doing and most of all, don't lose sight of WHY you're doing it.

Just keep doing what you're doing and most of all, don't lose sight of WHY you're doing it.

I second this advice. It's good that you are aware of the challenges so you are read to face them head-on but try not to tell that overwhelm you. In my experience, parents make some of the best students. They almost always have a good reason for pursing their education, are motivated to succeed, have a good sense of prioritizing, and are used to juggling multiple demands for their time and attention. The most vulnerable parents to failing out are those that don't have the supports in place they need to be successful but it sounds like you have that covered.

The only other advise I can give is to keep your eye on the prize. Things will get tough and quitting will look attractive at some point. Keep yourself and your time organized. Stay on top of studying because it is extremely easy to get behind and overwhelmed. Don't beat yourself up over what you can't do. And never be afraid to ask for help (academically or socially).

Hey there! I'm in the same boat as you. I have 3 kids (my youngest is 12 weeks) and I also work from home part time and an married. So I know your struggles. First off, congrats on getting into such a competitive program! It seems you have the work ethic to put your nose to the floor and get it done. Employ the kind offerings of your mom and MIL. My mom and aunt have been irreplaceable to my success while working towards nursing school. Just keep doing what you're doing and most of all, don't lose sight of WHY you're doing it.

Wow! You are amazing!!! I admire you for doing it all.

Thank you I'm still in shock!

I will definitely be taking advantage of my mom & mother in laws offerings.

Yes that is Very true I am extremely motivated & ready to start I will not lose sight of why I started although I'm sure it's going to be hard most of the time. Thank you again & best of luck to you! Keep being awesome.

I second this advice. It's good that you are aware of the challenges so you are read to face them head-on but try not to tell that overwhelm you. In my experience, parents make some of the best students. They almost always have a good reason for pursing their education, are motivated to succeed, have a good sense of prioritizing, and are used to juggling multiple demands for their time and attention. The most vulnerable parents to failing out are those that don't have the supports in place they need to be successful but it sounds like you have that covered.

The only other advise I can give is to keep your eye on the prize. Things will get tough and quitting will look attractive at some point. Keep yourself and your time organized. Stay on top of studying because it is extremely easy to get behind and overwhelmed. Don't beat yourself up over what you can't do. And never be afraid to ask for help (academically or socially).

Thank you for the advice! Like most people I jumped through hoops to be able to get to this point & I won't lose sight of why I'm doing this. My passion is in oncology, it's a topic that is very near & dear to my heart & I will let that be my guiding light through the hard days that are to come.

Also I'm going to Have to get more organized & plan everything in advance!

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