How do you do well in nursing school and keep your spouse happy?

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Aug 12, 2015

It's the other way around. Your husband needs to keep YOU happy. You have a huge challenge in front of you, let him do it.

Trauma Columnist · Aug 12, 2015

-+My husband and I have been married for 35+ years now. We have weathered military careers (both his and mine in different services), deployments, multiple degrees (for both of us). Believe me, nursing school is not the hardest event. Get a plan in place beforehand. Some tips that helped me:

1. Freeze meals ahead of time so that they can be reheated - keep it simple.

2. Get all car maintenance done ahead of time

3. Same with well-child and health maintenance appts - do it now

4. Realize that your house might not be as neat and spiffy as you would like it to be during this time.

5. Look to the future and plan something cool to do as a family when you get done.

Farawyn · Aug 12, 2015

Nursing school isn't a different beast. It's school, just like any other school.

The plan ahead tips are great, and he is going to have to adapt.

Good luck.

elkpark · Aug 12, 2015

Work really hard and manage your time really well. :)

Godizmydad21, BSN · Aug 12, 2015

I like your attitude.

Jules A, MSN · Aug 12, 2015

You got excellent advice and I'd say my approach was simply to marry a man who was self-sufficient and understanding when he couldn't have my undivided attention. Good luck in your new endeavor!

Purple_roses · Aug 12, 2015

Keep reminding yourself and him that this will pay off within two years.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Aug 12, 2015

Anyone who believes that a successful marriage is always 50/50 has either never been married....or never successfully married!

It's a give and take. Some days he will need to pull a larger share of the load. When you're caught up and can catch a break, pass on the favor and pull a bit larger of a share for a time. If he doesn't understand that there are times you CANNOT do "your part" while in school, then he is also likely to not understand when you have a nursing job. And a nursing job comes complete with the expectation that you will be working evenings, and/or nights....holidays....weekends. Better to get the ground rules straight now

Farawyn · Aug 12, 2015

Keep reminding yourself and him that this will pay off within two years.

...and if it doesn't work out you can always marry a cop, according to ixchel's poll!

Kidding, OP.

It does take balance but don't make it bigger than it is, really. Spouses and parents go back to school all the time!

AuDDoc · Aug 12, 2015

I did not find nursing school bad at all even while working a full 40 hour per week job and commuting an hour 1 way to work/school.

Was it tiring? yes. If I did not have to work full time it would have been pretty easy for me though.

Some of my classmates also worked full time jobs and did it too. Some of my classmates also found it interesting and easy. Then some of my classmates did not work and struggled to make it.

It really depends on how well you retain information and how good you are at practically applying knowledge. I've seen some really intelligent people who couldn't do a catheter placement for the life of them and I've seen others who aren't the most book savvy but can do them on anyone.

Just know that you will be frustrated several days and your husband will have to put up with you being busy. A lot. Just remember this is not permanent. 2 years is a blink of an eye when you think about it the grand scheme of things and it will all be worth it.

NurslingNicole · Aug 12, 2015

Keep reminding yourself and him that this will pay off within two years.

My husband and I are in a similar boat, and when it seems like there's no light at the end of the tunnel, we remind ourselves of this very thing. It always helps to realign our priorities and get us focused again when we start getting frustrated and stressed over money, time, lack of quality time, etc.