How to start pursing a career in nursing with young children

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Apr 18, 2014

I know of people who have done nursing school just after birth, people who were pregnant and then took a year off to be with their baby, and people like me who waited until my son was old enough to be in school to do it. It all depends on how much you can handle at once. I, for one, could not imagine trying nursing school with an infant. I don't think I slept a wink the first 4 mos. of my son's life. I was exhausted and could barely think for myself. But then again my son was a horrible sleeper.

I have been a SAHM for 9 years now. I quit work when I was pregnant with my son. Last August I decided to get a divorce and go back to school all in the same week. My divorce is now final and I am officially a single mom. My son is in second grade. I go to school while he is in school. I make sure I am done in time to pick him up from the bus. He does competitive judo and he practices a lot and we travel to clinics and tournaments on the weekends. I do most of my studying at the dojo or in a Courtyard Marriott somewhere. It doesn't necessarily get any easier when they get older because they start sports but at least he is in school during the day so I can attend class. It is hard to find that balance. But I manage to do it. There are nights when the books have to wait because of mommy time with my boy. Don't ever lose focus that you are doing this for them and they are your top priority no matter what. I know of some people who put their kids second and they grow up to resent it.

RunBabyRN · Apr 18, 2014

May I ask why you're getting this Applied Science degree first? I wouldn't waste your time, and an associates, in general, doesn't mean much.

Do you have a significant other at home? When I first went back with an infant, I took one class at a time, while my husband stayed home with our son, and when I got home, he went to work. You can also talk to family about caring for the kids while you're in school, or if you can afford it, a nanny (I understand this can be common in NYC).

Sizzline · Apr 18, 2014

I have a 4yr old and a 12mo old at home now. I worked full-time and went to school part-time until my 2nd daughter was born, and saved up as much money as I could. I now stay at home with my girls and go to school full-time. This is my last semester of pre-requisites, and I will be starting clinicals/core nursing classes next spring semester (there is a one-semester lag at my school). We are making ends meet between my husband's income, our savings, and student loans/grants. It's not easy. I do a lot of work at night after both girls are in bed, so I am pretty exhausted constantly. I feel like it will all be worth it in the long run, though. Good luck!

FutureNurseK · Apr 19, 2014

I have a 4 and 3 yr old YIKES and work full-time while taking 2 to 3 classes per semester part time allow Ur kids to be that YES when others may say NO go into it realizing it will be hard keeo focus and get ready to make them proud I'm rooting for ya

Satori77, ADN · Apr 21, 2014

It is very hard doing it with young children, but I know people that have done it, so short answer, it can be done. I first started looking into nursing school and doing prereq classes when my two kids were little, but I knew at the time I wouldn't be able to handle it. Too many variables. I didn't have a lot of money or a good support system. What if they got sick? You really can't miss classes in nursing school, especially clinicals. So you need to think about things like that.

Now my kids are older and in school. So it has been easier to take prereq classes. But I also work and my husband is a truck driver. I have to rely on sitters and friends to help me out. When I am ready to start nursing school, my father will be retired and plans on helping me even more.

So the first thing I suggest is making sure your life is in order. Do you have a support system? People that will help out with the kids, even when they are sick? Do you have money for childcare? Do you work?

Once you have that figured out, look into the nursing schools in your area, talk with advisors and admissions reps, find out what classes you need in order to apply. Most schools require prerequisite classes, such as Anatomy and Physiology and Microbiology, but maybe others like English Composition and Statistics. Many also require a CNA class and certification. Your best bet is to look directly at programs you want to apply to, because they all have different requirements.