Going for it but scared...

[mara1419]

After messing around in school on and off for the past five years I am registered this fall at my community college for nursing. I am so scared because I read and hear so many different things about nursing school. I like medicine and love helping people in whatever way I can. My mom says I can't do it but I have two boys that I have to provide a life for. Its all the benefits of nursing that draws me to it and I could care less about the money. In my opinion every one is over worker and under paid at some point. I'm hoping that I can apply to the program next fall since I am just starting out but even though I'm scared to stuff I'm hoping that I am good enough to be in this field. Anyone taking pre-reqs or already in the nursing program any advice on how to survive nursing school with kids would be great!

[P B and J]

First off, congrats! Second, if you weren't scared, I'd be worried. Nursing school is hard work, and having a family makes it tougher, but in my opinion, your children can also help you. When the going gets tough, look at them and remember what you are doing this for. Sometimes you just have to tough it out and get through it, remembering that in the end it will all be worth it and the tough times won't even be significant anymore!

I don't know how old your kids are, but if they are old enough, have a chat with them, and tell them what you are going to be doing, and that you are going to need help with chores, etc. (My kids are excited to have more responsibilities, and more rewards for helping out more than usual :) ) Just remember to prioritize, and make out a study/work/home/kids schedule. There are lots and lots of nurses and students here at AN that have made it through with families and young children, so it's totally doable! Good luck!

[Iridescent Orchid, CNA, LPN]

While I don't have kids, I can still help you with some keys on how to survive pre-reqs. I've got two more weeks before I am in my last semester of them.

Focus. This is really important. By focus, I don't just mean focus, I mean FOCUS. You could slip up and not have a GPA that's acceptable in the Nursing Program. I seen you said you messed around off and on in college (I did the same) I was going for Early Childhood, lost interest. Made a few low grades. If this is your case, check and see if your school uses cumulative or curricular GPA to get into the Nursing Program. If they used cumulative, I'd have a really hard time getting my GPA up, in fact, I'd probably have to take General Education classes until I got it up high enough. Luckily, most schools go my curricular, which are usually any gen ed courses and of course, your pre-reqs. I know you'll be just fine! Most schools go by curricular.

Study. Study like you've never studied before. Some classes you'll be taking, such as math, literature/writing (whatever is required for your schooling) won't be as demanding as the others, such as A&P, Psychology, Med Term...but it's not impossible!

My best advice for the dreaded A&P is if you haven't already discovered what kind of learner you are, try to before you begin this course! I'm a visual learner, I love index cards, but I don't have the time to create 500 index cards to study - so I buy supplemental learning material, such as Kaplan Medical's Anatomy Flash Cards ($18-24) but well worth it. I've cracked them open weeks before I start A&P to get a head start on material. I also bought coloring books, and A&P for Dummies. I'm not saying GO DO THIS, but if you are a visual learner, and as a mother, don't have the time to create the items you need for studying, you may want to see what deals you can find on these. :)

If this is truly what you want to do, you'll be just fine! Best of luck to you! :)

[Charloth03]

Just give your best, I am also starting taking my pre requistes this August. Honestly i am not scared but a little nervous by all the comments i heard about how hard the nursing program is, but you know what we have to trust in ourselves we can do it, please please dont let others intimidate you rather take it as an advice. we all have different personalities, strenghts, capabilites. Therefore, if someelse fails doing something doesnt mean you will aslo fail. It is all up to you, I know you can do if you really have the desire to fulfill your dreams.

good luck in your studies.

[Nursing2102]

God bless all these mothers who have been dedicated to going back to school for nursing. I don't even have kids and I am already sweating starting nursing school. I can't even imagine how mothers of young children manage this!

I wish I could give you more advice, but the only advice I can think of would be don't overdo it. If you can't handle full time, go part time. Take it easy. There is no rush. Do what needs to be done first which is take care of your children. The education will take time-nothing happens over night.

Good luck with everything!