Im terrified to start nursing school!

1. I'm terrified of nursing school. I'm scared to start next year. Everyone keeps saying how hard it is and how it takes you from your friends and family. I don't work and honestly my only fear is that I won't be able to spend much time with my 1 year old daughter. I'm afraid she will feel like I am giving her no attention and neglecting her.
   
   Did you get through nursing school able to show your children the attention and help they needed?
2. 

   About rogersim

   Joined: Dec '15; Posts: 11; Likes: 2

   8 Comments

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3. 
   Dec 10, '15

   Occupation: allnurses Asst Community Manager, APRN Specialty: 25 year(s) of experience in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU ; From: US ; Joined: Apr '00; Posts: 53,585; Likes: 26,698

   Moved to General Nursing forum
4. 
   Dec 13, '15

   Joined: Dec '15; Posts: 729; Likes: 601

   I don't have children (and I plan on never having any), but something to keep in mind is that by going to nursing school, you *are* showing them that they are important. You're doing this to improve all of your lives, including theirs. It may take some sacrifice now, but it will help them immensely later.
5. 
   Dec 13, '15

   From: CA, US ; Joined: Oct '14; Posts: 112; Likes: 132

   I have three children (7,5,2) and I start in January. I'm a little terrified because I've been a stay-at-home mom up until now. However, I know that plenty of parents both work (I don't have to work while going to nursing school) and do just fine, so we will too.
   
   Going back to school has made me happier than I have been in years. A happy mama= happier kids. We can do this, we just have to be organized and dedicated.
6. 
   Dec 13, '15

   Occupation: Registered Nurse Specialty: ICU ; From: US ; Joined: Aug '13; Posts: 3,770; Likes: 8,234

   It's all how you make it. I'm a single mom and my son is almost 10. I started school when he was 7. There are times when I have to study. There were times when I felt like his dad has him more than me. Those were hard times and my final semester starts in January. But, I don't think he has ever felt neglected because when he is with me I try to spend 30 minutes of one on one time. We talk about his day and maybe play a game.
   
   There have been times when I get to spend lots of time with him. This semester was not too bad. First semester was not awful once I got myself organized and into a routine. Second semester was the worst. We also had the summer off so we had a great summer together.
   
   My boyfriend lives over an hour away and I manage to make time for him also. The key is balance and organization. No need to be terrified. It's not that bad.
7. 
   Dec 13, '15

   Joined: Dec '15; Posts: 134; Likes: 108

   I'm starting next Fall.. I was nervous about leaving my daughter for the first time! She'll be 2.5 years old when I start. But, I'll only be away from her 3 days a week, for about 6hrs. That's nothing compared to parents who have to work full time! So I've convinced myself not to get upset
8. 
   Dec 13, '15

   Specialty: 1 year(s) of experience ; Joined: Jul '15; Posts: 108; Likes: 239

   I have a 8 year old and a 2 year old and just finished my first semester with a 4.0. It can be done. Sometimes I would study in between classes, or during nap time, and sometimes it would have to wait until after the kiddos were in bed. The best advise I can give is to be proactive in your studies and homework. Don't wait until a day or two before a paper is due to start researching. Also, make friends with other students. We did group study guides via google docs, so we could work on it independently, but we could all see it. This really helped because large study guides were broken into manageable parts, giving me that much more time to play with the kids.
   
   As for how to still have time to spend with kids, the thing to remember is that it sometimes your kids will have to come first. The only time I missed part of class was because I had a sick kid. I emailed the teacher that morning to explain the situation and only came in to take my test and left before the lecture. It is okay to have a real life. It is a balancing act, but you have to balance life and work when you have a full time job. I actually like being able to set a good example for my kids about what it takes to do well in school and why it is important. Heck, my 8 year old and I do homework together some nights. Good luck to you.
9. 
   Dec 14, '15

   Joined: May '15; Posts: 53; Likes: 17

   Honestly, this is a sacrifice that you have to make in order to provide your child/children with a better future. I have a 9 year old and I start my clincals for a BSN program next month. I also work and I am a single mother. I completed my associates degree as well as my medical assistant degree when my daughter was younger. It wasn't easy but it was definitely worth it in the end. There is no better feeling than walking across the stage to receive my diploma and seeing my daughter cheer me on TWICE! The third time will definitely be a charm because once I become a nurse, all of the puzzle pieces of my life will finally fit together!! Keep pushing, and remember that you are doing this for your child. It is better to do it while he/she is still young and probably wont recall you ever being absent in their life. Secure his/future NOW! XOXOXOOXOX
10. 
    Dec 15, '15

    Joined: Jul '15; Posts: 20; Likes: 15

    I have an 18 month old and I start in January! I feel you, I am terrified. But like others have said I am just putting faith in the fact that plenty of parents work and go to school and manage. Also, I am not super happy about being a stay at home mom because I have always worked so I hope that getting out of the house some for school and clinicals will pull me up out of the rut I am in. Good luck!

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