How Can I Offer Support to Nursing Student? What Should I Expect?

Published

My ex-husband starts nursing school this Spring. We have a great co-parenting relationship raising our 10 year old son. He has always been a very involved father, but he has hinted that once he starts nursing school he will need me to take pretty much full responsibility for raising our son until he completes his studies. I want to be supportive of his efforts to get his degree and I would be SO appreciative if people can let me know what to expect. This will help me arrange my life so that things go smoothly for everyone once he takes the plunge into nursing school in a couple of weeks.

What should I expect as far as his scheduling and availability to spend time with his son? Do most nursing students take the summer off? With clinicals and classwork will he be pretty much unavailable during his nursing program? How do clinicals work? Do clinicals always track the semester calendar? Do they occur over the summer? Do clinicals sometimes start mid-semester?

Any insight anyone can share on what a non-nursing parent can expect regarding the demands placed on the parent in nursing school would be much appreciated.

Thanks so much!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry/IMC.

Um, I think his schedule will depend on what college he goes to and what kind of nursing program he is in. Some colleges do have clinicals that start mid semsester (my first semester ones do, but not after that) and they can be at all kinds of times. I know for the nursing program I'm in we don't do summer classes, but I don't know that that is the same everywhere or what.

I think that the best way for you to offer your support for him while he is in nursing school would be to (first of all) talk to him and find out what his schedule will be. He should get a copy before he starts his classes. Maybe ask him whether or not he will be taking the summers off and try to schedule time for he and your child to be together on the weekends. There are a lot of parents in school, so it's not like it's impossible anything school related while raising/spending time with kids around.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I just have to say that I am so impressed that you are divorced and still maintain a good relationship. Good for you! I wish more divorced couples were like you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.

When you are in NS they pretty much "own you". He will probably have difficulty planning anything beyond a few days in advance and will be under a lot of stress. It would be helpful to him if you wouldn't add more pressure by insisting on firm plans, and getting frustrated if he can't meet some of his commitments.

Perhaps you should both talk to your son before he starts and explain that Dad's absence isn't about him, but is about pursuing a dream. Personally, even though Dad may be absent a little more than you are both used to, I think it will be a great lesson for your son who will understand the importance of education and the commitment that is involved in pursuing something like nursing. I am sure that once Dad graduates, you son will be the proudest kid in the building!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My son's father and I have a great co parenting relationship and he's helped me so much while I'm in nursing school. I graduate on May 16th.

For starters, we agreed for my son to go to school from his house. He catches the school bus from his house and back to his house. He stays overnight at his fathers house 3 days a week while I'm in school with NO clinicals involved.

When clinicals are in, he stays at his father's Monday though Thursday, and I would pick him up on Friday evenings and drop him off at school on Monday mornings on my way to class.

On test weeks, my mother would watch my son while I studied the entire weekend. My son is 12.

I don't know what I would have done without my son's father support. He really stepped up to the plate and I really appericate it. You have no idea what your ex husband is about to go through.

As far as answering your questions, it depends on his schedule and what his school has arranged as far as clinicals. Most schools don't do clinicals in the summer, unless it's an accelerated program. Clinicals can be up to 3 days a week, depending on the different nursing classes. Same with offering nursing courses during the summer.

Just be aware you may not see him or hear from him on some days. He may be too exhausted and overwhelmed. I made it a rule never to go more than a couple of days without checking in on my son.

I would also like to give props off to you as well! You don't know how much he's gonna need your support during this journey. :redbeathe

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry, ER.

Nursing school schedules vary a lot depending on the school and what type of program (ADN vs BSN). I am in a BSN program and we go during the summer (including clinicals). We do start some clinicals mid-semester and some are days and some nights. Our schedule changes every semester and we usually don't know our clinical days/times until the first week of clinicals. As a single parent myself, it is frustrating and hard to plan ahead.

There is an ADN program in my area that only goes days, does not go during the summer and they have a pretty set schedule.

Maybe you can go to his school's website or just call their nursing department and ask about what type of schedules they have. They should be able to give you some information. The good news is that most schools have 3 to 4 weeks off in between each semester. Good luck to all three of you! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion