Going to nursing school with a new baby

mustlovepoodles, RN · Jun 19, 2011

I don't have any words of wisdom for you, just wishing you the best. I can't imagine trying to juggle nursing school with a newborn. This will be the hardest project you ever took on, I think I can safely say that. I guess the first thing you have to do is identify your support system, get it in place and USE IT.

Best of luck to you and congratulations on your new baby! :redpinkhe

Anisettes, BSN, RN · Jun 19, 2011

I feel for you. I don't think there is going to be any easy way. When I started Nursing school, my son (2nd child) was 2 months old, my daughter wasn't quite 4 and I worked full time night shift because we couldn't afford child care and had no family nearby (my husband worked days, I worked nights).

I tried to squeeze sleep into between classes and other necessities of life in the daytime and quite frankly, I am missing of huge chunks of memory of my life during those years. Even though I had a spouse, my life was a frazzled mess as I was frequently left on my own with everything as he worked 12-hour shifts 6 days a week - of course when he had the kids, both they and him were in bed.

You just have to keep your eyes on the prize and keep going when you feel like you're ready to drop. I will offer you this - I had very little time to sit down to study, so I used to read my class notes into a tape recorder and played the cassettes constantly - while driving, doing housework, nursing my son. You'll find your own shortcuts as you go along - it probably won't be easy, but you can do it. Best of luck to you in school and on the arrival of your baby.

linzjane88 · Jun 19, 2011

I start the nursing program in January. While I am married and my husband is really helpfu,l my 3 year old can be an absolute hellion sometimes so that should count for something (LOL). I worked part time (24 hrs per week--and still do) while taking my pre-reqs.

It is doable! Don't let anyone tell you it isn't. You do have to be organized and have alot of self discipline and willpower. I took most of my pre-reqs online. You learn to use naps and bedtimes wisely. It can get frustrating when your trying to study and kiddos are demanding attention, but as long as you are prepared for that it is really rewarding to get those A's

MY advice would be to start slow (no more than two classes) to work into things. If you can opt for classes with online lectures (as opposed to just typed lectures) go for that. Know that your going to have to let some things slide. The house might look like a disaster some days but school is more important. As long as your baby is happy and healthy it won't hurt that you haven't scrubbed the toilet in a few days, LOL.

The labels in my kitchen cupboard are no longer organized alphebtically with all labels facing the same way but I start the nursing program in January and my daughter and husband still like me :redpinkhe

linzjane88 · Jun 19, 2011

I feel for you. I don't think there is going to be any easy way. When I started Nursing school, my son (2nd child) was 2 months old, my daughter wasn't quite 4 and I worked full time night shift because we couldn't afford child care and had no family nearby (my husband worked days, I worked nights).
I tried to squeeze sleep into between classes and other necessities of life in the daytime and quite frankly, I am missing of huge chunks of memory of my life during those years. Even though I had a spouse, my life was a frazzled mess as I was frequently left on my own with everything as he worked 12-hour shifts 6 days a week - of course when he had the kids, both they and him were in bed.
You just have to keep your eyes on the prize and keep going when you feel like you're ready to drop. I will offer you this - I had very little time to sit down to study, so I used to read my class notes into a tape recorder and played the cassettes constantly - while driving, doing housework, nursing my son. You'll find your own shortcuts as you go along - it probably won't be easy, but you can do it. Best of luck to you in school and on the arrival of your baby.

YES! That is golden. I played them in the shower! :)

carbon86 · Jun 19, 2011

I started my nursing prereqs as a mother of 3 (kids ages 2,3,4) With very little help (husband is self employed and works crazy long hours). The biggest piece of advice that I can give you is to start with a one day a week science such as bio with a lab, and take a 3 credit online course such as English with it. This way you can concentrate mostly on your science and use your other time for your online class. It worked great for me, and honestly I really looked forward to those few hours of non mommy time.

babe48076 · Jun 19, 2011

I went to nursing school with 3 children and found out I was pregnant in my first semester of nursing school. It was very hard but I was very determined to finish. Your motivation will give you the boost you need to pursue your dreams. I was at clinicals and after clinicals I went to the hospital to have my fourth child. I delivered her on Friday and I went back to school on Monday to take a test. I finished nursing school this May and I passed the NCLEX this past week. Having RN behind my name is worth all the stress and tears that I have shed. I also had a strong family support system with my husband and my mother. You can do it!!!

GradAspiringNurse · Jun 20, 2011

First of all Nothing is impossible!!! I am in my senior year of nursing school (BSN). I got pregnant with my daughter (11 months today) during my 1st semester of nursing school. I could not afford the school I am attending-- loans, grants not enough. I look at my daughter as a blessing, I applied to HRSA Nursing scholarship program after I found out I was pregnant and I was awarded the scholarship. I now work every other weekend thanks to the stipend they give monthly and I am making it! I am due to graduate this upcoming spring semester. So my advice is if you think you can do it, who can stop you?? Apply for the scholarship if funding is an issue for you and work hard because nursing school is tough, especially for a full time mommy :-) GOOD LUCK