How hard is it to leave little ones for full time NS?

*Blessed2BaNRS* · Jul 8, 2007

Hi Littlemamakt,

I feel your pain! I have 4 kids, allthough mine are older. Ages 8-13. But, my youngest is a momma's boy, big time. I was working full time at their school when I went to school, and I quit during my 2nd semester. My little one went crazy because he no longer saw me at school!! It was very hard after that, because the nurse would call home saying that Justin was in her office sick and throwing up. It was actually because he was crying so much that he made himself sick!! But, I felt so bad and so guilty about it. He is doing better now (at age 8 he better be!!!) so I don't feel as guilty, but when I start NS in August, I am sure that will all come back. I have taken most of my pre reqs online, so I have pretty much been home for them, and I know that it won't be like that for nursinng school. I will have 2 clinical days from 5:30a-5:30p, so I will be missing taking them to school and picking them up (which I have ALWAYS done.)

I don't know what to tell you, except know that you will be providing them with a better future. Just make sure you spend lots of time with them when you can! And provide 1 on 1 time with your youngest. That one is usually the one who suffers the most. In the long run, it will be worth it!!

Ladypie · Jul 8, 2007

Oh, your post made me smile! It is hard for us moms to get away from our babies, and not feel guilty. I have 3 kids and hope to be in nursing school when my youngest is 3. When I am gone my husband will be watching the kids. (I want to get into an evening program to avoid daycare costs.)

You are fortunate that your mom will be doing the babysitting, and I guarantee at 3 1/2, your little girl will be able to handle it. Will she be in preschool at all? I know my 4 year old loved the chance to get away from me and the house and go to preschool- new friends, new toys, fingerpainting, all those messy activities that I didn't do in our house.

I am a SAHM, but I think it is important to let our kids learn how to deal with other people and situations.

I wish you lots of luck. Enjoy going back to school. Please don't feel guilty about it. It's only a couple years, and your child will be in the care of a close family member. It's an ideal situation, in my opinion!

ktwlpn, LPN · Jul 8, 2007

don't feel guilty-if you aren't fulfilled then you can't be the best you can be.....Your babysitting situation is ideal-you are so lucky.It's our job as parents to "let go" ...good luck

LMRN10 · Jul 8, 2007

Well, I think you are probably having feelings any mother would have!! I know I don't like the thought of leaving my daughter at daycare all day and also not seeing her all night (I work full-time and go to school at night). I'll only get to see her on nights I don't have school and even then (with Nursing), a lot of that time will be spent studying.

Hang in there...I think it is something that we will get used to in time and we are doing it for our families, right? Little bit of sacrafice will go a long way.

Beary-nice · Jul 9, 2007

I can understand your concern. It was difficult to leave my children, and I only have two. The youngest was 2 when I started back to college. I was fortunate enough to be blessed with a wonderful family who helped me along the way with the kids, but believe me, every day I felt guilty.

I finally realized that nursing school though full of lots of committments and hard work, was only temporary. Now I am finished and it feels great! I went very part time-ish. It took me longer than many people, but I had to figure out my limits and find some balance so I could remain in control.

Good luck and you can do this. The kids will be so proud of you!

littlemamakt, ASN · Jul 9, 2007

Thank you so much everyone! All of your posts gave me goosebumps. This is such a caring group.

She should be okay. My three older kids are all boys, and she is definitely much more independent than they were! Next fall she will have preschool twice a week, just a couple of hours at a time. I kind of wish it lasted a little longer.

I have to admit though, that even enrolling in school for Fall has put me in a better state of mind. I feel like I have been just going through the motions all these years, and now my life has new purpose. I am appreciating my kids more! I don't want to miss a minute, because once I start clinicals I may be too tapped out to enjoy them very much.

Littlemamakt

AprilRNhere · Jul 9, 2007

It's hard, but well worth it. It may end up beneficial too. Once...when I was feeling guilty about the time my kids spent in daycare a friend told me that our children learn from whatever circumstances they're given. Your child learns so much from you....and will continue to do so regardless. But- now she'll have the opportunity to learn from someone else AS WELL...not instead of. She'll also see that you're willing to work hard to help the family.

np_wannabe · Jul 9, 2007

I have also been a SAHM since my oldest was born 4 1/2 years ago. I was in a 13-month ABSN program that allowed us to go straight through to the 1 year NP program. BUT! I was in class from 8AM to 3:30PM, 4 days per week and spending about 25 hours per week studying outside of class. I left a month into it. I just found that I wasn't even enjoying the time I was home with my family because all I could think about was how much work I had to do and feeling GUILTY for spending time with the family instead.

I am going to be applying to my local cc's night & weekend track now instead. It'll take me twice as long to get to where I want to be, but I'll be the one taking my dd to school & picking her up, not having to miss field trips, and NOT feeling guilty for spending time with them when I'm home.

Going from a SAHM to a full-time student is a difficulty, IMO, that only another SAHM can understand.

Good luck.