I Need RN Opinions Please.

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · Jul 30, 2009

Sure. Plenty of time with the old man. But, I also don't have children. I'm sure that complicates things.

braddah · Jul 30, 2009

Plenty of time sister!! I been dating my partner for awhile now while studying. I think it would be hard to be in a relationship while studying rather than when your working.

If your course is similar to mine its more like a 5 day a week 9-5.

It be great if your boyfriend supported you more through your studies! Get him to test you etc.

3 day twelve hour shifts? Plenty of time! that just leaves 4 full days to fool around! :) hopefully this helps and good luck with the studies!

MicaelaRN · Jul 30, 2009

Hi there! I love this question, this is exactly what I was wondering as I was preparing myself for nursing school and beyond. I am going to be completely honest with you here. First, congratulations I finding that guy! I know I did right before nursing school and now after 2 years of being a nurse, I am four weeks away from marrying him. Anyway. Getting through nursing school is a challenge. Studying and clinicals take a lot of time, but you will be able to balance school time and your social life. Just remember that you may feel you don't have a lot of time for your guy, but if he supports you then this is just a bump in the road. Once nursing school is done, then you will definitly see more time open up to spend with your guy and friends and family. I noticed that most people are saying the 3, 12 hour shifts are great, and don't get me wrong they are great....but that is if you work 3, 12 hour day shifts. I started my first 2 years of nursing on night shift. This is a whole different shift life. The day before a shift you spend sleeping so that you are awake for your first night and following your last night shift you sleep that whole day. So the 3 shifts ends up taking 5 days out of your week. Yes, there is still time to spend with those you love, but the night shift is hard. Anyone who says different either works all days, or does not mind having most of their week eaten up by sleep. I just want you to know that you will always have time for those you love, it just may not be when you really want it. So, follow your goals and dreams; and as long as those you love support you, you will find ways to spend time with them.

ssing45 · Jul 30, 2009

I had two children and a spouse when I went to nursing school. NP.

mlok · Jul 30, 2009

Nursing school takes a lot of time and effort. Your family has to be understanding and supportive. But it is totally do-able with family and kids. :) I have seen many people do it. You just have to be dedicated.

swirlything · Jul 30, 2009

I agree with previous posters that nursing allows for family time. However, and I'm sure you've heard this, 18 is too young to have any idea what you really want in a husband. Do you realize that your brain is not even done developing yet at your age? The emotional portion of your brain actually has more control over you than the logic part, and it'll be another 5 years or so before the logic portion catches up. You're just not physiologically ready to make that decision. If he really is "the one" for you, then he'll still be "the one" when your brain is finished developing and you are actually ready to make this kind of decision.

I know that's not what you were asking about, and I know that you'll probably ignore my advice. I know that because 20 years ago, I was you! I made the mistake of getting married too young... against the advice of those who were older than me and had been there. So please at least listen to someone who has been there. No matter how much you feel you are ready, you are not. And because of the structure of your brain at this time, it's going to be very difficult for you to recognize that you're not ready; which is why you need to be really careful about doinig anything this life-altering at this age.

alex_hamilton18 · Jul 30, 2009

You will have plenty of time... if you make time! :)

I got married during nursing school...

Good luck!

hannahmarie · Jul 30, 2009

Well keywork was I "am pretty sure" however not positive, he's the one..and i dont plan on marrying him until ive worked as a nurse for at least 3 years..soo that will be about 5-6 years from now. I was just wondering about time with loved ones. I'm just concerend about having a successful marriage, even if it means its with another person.

Woodenpug, BSN · Jul 30, 2009

Time for a guy comment. Nursing school is definitely a challenge. If he is the right one, he will stick with you. If not you'll have the opportunity to meet your soul mate.

I thought I was with the right one when I went to LVN school. That relationship ended shortly after graduation.

My wife, endured BSN school with me. She even jokes that she should be able to sit boards.

I guess the best point is don't give up on nursing for a relationship. If it's right, you will be together after graduation.

mlok · Jul 30, 2009

I knew nursing school was going to be tough and take a lot of my time. So when I found out I got accepted into nursing school I had a talk with my boyfriend.

I told him that school was going to take a lot of my time and he probably wouldn't see or talk to me as often. If he wanted to break up and see other people that would be fine with me and i would understand. but if he wanted to wait he would have to be understanding and supportive while i was in school. i told him that i wouldn't let anything.. not even him stand in the way of finishing. he said he wanted to stay together. during nursing school he was very supportive. he paid for EVERYTHING because i wanted to stop working and focus on school. he let me have my temper tantrums when i frustrated and didn't give me any grief about it.

anyway nursing school is going to test your relationship. not only with your boyfriend but also with your friends. i've lost a lot of friends while in school because many didn't understand that i needed to focus, stop going out, and partying.

have a talk with your boyfriend once you get accepted into the school. if he stays with you then he might be the guy for you because it will take a lot of patience to be with a nursing student.

Charmander · Aug 1, 2009

I did an accelerated BSN while working full time, married, delivered baby #2 over our summer 3 week break and graduated with honors..... I didn't plan the baby part... I don't recommend that taking my particular route......

It's totally possible. I will admit to being motivated with significant healthcare experience and a nerd factor of about 9 of 10 with a super supportive spouse....

Communication is totally the key. Make sure your SO is onboard with how much time school will take (don't forget study time), and plan your time together....

You should be able to talk with current nursing students in the program, ask them straight up about their lives and how they balance.

Also know that school is not forever and you'll be able to work, be mobile in your employment, have great career diversity and opportunity for advancement when your done.

Good luck!