It is never a good time to get divorced but in the middle of nursing school is probably the worst. You also need to have a reliable transportation, but not a huge car payment.
Thankfully I'm getting my divorce out of the way before NS. This was probably the best time to do it honestly. I only have to be responsible for myself and my child. I am nervous about moving to a new city alone with no support system. Now I am actually tempted to stay put and go to a different school near to family and friends. I guess the answer will become more apparent with time.
I would add that even if you do all of these things - SOMETHING will still happen. I had paid everything off, quit my job, have a hubby who is AMAZINGLY supportive, have no kids, everything is fine. Whoops, Dad got diagnosed with Alzheimer's!
I think that no matter how much planning and organization you can do in nursing school - the most important thing you can learn is how to go with the flow. One of my first semester instructors likes to draw a picture of a bridge on the board the first day and say "Build a bridge, and get over it!". That's honestly been my motto for school.
Nothing is ever perfect, no matter how perfect it seems on the outside.
My school doesn't worry about classroom attendance, but if you miss, you'll miss something you needed to know. However you are only allowed to miss one clinical per rotation. If you miss a test it can be extracted from the final exam, but the final exam may only have 20 questions from that test making them count more. My advice you need two backup sitters, child pickup from school people, a freezer full of Stouffer's family dinners, A do not disturb sign, and one afternoon a week that's just yours, no school, no kids, no husband. And keep a secret stash of cash somewhere for the emergency cab ride, bus fair, or unexpected expense. Lastly, leave an hour and a half early for tests if you commute and then eat breakfast once you're at school.
Very good advice on this thread! Definitely roll with the punches life throws your way. Like people have said. Get organized in case something does hit the fan. Car maintenance is a big one. Try to have a few back up plans for specific things like if your car breaks down or your kid gets sick, etc.
My family is planning to have our 2nd child during the 3 month break between 1st and 2nd year. I don't care what people say. I don't work so I have A LOT of time on my hands.
dreamon
706 Posts
Thankfully I'm getting my divorce out of the way before NS. This was probably the best time to do it honestly. I only have to be responsible for myself and my child. I am nervous about moving to a new city alone with no support system. Now I am actually tempted to stay put and go to a different school near to family and friends. I guess the answer will become more apparent with time.