Single mom in nursing school...

jdhenson · Jun 3, 2013

First of all, congrats on your decision. Nursing is a noble profession and a good way for you to support your family. I started out in lpn school recently divorced and working only on weekends. It was a challenge but I had a lot of help from friends and family. The fact that you will be able to stay off work will help tremendously. I made a deal with my 3 children that while I was in school, extra carricular activities would have to be put on hold until graduation, with the understanding that I was doing something to better us as a family. I got remarried my last semester but my husband worked construction and was gone a lot. Still, that eased the financial burden. I recently graduated RN school, again with the help of friends and family. I spent a lot of time at my parents studying while they helped with the children. Make sure you have a talk with your kids to let them know that you will be very, very busy, but also carve out time each week to spend with them no matter what. Keep a planner and prioritize, and don't let people try to "steal" your time. While you will need to take time for yourself, that will probably come more in the form of a bubble bath or a lunch with friends. If you try to do it alone, you will be stressed out beyond words. Try to find people who will do things like take your children to the park while you study. My main problem was reaching out for help when I needed it because I'm very independent, but don't be afraid to admit you need help. I usually cooked once a week and made enough so there would be meals to eat for the week. I enlisted the children to help with things like laundry and sweeping, but my house was pretty much a wreck by graduation. That's ok tho. There will be a time to catch up on housework and time with loved ones, but right now just keep focused on the fact that you're doing the best you can for you and your children. On a side note, I graduated RN school with a single mother of 5 and she managed quite well! Oh, I also let my kids teachers know that I was in nursing school so, hint-hint, don't call me to help with classroom activities lol. Best of luck to you and don't give up, because I promise there will be many, many times that you want to. And yes, it is worth it!!

cnoto34 · Jun 3, 2013

First of all congrats on your decision. Nursing is a noble profession and a good way for you to support your family. I started out in lpn school recently divorced and working only on weekends. It was a challenge but I had a lot of help from friends and family. The fact that you will be able to stay off work will help tremendously. I made a deal with my 3 children that while I was in school, extra carricular activities would have to be put on hold until graduation, with the understanding that I was doing something to better us as a family. I got remarried my last semester but my husband worked construction and was gone a lot. Still, that eased the financial burden. I recently graduated RN school, again with the help of friends and family. I spent a lot of time at my parents studying while they helped with the children. Make sure you have a talk with your kids to let them know that you will be very, very busy, but also carve out time each week to spend with them no matter what. Keep a planner and prioritize, and don't let people try to "steal" your time. While you will need to take time for yourself, that will probably come more in the form of a bubble bath or a lunch with friends. If you try to do it alone, you will be stressed out beyond words. Try to find people who will do things like take your children to the park while you study. My main problem was reaching out for help when I needed it because I'm very independent, but don't be afraid to admit you need help. I usually cooked once a week and made enough so there would be meals to eat for the week. I enlisted the children to help with things like laundry and sweeping, but my house was pretty much a wreck by graduation. That's ok tho. There will be a time to catch up on housework and time with loved ones, but right now just keep focused on the fact that you're doing the best you can for you and your children. On a side note, I graduated RN school with a single mother of 5 and she managed quite well! Oh, I also let my kids teachers know that I was in nursing school so, hint-hint, don't call me to help with classroom activities lol. Best of luck to you and don't give up, because I promise there will be many, many times that you want to. And yes, it is worth it!![/quote']
Thank you for your kind words :)

latoyap83 · Jun 4, 2013

I'm a single mom as well.. Nursing school starts for me aug 19.. I'm excited for the journey but scared because I'm a single mom of two and I have the same worries as you.. We can make it!!!

cnoto34 · Jun 5, 2013

I'm a single mom as well.. Nursing school starts for me aug 19.. I'm excited for the journey but scared because I'm a single mom of two and I have the same worries as you.. We can make it!!!

Awesome! Good luck to you too

rocababy119 · Jun 5, 2013

I'm a single mom of 3, ages 2, 5 & 6 and I will be starting Nursing school in August, I'm currently working full time in a hospital but will be cutting down to 24 hours once I start school... My children are in a daycare that takes them to and from school, which takes a lot of pressure off of me...it's pretty expensive, but I know that everything I'm doing will pay off in the end.

cnoto34 · Jun 5, 2013

I'm a single mom of 3 ages 2, 5 & 6 and I will be starting Nursing school in August, I'm currently working full time in a hospital but will be cutting down to 24 hours once I start school... My children are in a daycare that takes them to and from school, which takes a lot of pressure off of me...it's pretty expensive, but I know that everything I'm doing will pay off in the end.[/quote']
Wow u have your hands full! That's great that you have good daycare.. After school I'm not worried about its getting them to school ....

keepmovingrn · Jun 5, 2013

You can do it! From one single parent to another. I graduated in December of last year and was a RN in January. God will see you through it. :-)

cnoto34 · Jun 5, 2013

You can do it! From one single parent to another. I graduated in December of last year and was a RN in January. God will see you through it. :-)

Yes he will!

latoyap83 · Jun 5, 2013

If God brought us to this (nursing school) God will get us through this (nursing school) lets please keep in contact so we can share tips,advice, etc

mzrainydayz, BSN, RN · Jun 5, 2013

I am a single mom and it's a everyday struggle. Trying to balance school, work and a small child. I have no support emotionally or financially I don't have living parents or a husband. I am the only one in my class who doesn't. Through the grace of God I have made it to the third semester. I try to focus on whats in front of me not whats to come because I can deal with that another day. There are plenty of days I cry because I am stressed out with issues, but God always get me through. I tell myself when I make it to the end of nursing school I can look back and say I made it through all the obstacles that I faced. Stay positive and let your child be your motivation. Good luck to all nursing students who are single moms because we CAN and WILL become a nurse!!!!!!!!!!!!

Niks09 · Jun 5, 2013

Wow this is an inspiring thread!!!! I am a single mom of twin 4 yr old girls..I will hopefulllly by Gods Grace starting the LPN program in September...thankfully my ex husband and his mom are still very involved in my kids lives so there is support there as well as my cousin and friends... my brothers though in diff states are helping me to pitch in a bit with my rent and I am looking for a job that will be just enough so I can manage with my kids.

I know it will be tough and I won't spend as much time as I like with my kids now but I know in the long run it will be worth it...I plan to continue on to my RN stat. I wanted to go straight for RN but the waiting lists and pre reqs will take me a 1-1 1/2 years long. Hoping on financial aid and Gods good grace..I am working now at a temp job not sure how much longer but plan to save as I can.

I have my ATI test next week and nervoussssssssssssss. Depending on how that goes I will be starting the September Semester by Gods Grace! BEST LUCK to all my fellow singles moms here I KNOW WE WILL DO IT!