How hard is it to become a nurse after starting a family?

Published

Is nursing school flexible? Can I start a family and become a nurse? Are most of you in it for the money?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The fact that I have a family now who needs me drives me more to become a nurse. Not only for financial stability, but to do my best in every area of my life. There are important beings looking up to me for everything. I want to be the best for them, and I have been the best for them than I ever was for myself.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

For the most part nursing school is not flexible.. As for a family during nursing school, it is not easy but do-able. And for your last question; NO, I am not in it for the money.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Agree with above - nursing school is definitely NOT Flexible. There are very strict accreditation requirements that must be met, so the coursework is highly regimented with very little tolerance for any deviation. For instance, many programs do not allow any absences from scheduled clinical rotations - and those rotations may be in a variety of locations that may involve a significant travel time from your school. Anyone with family responsibilities needs to have multiple back-up plans & support system in place to account for things like sick child care, car problems, etc.

Nope - did not choose nursing for the money. Frankly, I have had so many "not for all the money in the world" situations over the years.... if money was my primary motivation, I wouldn't have lasted more than a couple of years.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes, it can be done. However, if you have an option to wait until after school to start a family, it would be easier on you. I agree with the above posts, Nursing Schools are very regimented and non-flexible. Good Luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Though it is challenging to become a nurse while starting a family, it's possible. Several of my friends have completed nursing programs while raising small children. Depending on the school you choose, you may have the option of completing your program in 3 years instead of 2 by taking more flexible, evening/weekend classes. My friends went to Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences and they were had that option. Best of luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm not doing it for the money being that it's always been a passion of mine; but I am married with a 2 year old and another child on the way. It is not impossible, especially if you have support. Nursing school is not flexible, and if you're really dedicated to becoming a nurse then you end up cutting out a lot that you used to do. I can't spend as much time with my family as I used to because I am always studying or something is always due and you cannot afford to slack off in any area. It's hard, but if you keep your goals in mind, it's all worth it in the end.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

It's definitely not flexible. You will have to work around their schedule once in the program. You have more flexibility during prereqs. Right now I am in prereqs and my schedule works around when my son is in school. He is 7 and in 2nd grade. I know once I get into the program and have clinicals that will all change. I am very fortunate to have a great support system around me. I have friends that will watch him. I have also told my ex he will have to step up to the plate and take some responsibility once I am in the program. I think having a great support system is what will help anyone with kids get through it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

I started taking the prerequisite classes required to get into nursing school when my kids were ages 4, 11 and 14. My schedule was somewhat flexible as I could choose which sections of class to enroll in.

My husband and I split up and I completed a full time LVN program as a completely single parent. LVN school was not flexible, class times were fixed.

In it for the money? Jobs in the medical field tend to pay decently or be in high demand and those factors did weigh into my decision making.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There is no flexibility in nursing school. I am told when my classes are, attendance is taken every class, and we are expected to be there. Labs and clinical rotations must be 100% attended. I have three children, and it is not easy. We have had to find childcare to watch the kids in the morning or afternoons when I am in school and my husband is at work. I have to miss activities at my children's school, but that I just how it has to be during my program. It takes a lot of sacrifice with or without a family.

I absolutely am not in it for money! I know very well that I am going into a flooded field, but there is nothing else I would rather do!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

During pre-reqs, there's so much flexibility because you get to pick the times you want your classes, but at my school, once you start the program, it's a set schedule every semester. They just emailed me my lab schedule as well that they chose for me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm a pre-nursing student married with 3 small children and I will say it has been a total uphill battle for me..LOL..however i wouldn't change it for the world because I know the end result is worth it. I knew I've wanted to be a nurse for years however trying to do so before having my children would have been easier but my family is actually what has helped push me to go back to school! I can only imagine how much harder it will be once im in the nursing program but I have a great supportive husband to make sure I dont go nuts trying to do it all!

And nope not in it for the money, its always been a passion of mines

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion