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

RN2serve · Dec 11, 2013

Nursing school is NOT flexible. I was in school with an 11 year old and a very supportive husband. I learned to study in a variety of environments so I wouldn't miss out on events. The back seat of my car was a mobile library.

Clinicals are a 100% must. My school had a policy of $200 make up fee if you missed a clinical. I had kidney stones and was on Percocet, I couldn't drive and had my ED paperwork, still had to make up missed clinical hours. My instructor was gracious and stayed late with me to make up some hours and the rest I was able to go into another group on my day off to make up. I know a student who had to repeat the whole class because she was late too many times to clinical and class due to child care issues.

I love what I do and am so glad that I did it. I made more money in my past career but did not have the satisfaction I have now. None of this would be possible without my husband who acted like a single parent for 2 years while I received my ADN. He was and is my biggest cheerleader.

RunBabyRN · Dec 15, 2013

Nursing school is definitely not flexible. I have a 5 year old, and I miss out on a lot of school stuff for him because of class and clinicals. I can't imagine doing this with an infant, especially while breastfeeding (which I would be doing if I had another infant). Thankfully my husband works from home, so the last couple of days, when my son was sick, my husband was able to stay with him while I was in clinicals.

I would do this job even if I didn't need the money. The good pay is just a nice perk. Plus, jobs are hard to come by right now, especially in my area, and I don't have the flexibility some people have to move. So even with the money, there are no guarantees of anything right now.

Kmwatt · Dec 15, 2013

Hi I'm a mother of four;18,17,4&1I quit school @ 14 got married,had a my son,went to work as a MAT,CNA,CMA & nursing is the only work I've ever done or wanted to do.I've put this off for a long time.we had my daughter when I was 16 then 12 yrs later we had my 2nd daughter I just earned my GED last yr(a yr before my son graduates high school)but I'm very determined!im not in yet but have an interview in January.I am still breast feeding my baby but she is one so not very often& my four yr old is a cardiac patient. I've questioned whether or not I should wait even longer, but I take it as if I get in No& if not then God will help me to when He sees fit!I tell myself that even if it takes some time away from my husband & kids Im doing it for them!I know what a struggle is & how to work to have what I want & when to back down & let God handle it!

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

Dranger · Dec 15, 2013

No family, but I did it for the money and flexibility. It's nice knowing I can move where ever I want and have a job.

PD82 · Dec 16, 2013

It wouldn't be a bad idea to put 100% in nursing school first, so that down the line you can better support your new family. Not just for money, but also job security and tons of knowledge about healthcare and the human body.

Larry3373 · Dec 18, 2013

I and my wife had 2 kids "while" I was in nursing school!!!! I quit my job and lived off student loans and such. I had to get a part time job working at a hotel a semester later. I think it's feasible, but extremely difficult.

carefulcare · Dec 18, 2013

Hi I'm a mother of four;18,17,4&1I quit school @ 14 got married,had a my son,went to work as a MAT,CNA,CMA & nursing is the only work I've ever done or wanted to do.I've put this off for a long time.we had my daughter when I was 16 then 12 yrs later we had my 2nd daughter I just earned my GED last yr(a yr before my son graduates high school)but I'm very determined!im not in yet but have an interview in January.I am still breast feeding my baby but she is one so not very often& my four yr old is a cardiac patient. I've questioned whether or not I should wait even longer, but I take it as if I get in No& if not then God will help me to when He sees fit!I tell myself that even if it takes some time away from my husband & kids Im doing it for them!I know what a struggle is & how to work to have what I want & when to back down & let God handle it!
Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

Thank you for this.

vettechtoRN · Dec 20, 2013

We will also have to make this tough decision. I have a 2 yo now but I'm 37 soooo can't wait to much longer to have another! I will just take it as it comes! lol!

Kmwatt · Dec 21, 2013

I just think a positive attitude,determination& trust in GOD are the key! :)

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

sunshine&shots · Dec 21, 2013

I really enjoy you answer to the money question. Very well put

sunshine&shots · Dec 21, 2013

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.

I really enjoy you answer to the money question. Very well put

dreams2banurse · Dec 26, 2013

This is all good advice. I have a question too. Has anyone been pregnant during or had a baby while in the nursing program? If you have how did you do it?