Going into nursing school with young children at home

heythatsmybike · Aug 13, 2020

I don't have children but I was in an accelerated program and many were older with kids. Most of their children were younger, from babies to middle school. We even had a few get pregnant or come in pregnant. Students planned weddings and bought houses during our 15 month ABSN, which to me was crazy. I think it entirely depends on your support system. The ones that had their significant other actually pulling their weight with the kids and house stuff seemed to manage just fine, as if it was just a regular job. They found themselves prioritizing their time and clustering errands probably more than I had to but they graduated the same as anyone else. The one that sticks out to me most was my friend who is in her mid-30's who had 5 kids(!) and went straight into a DNP program after graduation and is still doing pretty well. People do it all the time. Make sure you got the support you need and youll be just fine.

Mergirlc, MSN, APRN, NP · Aug 14, 2020

One thing I've gleamed while reading through these types of posts is: Keep in mind you may end up w/ evening or late clinicals. Be sure your spouse or family is willing and able to take care of your kids. Just because classes usually take place between regular working hours most of the time, doesn't mean your clinicals will. You also might be required to travel a bit of distance to a clinical. This may mean you need to get a room for the night before or leave extra extra early to get there.

For a general answer to your question, just look through this website because your exact topic is posted a few times a week, it seems.

kristenjdean · Aug 15, 2020

Thanks so much for the guidance and information!

I will try to find the other posts to see what else is being suggested.

Mergirlc, MSN, APRN, NP · Aug 15, 2020

45 minutes ago, kristenjdean said:
Thanks so much for the guidance and information!
I will try to find the other posts to see what else is being suggested.

Hopefully by the time you get in school, it might be a bit more regular. The pandemic has really thrown many people and many programs for a loop. Especially keep in mind the driving for a distance for clinicals. Due to the pandemic, many schools cannot do regular clinicals at many of their go-to clinics. It forces them to look further out from where the school location is. I recall hearing one of my friends mention her school told them to be prepared to go up to 100 miles one way. This is unusual, but with many hospitals not allowing students in, it might be the case for you once you begin.

Good luck!

RUNBNursing, BSN · Aug 20, 2020

I had my son right before my sophomore year of nursing school, your support system is key. It also takes a ton of discipline and organization. I did not go out to any parties or social activities for 2+ years. You can't be afraid to ask for help. I had the support of 2 sisters, my mom, the father of my child (sorta), plus his mother and sister. I would look at my schedule before the semester started and was familiar with everyone's schedule and would ask if they could babysit at certain times. I had to make sure everyone was on the same page. For example sometimes I would leave at 6am for clinical and leave baby with my sister. My sons father would pick him up at 9am, then leave baby with his mother from 3pm until I could pick him up at 8pm. I would remind everyone the day before.

I would work on weekends and any evenings I could spare without jeopardizing my studies. It was 100% worth it, been an RN for almost 3 years now, my son is 6 years old, we're enjoying life ?. You can do it!

kristenjdean · Aug 26, 2020

I called the program and thankfully they have been able to keep clinicals all at the same locations despite the pandemic.

So good to hear that it is possible to do with kids. My biggest problem is I do not have a support system. The only family I have in town, I do not trust, and the family I do trust won't be coming to town in time. Plus they cant really help anyways bc my brother just had open heart surgery so they don't want to expose him to COVID. I feel like im just screwed, LOL.

livimo · Sep 7, 2020

So I haven't started nursing school yet (I start my ABSN program in January), but I wanted to chime in. I have 3 kids (4 years old, 3 years old, and 10 months old). I've found that you just make life work. If you want something enough, you just do it! There is never a right time for anything. I finished my first BA with a baby at home and it was fine, and I'm sure I'm going to do fine in nursing school with 3 at home too. Like the others said, having a good support system is key. My husband is in the military so we don't have family super close by, but by the time I start my program he will have transitioned out of active duty and into the reserves and will be home a lot more to help with the kids while I'm in class/clinical/studying. I also have awesome (retired) parents that have no problem using their airline miles to come out and lend a hand whenever I need it. It's a 1 year program, and I know I'm going to want to pull my hair out at times, but I figured I can do ANYTHING for a year. And it will be worth it. I also have a friend that is in nursing school right now with 3 kids at home and she's rocking it. You can do this!

kristenjdean · Sep 7, 2020

Thank you for the encouraging words livimo!

I don't have a support system of any kind, which is unfortunate. But like you said, you just go to do life if you want it bad enough.

peach2218, CNA · Sep 13, 2020

Late to the party, but I'm in my second semester with a 2 year old and it's not easy. I also work part time and even with my husband's full-time job, we can't afford child care so we have to rely on our parents to watch our son while we're at work or I'm in school. That being said, it's doable. See if someone can watch the kids for 45 minutes at night so you have time to study. An hour+ is even better, but take what you can get! If you don't have anyone to watch the kids, there's no shame in sticking them in front of the TV with Paw Patrol on repeat. Sometimes I have to take notes and study with my son sitting on my lap trying to stick his fingers in my eyes.