I don't think this is going to work...

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Feb 28, 2006

I have to regretfully shelve my dream of nursing school. Over the past 2 months I have been very involved in researching my various options, reviewing all my science, and getting really excited about doing this. I feel that I have what it takes to be a successful nurse, but I don't have what it takes to balance nursing with taking care of my family. I feel that one or the other will end up getting neglected and I don't want it to be my family. So, I'll have to set it aside. I have a job that I enjoy, I just felt ready for a new kind of challenge and I thought nursing would be it. But it would put too much stress on me and my family. I'm sad about this but I'm being realistic.
I still want to hang out on this board though because I enjoy it and I'm learning so much. And who knows maybe I will go to nursing school one day, although I'm 32 now and I might be close to 40 by the time that happens... We'll see. There are still things I can do that don't involve the full commitment of nursing school - volunteering, learning CPR, taking science courses, etc.

ChayaN, do not give up on your dream! Take one class per semester either one night per week in person or online through a local community college.

When your children are older and can handle you going to school on a more regular basis, either part-time or full-time, you'll have all of your pre-req's out of the way. I was an LPN at age 20 and at age 30 decided I wanted my RN but like you could not because of my children. I took one class per semester at night. 3 hours every Wednesday night. When online classes became available in the early 90's I took classes through the same community college only online. By the time I could go to school full-time I had all my pre-req's out of the way and it was smooth sailing. I got my RN at age 46 and have never regretted it for a second. Don't give up, just inch your way along right now.

allthingsbright · Feb 28, 2006

Sometimes you have to put stuff on the back burner...I took one class a semester when my kids were little and at home, then started clinicals when the both were in school.

I would definitely advise working on your degreee a little at a time if you can. Take some of your core stuff online or on TV (our CC's have TV courses). You will need stuff like speech, history, english comp 1, psychology, human growth and devolpement, sociology--all things that can be taken off campus. Dont give up if nursing is really your dream.

Kathyz · Feb 28, 2006

I don't think you should shelve your dreams. For one reason, it will make you somewhat unhappy and therefore your family will sense that. Two, one day your kids will leave and you'll be there doing what??

I know it's hard. I have a son who is a soph in hs and I feel bad about certain things too. But I know in a few years he'll be off to college and I'll be left here. We had a conversation and he understands that there's give and take.

I really think you should reconsider. Take a class or two a semester. You still have to work toward getting into the program. And maybe in a year or two you'll feel different about the situation.

Life will always be a balance; whether it's family and work, work and school, etc. Good luck!

Nurse-To-Be-Joy · Feb 28, 2006

The above women have given you some great advice. If you really want to be a nurse, go for it! Do it little by little. Maybe you can stop working once you are in the actual nursing classes. I have a 2 1/2 y/o and it's so hard to leave him 4 nights a week to go to school, but I'm doing this to better our situation. Good luck to you and never give up on your dream!

JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 28, 2006

Thank you all for your encouragement! I feel better now, knowing that even if now isn't the right time to do nursing school, the right time will come.

I am planning on inching my way through the pre-req's, taking a class or two per semester. Dutchgirl, it really perked me up to know that you became an RN at age 46! The only thing is that science courses can't be more than 5 years old.

L&D4ME · Feb 28, 2006

I have 2 small one's at home too. I have a 2 1/2 yr old and a 8 month old. I am taking one class a semester towards both by ADN and BSN. I won't be able to start nursing school until my kids are in school, but I'll get there. I hope to graduate by 2013, get my BSN by 2015, and then on to get my CRNA by 2017 or 2018. It's a long term goal, but I know I will get there - eventually.

Good luck and don't give up.

JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 28, 2006

L&D - you're not worried about your science credits expiring? Is this a standard thing that science credits more than 5 years old can't be applied towards a nursing degree?

missninaRN · Feb 28, 2006

L&D - you're not worried about your science credits expiring? Is this a standard thing that science credits more than 5 years old can't be applied towards a nursing degree?

The ADN program I applied to requires the science credits be no more than 5 years old.

L&D4ME · Mar 1, 2006

I am taking science courses towards the end. I have started with english, sociology, psychology 1 & 2, I am going to do both historys and governments next, then my humanities,finish english 2. I think with the CRNA if you are practicing in the medical field then you could or can get a waiver. =]

MikeyJ, RN · Mar 1, 2006

To avoid having your science classes dubbed "out-of-date", take your standard required classes first. Begin with classes such as your english, psychology, sociology, math, etc... Then begin your Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, & Microbiology.

You can definitely do it!!! Don't give up on your dreams in life. I understand that it is probably extremely hard at this point in your life, but take it one semester at a time and try not to rush it. You will be glad when you finally become an RN and this will only help the future of you and your family.

JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP · Mar 1, 2006

I am taking science courses towards the end. I have started with english, sociology, psychology 1 & 2, I am going to do both historys and governments next, then my humanities,finish english 2. I think with the CRNA if you are practicing in the medical field then you could or can get a waiver. =]

That sounds like a sensible way to do it. I'm also planning on doing CNA training - can I get a waiver on science courses if I've been working as a CNA?